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Ultimate 2026 guide to Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) Certification

Published: February 6, 2026 | 5 min read

If you want to build cloud applications that scale on Microsoft Azure, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification (exam AZ‑204) is one of the best ways to prove it. In this ultimate guide, we’ll translate the blueprint into a clear, motivating path you can follow—from what’s on the exam to a practical 6–8 week study plan, costs, renewal, and career ROI. We’ll also share insider tips students and early‑career developers use to pass AZ‑204 on the first try.

Note: Details change occasionally. We reference Microsoft’s current pages so you can double‑check specifics as you plan. See the certification page for languages, scheduling, and duration, and the official study guide for the skills outline and any recent updates (e.g., the “skills measured” refresh dated January 14, 2026).

What Is Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate?

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate validates your ability to design, build, test, and maintain cloud applications and services on Azure. You earn it by passing exam AZ‑204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure. It targets developers who can use Azure SDKs, CLI/PowerShell, and services like Functions, App Service, Container Apps/AKS, Service Bus/Event Grid, Key Vault, and Application Insights.

Why it matters:

  • It’s role‑based and recognized by employers building on Azure.

  • It demonstrates practical skills in compute, storage, security, integration, and monitoring.

  • It’s a great milestone on a cloud developer path (and a stepping‑stone toward DevOps Engineer Expert if you later pursue AZ‑400).

Actionable takeaway: Skim the AZ‑204 certification page and the study guide today. Copy the “Skills measured” bullets into your notes—you’ll turn them into a checklist for your study plan.

Who Should Take AZ‑204?

Microsoft recommends this certification for developers with around 1–2 years of professional development experience, proficiency in an Azure‑supported language, and comfort with Azure SDKs, tools, and resource management. There are no formal prerequisites.

You’ll be a strong candidate if you:

  • Have built APIs or services and can work with REST/JSON, events, and messaging.

  • Know basic cloud concepts and want to go deeper on Azure specifically.

  • Can read docs, experiment quickly, and debug problems under time pressure.

Actionable takeaway: If you’re newer to Azure, pair AZ‑204 study with daily hands‑on labs in a free Azure subscription. You’ll learn faster by building real services you can deploy, break, and fix.

AZ‑204 Exam Overview (What to Expect)

The exam validates end‑to‑end application development on Azure. You’ll be tested across five domains, each weighted in your score. Microsoft updates these periodically; as of January 14, 2026, the weights are:

  • Develop Azure compute solutions (25–30%)

  • Develop for Azure storage (15–20%)

  • Implement Azure security (15–20%)

  • Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure solutions (5–10%)

  • Connect to and consume Azure and third‑party services (20–25%)

Source (skills measured): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/resources/study-guides/az-204

Exam logistics:

Actionable takeaway: On exam day, budget your time: for example, 1 minute for easy items, up to 2–3 minutes for case‑study decisions, and defer longer items with “Mark for review.”

Deep Dive: Skills and Scenarios You’ll Be Tested On

Let’s translate the skills outline into concrete tasks and examples you can practice.

1) Develop Azure compute solutions (25–30%)

What to know:

  • Azure Functions (HTTP triggers, timers, durable orchestrations, bindings)

  • Web apps on App Service (deployment slots, configuration, diagnostics)

  • Containerized apps on Azure Container Apps or AKS

  • Deployment and automation with Bicep/ARM, Azure CLI, or PowerShell

Hands‑on examples:

  • Build a serverless HTTP API with Functions, add durable workflows for long‑running processes (e.g., order processing), and integrate with queues or Event Grid.

  • Host a web app on App Service with a staging slot; practice slot swaps, app settings, and monitoring.

  • Containerize a microservice, push to Azure Container Registry, and deploy to Container Apps with autoscaling.

Actionable takeaway: Capture CLI and Bicep templates for everything you deploy. You’ll memorize common flags and resources by using them.

2) Develop for Azure storage (15–20%)

What to know:

  • Azure Blob Storage (hot/cool/archive tiers, lifecycle rules, SAS)

  • Azure Cosmos DB (SQL/Core API, partitioning, throughput, SDK usage)

  • Transactions, concurrency, and performance considerations in code

Hands‑on examples:

  • Implement a blob ingestion pipeline with client‑side upload, server‑side processing via Functions, and lifecycle management rules.

  • Build a data access layer in your language of choice (C#, Java, Python, JavaScript) that uses Cosmos DB SDKs for CRUD, pagination, and error handling.

Actionable takeaway: Learn to write secure SAS tokens and to prefer Managed Identities for service‑to‑service auth whenever possible.

3) Implement Azure security (15–20%)

What to know:

  • Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) auth flows: auth code and client credentials

  • Managed Identity for app‑to‑Azure resource access

  • Azure Key Vault for secrets and certificates

  • App config and secure settings across environments, basic RBAC, and network restrictions

Hands‑on examples:

  • Use Managed Identity from a Function to read/write to Blob Storage without connection strings.

