AZ-104 Study Guide 2026

Everything You Need to Know About AZ-104

AZ-104 is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam. In 2026, it covers five domains: 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%). A scaled passing score of 700 on a scale of 100-1000 is required. Pricing is typically $165 USD but varies based on the exam’s proctoring location. A typical preparation window is 8–12 weeks, depending heavily on your background. The recommended study path combines the official Microsoft Learn materials with extensive, mandatory hands-on labs in a free Azure account and full-length practice exams. The certification must be renewed annually via a free online assessment. This guide details official resources, including the study guide, scheduling pages, and exam policies.

Introduction: What is the AZ-104 and Why Does It Matter?

The AZ-104 is the definitive certification for Azure Administrators. It is one of the most recognized and sought-after credentials in the cloud computing industry. Passing this exam proves you have the subject matter expertise to implement, manage, and monitor an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment. This isn’t a theoretical exam; it’s a validation of your practical, hands-on skills.

An Azure Administrator is the professional on the front lines of a company’s cloud infrastructure. They are responsible for the day-to-day management of virtual networks, storage, compute resources, identity, security, and governance. Earning the AZ-104 certification demonstrates to employers that you can be trusted with the keys to their cloud kingdom. It is the foundational, role-based certification that opens the door to a successful career in cloud administration and serves as a prerequisite for more advanced paths like Azure Solutions Architect or DevOps Engineer.

Quick Facts & Exam Details

Is This Certification Right for You? (Target Audience)

The AZ-104 is for IT professionals who want to prove their skills in managing a cloud infrastructure. You are the ideal candidate if you are:

• An IT professional or systems administrator with on-premises experience looking to transition their skills to the cloud.
• A junior cloud professional who has been working with Azure and wants to formalize and validate their skills.
• Anyone who wants to become a certified Azure Administrator and build a career in cloud infrastructure management.

Candidates should be familiar with operating systems, networking, servers, and virtualization. Experience with PowerShell, the Azure CLI, and the Azure portal is also essential.

Exam Blueprint: Skills You’ll Be Tested On

The AZ-104 exam measures your ability to perform key technical tasks. The domains are updated periodically, so always check the official Microsoft exam page for the latest skills outline.

• Manage Azure identities and governance (20–25%)
  This domain covers the core of managing access and control. You will be tested on managing users, groups, and device identities in Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), as well as implementing role-based access control (RBAC) and using Azure Policy to enforce governance.
• Implement and manage storage (15–20%)
  Here, you’ll prove your skills in Azure’s various storage solutions. This includes configuring and managing storage accounts, Azure Blob Storage (including tiers and lifecycle management), and Azure Files with file shares and Azure File Sync.
• Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20–25%)
  This critical section is all about the workhorses of Azure. You must demonstrate the ability to create, configure, and manage virtual machines (VMs), deploy resources using ARM templates or Bicep files, and manage Azure App Service and container instances.
• Implement and manage virtual networking (15–20%)
  This domain focuses on connecting and securing your Azure resources. It tests your knowledge of virtual networks (VNets), subnets, Network Security Groups (NSGs), Azure DNS, and configuring VNet peering and VPN gateways.
• Monitor and maintain Azure resources (10–15%)
  This domain covers the day-to-day operational tasks of an administrator. You must be able to use Azure Monitor to interpret metrics and query logs, configure alerts and action groups, and implement backup and recovery using the Azure Recovery Services Vault.

Your Strategic Study Plan for Success

Passing the AZ-104 requires a dedicated, hands-on approach. You cannot pass this exam with theoretical knowledge alone.

Phase 1: Build the Foundation (Weeks 1-3)

• • Start with Microsoft Learn: Your first and most important resource is the official AZ-104 learning path on Microsoft Learn. This free, structured content is designed by Microsoft and aligns directly with the exam objectives.
  • Create an Azure Free Account: Sign up for a free Azure account immediately. This gives you a limited amount of free services for 12 months and is essential for hands-on practice.

Phase 2: Deep Dive with Mandatory Labs (Weeks 4-9)

• • Lab Everything You Learn: This is the most crucial phase. As you complete a module in Microsoft Learn, immediately open the Azure portal and practice the skill. Deploy a VM, create a storage account, configure a VNet with an NSG, and set up a backup policy.
  • Master the CLI and PowerShell: Don’t rely solely on the Azure portal. The exam will test your knowledge of the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) and PowerShell. Practice performing common administrative tasks using both.
  • Break and Fix Things: A key skill for an administrator is troubleshooting. Intentionally misconfigure a network rule or a storage policy in your lab environment and then work through the process of identifying and fixing the problem.

Phase 3: Final Prep and Practice Exams (Weeks 10-12)

• • Use High-Quality Practice Tests: Take the official Microsoft Practice Test for AZ-104 and other reputable practice exams. This is the best way to get a feel for the question style, difficulty, and timing.
  • Analyze, Don’t Memorize: After each practice test, analyze every question, especially the ones you got wrong. Go back to the Microsoft documentation and your lab to reinforce the concept until you understand why a particular choice was the correct solution.
  • Review the Exam Guide: In the final week, reread the official skills outline to ensure you haven’t missed any key topics.

Career and Salary Opportunities

The Azure Administrator role is a high-demand position in the IT industry.

• Market Demand: As more companies migrate to the cloud, the need for skilled administrators to manage those environments continues to grow. The AZ-104 is one of the most frequently requested certifications in job postings for cloud roles.
• Salary Expectations: A certified Azure Administrator can expect a competitive salary.
• According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a Microsoft Azure Administrator in the United States is approximately $88,927, with the majority of salaries ranging between $70,000 and $104,000.
• Salaries for a general “Azure Administrator” can range up to $137,500 depending on experience, location, and the specific demands of the role.

Exam Logistics: Policies You Need to Know

• Retake Policy: If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it. For any subsequent attempts, a 14-day waiting period is imposed. You may not take the same exam more than five times in 12 months. See the official exam retake policy for full details.
• Certification Validity: The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification is valid for one year.
• Renewal Process: You must renew your certification annually by passing a free, online, unproctored renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn. This assessment is shorter than the full exam and focuses on recent updates to Azure technologies.
• Scheduling: You can schedule your exam to be taken at a testing center or online via the official Microsoft certification page, which uses Pearson VUE as the exam delivery provider.

Practical FAQs & Common Challenges

How much hands-on experience is truly necessary before taking this exam?

While Microsoft’s recommendation of six months is a guideline, not a strict rule, significant hands-on experience is essential. The exam includes performance-based labs where you must complete tasks in a live Azure environment. You cannot pass these without having spent considerable time working in the Azure portal, CLI, and PowerShell.

Which exam domains or topics do most candidates find the most challenging?

Many candidates find the virtual networking domain to be the most difficult. Topics like VNet peering, Network Security Groups (NSGs), routing, and Azure DNS require a deep, practical understanding. Storage accounts, with their various redundancy options and access tiers, are also a frequent challenge.

Should I take the AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) before attempting this one?

It is highly recommended, but not required. The AZ-900 provides a broad, conceptual overview of cloud services and the Azure platform. This foundational knowledge makes the deep, technical topics in the AZ-104 much easier to understand and place in context. If you are new to the cloud, starting with AZ-900 is the best path.

What is the best strategy for the performance-based lab questions?

The best strategy is consistent, hands-on practice. There are no shortcuts. Familiarity with the Azure portal is key to completing the lab tasks efficiently. During the exam, read all instructions for a task carefully before you begin. Use the provided notepad to keep track of names, IP addresses, or other details you need to complete the steps.

How long should I realistically study for this exam?

For an IT professional with some background in networking and systems administration, a study period of 8-12 weeks with a few hours of focused preparation each day is a realistic timeline. If you are new to IT, plan for a longer period of 3-4 months to build both foundational and Azure-specific knowledge.

What are the official prerequisites for this certification?

There are no official, mandatory prerequisites. You do not need to pass any other exam before you are allowed to take the AZ-104. However, the exam assumes you have at least six months of hands-on experience and a strong understanding of core IT concepts.

Is it better to focus more on practice exams or on hands-on labs?

Focus on hands-on labs first, and use practice exams for validation. Labs build the core skills and deep understanding required to answer the exam’s complex, scenario-based questions. Practice exams are best used in the final phase of your preparation to identify weak areas, get comfortable with the exam format, and improve your time management.

Conclusion: Your Next Step

Earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification is a significant and rewarding achievement. It is a clear statement that you have the practical, in-demand skills to manage a modern cloud infrastructure. The path requires dedication and a serious commitment to hands-on learning, but the career opportunities it unlocks are immense.

Your journey to becoming a certified Azure Administrator starts now. Take that first concrete step by visiting the official Exam AZ-104 page on Microsoft Learn to review the skills outline and begin your journey through the official learning path.