The Microsoft AZ-301 exam is a certification test for Azure architects. It is part of the requirements for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. The exam tests your ability to design solutions on Azure, incorporating various services and technologies to meet specific business requirements.

The Microsoft AZ-301 (Microsoft Azure Architect Design) exam is designed for IT professionals who have expertise in designing solutions that run on Microsoft Azure. It focuses on advanced IT skills and knowledge required to design cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Azure, including aspects like compute, network, storage, and security.

The number of questions asked in the Microsoft AZ-301 exam typically ranges between 40 to 60 questions.

The passing score for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam is 700 out of 1000.

The competency level required for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam is expert. Candidates should have advanced knowledge and experience in IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platform, budgeting, and governance.

The question format of the Microsoft AZ-301 exam includes multiple-choice questions, case studies, short answers, drag and drop, and build list questions.

You can take the Microsoft AZ-301 exam online from the comfort of your home or office, or at a certified testing center.

The Microsoft AZ-301 exam is offered in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese (Brazil).

The cost of the Microsoft AZ-301 exam is $165 USD, though prices may vary based on your location and currency.

The target audience for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam includes IT professionals who are responsible for designing cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, including solution architects and IT consultants.

The average salary of a Microsoft AZ-301 certified professional in the market varies by region and experience but generally ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

The testing providers for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam include Pearson VUE and Certiport.

The recommended experience for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam includes advanced experience and knowledge in IT operations, particularly in networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platform, budgeting, and governance.

There are no specific prerequisites for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam, but it is recommended that candidates have advanced experience and knowledge in IT operations and familiarity with Azure services.

The Microsoft AZ-301 exam was retired on September 30, 2020, and has been replaced by the AZ-304 exam.

The roadmap for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam included passing the AZ-300 exam (Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies) to earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. After the retirement of AZ-301, candidates need to pass the AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams for the same certification.

The topics covered in the Microsoft AZ-301 exam include designing a data platform solution, designing for deployment, migration, and integration, designing an infrastructure strategy, and designing for security and identity.

Sample questions for the Microsoft AZ-301 exam can be found on the official Microsoft certification page and various online study resources and practice tests.

The difficulty level of the Microsoft AZ-301 exam is considered to be expert, requiring advanced IT skills and experience in designing complex solutions on Azure.