The Microsoft Azure AZ-104 certification, known as the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam, is a critical certification for IT professionals who want to validate their skills in managing Azure services and infrastructure. This certification covers a range of topics, from managing Azure resources and identities to configuring and monitoring virtual networks. This guide will walk you through the essentials of the AZ-104 exam, key areas of focus, recommended study resources, and strategies to help you azure 104.

1. Overview of the Azure AZ-104 Certification

The AZ-104 certification is aimed at Azure administrators who are responsible for implementing, managing, and monitoring cloud environments, including resources such as virtual machines, storage, and virtual networks. This certification validates a professional’s ability to perform day-to-day management tasks in Azure, and it’s ideal for anyone working in or aspiring to work in a cloud-based administrative az 104 certification.

To earn the Azure Administrator Associate certification, candidates must pass the AZ-104 exam, which includes both multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. The exam is designed to assess practical knowledge and real-world problem-solving skills, making hands-on experience crucial to success.

2. Key Exam Domains and Skills Covered

The AZ-104 exam focuses on five main domains. Understanding these domains and the weight each one carries on the exam can help you allocate study time effectively.

A. Manage Azure Identities and Governance (15–20%)

This section tests your knowledge of managing Azure Active Directory (AD), users, groups, and access control. Key topics include:

Azure AD: Configuring Azure AD, managing users and groups, and implementing role-based access control (RBAC).

Resource Management: Creating and managing resource groups and subscriptions.

Governance: Implementing Azure Policy and Blueprints to ensure compliance.

B. Implement and Manage Storage (10–15%)

The storage domain assesses your ability to configure and manage Azure storage solutions. Important topics include:

Storage Accounts: Configuring storage accounts for blob, file, and queue storage.

Data Redundancy and Replication: Choosing between LRS, GRS, ZRS, and Read-Access Geo-Redundant Storage (RA-GRS).

Access Control: Setting up secure access to storage and managing Shared Access Signatures (SAS).

C. Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (25–30%)

This section covers deployment, configuration, and management of compute resources in Azure, including:

Virtual Machines (VMs): Creating, configuring, and scaling VMs, as well as managing VM images and snapshots.

App Services: Deploying and configuring web apps in Azure App Services.

Containers: Working with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure Container Instances (ACI).

D. Configure and Manage Virtual Networking (30–35%)

The networking domain is one of the most heavily weighted areas. Key topics include:

Virtual Networks (VNets): Setting up VNets, subnets, and managing IP addressing.

Network Security Groups (NSGs): Configuring NSGs to control inbound and outbound traffic.

VPNs and ExpressRoute: Implementing site-to-site and point-to-site VPNs and ExpressRoute connections.

E. Monitor and Back Up Azure Resources (10–15%)

This final section assesses your ability to use monitoring and backup tools to maintain Azure resources. Topics include:

Azure Monitor: Configuring alerts, analyzing logs, and setting up dashboards.

Backup and Site Recovery: Implementing Azure Backup and configuring Site Recovery for disaster recovery.

Log Analytics: Querying logs using Log Analytics and monitoring resources with Application Insights.

Understanding these core areas will not only help you focus on what’s essential for the AZ-104 exam but will also improve your practical skills as an Azure administrator.

3. Recommended Study Resources

A. Microsoft Learning Paths

Microsoft offers free, comprehensive learning paths for the AZ-104 exam. These include hands-on exercises and video tutorials covering each exam objective.

B. Online Courses

Several online platforms provide in-depth courses for the AZ-104 exam:

Microsoft Learn: Free, official modules with labs.

Udemy: Many instructors offer AZ-104 courses that include practice questions and hands-on labs.

Pluralsight: A subscription-based platform with courses by Azure experts.

C. Practice Exams

Taking practice exams is essential to prepare for the AZ-104. Practice tests simulate the real exam experience, helping you become familiar with question formats and time management. Consider using:

MeasureUp: Official practice tests with a large question bank.

Whizlabs and ExamLabs: Platforms offering multiple practice exams.

D. Labs and Hands-On Practice

Practical experience is crucial for the AZ-104 exam. Create a free Azure account or use the Azure portal’s sandbox environment to experiment with resource creation, network configurations, and access control.

4. Study Strategies for the AZ-104 Exam

A. Create a Study Schedule

Set a study timeline that includes all the exam domains. Allocate more time to areas with a higher exam weight (e.g., compute and networking) and practice regularly.

B. Hands-On Labs

Azure is highly practical, and hands-on labs are essential to master the platform. Use Microsoft’s sandbox environments for safe experimentation with VMs, storage accounts, and virtual networks.

C. Focus on Core Exam Objectives

Microsoft provides an official outline of the exam objectives. Ensure you’re familiar with each objective and understand how it applies to real-world Azure management scenarios.

D. Join Study Groups and Forums

Azure study groups and forums on sites like Reddit and Tech Community provide invaluable insights from others who have taken the exam. Engaging with others allows you to share tips, discuss challenging topics, and access additional resources.

5. Exam Day Tips

A. Review Key Concepts

The day before the exam, focus on reviewing core concepts rather than learning new material. Review your notes on Azure AD, RBAC, NSGs, and backup strategies.

B. Manage Your Time

The AZ-104 exam is timed, so practice answering questions quickly and accurately. If you’re unsure of an answer, flag it for review and move on; don’t spend too long on any one question.

C. Read Each Question Carefully

Each question on the AZ-104 exam is scenario-based, so read carefully to understand the requirements. Pay attention to keywords, such as “best,” “first,” or “most secure,” as these can affect your answer choice.

D. Stay Calm and Focused

It’s normal to feel nervous during the exam, but try to stay calm. Remember, you’ve prepared thoroughly. Take deep breaths and stay focused on each question.

6. After the Exam: Next Steps

If you pass the AZ-104 exam, congratulations! You’re now a certified Azure Administrator Associate. This certification can open doors to new job opportunities, as it demonstrates your capability in managing and maintaining Azure environments. Many professionals go on to pursue more advanced Azure certifications, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) or Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400).

If you don’t pass, review your performance report to identify weak areas, and use this information to refine your study strategy. With persistence and practice, you’ll be ready to retake and pass the exam.

Conclusion

The AZ-104 certification is an excellent way to validate your skills as an Azure administrator, and with proper preparation, you can confidently tackle the exam. Focus on mastering the core exam domains, use a variety of study resources, and practice in real Azure environments. By following this study guide, you’ll be well-prepared to earn your certification and take a significant step forward in your cloud computing career.