Overview

Tip

You can find the complete and frequently updated certification poster at aka.ms/TrainCertPoster.

• Each tile contains a different certification.
• Under the certification you can see the exam/s required to get it.
• By clicking on the certification name, you will be directed into the certification webpage.
• After clicking the exam name, you will be directed into the exam webpage.
• The star symbol in the top right indicates it is an expert level certification
• The lock symbol in the bottom right indicates there is a prerequisite certification you must hold to be able to get this certification. You can still take the exams, you just won’t receieve a certification until the prerequisite is met.

I will use the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert as an example. As you can see in this image:

(You can find this on every certification page), you need to:

• Complete one prerequisite certification in this case, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

AND

• Pass the AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions Exam

After that you will then receive the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification.

Tip

To pass an exam you need 70% of the total score so your score can’t be lower than 700/1000. Scoring is individual and depends on the question set you receive. If you want to get familiar with the testing process, it is thoroughly described in this post: How to take Microsoft Exams.

Certification Type Comparison

Certification type	Best for	Focus	Exam time	Renewal
Business	Business Users/Power Users	Business value	45 min exam time + 20 min NDA/questionnaire	Does not expire (lifetime).
Fundamentals	Non-technical roles and people new to Microsoft Cloud Products	Core concepts, products, and use cases in each area	45 min exam time + 20 min for admin	Does not expire (lifetime)
Associate	Working professionals validating product skills	Deep technical knowledge and practical implementation	100 min exam time (120 min if lab) + 20 min for admin	Renew yearly. See Certification Renewal
Expert	Experienced cloud professionals and architects	Technical + architectural depth across services, SKUs, and design decisions	100 min exam time (120 min if lab) + 20 min for admin	Renew yearly. See Certification Renewal
Specialty	Professionals specializing in a specific Microsoft product/area	Deep, focused knowledge of one product area and its cloud fit	100 min exam time (120 min if lab) + 20 min for admin	Renew yearly. See Certification Renewal

Caution

Associate, Expert, and Specialty exams are role-based and test practical skills, not just course memorization. They can be very difficult without real hands-on experience with the products.

---

Sources

Exam retake policy | Microsoft Learn

Exam reschedule and cancellation policy | Microsoft Learn