Organizations are increasingly migrating to Azure for its flexibility, scalability, and comprehensive suite of services. In the rapidly evolving landscape of cloud computing, Microsoft Azure has emerged as one of the leading cloud platforms globally. This surge has created a strong demand for certified professionals who can manage, monitor, and administer Azure environments effectively.
The Microsoft AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate certification stands as a key credential for IT professionals aspiring to validate their skills in managing Azure infrastructure. This blog provided by Multisoft Systems explores everything you need to know about the AZ-104 certification — from its objectives and skills covered to preparation strategies and career benefits.
What is Microsoft AZ-104?
Microsoft AZ-104 is the certification exam for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate credential, designed for IT professionals who manage Microsoft Azure environments. It validates the skills required to implement, monitor, and maintain Microsoft Azure solutions, including core services related to computing, storage, networking, identity, and governance. The AZ-104 exam assesses a candidate’s ability to manage Azure subscriptions and resources, implement storage solutions, deploy virtual machines, configure virtual networks, and monitor Azure environments. It is a role-based certification tailored to real-world administrative tasks, making it ideal for system administrators, cloud engineers, and IT professionals transitioning to cloud roles. The exam is the updated version of the former AZ-103 and reflects the latest Azure platform capabilities. Candidates are tested through multiple formats such as multiple-choice questions, case studies, drag-and-drop activities, and command-line tasks. While there are no formal prerequisites, hands-on experience with Azure services and a solid understanding of networking, virtualization, and cloud computing concepts are highly recommended. Successfully passing the AZ-104 exam demonstrates a professional’s readiness to handle day-to-day Azure administration responsibilities and serves as a stepping stone to advanced Microsoft Azure certifications.
Who Should Take the AZ-104 Exam?
This certification is ideal for:
- Azure Administrators managing cloud services that span storage, networking, and security.
- System Administrators transitioning into cloud roles.
- IT Professionals aiming to validate their Azure skills.
- Cloud Engineers or DevOps Engineers involved in deployment and infrastructure management.
A basic understanding of Azure services, PowerShell, Azure CLI, and ARM templates is beneficial before attempting the exam.
Skills Measured in the AZ-104
The AZ-104 exam focuses on the following skill areas, each contributing to a percentage of the total score:
1. Manage Azure identities and governance
- Manage Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) objects (users, groups, roles)
- Manage role-based access control (RBAC)
- Manage subscriptions and governance via Azure policies
2. Implement and manage storage
- Secure storage with shared access signatures (SAS), access keys, and Azure AD
- Configure Azure Blob Storage and file shares
- Manage storage accounts and data lifecycle
3. Deploy and manage Azure compute resources
- Create and configure virtual machines (VMs)
- Implement availability sets and virtual machine scale sets (VMSS)
- Manage VM backups, updates, and automation
4. Configure and manage virtual networking
- Create and configure virtual networks (VNets), subnets, and NICs
- Configure network security groups (NSGs)
- Manage Azure DNS, VNet peering, and VPNs
5. Monitor and maintain Azure resources
- Implement Azure Monitor and alerts
- Use Log Analytics and Azure Advisor
- Perform backup and recovery tasks
Benefits of Earning the AZ-104 Certification
- Being a certified Azure Administrator demonstrates your ability to manage cloud resources effectively, opening up roles such as Cloud Administrator, Azure Support Engineer, Infrastructure Specialist, and Cloud Consultant.
- AZ-104 is globally recognized and validates your Azure skills, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
- The exam focuses on practical tasks, making you job-ready with real-world cloud administration capabilities.
- Once certified, you can move on to advanced credentials like AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect & AZ-400: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Preparation Strategy for AZ-104
Preparing for the AZ-104 exam requires a structured and hands-on approach. Start by reviewing the official Microsoft exam guide to understand the key domains. Utilize Microsoft Learn, which offers free, interactive learning paths aligned with the exam objectives. Gain practical experience by setting up a free Azure account and exploring services like virtual machines, storage accounts, and networking. Supplement your learning with instructor-led training, AZ-104 online courses, or study guides. Practice using Azure CLI, PowerShell, and the Azure portal. Finally, take mock exams to assess your readiness and identify weak areas. Consistent study and real-world practice are essential for success.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Broad Scope of Topics
AZ-104 covers a wide range of services. Focus on understanding core concepts deeply rather than memorizing commands.
2. Command Line Tools
Many questions involve Azure CLI and PowerShell. Make sure you practice these regularly as they are often tested in the exam.
3. Time Management
During the exam, manage your time wisely. Don’t get stuck on one question; mark it for review and return later.
4. Case-Based Scenarios
Some questions test your ability to apply knowledge in practical situations. Practice these by studying use cases and real-life Azure deployments.
Post-Certification Tips
Once you pass AZ-104, consider the following steps to further your Azure journey:
- Participate in forums like TechCommunity, Stack Overflow, or Reddit for continued learning.
- Apply your skills by contributing to open-source cloud projects or building your own solutions.
- Microsoft frequently updates Azure services. Subscribe to Azure blogs or changelogs to remain informed.
- Use AZ-104 as a stepping stone toward architect-level certifications or specialized roles like Security Engineer or DevOps Expert.
Conclusion
The Microsoft AZ-104 Azure Administrator Associate certification is a vital credential for anyone looking to establish or grow their career in Azure administration. It covers the core services and responsibilities expected from a cloud administrator, offering a hands-on, practical validation of your capabilities. With the increasing adoption of Azure in enterprise environments, this certification not only boosts your employability but also prepares you to manage real-world cloud infrastructures confidently.
Whether you’re an aspiring cloud engineer, a systems admin moving to the cloud, or a professional looking to upgrade your skillset, AZ-104 is your gateway to success in the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. With the right preparation and commitment, you'll not only pass the exam but also unlock a wide array of cloud career opportunities. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!