How hard is the AZ-400 exam? +
AZ-400 is an expert-level exam and broad. It tests GitHub Actions and Azure Pipelines side by side, including YAML syntax and triggers, so teams using only one platform find half the pipeline scenarios unfamiliar. Security content spans GitHub Advanced Security, Dependabot, Defender for Cloud DevOps security, and workload identity federation.
What is the AZ-400 exam format? +
AZ-400 runs 100 minutes with a variable question count, typically 40 to 60. Expect multiple choice, drag-and-drop, case studies, and possibly lab-style items. It is delivered at a Pearson VUE test center or online. Case study sections lock once you move on, so watch your time.
What is the AZ-400 passing score? +
You need 700 on a scaled range of 1 to 1,000. Because scores are scaled and items weighted, 700 is not the same as 70% correct. The score report shows relative performance by skill area, which you can use to target a retake. Microsoft does not release which individual questions you missed.
Do I need another certification to become a DevOps Engineer Expert? +
Yes. Passing AZ-400 alone does not award the DevOps Engineer Expert certification. You also need either Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204). AZ-400 costs 165 USD in the US. The Expert certification is valid for one year and renews free through an online Microsoft Learn assessment.
Which AZ-400 domain carries the most weight? +
Build and release pipelines account for 50-55% of AZ-400 - more than everything else combined. The remaining domains cover processes and communications, source control strategy, security and compliance plans, and instrumentation. Candidates who spread study evenly across domains are underprepared for the area that decides the result.
How long should I prepare for AZ-400? +
Engineers with CI/CD experience typically need 6 to 10 weeks. Build pipelines in both GitHub Actions and Azure Pipelines, practice YAML triggers, templates, environments, and approvals, and set up GitHub Advanced Security and Dependabot. If you fail, you can retake after 24 hours, then after 14 days, up to five attempts in 12 months.