Exam Details
Microsoft · AZ-204
Build, deploy, and troubleshoot cloud applications using Azure services and APIs.
Practice with ExamOS for Azure Developer Associate. Learn daily with scenario-based questions, timed quizzes, detailed explanations, and exam-style difficulty.
Who is this for?
Level: Intermediate. This exam is engineered for developers actively building and maintaining cloud applications on Microsoft Azure. While there are no formal prerequisites, Microsoft officially recommends having one to two years of professional development experience. You should be proficient in an Azure-supported language like C#, Java, Python, or JavaScript, and be comfortable using modern IDEs, Azure CLI, and PowerShell.
Are you ready?
You are fully prepared if you can confidently build, deploy, and troubleshoot applications, work seamlessly with APIs, and explain how your code interacts with core Azure services. Validate your cloud coding expertise with a timed practice test!
Overview
The AZ-204 certification is designed for developers who build and maintain applications on Microsoft Azure. It focuses on developing solutions that use Azure services such as compute, storage, databases, and messaging. The exam covers topics like implementing Azure Functions, working with App Services, integrating with Azure storage, securing applications, and monitoring performance. Candidates are expected to understand how to design applications that are scalable, reliable, and secure in a cloud environment. Unlike purely theoretical exams, AZ-204 emphasizes practical development scenarios. You will encounter situations where you need to choose the right service or approach based on requirements such as performance, cost, and maintainability. This certification is particularly relevant for developers transitioning from traditional application development to cloud-native development. It is commonly pursued by software engineers working with .NET, Java, Node.js, or similar technologies. Roles aligned with AZ-204 include cloud developer, backend engineer, and full-stack developer working with Azure-based systems. As cloud application development continues to grow, this certification remains highly relevant.
FAQ
This exam is designed for cloud developers who participate in all phases of development, from solution design to development, deployment, and maintenance. Candidates should have 1–2 years of professional development experience and experience with Azure SDKs, APIs, and data storage options. While there are no mandatory prerequisites, you should be proficient in at least one Azure-supported language (such as C#, Python, or JavaScript) and have a foundational understanding of cloud environment management.
The exam typically consists of 40–60 questions, and you are given 120 minutes to complete the assessment. The total seat time is 140 minutes to allow for surveys and instructions. You should expect a mix of multiple-choice, multiple-response, and drag-and-drop questions. Most importantly, the AZ-204 frequently includes case studies that test your ability to take a set of business requirements and technical constraints and select the appropriate Azure services to build a solution.
The AZ-204 focuses on the technical implementation of Azure services. The domains are:
Yes. Microsoft provides an "Open Book" feature for the AZ-204. During the exam, a button is available to open Microsoft Learn in a split-screen window. This is particularly helpful for developers to look up specific CLI commands, SDK syntax, or App Service configuration settings. Note that the exam timer does not stop while you browse, so you must already be familiar with the documentation structure to find information quickly.
A minimum scaled score of 700 out of 1000 is required to pass. Points are awarded for partially correct multi-part questions (like drag-and-drop), and there is no penalty for guessing. To prepare for the complex technical logic required for the "Connect and Consume" and "Security" sections, ExamOS offers scenario-based practice quizzes that simulate the decision-making required for real-world Azure development.
The standard registration fee is $165 USD. Pricing may vary based on your region and local taxes. Microsoft frequently offers discounts through the "30 Days to Learn It" challenge or the Cloud Skills Challenge. Additionally, if you are a student, you may be eligible for academic pricing after verifying your student status in your Microsoft certification profile.
If you do not pass the AZ-204 on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before rescheduling. If you are unsuccessful a second time, you must wait 14 days before each subsequent attempt. You are limited to a maximum of five attempts per 12-month period. A new exam fee is required for each retake unless you have a voucher that includes a "Retake" option.
The Azure Developer Associate certification is valid for one year. To keep your certification active, you must pass a free online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn within the six months prior to its expiration. The renewal assessment is shorter than the original exam and focuses only on the most recent updates and new features added to Azure developer services.
The AZ-204 is a high-utility certification for Cloud Developers, Backend Engineers, and Full-Stack Developers. It proves that you can move beyond simple "drag-and-drop" portal management and actually write code that interacts with Azure services. It is a critical credential for moving into Senior Developer roles or for those looking to join organizations that are heavily invested in the Microsoft cloud ecosystem.
Depending on your career goals, you should consider these follow-up paths: