If you are preparing for the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification, you need clear, official details on what the AZ-104 exam covers, how it is structured, what it costs, and the score required to pass. This guide delivers exactly that information, drawn from the current Microsoft Learn study guide, so you can make an informed decision about whether and how to pursue the credential.
The details below reflect the skills measured as of April 17, 2026. Always verify the latest information on the official Microsoft Learn AZ-104 study guide, because exam content and logistics can change.
AZ-104 Exam Overview & Quick Facts
AZ-104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator) validates the skills needed to manage identity, governance, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring in Azure. Here’s the exam at a glance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | AZ-104 |
| Credential Name | Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate |
| Number of Questions | Approximately 40–60 |
| Duration | 100 minutes exam time (≈120 minutes total appointment) |
| Passing Score | 700 out of 1000 (scaled) |
| Cost | $165 USD (varies by country/region) |
| Delivery Method | Pearson VUE test center or online proctoring |
| Last Skills Update | April 17, 2026 |
For a complete preparation roadmap that combines the official skills outline with practical study strategies, start with our detailed AZ-104 study guide. If you want the full domain-by-domain topic list updated for 2026, see the complete AZ-104 exam topics breakdown.
Skills Measured
Microsoft last updated the AZ-104 skills outline on April 17, 2026. The exam is organized into five domains, each with its own weight toward your final score. Below is the official breakdown.
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Manage Azure Identities and Governance | 20–25% |
| Implement and Manage Storage | 15–20% |
| Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources | 20–25% |
| Implement and Manage Virtual Networking | 15–20% |
| Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources | 10–15% |
Each of the five domains is covered in greater depth in our dedicated AZ-104 exam topics guide. To build real hands-on competence across these domains, follow the structured AZ-104 labs path.
Manage Azure Identities and Governance (20–25%)
This domain covers identity administration and account-level governance controls.
- Create and manage Microsoft Entra users and groups
- Manage licenses and external (guest) users in Microsoft Entra ID
- Assign and interpret Azure role-based access control (RBAC) at different scopes
- Implement and manage Azure Policy
- Configure resource locks, tags, and resource groups
- Manage subscriptions, management groups, and cost controls (budgets, alerts, Azure Advisor)
Implement and Manage Storage (15–20%)
This domain focuses on configuring and securing Azure Storage accounts and services.
- Configure storage account access, firewalls, and virtual network rules
- Create and manage shared access signatures (SAS) and stored access policies
- Configure storage redundancy, encryption, and object replication
- Create and configure Azure Files shares and Blob Storage containers
- Manage blob lifecycle policies, versioning, and soft delete
Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (20–25%)
This domain tests your ability to deploy and manage the core compute services in Azure.
- Interpret, modify, and deploy ARM templates or Bicep files
- Create and configure virtual machines, including sizing, disks, and availability zones/sets
- Deploy and manage Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets
- Provision and manage containers via Azure Container Instances and Azure Container Apps
- Create and configure Azure App Service, including scaling, deployment slots, and networking
Implement and Manage Virtual Networking (15–20%)
This domain covers core Azure networking configuration and security.
- Create and configure virtual networks, subnets, and peering
- Configure public IP addresses and user-defined routes
- Create network security groups (NSGs) and application security groups
- Implement Azure Bastion and configure service/private endpoints for PaaS
- Configure Azure DNS and load balancers, and troubleshoot connectivity
Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources (10–15%)
This domain covers monitoring, alerting, and backup/recovery operations.
- Interpret metrics and configure log settings in Azure Monitor
- Query logs and set up alert rules and action groups
- Use Azure Monitor Insights and Network Watcher for troubleshooting
- Create and configure Recovery Services vaults and backup policies
- Configure Azure Site Recovery and perform failover to a secondary region
Exam Format, Question Types & Duration
AZ-104 typically includes 40 to 60 questions, though Microsoft does not publish an exact count, the total can vary slightly by session since some case studies contribute multiple linked questions.
Timing: You’ll have 100 minutes to complete the exam itself, with a total appointment time of roughly 120 minutes once you factor in the pre-exam agreement, tutorial, and post-exam survey.
Question types you may see:
- Multiple-choice (single answer)
- Multiple-response (select all that apply)
- Drag-and-drop and ordering tasks
- Hotspot / build-list interactive items
- Case studies, multi-question scenarios based on a fictional company
Some sessions may also include short interactive or lab-style components, though the exact mix varies.
Delivery options: You can take AZ-104 at a Pearson VUE test center or via online proctoring (OnVUE) from a private location that meets Microsoft’s testing requirements.
Languages: The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and others. English is always updated first; localized versions typically follow a few weeks later. If the exam isn’t yet available in your preferred language, you can request extra time.
Passing Score Explained
The official passing score for AZ-104 is 700 out of 1000.
Note on scaled scoring: Your score is not a raw percentage of correct answers. Microsoft uses a scaled scoring model that accounts for the relative difficulty of the specific set of questions you received. This means 700 does not equal “70% correct”, the actual number of questions you need to answer correctly can vary between attempts.
There is no minimum passing score per individual domain. Your overall scaled score across all skill areas determines whether you pass, so strong performance in one domain can help offset a weaker one elsewhere.
Exam Cost & Registration Details
The AZ-104 exam costs $165 USD, though pricing varies by country and region. You can check exact local pricing during the scheduling process.
How to register:
- Create or sign in to your Microsoft Learn profile.
- Navigate to the AZ-104 certification page and select “Schedule exam.”
- Choose Pearson VUE as the testing provider.
- Select a test center or online proctored delivery, then pick a date and time.
- Pay the exam fee to confirm your appointment.
Retake policy: If you don’t pass on your first attempt, Microsoft requires a short waiting period before you can retake the exam, with longer waiting periods for subsequent attempts. Each retake requires a separate exam fee.
Renewal: Once earned, the certification is valid for one year. You can renew it for free by passing an online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn, available starting a few months before expiration.
Who Should Take AZ-104 (Audience Profile)
According to Microsoft’s official candidate profile, AZ-104 is designed for professionals with subject matter expertise in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Azure environment, including virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security, and governance.
Recommended experience includes:
- Hands-on Azure administration in a production or lab environment
- Familiarity with operating systems, networking, and virtualization concepts
- Working knowledge of PowerShell and Azure CLI
- Comfort navigating the Azure portal
- Experience with ARM templates or Bicep files
- Familiarity with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory)
AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) is not a prerequisite for AZ-104, but it can be a helpful starting point if you’re new to cloud concepts generally.
Most candidates need between 4 and 12 weeks depending on their background. You can find realistic timelines and study plans here: how long does it take to prepare for AZ-104. Pair that timeline with focused practice using AZ-104 practice tests and scenario-based mock exams.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- The AZ-104 skills outline was last updated April 17, 2026, with five weighted domains covering identity/governance, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring.
- The exam has roughly 40–60 questions, delivered in 100 minutes of exam time within a ~120-minute appointment.
- You need a scaled score of 700/1000 to pass, there’s no per-domain minimum.
- The exam costs $165 USD (regional pricing may vary) and can be taken at a Pearson VUE center or online.
- The certification renews for free every year via an online Microsoft Learn assessment.
Next step: Review the official Microsoft Learn AZ-104 study guide and take the free Microsoft Learn practice assessment to gauge your readiness before scheduling your exam.
Free Downloadable Resources
- AZ-104 Practice Tests + Labs Hands-on Practice 2026 (PDF)
- AZ-104 Labs Checklist & Study Path (PDF)
- PassITExams AZ-104 Study Guide – Free Checklist & Notes (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s
For additional practice material and question banks, see our collection of AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator exam questions.
What is the passing score for AZ-104?
The passing score is 700 out of 1000. This is a scaled score, not a raw percentage of questions answered correctly.
How many questions are on the AZ-104 exam?
Microsoft does not publish an exact number, but most candidates report approximately 40 to 60 questions, including case study scenarios.
How long is the AZ-104 exam?
You have 100 minutes to complete the exam itself. The full appointment, including the introductory tutorial and post-exam survey, runs approximately 120 minutes.
How much does the AZ-104 exam cost?
The standard price is $165 USD, though it can vary by country or region. Check the official Microsoft Learn scheduling page for exact local pricing.
What are the AZ-104 skills measured / domains?
As of April 17, 2026, the five domains are: Manage Azure Identities and Governance (20–25%), Implement and Manage Storage (15–20%), Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (20–25%), Implement and Manage Virtual Networking (15–20%), and Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources (10–15%).
Is there a prerequisite for AZ-104?
No formal prerequisite is required. AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) is recommended but optional, particularly for candidates newer to cloud computing.
How is the AZ-104 certification renewed?
Certifications are valid for one year and can be renewed for free by passing an online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn, available in the months leading up to expiration.
Does AZ-104 include lab questions?
The exam primarily uses multiple-choice, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, and case-study formats. Some sessions may include interactive or lab-style components, though this can vary by exam version.
