Microsoft updated the AZ-305: what changed and how it affects your preparation
On April 17, 2026, Microsoft updated the AZ-305 blueprint. We explain what really changed, what stayed the same, and whether you need to adjust your study plan.
Microsoft periodically reviews the objectives ("skills measured") of its exams, and the AZ-305 received its most recent update on April 17, 2026. If you're in the middle of your preparation, the good news is that the change is small. Here's what changed and what didn't.
⚠️ This article was published in March 2026 and updated with the blueprint in effect since April 17, 2026, according to Microsoft's official study guide.
What changed
According to the change log in the official study guide, the April 17, 2026 update only modified the audience profile, and Microsoft classifies it as a minor change. The four domains, their objectives, and their weights stay the same.
The current AZ-305 weights
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Design identity, governance, and monitoring solutions | 25–30% |
| Design data storage solutions | 20–25% |
| Design business continuity solutions | 15–20% |
| Design infrastructure solutions | 30–35% |
Infrastructure is still the largest domain: compute, application architecture, migrations, and networking. Identity and governance follows closely, with topics like Microsoft Entra ID, RBAC, Azure Policy, and the structure of management groups and subscriptions.
What you should keep in mind in 2026
Although the blueprint barely changed, the Azure ecosystem did move, and the exam assesses the current services:
- ▸Azure Blueprints was retired in July 2026. To deploy governed environments in a repeatable way, the current answer is Template Specs and Deployment Stacks, or infrastructure as code (Bicep or Terraform).
- ▸Microsoft Entra ID is the official name for what used to be Azure Active Directory. If you're studying with older material, make the mental translation.
- ▸The English version is updated first. Versions in other languages receive the changes about eight weeks later.
How to adjust your preparation
If you already have weeks of study behind you, don't start over: your plan is still valid. Prioritize by weight — infrastructure and identity together make up between 55% and 65% of the exam — and review business continuity decisions with concrete RTO and RPO figures, which is where people fail the most.
Updated AZ-305 guide Our AZ-305 guide and the Deep Dive already reflect the current blueprint, with decision tables for each domain. When you're ready, create your free account and measure your level with the practice exam.
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