Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104): The Ultimate 2025 Study Guide to Get Certified
If you’re aiming to build a career in cloud operations, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate is one of the most practical, job‑ready credentials you can earn. In this ultimate guide, we’ll demystify the AZ‑104 exam—from the skills you’ll be tested on to the study plan that actually works. You’ll learn what to expect on exam day, how to prepare efficiently using official resources, how much the certification costs, and how it can boost your earning potential and career trajectory.
Let’s turn “someday” into a date on your calendar.
What Is the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ‑104)?
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate validates that you can implement, manage, and monitor Azure resources across identity and governance, storage, compute, networking, and backup/recovery. It’s a role-based certification, which means it maps closely to everyday tasks of an Azure cloud administrator, not just theoretical knowledge.
A few fast facts you should know:
Required exam: AZ‑104: Microsoft Azure Administrator (single exam).
Format: Multiple question types; Microsoft may include case studies and performance-based labs.
Time: You’ll typically get around 100 minutes of testing time (overall seat time is longer).
Passing score: 700 (scaled).
Renewal: Valid for one year; renew annually with a short, free online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Actionable takeaway: Before you do anything else, download the official “skills measured” outline for AZ‑104 and use it as your master checklist for preparation. It’s the most accurate view of what’s currently tested.
Why This Certification Matters Now
The Azure Administrator Associate achieves three things students and early‑career professionals value most:
It proves practical skill. Role-based certifications focus on the real tasks cloud admins do every day—provisioning VMs, securing storage, implementing RBAC and Policy, configuring private endpoints, and setting up monitoring and backup. Employers can trust you’ll be effective on Day 1.
It stays current. Microsoft updates the exam content periodically and requires a quick, free renewal assessment each year. That means your badge signals up‑to‑date knowledge, not outdated buzzwords.
It’s widely relevant. Microsoft’s cloud is deeply embedded across industries, so the scenarios you learn (like securing workloads with RBAC, Policy, and private networking) map directly to enterprise environments.
Actionable takeaway: Treat AZ‑104 as the foundation of a cloud admin career path. After passing, layer on an Azure Applied Skills assessment (a short, hands‑on micro‑credential) in networking or monitoring to further stand out.
Who Should Take AZ‑104 (And Who Should Wait)
Good candidates:
Students and early‑career technologists who’ve done lab work or internships in systems, networking, or DevOps.
IT professionals moving from on‑prem Windows/Linux administration into cloud ops.
Help desk or support analysts who’ve started touching Azure resources and want formal validation.
Recommended background (not strictly required):
6+ months of hands‑on Azure exposure, especially with the Azure portal, PowerShell, and CLI.
Working knowledge of virtualization, networking fundamentals (subnets, routing, firewalls), identity concepts, and monitoring basics.
Who should wait:
If you’ve never touched Azure, invest 2–4 weeks exploring Microsoft Learn modules and building in a test subscription before scheduling the exam. You don’t need to be an expert—but you should be comfortable provisioning, changing, and troubleshooting core services.
Actionable takeaway: Make a quick self‑assessment grid—list the five AZ‑104 domains and rate your confidence from 1–5. Any 1–2 scores become your first study sprints.
AZ‑104 Exam Structure and Skills Measured
Understanding the structure makes your study plan sharper. Here’s how the exam is organized today and what each domain expects you to do.
1) Manage Azure identities and governance (20–25%)
You’ll need to:
Create and manage Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) users, groups, and device settings.
Configure role‑based access control (RBAC) and least privilege.
Implement resource governance: management groups, Azure Policy, resource locks, and tags.
Set budgets and configure cost alerts to control spend.
Actionable takeaway: Build a governance “starter kit” in a test subscription—create a management group, apply a policy initiative, tag resources, and assign RBAC roles to groups (not individuals).
2) Implement and manage storage (15–20%)
You’ll be tested on:
Storage accounts: redundancy (LRS/ZRS/GZRS), encryption, and network access (private endpoints vs. service endpoints).
Authentication and authorization for Blob and Files (SAS, keys, Azure AD, ACLs).
Lifecycle management policies to move/expire data automatically.
Performance tiers, snapshots, soft delete, and immutability.
Actionable takeaway: Create one storage account with both Blob and Files. Secure it with a private endpoint, assign Azure AD auth for Files, generate a SAS token for Blob, and write a lifecycle rule.
3) Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20–25%)
Expect to:
Size and deploy Virtual Machines; configure disks, availability zones/sets, and scale sets.
Automate VM deployment with templates (ARM/Bicep) and extensions.
Work with App Service (plans, deployment slots, custom domains, TLS).
Understand basic container options (ACR/ACI/Container Apps) from an admin perspective.
Actionable takeaway: Deploy a VM scale set with autoscale rules, then put a simple App Service behind a custom domain and TLS cert in your test environment.
4) Implement and manage virtual networking (15–20%)
Core tasks include:
Designing VNets and subnets; configuring DNS.
Peering VNets and setting up routing.
Applying NSGs/ASGs for traffic control.
Implementing private endpoints to secure PaaS services.
Using load balancers and Azure Bastion for secure remote admin.
Actionable takeaway: Build a hub‑and‑spoke topology with a shared hub for inspection, peer spokes, restrict traffic with NSGs, and access a VM through Bastion—no public IPs.
5) Monitor and maintain Azure resources (10–15%)
Be ready to:
Configure Azure Monitor: metrics, alerts, action groups, and Log Analytics workspaces.
Use Network Watcher for flow logs and troubleshooting.
Implement Azure Backup and Site Recovery for continuity.
Interpret costs and optimize resources.
Actionable takeaway: Create a workspace, connect VMs, write a few KQL queries for CPU and heartbeat, and set alert rules that notify you via email/Teams.
How to Prepare (Smart, Structured, and Hands‑On)
A strong AZ‑104 prep plan balances reading, labs, and assessment practice. Here’s a proven approach that keeps momentum high.
Step 1: Use the official skills outline as your syllabus
Print it or copy it into your notes app. For each bullet, link the relevant Microsoft Learn module and a lab you’ll perform. Checking off each bullet turns a large goal into daily, measurable wins.
Actionable takeaway: Create a “Skills to Evidence” sheet—each skill gets one screenshot or CLI snippet showing you actually performed it.
Step 2: Build with Microsoft Learn (free and comprehensive)
Complete the role‑based learning paths aligned to AZ‑104 domains. Start with Identities & Governance, then Storage, Compute, Networking, and Monitoring. These modules mix micro‑lessons with hands‑on exercises, so you don’t just memorize—you do.
Actionable takeaway: End every module by creating one resource in your subscription or sandbox. Learning is sticky when you click “Create.”
Step 3: Add the free Practice Assessment—twice
Microsoft provides a free Practice Assessment for AZ‑104. Take it once at the halfway point to find gaps, then once during your final week as a confidence check. When you miss a question, read the linked docs and recreate the configuration yourself.
Actionable takeaway: Track misses by domain. Anything you miss twice goes to a “must‑lab” list.
Step 4: Rehearse with the Exam Sandbox
The sandbox simulates the exam environment so you can practice bookmarking, reviewing, and navigating item types. Reducing exam‑day friction (and nerves) leaves more brainpower for problem‑solving.
Actionable takeaway: Spend 20 minutes in the sandbox the night before your exam—no cramming, just muscle memory.
Step 5: Layer in an Applied Skills assessment
Applied Skills are short, scenario‑based assessments with guided labs. Pick one that overlaps AZ‑104—like deploying Azure Monitor or securing storage—to sharpen your real‑world instincts and speed.
Actionable takeaway: Do the Azure Monitor Applied Skills lab to cement alerts, action groups, and KQL fundamentals.
Step 6: Replicate “break/fix” scenarios
Don’t just deploy—intentionally break things and then fix them:
Remove an NSG rule that blocks your VM and restore access.
Rotate storage keys and update dependent apps.
Turn off a backup policy and re‑enable it; restore a file.
Actionable takeaway: Keep a “break/fix diary” with the symptoms you saw and the steps you used to resolve them.
A 60‑Day Study Plan (Working 6–8 Hours/Week)
If you’re balancing classes or a full‑time job, this plan keeps your effort steady and achievable.
Week 1: Orientation + Identities/Governance
Read the exam outline end‑to‑end; set a test date (Day 60).
Complete the Learn path for identities and governance.
Lab: Create management groups, RBAC for a group, two policies, and resource locks.
