Microsoft's AZ-104 Azure Administrator Associate certification is a crucial credential for IT professionals aiming to validate their expertise in managing Azure services. This certification is highly sought after by organizations looking for skilled Azure administrators who can handle cloud operations, storage, networking, security, and identity management. If you're planning to pursue this certification, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know—from exam details to preparation strategies.
What is the AZ-104 Certification?
The Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 certification is designed for professionals responsible for implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Azure environment. This includes managing Azure identities, governance, storage, computing, and networking.
Why Should You Get the AZ-104 Certification?
- High Demand for Azure Administrators – Cloud computing adoption is growing, and organizations need certified professionals to manage cloud infrastructure.
- Better Career Opportunities – AZ-104 certification opens doors to roles like Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, and Infrastructure Engineer.
- Higher Salary Potential – Certified Azure administrators earn competitive salaries, with averages ranging from $80,000 to $125,000 annually.
- Microsoft’s Recognition – Being a Microsoft-certified professional increases your credibility in the industry.
- Enhanced Cloud Skills – Gain hands-on experience in managing Azure workloads effectively.
- Access to IT Certification Dumps – Many professionals use IT certification dumps to supplement their studies and reinforce key concepts.
- Azure Certification Benefits – This certification validates your skills and helps you stand out in the job market.
- Azure Certification Path – The AZ-104 exam is a crucial step in the Azure certification roadmap for cloud professionals.
Skills Measured in AZ-104
The AZ-104 exam tests your expertise in five key domains:
1. Manage Azure identities and governance (15-20%)
- Manage Azure AD users and groups
- Configure role-based access control (RBAC)
- Implement and manage Azure policies
2. Implement and manage storage (15-20%)
- Configure storage accounts and file shares
- Manage Azure Blob Storage and replication
- Implement backup solutions
3. Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20-25%)
- Configure virtual machines (VMs)
- Implement containers and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
- Manage Azure App Services
4. Configure and manage virtual networking (20-25%)
- Implement VNETs, subnets, and peering
- Configure Azure Firewall and security groups
- Implement load balancing solutions
5. Monitor and back up Azure resources (10-15%)
- Configure Azure Monitor and alerts
- Implement Azure Backup and Recovery Vault
- Monitor Azure security with Microsoft Defender
How to Prepare for the AZ-104 Exam
1. Understand the Exam Objectives
- Review the official Microsoft AZ-104 exam skills outline.
- Focus on areas where you have less experience.
2. Get Hands-On Experience
- Use Microsoft Azure Free Tier to practice real-world scenarios.
- Work on projects related to Azure VM deployment, networking, and identity management.
3. Use Study Guides and Training Courses
- Microsoft Learn: Free, official learning path for AZ-104.
- AllITPrep Courses: Comprehensive video tutorials, practice tests, and IT certification dumps.
- Books: "Exam Ref AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator" by Microsoft Press.
- Microsoft Azure Courses: Enroll in structured courses that cover Azure administration topics in-depth.
4. Take Practice Tests
- Use AllITPrep AZ-104 practice exams to assess your knowledge.
- Identify weak areas and focus on improving them.
- Leverage Practice Tests for Azure to get familiar with exam patterns.
5. Join Azure Communities and Forums
- Engage in Microsoft Tech Community, LinkedIn Groups, and Reddit.
- Ask questions and share experiences with certified professionals.
- Utilize Free Azure Learning Resources to enhance your understanding.
Tips for Passing the AZ-104 Exam
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely for each section during the exam.
- Understand Real-World Scenarios: Microsoft often includes scenario-based questions to test your practical knowledge.
- Focus on Labs: Hands-on experience with Azure services is crucial for answering lab-based questions.
- Review Documentation: Microsoft’s official documentation provides in-depth insights into Azure services.
- Stay Updated: Azure services and features change frequently—stay informed about updates before your exam.
- Leverage IT Certification Dumps: Many candidates use IT certification dumps to reinforce key concepts and familiarize themselves with exam patterns.
- Azure Exam Prep Tips: Review your weak areas, take notes, and simulate real exam conditions during practice tests.
Career Opportunities After AZ-104 Certification
Once you earn the AZ-104 certification, you can explore various career opportunities, such as:
- Azure Administrator ($80,000 - $120,000)
- Cloud Engineer ($90,000 - $130,000)
- Systems Administrator ($75,000 - $110,000)
- Infrastructure Engineer ($85,000 - $125,000)
- DevOps Engineer ($100,000 - $140,000)
What’s Next After AZ-104?
After passing AZ-104 certification, you can pursue advanced certifications to enhance your cloud expertise:
- AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert – For designing cloud solutions.
- AZ-400: DevOps Engineer Expert – For automation and DevOps strategies.
- AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer Associate – Focuses on cloud security.
- Azure Security Engineer Associate certification is a great option for professionals interested in securing cloud environments.
Customer Testimonials: Real Success Stories
- Comprehensive Exam Readiness – Gain a deep understanding of Azure administration with structured study resources and real-world use cases.
- Latest Azure Best Practices – Stay updated with constantly refreshed materials covering the most recent Azure cloud trends and technologies.
- Practical Implementation Insights – Master real-world applications of Azure identity, networking, storage, and security to enhance hands-on expertise.
- Flexible Study Resources – Access high-quality training materials, including videos, practice tests, and hands-on labs, anytime and anywhere.
- Expert-Backed Preparation – Get valuable insights and tips from Microsoft-certified professionals to tackle complex exam topics with confidence.
- Interactive Learning Hub – Engage with a thriving community of Azure learners, share study strategies, and get expert advice.
- Master Certification with Confidence – Follow step-by-step learning paths designed to ensure success in achieving your Azure certification goals.
Conclusion
The AZ-104 Azure Administrator Associate certification is a valuable credential for IT professionals looking to build a career in cloud administration. With the right preparation strategy, hands-on practice, and study resources, you can pass the exam and unlock new career opportunities in cloud computing.
Ready to ace the AZ-104 exam? Start your preparation today with AllITPrep’s expert-led training, practice tests, and IT certification dumps to ensure success.