  • Store secrets in Key Vault; your app pulls them securely at runtime.

  • Build an API that validates access tokens issued by Entra ID.

Actionable takeaway: Stop storing secrets in app settings. Use Key Vault + Managed Identity; it’s best practice and shows up often in questions.

4) Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize (5–10%)

What to know:

  • Application Insights for distributed tracing, custom events, and sampling

  • Azure Monitor metrics, logs (KQL basics), and alerts

  • Performance and cost tuning (scaling rules, caching, retry patterns)

Hands‑on examples:

  • Add trace and dependency telemetry to your app; verify it in Application Insights.

  • Use Azure Monitor to query logs, chart performance, and set cost‑saving alerts.

Actionable takeaway: Practice KQL basics. If you can quickly slice logs to find errors or slow dependencies, you’ll answer scenario questions with confidence.

5) Connect to and consume services (20–25%)

What to know:

  • Messaging and events: Azure Service Bus (queues/topics), Event Grid, and Storage Queues

  • API management, REST integration, and secure outbound calls

  • Third‑party service integration patterns (auth, retries, circuit breakers)

Hands‑on examples:

  • Publish/subscribe architecture using Service Bus topics and subscriptions.

  • Event‑driven flows with Event Grid (e.g., blob‑created triggers downstream processing).

  • Wrap an external API call with resiliency policies (retry/backoff, timeout, circuit breaker).

Actionable takeaway: Learn how Service Bus differs from Storage Queue and Event Grid—capabilities and trade‑offs are a favorite exam theme.

How the AZ‑204 Exam Actually Feels

Actionable takeaway: Practice with Microsoft’s Exam Sandbox to preview the interface and item types so nothing is a surprise.
Exam Sandbox info: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftlearnblog/microsoft-learn-exam-readiness-provides-exam-prep-strategies/3250819

Cost, Scheduling, and Retakes

Actionable takeaway: Book the exam 6–8 weeks out to create a commitment, then build your study plan around that date.

Renewal: Keep Your Azure Developer Associate Current

All role‑based Microsoft certifications, including Azure Developer Associate, are renewed annually. Renewal is free and unproctored: you take an online assessment (available starting six months before your cert expires). Pass, and your certification extends by one year.

Actionable takeaway: After you pass, set a calendar reminder for the start of your 6‑month renewal window so you never scramble near the deadline.

The Study Resources That Actually Work

Here’s how to combine official resources with hands‑on practice for the best results.

Actionable takeaway: For every module you study, build a tiny project—deploy it, add monitoring, secure it, and write down the exact CLI/SDK commands you used.

A Practical 6–8 Week AZ‑204 Study Plan

You can compress or extend this plan to fit your schedule. Each week mixes learning with hands‑on building so knowledge “sticks.”

  • Week 0: Setup and plan

    • Read the official study guide; export the skills into a checklist.

    • Create an Azure Free account or ensure access to a subscription.

    • Schedule your exam 6–8 weeks out—deadlines drive focus.

  • Weeks 1–2: Compute and hosting

    • Build a serverless API with Azure Functions (HTTP trigger + Durable Functions).

    • Deploy a simple web app to Azure App Service with a staging slot; practice slot swaps.

    • Containerize a service, push to Azure Container Registry, deploy to Container Apps with autoscaling.

    • Artifacts: Bicep templates or ARM exports; CLI/PowerShell scripts.

  • Weeks 3–4: Storage, messaging, and identity

    • Implement Blob Storage and Cosmos DB via SDKs; handle partition keys and throughput.

    • Integrate Service Bus (queue + topic/subscription) and Event Grid for event‑driven flows.

    • Secure all calls with Managed Identity and Key Vault; remove secrets from config.

    • Add Application Insights to trace dependencies and custom events.

  • Week 5: Observability, performance, and security hardening

    • Use Azure Monitor (metrics/logs) and KQL to troubleshoot issues.

    • Add alerts; test a scale‑out scenario; add caching or change retry/backoff policies.

    • Review common Entra ID flows and RBAC basics for app access.

  • Week 6: Assess and finalize

    • Take a practice assessment and a reputable practice test; log every miss by objective.

    • Revisit the docs and your notes; drill weak areas, syntax, and command parameters.

    • Run one last end‑to‑end deploy from template + pipelines to simulate a real release.

  • Exam week: Strategy over cramming

    • Skim the skills outline again for any last‑minute blueprint changes.

    • Plan timeboxes per section; practice with the Exam Sandbox interface.

    • During the exam, use learn.microsoft.com sparingly to confirm tricky parameters.

Actionable takeaway: Track every low‑confidence topic in a simple spreadsheet with links to the exact doc page you’ll open during your last‑week review.

Real‑World Projects That Map to AZ‑204

Bring the blueprint to life with portfolio‑ready builds that reflect the exam and impress employers.

  • Event‑driven media processing

    • Blob upload → Event Grid → Function to generate thumbnails → Cosmos DB metadata → App Service dashboard with Application Insights.
      Skills: storage tiers + events + serverless + monitoring + managed identities.

  • Order processing microservice

    • API on Container Apps → Service Bus topic (fan‑out) → Function subscribers (email, invoicing) → Key Vault + App Config for secrets/settings.
      Skills: containers + messaging + security + configuration management.

  • Scheduled data pipeline

    • Timer‑triggered Functions → external API calls with retry/circuit breaker → Blob/Cosmos storage → alerts on failures.
      Skills: resiliency patterns + SDKs + observability.

Actionable takeaway: Add a “What I’d do differently in production” note to each project (e.g., using VNET integration, private endpoints, or managed identities everywhere). This shows you think beyond the happy path.

Career ROI: What You Can Expect

Actionable takeaway: Pair AZ‑204 with one or two Microsoft Applied Skills credentials to signal both breadth (the certification) and hands‑on depth (scenario badges).

Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

  • Over‑relying on passive learning: Watching videos without building won’t stick. Build, deploy, break, fix.

  • Neglecting identity and security: Managed Identity + Key Vault usage is essential and commonly tested.

  • Skipping observability: If you can’t instrument and query telemetry, troubleshooting questions will be tough.

  • Misusing Learn‑in‑exam: It helps confirm a parameter, not to teach a concept mid‑test. The clock keeps running.
    Exam experience: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/support/exam-duration-exam-experience

Actionable takeaway: Use a “T‑shaped” plan—cover all objectives lightly, then go deep on 3–4 areas you’ll master. That blend wins points and builds confidence.

Budgeting and Discounts Without Surprises

Actionable takeaway: Decide your exam date first. If a legitimate offer appears before that date, great—otherwise, stick to the plan.

After You Pass: Keep Building and Sharing

  • Renew annually—set a recurring reminder and practice with new Azure features before your renewal assessment window opens (available 6 months before expiration).
    Renewal: https://learn.microsoft.com/hr-hr/certifications/renew-your-microsoft-certification

  • Stack credentials: Add Applied Skills for specific scenarios (e.g., “Deploy a container app to Azure Container Apps” or “Implement message‑based integration with Service Bus”).

  • Share your work: Write short posts explaining your project trade‑offs and lessons learned; hiring managers love clear, practical reasoning.

Actionable takeaway: Turn one of your exam projects into a public repo with a README that explains design decisions, costs, security, and observability.

FAQs

Q1: What’s the exam code, time, and passing score?

AZ‑204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure. Microsoft lists 100 minutes for associate/expert exams without labs (120 with labs). Passing score is 700 (scaled).
Details: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/support/exam-duration-exam-experience
Scoring: https://learn.microsoft.com/credentials/certifications/exam-scoring-reports

Q2: How many questions are on AZ‑204?

Microsoft doesn’t publish a fixed number. Many candidates report ~40–60 items, with case studies and sometimes labs; item types vary.
Exam experience: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/support/exam-duration-exam-experience

Q3: Can I use Microsoft Learn during the exam?

Yes—on role‑based exams you can open learn.microsoft.com from within the exam client. The clock continues to run, so use it to confirm a detail, not to learn a new topic mid‑exam.
Policy: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/support/exam-duration-exam-experience

Q4: How does the retake and reschedule policy work?

After a first failure, you can retake after 24 hours. Subsequent retakes require 14 days between attempts, with a maximum of five attempts per year; each attempt is paid. Reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Retake: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-za/credentials/support/retake-policy
Reschedule/cancel: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/support/reschedule-and-cancellation-policy

Q5: Do I need to renew, and how often?

Yes. Role‑based Microsoft certifications must be renewed annually by passing a free online assessment, available starting six months before expiration.
Renewal: https://learn.microsoft.com/hr-hr/certifications/renew-your-microsoft-certification

Conclusion:
If you’re aiming for a future in cloud development, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification is a powerful signal that you can build real solutions on Azure. Start by turning the skills outline into a checklist, then learn by building—deploying Functions, App Service, and containerized services, wiring messaging and events, locking down identity and secrets, and watching telemetry. Give yourself 6–8 weeks, keep notes on every CLI command and SDK pattern, and rehearse your time strategy with the Exam Sandbox. When you pass, keep the momentum: renew on schedule, add Applied Skills badges, and keep shipping projects that show your growth.

You’ve got this. Schedule the date, commit to the plan, and let your projects do the talking.