Week 2: Storage (part 1)
Learn redundancy, encryption, and networking for storage.
Lab: Storage with private endpoint; Blob and Files; SAS token; lifecycle rule.
Week 3: Storage (part 2) + Midpoint Practice Assessment
Drill into Files + AD integration, snapshots, immutability.
Take the Practice Assessment; list your top five weak objectives.
Week 4: Compute (VMs)
VM series, disks, availability sets/zones, scale sets.
Lab: VMSS with autoscale; VM extensions; ARM/Bicep deploy.
Week 5: App Service + Containers (admin view)
App Service plans, slots, TLS, custom domains.
Container basics for admins (ACR/ACI/Container Apps).
Lab: App Service with slot + custom domain and cert.
Week 6: Networking (part 1)
VNets, subnets, DNS, peering, routing.
Lab: Hub‑spoke, peering, UDRs; verify flow.
Week 7: Networking (part 2)
NSGs/ASGs, private endpoints, load balancer, Bastion.
Lab: Secure PaaS with private endpoints; inbound/outbound NSGs; Bastion access.
Week 8: Monitoring and Continuity
Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, alerts; Backup/ASR basics.
Lab: KQL queries; VM backup and file restore; ASR failover test.
Week 9: Review + Applied Skills
Take the Azure Monitor Applied Skills assessment (optional).
Revisit the Practice Assessment and close final gaps.
Week 10: Light polish + Exam
Two short review sessions on weak domains.
Evening before: exam sandbox only; hydrate, rest.
Actionable takeaway: Put your exam date on the calendar now (ideally Day 55–65). A real date turns intentions into action.
What the Exam Costs (and How to Save)
Exam price varies by country/region. Microsoft updated price structures effective November 1, 2024, with many regions unchanged or lower. You’ll see the exact price when you schedule.
Budget extras:
Instructor‑led training (if you prefer classroom structure).
Optional third‑party practice tests or courses (not required).
Applied Skills assessments (optional).
Ways to spend less:
Use only Microsoft Learn (free), the free Practice Assessment, and the sandbox.
Check for student discounts, employer vouchers, or “Exam Replay” bundles when available.
Reschedule at least 24 hours before your slot if you’re not ready—don’t no‑show.
Actionable takeaway: Decide now whether you’re self‑study only or want a class. If self‑study, your primary investment is the exam fee—keep everything else free.
Exam Logistics: What to Expect on Test Day
Online vs. test center: Choose online proctoring if you have a quiet, private space; otherwise pick a test center.
Time management:
Expect approximately 100 minutes of testing time. Total seat time is longer due to check‑in, NDA, surveys, and potential labs.
Move briskly through easier items to bank time for case studies or labs.
Navigation tips:
Flag questions you’re unsure about and keep moving.
Case studies often lock once you leave them—read the instructions carefully.
Retakes:
If you don’t pass, you can retake after 24 hours the first time; then 14 days between attempts. Maximum five attempts per year.
Actionable takeaway: Practice under time pressure. Set a 100‑minute timer and do 40–50 mixed questions with rapid decision‑making, then review thoroughly afterward.
Real‑World Skills You’ll Use Immediately
Passing AZ‑104 isn’t just a resume boost—it’s a toolbox you’ll use on Day 1 of an Azure admin role:
Secure access: Entra ID groups + RBAC, Policy, budget alerts.
Hardened storage: Private endpoints, SAS governance, lifecycle policies, immutability.
Resilient compute: Zones/sets, scale sets, predictable VM operations.
Private networking: Hub‑spoke with peering and NSGs; private endpoints for PaaS.
Operational visibility: Azure Monitor + KQL; actionable alerts; Backup/ASR drills.
Actionable takeaway: In your next interview, bring a short “Ops Playbook” with 2–3 diagrams of a network topology, storage security design, and your monitoring/backup setup. Concrete visuals set you apart.
Career Value, Roles, and ROI
Where AZ‑104 fits:
Entry‑to‑mid roles: Azure Administrator, Cloud Administrator/Engineer, Systems Engineer (Azure), Site Reliability Engineer (Azure operations).
Next steps after AZ‑104:
Azure Network Engineer Associate, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or move into architect tracks.
Add Applied Skills micro‑credentials (e.g., secure networking, Azure Monitor) to signal depth in key areas.
Earning potential:
Compensation varies by region, industry, and experience. In the U.S., “Azure Cloud Administrator” roles often land in the mid‑ to high‑six figures total compensation, with higher bands in major metros and specialized environments. Treat public ranges as directional; your local market and skill stack matter most.
Actionable takeaway: On LinkedIn, search for “Azure Administrator” roles in your city. Note 10 recurring skills in the descriptions and make sure your resume and projects explicitly demonstrate those.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Memorizing docs without touching Azure. The exam expects you to have deployed and operated resources.
Ignoring Azure Policy and RBAC. Governance is heavily tested and central to real‑world success.
Treating networking as an afterthought. Private endpoints, peering, and NSGs/ASGs are critical.
Skipping monitoring and backup. Many candidates leave points on the table here.
Not practicing the test interface. The sandbox reduces anxiety and boosts speed.
Actionable takeaway: For every domain, write down one “gotcha” you discovered in labs (e.g., private endpoints require DNS planning) and how you solved it.
A Simple, Effective Lab Environment
You don’t need a huge budget to practice:
Start with a single subscription (student/dev benefits if available).
Resource group per domain (identities/governance, storage, compute, network, monitoring).
Use tags to track cost owners and tear down resources after each session.
Keep a “lab reset” script (PowerShell or CLI) to quickly rebuild your baseline.
Actionable takeaway: Create a “rg‑sandbox‑network” and “rg‑sandbox‑compute” and commit to deleting and recreating them weekly. Repetition builds speed and confidence.
How to Talk About AZ‑104 on Your Resume and in Interviews
On resume: “Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ‑104), YYYY‑MM.” Add 3–5 bullets of concrete tasks (e.g., “Implemented Azure Policy initiative for tag compliance and cost control across 4 resource groups”).
In interviews: Walk through a short scenario: “Given a web app in App Service, I would secure the storage account behind a private endpoint, enforce RBAC and Policy, set alerts for 5xx spikes, and enable nightly backups.”
Online profiles: Pin your certification badge and link a GitHub repo or portfolio that shows your lab diagrams and scripts.
Actionable takeaway: Draft a 30‑second “Ops scenario pitch” and practice it aloud. It’s your cheat code for technical interviews.
FAQs
Q1: How long is the AZ‑104 exam?
A1: Plan for about 100 minutes of testing time. Total seat time is longer due to check‑in, NDA, surveys, and potential performance‑based labs. If labs are included, you’ll get extra testing time.
Q2: What score do I need to pass?
A2: 700 on a 1,000‑point scaled score.
Q3: Are there formal prerequisites?
A3: No. Microsoft recommends hands‑on Azure experience and familiarity with PowerShell/CLI, Entra ID, networking, storage, compute, governance, and monitoring.
Q4: Can I take AZ‑104 from home?
A4: Yes. You can take it online with Pearson VUE if your system and testing space meet requirements.
Q5: How long is the certification valid, and how do I renew?
A5: The certification is valid for one year. You renew by completing a short, free online assessment on Microsoft Learn during your renewal window.
Q6: What if I fail the exam?
A6: You can retake after 24 hours the first time; then 14 days between attempts. You’re limited to five attempts in a 12‑month period. Each attempt generally requires a new exam fee unless you have a retake offer.
Q7: How much does the exam cost?
A7: Pricing varies by country/region and is shown during scheduling. Microsoft adjusted prices effective Nov 1, 2024; many regions were unchanged or decreased. In the U.S., the typical retail price is around $165.
Conclusion:
You don’t need to know “everything Azure” to pass AZ‑104—you need focused, hands‑on practice with the services admins use every day. Start with the official skills outline, learn in small daily bites, lab what you learn, and check your readiness with the free Practice Assessment. In 6–10 weeks, you can be exam‑ready—and once you pass, you’ll carry a credential that proves you can run Azure in the real world.
If you’d like a personalized plan, tell me your target exam date, weekly study hours, and current strengths/weaknesses. I’ll tailor the 60‑day roadmap to you.
About FlashGenius
FlashGenius is the AI-powered certification prep platform built to help learners master IT, cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and audit certifications faster and with more confidence. Whether you're studying for Azure or expanding into AWS, Google Cloud, CompTIA, ISACA, or GIAC, FlashGenius gives you the tools to learn smarter—not harder.
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