AZ-104 is the core entry-level certification of Microsoft's cloud ecosystem, focusing on the practical management and operation capabilities of Azure cloud platform.

In 2026, the European and American cloud markets will enter a new stage of "hybrid cloud popularization + zero trust landing + AI cloud native deployment. " Azure, with its high market share in the enterprise market, has made AZ-104 an essential pass to enter the European and American cloud technology track.

Here are the top ten core reasons for choosing AZ-104 in the European and American markets in 2026:

1. Core Essential Certification for Enterprise Cloud Markets in Europe and America

By 2026, Microsoft Azure will steadily rank among the top three in the European and American enterprise cloud service markets, especially in areas with high compliance requirements such as finance and government, with a market share of over 40%. The hybrid cloud architecture, cross-border cloud deployment, and AI model training infrastructure of European and American enterprises are mostly built on Azure.

As the only core entry-level certification for Azure administrator positions, AZ-104 is the primary criterion for selecting cloud operation and maintenance talents in European and American enterprises. Without AZ-104 certification, it is basically impossible to enter Azure related core technology teams.

2. The competitiveness of certificate holders far exceeds that of the unlicensed population

According to data from the European and American labor markets in 2026, among Azure administrators, those holding AZ-104 certificates earn 20%-35% more than those without the same level of experience. In core cities such as Silicon Valley, New York, and Seattle in the United States, AZ-104 certified entry-level cloud administrators generally earn an annual salary of $75000 to $110000; in European cities such as London, Munich, and Amsterdam, the entry-level annual salary ranges from 55000 to 80000 euros.

3. Hard recruitment indicators for enterprises

In 2026, positions such as Azure Cloud Operations, Hybrid Cloud Management, and Cloud Infrastructure Support for Microsoft's global partners and Fortune 500 companies in Europe and America will prioritize hiring AZ-104. 30% of European and American small and medium-sized enterprises consider it as the "entry threshold" for Azure related positions. On recruitment platforms in Europe and America, AZ-104 is a keyword filtering item for Azure job resume screening, and resumes without certification are directly excluded by the system.

4. Adapt the exam syllabus to the mainstream trends of cloud technology in Europe and America in 2026

In 2026, Microsoft has completed a new iteration of the AZ-104 syllabus, completely eliminating outdated basic storage configuration content and adding core skills that European and American enterprises urgently need.

The process of preparing for AZ-104 is to master the most urgently needed cloud operation and maintenance capabilities for European and American enterprises. After obtaining the certificate, one can directly take over the daily management of Azure production environments without the need for additional pre job training.

5. Reduce advanced costs

AZ-104 is a necessary path towards Microsoft Azure advanced certification. In 2026, popular high-level certifications in the European and American markets require practitioners to possess the core knowledge system of AZ-104.

By taking the AZ-104 exam first, one can establish a complete understanding of Azure infrastructure and shorten the preparation period for advanced certification by more than 40%. At the same time, Microsoft offers discounts on advanced certification exams to AZ-104 holders, significantly reducing the cost of advancement.

6. Cross border universal cloud capability certificate

AZ-104 is a globally recognized Azure management capability certification, with the highest recognition in all European and American countries, without the need for additional local cloud technology certification. By 2026, whether transitioning from Silicon Valley in the United States to Frankfurt in Europe or entering the AI cloud service track in Silicon Valley from traditional manufacturing industries, AZ-104 can become the "universal language" for resumes.

7. Practical oriented certification system

Unlike some cloud certifications that focus on theory, the core of the AZ-104 exam is 100% practical operation. The exam question types include simulating Azure portal operations, configuring PowerShell/CLI command lines, and analyzing troubleshooting scenarios, fully replicating the daily work of Azure production environments in European and American enterprises.

In 2026, European and American companies will place more emphasis on talents who can get started with certification. AZ-104 certification holders do not need to prove their abilities to employers, and certification itself represents the practical ability to independently complete Azure resource deployment, monitoring, and fault handling. This is also the core reason why its recognition in the European and American markets is higher than other theoretical certifications.

8. Azure talent gap continues to widen, with certificate holders in short supply

According to Microsoft's European and American Cloud Talent Report, there will be an annual gap of over 120000 Azure related positions in the European and American markets by 2026, with cloud administrator positions accounting for 45% of the gap.

9. Connect with high-end networks and project opportunities

After passing the AZ-104 exam, you can join Microsoft's official Azure certified talent community in Europe and America and enjoy exclusive resources. You can participate in top European and American cloud technology summits such as Microsoft Build and Ignite for free, and meet high-end contacts such as Azure product team experts and CTOs of European and American companies.

10. The cost-effective choice for European and American cloud certification

Compared to other cloud vendors' core certifications, AZ-104 has a significant cost-effectiveness advantage in the European and American markets. The exam fee for the European and American markets in 2026 is only about $165, far lower than the cost of other advanced certifications.
 

Conclusion: The AZ-104 application process fully conforms to the habits of the European and American workplace, with online registration and appointment of exams throughout the entire process. Pearson VUE official test centers are located in each core city, with flexible exam times, making it a worthwhile certification to obtain.
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