Introduction to AZ-104 Certification

The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator certification validates your ability to manage cloud services that span storage, networking, and compute cloud capabilities, with a deep understanding of each service across the full IT lifecycle. Achieving this certification demonstrates your expertise in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment.

Exam Overview

• Exam Code: AZ-104

• Certification: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

• Prerequisites: Familiarity with Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and governance.

• Exam Duration: Approximately 150 minutes

• Passing Score: 700 out of 1000

• Exam Fee: Varies by country; refer to the official Microsoft Certification Exam Pricing page.

• Registration: Schedule your exam through the Microsoft Certification Dashboard.

Skills Measured

As of April 18, 2025, the AZ-104 exam assesses the following skills:

1. Manage Azure Identities and Governance (20–25%)

• Manage Microsoft Entra users and groups

• Manage access to Azure resources

• Manage Azure subscriptions and governance

2. Implement and Manage Storage (15–20%)

• Manage storage accounts

• Manage data in Azure Storage

• Configure Azure Files and Azure Blob Storage

3. Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (20–25%)

• Configure VMs for high availability and scalability

• Automate deployment of VMs

• Create and configure containers

• Create and configure Web Apps

4. Implement and Manage Virtual Networking (15–20%)

• Configure virtual networks and subnets

• Configure network security groups (NSGs)

• Configure Azure DNS

• Configure Azure Virtual Network Peering

5. Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources (10–15%)

• Monitor resources by using Azure Monitor

• Implement backup and recovery

• Configure alerts and action groups

Recommended Study Resources

To effectively prepare for the AZ-104 exam, consider utilizing the following resources:

1. Microsoft Learn

Microsoft's official learning platform offers comprehensive modules covering all exam objectives. These self-paced learning paths are invaluable for understanding Azure services in depth.

• AZ-104 Learning Path

2. Tutorials Dojo Study Guide

Provides detailed notes and practice questions that align closely with the exam objectives.

• AZ-104 Study Guide by Tutorials Dojo

3. TestPrepTraining Blog

Offers insights into the exam structure, tips, and additional resources to aid your preparation.

• AZ-104 Study Guide – TestPrepTraining

4. YouTube Video Tutorials

Visual learners can benefit from video tutorials that walk through various Azure services and exam topics.

• AZ-104 Administrator Associate Study Cram

5. Practice Exams

Taking practice exams can help assess your readiness and identify areas needing improvement. Platforms like Whizlabs and MeasureUp offer quality practice tests.

Exam Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Objectives: Thoroughly review the skills measured and ensure you have hands-on experience with each area.

2. Hands-On Practice: Utilize the Azure free account to gain practical experience with the services covered in the exam.

3. Join Study Groups: Engage with online communities, such as the r/AzureCertification subreddit, to share resources and experiences.

4. Schedule Regular Study Sessions: Consistent study habits can significantly improve retention and understanding.

5. Review Documentation: Refer to the official Azure documentation for in-depth information on services and features.

Certification Renewal Process

Microsoft certifications are valid for one year. To maintain your certification status, you must pass a free online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn within six months before your certification expires.

• Renewal Details:

  • The renewal assessment is free and can be taken online.

  • You can attempt the assessment multiple times if needed.

  • Upon passing, your certification is extended by one year from the current expiration date.