Exam Details
Microsoft · AZ-104
Prepare for AZ-104: Manage Azure subscriptions, virtual networks, identities, and cloud resources.
Study Plan Available
Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) – Study Plan
8-week plan · ~50 hours
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FAQ
The AZ-104 exam validates your ability to manage Azure subscriptions, configure virtual networks, manage identities, implement storage solutions, and create and scale virtual machines. This associate-level certification targets Azure administrators who handle day-to-day cloud infrastructure management. You'll prove you can deploy, manage, and monitor Azure environments using the portal, CLI, and ARM templates. As most organizations run workloads on Azure, certified administrators who manage cloud infrastructure reliably are the backbone of every cloud team.
You're a fit for AZ-104 if you:
Not sure if you're ready? Try a free sample quiz: 10 questions, instant results, identify weak areas.
| Domain | Weight | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Manage Azure identities and governance | 20–25% | Create users and groups in Entra ID, assign RBAC roles, configure policies, and manage resource locks |
| Implement and manage storage | 15–20% | Configure storage accounts, blob tiers, file shares, storage redundancy, and access policies |
| Deploy and manage Azure compute resources | 20–25% | Create VMs, configure availability sets and scale sets, deploy Azure App Service and containers |
| Implement and manage virtual networking | 15–20% | Configure VNets, subnets, peering, NSGs, load balancers, and Azure DNS |
| Monitor and maintain Azure resources | 10–15% | Use Azure Monitor, alerts, Network Watcher, and backup and recovery services |
You're probably ready if you can:
You might need more prep if:
If this feels too advanced:
If you know the basics but want to build confidence:
This exam is designed for Azure Administrators who manage cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute capabilities. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the full IT lifecycle and take requests for infrastructure services, applications, and environments. While there are no formal required certifications to sit for the exam, Microsoft strongly recommends at least six months of hands-on experience administering Azure, along with a strong understanding of core Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and governance.
The AZ-104 typically consists of 40–60 questions, and you are given 120 minutes to complete the assessment. The total seat time is 140 minutes to include the non-disclosure agreement and tutorials. The format includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and "hot area" questions. You should also be prepared for case studies, which provide a complex business scenario and several related questions, as well as potential performance-based labs where you must complete tasks within a live Azure portal environment.
The AZ-104 covers the primary pillars of Azure administration. The domains are:
Networking consistently trips up candidates who have a software or developer background. VNet peering, Network Security Groups, Azure DNS, and load balancers all require more than surface reading. Budget extra time here regardless of your background.
Yes. As an Associate-level exam, the AZ-104 includes the Microsoft Learn "Open Book" feature. During the test, you can click a button to open Microsoft Learn in a split-view window. This is extremely helpful for looking up specific syntax for Azure CLI, PowerShell, or the precise requirements for a SKU (like Load Balancer Basic vs. Standard). However, the exam timer does not stop while you are browsing, so speed and familiarity with the documentation are essential.
A minimum scaled score of 700 out of 1000 is required to pass. Microsoft uses a scaled scoring system, which means your score is not a simple percentage of correct answers; it is adjusted based on the difficulty of the specific questions you receive. To master the complex networking and storage scenarios required to hit this target, ExamOS offers scenario-based practice quizzes that build real exam confidence by simulating the administrative logic used in the actual test.
The registration fee is $165 USD. Pricing varies by country and region based on local currency and taxes. If you are a student, you can often receive a significant discount after verifying your academic status in your Microsoft profile. Microsoft also frequently offers vouchers through its "Cloud Skills Challenges" or "30 Days to Learn It" programs, which can reduce the cost by 50% or more.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before rescheduling. If you are unsuccessful a second time, a 14-day waiting period is mandatory between each subsequent attempt. You are allowed a maximum of five attempts within a 12-month period starting from the date of your first attempt. A new exam fee is required for each retake.
The Azure Administrator Associate certification is valid for one year. To maintain your status, you must pass a free online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn within the six months prior to the expiration date. These renewal assessments are unproctored, shorter than the original exam, and focused exclusively on the latest updates and changes to Azure services to ensure your skills remain current.
It is possible but significantly harder. The exam is designed for people who administer Azure environments. Without lab practice, scenario-based questions become difficult to navigate confidently. Free Azure accounts and the Microsoft Learn sandbox provide sufficient hands-on access to prepare without paid infrastructure.
The AZ-104 is widely considered the "workhorse" certification of the Azure ecosystem. It is a core requirement for roles such as Cloud Administrator, Systems Administrator, and Cloud Operations Engineer. While it is a foundational associate credential, it is highly respected by recruiters as proof that you can manage a live production environment. In a competitive market, it is most effective when paired with experience in Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or Bicep) and automation scripting.
The AZ-104 is a prerequisite or a stepping stone for several expert-level paths: