Step-by-Step Approach to Studying for the Microsoft AZ-104 Exam

If you aim to establish yourself as a certified Azure professional, the Microsoft AZ-104 Certification is a crucial starting point. This certification serves as the foundational step for those looking to advance to the Azure Solutions Architect Expert level, specifically the AZ-305. By passing the AZ-104 exam, you demonstrate your proficiency in managing Azure environments and your readiness for more advanced roles in cloud administration.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about preparing for the Microsoft AZ-104 Exam. You will find a comprehensive breakdown of the key topics covered on the exam, effective study strategies, and recommendations for resources that will help you maximize your preparation efforts.

Why Earning the AZ-104 Certification Matters

Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud platforms used by businesses and organizations around the world. With its versatile range of services, Azure powers various business operations, from hosting applications and managing data to handling identity management and providing scalable compute resources. As more companies transition to cloud-based and hybrid environments, the demand for skilled professionals capable of managing Azure infrastructures continues to grow.

By earning the Microsoft AZ-104 Certification, you prove to potential employers that you have the technical expertise and hands-on experience required to manage Azure environments effectively. The certification validates your ability to deploy, configure, monitor, and secure Azure resources, making you a key asset to any organization using Azure for its IT needs.

Furthermore, the AZ-104 exam acts as a prerequisite for higher-level certifications such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification (AZ-305). As a result, this certification serves as a vital stepping stone in your career path toward becoming an expert in Azure.

Exam Overview and Key Topics

The AZ-104 exam tests your ability to perform administrative tasks in Microsoft Azure. The exam is divided into five core areas:

1. Managing Azure Identities and Governance
   This section evaluates your skills in managing Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), including creating and managing users and groups, configuring roles and permissions, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and using policies and resource locks to govern your Azure resources. These tasks are essential for maintaining secure and well-organized environments.

2. Implementing and Managing Storage
   In this domain, you will be assessed on your ability to manage Azure storage accounts, implement data redundancy, configure blob containers, and manage access keys. You will also need to demonstrate your understanding of Azure Files, which enables you to share file systems in the cloud, and storage solutions like locally redundant storage (LRS) and geo-redundant storage (GRS).

3. Deploying and Managing Compute Resources
   This domain focuses on deploying virtual machines (VMs), configuring them, and ensuring that they run efficiently. You’ll also need to manage container services and Azure App Services. Additionally, understanding virtual machine scale sets, availability sets, and load balancing solutions is critical for ensuring high availability and scalability in Azure environments.

4. Configuring and Managing Virtual Networking
   Networking in Azure is another core area of the exam. You’ll need to configure virtual networks, subnets, and IP addressing. The exam will test your knowledge of network peering, DNS, route tables, and VPN gateway configurations. Networking is vital for ensuring secure communication between services within the Azure cloud.

5. Monitoring and Maintaining Azure Resources
   The last major area of focus is monitoring Azure resources. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to track performance, diagnose issues, and respond to alerts using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights. These tools are essential for ensuring that the resources you manage are running optimally.

Effective Study Strategies for the AZ-104 Exam

With a clear understanding of the exam’s content, it’s time to explore how to study efficiently to pass the Microsoft AZ-104 Exam on your first attempt. Here are some proven strategies to ensure you’re fully prepared.

1. Use Practice Tests to Identify Knowledge Gaps

Taking practice tests is one of the most effective ways to assess your readiness for the exam. These timed, scenario-based tests help reinforce your understanding of key concepts and give you a feel for the format and structure of the actual exam. When taking practice tests, try to focus on questions that closely mimic real exam scenarios. Review your performance after each test to pinpoint areas where you need further study.

2. Engage in Hands-On Labs

To fully grasp the concepts covered in the exam, practical experience is key. You can create a free Azure account with a trial credit to experiment with the platform and practice configuring resources in real-time. Hands-on labs allow you to deploy VMs, configure storage, and explore the Azure interface, providing you with the real-world skills needed to excel in both the exam and a professional environment.

3. Follow a Structured Learning Path

Many online platforms offer comprehensive study courses designed specifically for the AZ-104 exam. These courses typically include video lessons, interactive labs, quizzes, and exams that cover all aspects of the exam’s objectives. A structured learning path ensures you don’t miss any important topics and helps you stay organized as you progress through your studies.

4. Study the Official Microsoft Documentation

Microsoft’s official documentation is an invaluable resource when preparing for the AZ-104 Exam. The documentation is regularly updated to reflect new features and best practices. Make sure to bookmark key sections, such as those dealing with Azure Active Directory, VM deployment, and network configuration. The more you familiarize yourself with the official documentation, the better equipped you will be to answer exam questions accurately.

Understanding the Risks of Using Unverified Study Resources

While it can be tempting to turn to exam dumps or unverified resources to save time and effort, relying on such materials can severely hurt your preparation. Exam dumps typically consist of collections of real or simulated exam questions and answers. These resources may seem like a quick fix, but they often contain outdated or incorrect information, which can mislead you and hamper your understanding of the exam content.

Using unauthorized materials may also violate exam policies and result in severe consequences, including disqualification from the certification process. It is always better to focus on building real-world skills through legitimate study resources to ensure both your success on the exam and your long-term career development.

Mastering the Key Domains of the AZ-104 Exam

In this part, we’ll explore in more detail the five core domains of the Microsoft AZ-104 Exam. By understanding what each domain covers and how to approach studying them, you will be able to build a strong foundation and increase your chances of passing the exam on the first attempt. Each section of the exam is crucial for managing and maintaining Azure resources effectively, and mastering these areas will help you both during the test and in real-world cloud administration.

1. Managing Azure Identities and Governance

The first domain of the AZ-104 exam focuses on Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), identity management, and governance within the Azure environment. It’s essential to be familiar with key tools and concepts that are used to manage users, roles, and permissions in Azure.

Key Areas to Study:

• Azure Active Directory
  Azure AD is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service. You need to know how to create and manage user accounts, groups, and roles in Azure AD. Understanding how to configure role-based access control (RBAC) and assign roles to users is essential for controlling access to resources.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security to your Azure environment. Learn how to enable MFA for users, configure policies, and troubleshoot MFA-related issues. This feature helps protect against unauthorized access to sensitive information.

• Azure AD Connect
  Azure AD Connect allows you to synchronize your on-premises Active Directory with Azure AD, enabling hybrid identity solutions. Understanding how to install and configure Azure AD Connect, along with the necessary synchronization methods, is important.

• Governance Tools
  Azure includes several governance tools such as policies, resource locks, and tags. Learn how to use Azure Policy to enforce rules and ensure compliance, as well as how to use resource locks to prevent accidental deletion or modification of critical resources.

By mastering these tools and concepts, you will be able to effectively manage identities and secure your Azure environment.

2. Implementing and Managing Storage

The second domain of the exam covers Azure’s storage solutions. Azure provides a range of storage options, and you must understand how to implement and manage these resources, particularly when it comes to ensuring redundancy, accessibility, and security.

Key Areas to Study:

• Storage Accounts
  A storage account is the foundation of Azure’s storage services. Learn how to create and configure different types of storage accounts, including standard and premium accounts, and how to choose the right type for different use cases.

• Blob Storage
  Azure Blob Storage is used for storing unstructured data such as text or binary data. Study how to create and manage blob containers, configure access keys, and use shared access signatures (SAS) to securely grant limited access to blobs.

• Azure Files and Disks
  Azure Files provides file share capabilities in the cloud, similar to traditional file systems. Learn how to configure Azure Files, implement network file shares, and integrate them with on-premises applications. Also, understand how to manage Azure disks, which are essential for VM storage.

• Data Redundancy and Availability
  You need to understand the different types of redundancy offered by Azure, including locally redundant storage (LRS) and geo-redundant storage (GRS). These options ensure that your data is available even if there’s a hardware failure in a specific data center.

• Backup and Recovery
  Azure provides tools for backing up and recovering data. Learn how to use Azure Backup to protect data and understand how to restore it if necessary. Data protection is a key part of managing storage.

By getting hands-on experience with storage accounts and blob containers, you will gain the practical skills needed to manage data in the cloud efficiently.

3. Deploying and Managing Compute Resources

The compute domain of the AZ-104 exam focuses on virtual machines (VMs), App Services, and containers. These are the building blocks of Azure’s compute services, and mastering them is crucial for any Azure administrator.

Key Areas to Study:

• Virtual Machines
  Virtual machines are a core part of Azure’s compute offerings. Learn how to create, configure, and manage VMs in Azure. Study topics like selecting the appropriate VM size, configuring availability sets, and understanding VM scale sets for automatic scaling.

• Azure App Services
  Azure App Services is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering for hosting web apps, RESTful APIs, and mobile backends. Study how to deploy and manage web applications using Azure App Services, as well as how to monitor and troubleshoot them.

• Containers and Kubernetes
  Containers offer a way to deploy applications in isolated environments. Understand how to work with Docker containers and how Azure supports container orchestration through Kubernetes. Learn how to create and manage container instances and Kubernetes clusters within Azure.

• High Availability and Load Balancing
  To ensure uptime and scalability, you need to learn how to implement availability sets, scale sets, and load balancing. These features are essential for maintaining high availability and distributing traffic across multiple resources.

Mastering the deployment and management of compute resources will ensure that you can maintain flexible and scalable cloud infrastructures in Azure.

4. Configuring and Managing Virtual Networking

Networking is a critical domain in the AZ-104 exam. Azure’s networking services allow resources to communicate securely and efficiently across the cloud platform. You’ll need to understand how to configure and manage virtual networks, subnets, and network security.

Key Areas to Study:

• Virtual Networks
  Azure Virtual Networks (VNets) allow you to securely connect resources in the cloud. Learn how to create and configure VNets, subnets, and network interfaces, as well as how to set up private IP addressing and network security groups (NSGs) for controlling inbound and outbound traffic.

• VPN and ExpressRoute
  Azure supports hybrid cloud connectivity through VPN and ExpressRoute. Study how to configure site-to-site VPNs and how to set up private connectivity between on-premises networks and Azure through ExpressRoute.

• Load Balancers and Network Traffic Manager
  Azure Load Balancer distributes incoming traffic across multiple resources to ensure availability and reliability. Study how to configure load balancers for high availability. Additionally, Network Traffic Manager enables routing traffic to different Azure regions based on performance or geographic location.

• DNS and Route Tables
  Understand how Azure DNS can be used to manage domain names for services hosted on Azure. Learn how to configure route tables and customize network routing to ensure that network traffic is directed correctly.

By becoming proficient in Azure networking, you will be able to design and manage secure, efficient, and scalable network infrastructures within Azure.

5. Monitoring and Maintaining Azure Resources

The final domain of the AZ-104 exam focuses on monitoring and maintaining the health of Azure resources. Effective monitoring is essential for ensuring that services are running smoothly and that potential issues are addressed promptly.

Key Areas to Study:

• Azure Monitor
  Azure Monitor provides full-stack monitoring for Azure applications and services. Study how to set up monitoring solutions, configure alerts, and use built-in tools to track resource performance.

• Log Analytics
  Log Analytics allows you to query and analyze data collected from Azure resources. Learn how to set up and configure Log Analytics workspaces, run queries to investigate logs, and create dashboards to visualize data.

• Application Insights
  Application Insights is a powerful tool for monitoring the health and performance of web applications. Understand how to implement Application Insights to track application performance, usage patterns, and diagnose issues.

• Diagnostic Tools
  Learn how to use diagnostic tools like Network Watcher and Azure Advisor to troubleshoot and optimize Azure environments. Azure Advisor provides personalized best practices for optimizing performance, security, and cost.

Mastering the monitoring and maintenance of Azure resources ensures that your environments run efficiently and effectively.

Best Practices for Preparing for the AZ-104 Exam

In this section, we will explore some proven strategies and best practices to optimize your preparation for the Microsoft AZ-104 exam. The right approach, a combination of study resources and consistent practice, will help you feel confident when exam day arrives.

1. Use Practice Tests to Reinforce Learning

Taking practice tests is an essential study technique for the AZ-104 exam. These tests simulate the format and structure of the actual exam, providing an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you’ll face. Practice tests are valuable because they allow you to:

• Identify Knowledge Gaps: Practice exams help you pinpoint areas where you may need more focus. By reviewing incorrect answers, you can address these gaps in your understanding.

• Boost Confidence: Familiarizing yourself with the question format and timing will help you feel more at ease during the actual exam.

• Test Your Timing: The AZ-104 exam has a specific time limit, and practicing under time constraints will improve your ability to manage time effectively during the real test.

Ensure that you take multiple practice tests over the course of your study period. Each test should help reinforce your understanding and improve your performance.

2. Get Hands-On Experience with Azure

One of the most effective ways to learn Azure is by working directly in the Azure portal. Hands-on experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, which is a key focus of the AZ-104 exam.

Ways to Gain Hands-On Experience:

• Free Azure Account: Microsoft offers a free Azure account that includes $200 in credit for the first 30 days. This provides you with the opportunity to explore various Azure services and get practical experience without the risk of incurring costs.

• Create Resources: Practice creating and managing resources like virtual machines, storage accounts, and virtual networks. Familiarize yourself with the Azure interface and get comfortable performing tasks that are covered in the exam.

• Implement Security Features: Work on setting up Azure Active Directory, enabling multi-factor authentication, and configuring role-based access control (RBAC) to manage users and permissions effectively.

By regularly working within the Azure portal, you will reinforce your theoretical understanding and gain the hands-on skills that are vital for both the exam and real-world Azure administration.

3. Follow a Structured Study Plan

A structured study plan will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary exam objectives. Set specific goals and allocate time to study each domain systematically. Here’s how you can organize your study plan:

Steps to Create a Structured Study Plan:

• Set a Timeline: Depending on your availability, you should allocate 2-3 weeks to study for the exam. Plan to study for around 2-3 hours a day, which allows for a thorough understanding of each domain.

• Focus on One Domain at a Time: Breaking your study into smaller sections helps avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on one domain (e.g., “Managing Azure Identities and Governance”) and dedicate a few days to mastering it before moving on to the next domain.

• Review and Reinforce: At the end of each week, review the material you’ve covered so far. Take practice tests and revisit any weak areas.

• Use Study Resources: Refer to structured online courses, study guides, and Microsoft Learn modules to follow the official exam curriculum. Combining various resources will reinforce your understanding of each topic.

4. Leverage Official Microsoft Resources

Microsoft provides a range of official resources that are specifically designed to help candidates prepare for the AZ-104 exam. These resources include training materials, learning paths, and documentation, all of which are aligned with the latest exam objectives.

Key Resources to Use:

• Microsoft Learn: Microsoft’s official learning platform offers free, comprehensive modules that cover every exam objective. The learning paths are structured to provide both theoretical content and practical exercises to help reinforce your knowledge.

• Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft’s official documentation for Azure services is an invaluable resource. Use it to stay updated on new features and best practices, and refer to it when studying specific services like Azure Active Directory, Virtual Machines, and Networking.

• Microsoft Exam Study Guides: Microsoft’s official study guides and books provide a comprehensive breakdown of the exam objectives, detailed explanations of key concepts, and practice questions.

By relying on official resources, you ensure that your study materials are up to date and aligned with the actual exam.

5. Join Azure Study Groups or Forums

Participating in online study groups or forums can significantly enhance your preparation. These platforms offer an opportunity to connect with other exam candidates, share resources, and discuss tricky concepts. They also allow you to ask questions and get advice from more experienced Azure professionals.

Benefits of Study Groups:

• Knowledge Sharing: By discussing concepts with others, you can reinforce your understanding and gain new insights into difficult topics.

• Real-World Scenarios: Study groups often share real-world examples that can help you better understand how to apply your Azure knowledge in professional environments.

• Motivation and Accountability: Being part of a study group keeps you motivated and accountable, ensuring that you stay on track with your study goals.

There are several online communities and forums, including those hosted by Microsoft and other tech communities, where you can find support and share your journey with fellow learners.

6. Focus on Practical Skills, Not Just Theory

The AZ-104 exam isn’t just about memorizing facts; it tests your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. While studying for the exam, focus on gaining practical experience and problem-solving skills that you can use in an actual Azure environment.

Key Practical Skills to Focus On:

• Deploying and Managing VMs: You should be able to create and configure virtual machines, implement scaling solutions, and manage VM settings to optimize performance.

• Configuring Virtual Networks: Understand how to create virtual networks, set up subnets, and implement network security groups to secure communication between resources.

• Monitoring Azure Resources: Develop the ability to use monitoring tools like Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and Log Analytics to troubleshoot and optimize resources.

These practical skills are crucial for both the exam and real-world Azure administration. They will help you approach exam questions confidently and give you the hands-on experience required for the certification.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

As you prepare for the exam, avoid common mistakes that many candidates make. These include:

• Relying Too Much on Dumps: As mentioned earlier, using unverified or outdated exam dumps can be harmful to your preparation. Stick to legitimate study materials and resources.

• Skipping Practice: The AZ-104 exam requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Don’t neglect hands-on practice, as it is essential for mastering the exam content.

• Overloading on Theory: While understanding theoretical concepts is important, the exam tests your ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. Focus on both theory and practice to ensure balanced preparation.

By avoiding these pitfalls and sticking to proven study strategies, you’ll be in a much stronger position to succeed on exam day.

How to Schedule the AZ-104 Exam and What to Expect on Exam Day

Now that you have a strong understanding of how to prepare for the Microsoft AZ-104 exam, it’s time to discuss the next step: scheduling your exam and what to expect on the day of the test. In this section, we will walk you through the process of scheduling the exam, understanding the cost, and preparing for the exam day so that you can confidently take the test.

1. How to Schedule the AZ-104 Exam

Scheduling your AZ-104 exam is a straightforward process. Microsoft offers a user-friendly platform for registering and managing your certification exams. You can schedule the exam online and choose between different testing options that suit your preferences.

Steps to Schedule the AZ-104 Exam:

• Create or Sign in to Your Microsoft Certification Profile
  To schedule the AZ-104 exam, you must first create a Microsoft Certification Profile. Visit the official Microsoft Certification website and sign in with your Microsoft account, or create a new account if you don’t have one. This profile will contain your details and will be used to track your certifications.

• Search for the AZ-104 Exam
  Once you’re signed into your Microsoft Certification Profile, go to the certification dashboard and search for the “AZ-104” exam or “Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate” exam. You can find detailed information about the exam, including the topics covered, the cost, and the prerequisites.

• Choose Your Testing Option
  The AZ-104 exam can be taken in two different formats: an online proctored exam or an in-person exam at a Pearson VUE test center. You’ll need to decide which option works best for you:
  • Online Proctored Exam: This option allows you to take the exam remotely from your home or office. Ensure your environment meets all the technical and space requirements for online proctored exams, such as a quiet room, a functional webcam, and a stable internet connection.

  • In-Person Exam: For those who prefer a distraction-free environment, you can take the exam at a Pearson VUE test center near you. You can choose the location and schedule a convenient time for your exam.

• Select Date and Time
  After selecting the testing option, you’ll need to choose a date and time that works for you. The system will show available slots based on your location and selected exam format. Once you’ve picked a time, confirm the details.

• Confirm and Pay
  Once you’ve selected the exam time, you’ll proceed to the payment page. The AZ-104 exam typically costs around USD 165, though the price may vary based on your location and currency. Enter any applicable discount codes, such as student or company-sponsored discounts, if available. After making payment, you will receive a confirmation email with details about your exam.

2. ID Requirements for the AZ-104 Exam

Whether you are taking the exam online or in person, you will need to verify your identity before you can sit for the test.

For Online Exams:

• Government-Issued Photo ID: You’ll be asked to present a government-issued photo ID during the check-in process. Make sure the name, photo, and signature are visible.

• Workspace Check: You will also need to complete a workspace scan using your webcam. This is to ensure there are no unauthorized materials in your testing environment, such as notes or study resources.

For In-Person Exams:

• Two Forms of ID: You are required to bring two forms of ID, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license). The second form of ID can be another government-issued ID or a credit card, as long as it includes your name.

• Verify Your Identity: The exam proctor will verify your identity before you begin the test.

3. Technical Requirements for Online Testing

If you decide to take the online proctored exam, make sure your computer and environment meet the technical requirements set by Microsoft and Pearson VUE. Below are the minimum technical requirements for taking the AZ-104 exam online:

System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows or macOS (Chromebooks are not supported).

• Web Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

• Internet Connection: A reliable, high-speed internet connection is essential. Microsoft recommends a minimum speed of 1 Mbps for upload and download.

• Webcam and Microphone: A functional webcam and microphone are required for the proctor to monitor you during the exam.

• OnVUE Software: Pearson VUE’s OnVUE software needs to be installed on your system before the exam. This software is used to manage your online exam, including identity verification and proctoring.

Room Requirements:

• Quiet Space: Ensure your testing area is quiet, well-lit, and free of distractions.

• Desk Setup: Your desk should be clear of any materials other than the necessary items (ID, computer, etc.). During the exam, no books, notes, or electronic devices can be used.

System Check:

Before the exam begins, you will complete a system check to ensure your computer, webcam, and internet connection are working correctly. This will help avoid any issues during the exam.

4. What to Expect on Exam Day

Exam day is finally here! To ensure you’re fully prepared and confident, here’s what you can expect when you sit for the Microsoft AZ-104 exam.

For In-Person Exams:

• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This gives you enough time to check in and complete the necessary formalities.

• No Study Materials: The exam is closed-book, so you cannot bring study materials, notes, or any other resources with you. Focus on recalling everything you’ve learned during your study.

• Follow the Instructions: The test center proctor will guide you through the check-in process and explain the exam rules. Once you’re settled, you’ll begin the exam.

For Online Exams:

• Log In Early: It’s recommended to log in 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to complete the check-in process. This includes verifying your identity and performing the room scan.

• Digital Scratchpad: During the online exam, you will have access to a digital scratchpad for taking notes, but physical paper is not allowed.

• Technical Support: If you encounter any technical difficulties during the online exam, Pearson VUE provides real-time chat support to help resolve the issue.

5. Exam-Day Tips

To give yourself the best chance for success, keep these exam-day tips in mind:

• Stay Calm and Confident: You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to show what you know. Stay calm, manage your time wisely, and approach each question confidently.

• Read Each Question Carefully: Make sure you understand the question before answering. Pay attention to specific keywords or phrases that may indicate a particular solution.

• Don’t Rush: While the exam is timed, make sure to pace yourself. If you don’t know the answer right away, move on and come back to it later if time permits.

• Review Answers: If time allows, review your answers before submitting the exam. Double-check for any mistakes or overlooked details.

6. Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

Life can sometimes get in the way, and you may need to reschedule or cancel your exam. Microsoft allows you to reschedule or cancel your exam, but there are rules:

• Rescheduling: You can reschedule the AZ-104 exam up to 24 hours before your scheduled test time without incurring a penalty.

• Cancellation: If you cancel your exam, you may receive a refund, minus a cancellation fee. However, cancellations made within 24 hours of the exam will result in a forfeiture of the exam fee.

• Reschedule via Certification Dashboard: You can manage your exam appointment, including rescheduling or cancelling, directly from your Microsoft Certification Dashboard.

Final Thoughts

Successfully passing the Microsoft AZ-104 exam is an important step toward becoming a certified Azure administrator. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be fully prepared for the exam and will know what to expect on test day. With thorough preparation, a clear understanding of the exam process, and a calm, focused mindset, you’re ready to take the next step in your Azure certification journey.

Good luck on your exam, and remember that with dedication and persistence, you can achieve your goal of becoming a certified Azure professional!