Exam Details
Microsoft · AZ-204
Prepare for AZ-204: Build cloud apps and services using Azure SDKs, APIs, and compute resources.
Overview
No ExamOS resources linked to this exam yet.
Approved links shared by the community. Earn credits when yours gets approved!
No community resources yet. Be the first to suggest one!
Know a strong article, guide, or explainer for this exam? Submit it for review and earn credits when it gets approved.
ExamOS may provide links to third-party websites, books, videos, courses, and other materials ("External Resources") for your convenience and reference. These resources are not created, owned, or controlled by ExamOS unless explicitly stated.
For official and up-to-date information, always refer to the certification provider website.
No resources have been linked to this exam yet.
Video Library
No video resources are available for this exam yet.
Found a strong walkthrough, lesson, or exam breakdown on YouTube? Submit it here and earn credits if it gets approved.
FAQ
The AZ-204 exam validates your ability to design, build, test, and maintain cloud applications and services on Azure. This associate-level certification targets developers who implement Azure compute, storage, security, monitoring, and API integrations using SDKs and tools. You'll prove you can build scalable cloud-native applications with Azure Functions, App Service, containers, Cosmos DB, and event-driven architectures. As Azure development skills are required for virtually every cloud project, certified Azure developers are in constant demand.
You're a fit for AZ-204 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Develop Azure compute solutions | 25–30% | Build Azure Functions, App Service web apps, and container-based solutions with Azure Container Instances |
| Develop for Azure storage | 15–20% | Work with Blob storage, Cosmos DB, and Azure Queue storage using SDKs and access policies |
| Implement Azure security | 15–20% | Implement authentication with Microsoft Entra ID, manage secrets in Key Vault, and use managed identities |
| Monitor and optimize Azure solutions | 10–15% | Configure Application Insights, implement caching, and handle transient faults with retry policies |
| Connect to and consume Azure services | 20–25% | Integrate Event Grid, Event Hubs, Service Bus, and API Management into application workflows |
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 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: