Section 1: AZ-104 Exam Overview
Introduction
The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam is a certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to implement, manage, and monitor an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment. This certification is aimed at Azure administrators who manage cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute cloud capabilities.
Purpose and Target Audience
The AZ-104 exam is intended for individuals who have significant experience with implementing, managing, and monitoring Microsoft Azure solutions, including major services related to compute, storage, network, and security. The target audience primarily consists of Azure administrators who need to validate their skills in managing cloud infrastructures.
Exam Details
- Code: AZ-104
- Name: Microsoft Azure Administrator
- Prerequisites: While there are no formal prerequisites, candidates are expected to have a solid understanding of core Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and governance. Additionally, experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal, and Azure Resource Manager templates is beneficial.
- Format: The exam consists of 40-60 questions.
- Type of Questions: Multiple choice, case studies, drag-and-drop, and fill-in-the-blank.
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000.
- Language Availability: The exam is available in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean.
Exam Registration and Cost
Candidates can register for the AZ-104 exam through the official Microsoft website or through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam is approximately $165 USD, but prices may vary based on the country in which the exam is proctored.
Validity and Recognition
Upon passing the AZ-104 exam, candidates receive the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification. This certification is widely recognized in the industry and validates the holder’s ability to manage Azure environments effectively. While the certification does not expire, it is recommended to stay updated with Azure’s evolving services and features.
Section 2: AZ-104 Exam Objectives
The AZ-104 exam objectives are designed to measure your ability to perform technical tasks related to Azure administration. These objectives provide a clear framework for what you need to know to pass the exam and are divided into several domains, each covering a different aspect of Azure administration.
Exam Objectives Breakdown
- Manage Azure Identities and Governance (15-20%)
- Manage Azure Active Directory (AD) objects.
- Manage role-based access control (RBAC).
- Manage subscriptions and governance.
- Implement and Manage Storage (10-15%)
- Manage storage accounts.
- Manage data in Azure Storage.
- Configure Azure files and Azure Blob Storage.
- Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (25-30%)
- Configure VMs for high availability and scalability.
- Automate deployment and configuration of VMs.
- Create and configure VMs.
- Create and configure containers.
- Create and configure Azure App Service.
- Configure and Manage Virtual Networking (30-35%)
- Implement and manage virtual networking.
- Configure name resolution.
- Secure access to virtual networks.
- Configure load balancing.
- Monitor and troubleshoot virtual networking.
- Integrate an on-premises network with an Azure virtual network.
- Monitor and Back Up Azure Resources (10-15%)
- Monitor resources by using Azure Monitor.
- Implement backup and recovery.
Detailed Objective Insights
- Azure Identities and Governance: This domain focuses on managing users, groups, and roles within Azure Active Directory and ensuring proper governance and compliance across Azure subscriptions.
- Storage Management: Candidates must understand how to implement and manage Azure storage solutions, including data replication, security, and access management.
- Azure Compute Resources: This area tests your ability to deploy, configure, and manage Azure virtual machines (VMs) and container instances, along with managing and configuring Azure App Service.
- Virtual Networking: This domain covers the setup and management of Azure virtual networks, including connectivity, network security, and hybrid networking.
- Monitoring and Backup: Candidates need to demonstrate their skills in monitoring Azure resources using Azure Monitor and implementing data protection strategies, including backup and recovery services.
Understanding these objectives is crucial for exam preparation, as they outline the specific skills and knowledge areas you’ll be tested on. Familiarity with these domains will guide your study and practice efforts, helping you focus on the areas most important for the AZ-104 exam.
Section 3: Tips for Preparing for the AZ-104 Exam
Successfully passing the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator exam requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Here are some targeted tips to help you prepare effectively for the exam.
Understand the Exam Objectives
- Review Each Domain: Start your preparation by thoroughly understanding the exam objectives outlined in Section 2. Align your study plan with these domains, as they cover the key areas you’ll be tested on.
Gain Hands-On Experience
- Practical Application: Utilize the Azure free account to gain hands-on experience with Azure services. Implementing real-world scenarios helps solidify your understanding of Azure administration tasks.
- Labs and Exercises: Look for labs and exercises that cover AZ-104 topics. Microsoft Learn, for example, offers hands-on learning paths that align with the exam objectives.
Use Microsoft Learn
- Microsoft Learn Modules: Take advantage of the free learning paths specifically designed for the AZ-104 exam on Microsoft Learn. These modules are comprehensive and cover both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises.
Leverage Online Courses and Videos
- Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Pluralsight, Udemy, and Coursera offer courses tailored to the AZ-104 exam. These can provide in-depth video lectures and often include quizzes and practice exams.
- YouTube Tutorials: YouTube hosts numerous tutorials and video series dedicated to Azure topics. These can be a great supplement to your learning, offering different perspectives and tips.
Engage with the Community
- Forums and Study Groups: Join Azure-focused forums and study groups. Platforms like Reddit, the Microsoft Tech Community, and LinkedIn groups can provide support, answer questions, and offer insights from people who have taken the exam.
Practice with Mock Exams
- Practice Tests: Taking practice exams can help familiarize you with the exam format and question types. It also helps identify areas where you need further study. Ensure you’re using up-to-date and reputable practice tests.
Review Documentation and Whitepapers
- Azure Documentation: The official Azure documentation is an invaluable resource for understanding specific services and features in depth.
- Whitepapers and Case Studies: Reviewing Microsoft’s whitepapers and case studies can provide insights into real-world Azure implementations and best practices.
Stay Updated
- Azure Updates: Azure services evolve rapidly. Stay informed about the latest updates and changes to Azure services by following the Azure blog or subscribing to Azure updates.
Prepare Physically and Mentally
- Rest Well: Ensure you’re well-rested before the exam day. Adequate rest can significantly impact your ability to recall information and think critically.
- Exam Day Strategy: Familiarize yourself with the exam’s structure and timing. Plan how you’ll allocate time to different sections to avoid rushing through the questions.
By following these tips and dedicating sufficient time to both theoretical study and practical experience, you can increase your chances of passing the AZ-104 exam and earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.
Section 4: AZ-104 Top Learning Resources Online
To effectively prepare for the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator exam, leveraging a variety of learning resources is key. Below are some of the top online resources that can help you study, understand, and practice the exam’s objectives thoroughly.
Microsoft Learn
- Description: The official learning platform from Microsoft offers modules specifically designed for the AZ-104 exam.
- Features: Interactive learning paths, hands-on labs, and knowledge checks.
- Link: Microsoft Learn – AZ-104
Pluralsight
- Description: A tech-focused online learning platform that provides a series of courses covering Azure administration in depth.
- Features: Comprehensive video courses, skill assessments, and learning paths tailored for Azure administrators.
- Link: Pluralsight – Azure Administration
Udemy
- Description: Offers a wide range of courses on Azure administration, including preparation for the AZ-104 exam.
- Features: Video lectures, practice tests, and course materials created by industry professionals.
- Link: Udemy – AZ-104 Courses
GitHub
- Description: Contains repositories with study guides, notes, and resources shared by community members who have taken the AZ-104 exam.
- Features: Community-contributed resources, free practice exams, and study materials.
- Search Tips: Search for “AZ-104 study guide” or “AZ-104 notes” on GitHub to find relevant repositories.
YouTube
- Description: A free platform with numerous tutorials, exam tips, and course reviews shared by Azure professionals and educators.
- Features: Video tutorials covering specific Azure topics, exam preparation strategies, and insights from experienced professionals.
- Search Tips: Look for “AZ-104 exam preparation” or “Azure Administrator tutorials” on YouTube.
LinkedIn Learning
- Description: Offers professional courses on Azure and cloud computing, including preparation for the AZ-104 exam.
- Features: Courses taught by industry experts, with a focus on practical skills and certification preparation.
- Link: LinkedIn Learning
Official Microsoft Documentation
- Description: The comprehensive documentation provided by Microsoft on Azure services is invaluable for in-depth learning.
- Features: Detailed guides, quickstarts, tutorials, and best practice recommendations for all Azure services.
- Link: Microsoft Docs – Azure
Online Forums and Study Groups
- Description: Platforms like the Microsoft Tech Community, Reddit, and LinkedIn groups where you can engage with peers, ask questions, and share resources.
- Features: Community support, advice from experienced professionals, and a platform for discussion and queries.
- Search Tips: Look for groups or forums focused on the AZ-104 exam or Azure administration.
Using these resources in combination can provide a comprehensive understanding of Azure administration and thoroughly prepare you for the AZ-104 exam. Whether through official Microsoft materials, community-driven content, or structured online courses, diversifying your study materials can enhance your learning experience and improve your chances of success.
Congratulations, you reached end of the article, you are serious about the 104 exam, certainly you will pass the exam.
All the Best!
