How to Pass the Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam (AZ-104) in 2025

How To Pass The Microsoft Azur

In the modern web world, cloud computing technology is changing the way IT operates. And Microsoft Azure is in the middle of these transformations. Today, having the AZ-104 certification is a new solution for users to stand out as a skilled administrator. With this, you can prove you can work with cloud tech.

Modern companies start using Azure faster than ever. So, there is a need for professionals and it is soaring. The AZ-104 exam focuses on real-world, practical skills. So, it makes it a valuable credential for IT admins and cloud engineers, or it can be useful for one aiming to level up their career in the cloud.

Today, in our guide, we'll lay out a clear plan to help you ace the AZ-104 exam and take your career to the next level. So, join us, read the article to the end and get all the valuable information for your success.

Understanding the AZ-104 Certification and Its Relevance in 2025

The AZ-104 certification is a crucial part of Microsoft's Azure certification track. It's made for users who manage Azure environments on a daily basis. It validates your expertise in critical tasks. It includes managing subscriptions, securing identities, implementing storage solutions, configuring virtual networks, and monitoring resources.

In 2025, businesses increasingly adopt hybrid and multi-cloud strategies. So, the need for skilled administrators continues to grow. Companies rely on Azure for its scalability, security, and flexibility. It makes certified pros essential for maintaining robust cloud environments.

Why is the AZ-104 so critical today? The global shift to cloud infrastructure is accelerating. And Azure powers everything from small startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Certified administrators ensure these environments run smoothly. It makes the AZ-104 exam certification a must-have for anyone aiming to stay competitive in the job market.

It also serves as a foundation for advanced certifications. It includes AZ-305 or AZ-700. And it positions you for long-term career success. Whether you're an IT veteran or a newcomer to the cloud, it doesn't matter. The certification proves your ability to handle real-world challenges.

What Skills Does the AZ-104 Exam Measure?

The AZ-104 exam evaluates practical skills across five key domains. It ensures you can manage environments effectively. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

First, manage Azure identities and governance (15–20%). Handle user identities, assign roles (RBAC), and set up governance policies using Azure Active Directory (AD). You'll work with conditional access and compliance tools to secure resources.

Next goes implementing and managing storage (15–20%). This part focuses on setting up storage accounts, controlling data access, and secure storage. You'll need to know about blob storage, file shares, Azure Files, and encryption.

Then, deploy and manage compute resources (20–25%). Deploy and manage virtual machines, scaling, and containers. Be familiar with Virtual Machines, App Services, and Kubernetes Service.

After that comes configuring and managing virtual networking (20–25%). This part of the Microsoft AZ-104 exam tests your ability to set up virtual networks. Knowledge of virtual network peering, VPNs, and Azure Firewall is key.

And finally, you must monitor and back up Azure resources (10–15%). Use Azure Monitor for tracking, set up alerts, and manage backup/recovery with Azure Backup and Log Analytics.

Who Should Take the AZ-104 Exam?

The AZ 104 is tailored for pros with some Azure experience. Those usually want to validate their administrative skills.

It's perfect for system admins shifting from on-premises to cloud setups. It's also a good fit for IT operations pros looking to master Azure management and optimization. Or cloud support engineers can benefit from AZ-104. They aim to earn a globally recognized credential.

It also suits career switchers with basic Azure knowledge. For example, those with an AZ-900 certification. They're eager to break into cloud administration roles. As for cloud enthusiasts, they build a strong foundation for advanced Azure certifications or specialized positions. And they also benefit from AZ 104.

For example, you have experience with Azure fundamentals and some hands-on practice. Then, the AZ-104 is a natural next step. It's also perfect for users moving from traditional IT roles. For example, server or network management. Even those with limited cloud experience can succeed with good preparation and practice.

AZ-104 Exam Structure and Key Details

The AZ-104 exam is a 100-minute test. It's priced at $165 USD but costs may vary by region and currency. It consists of 40–60 questions that blend multiple-choice, case studies, and interactive simulations. Microsoft updates the exam periodically to reflect Azure's evolving features. So expect 2025 to include new services or configurations. For example, updates to Azure AD or networking tools. There are no formal prerequisites. But you should be good at Azure workloads, networking basics, virtualization concepts, and core IT principles.

The exam uses a scaled scoring model (out of 1,000) and a passing score is 700. Questions vary in format and complexity. They range from simple multiple-choice to scenario-based case studies. The last will even require deep analysis. Simulations test your ability to perform tasks in an Azure-like environment. For example, configuring a virtual network or setting up a storage account. Familiarity with the Azure portal is critical to navigate these tasks confidently.

Domains and Weight Distribution in AZ-104

The Azure 104 exam is divided into five domains. Each has a specific weight that guides your study focus. As we said before, the domains are: manage identities and governance, implement and manage storage, deploy and manage compute resources, configure and manage virtual networking, and monitor and back up resources.

Computing and networking carry the heaviest weight. So focus on mastering virtual machines, containers, and networks. However, don't neglect the other domains. They also contribute significantly to your score.

Exam Difficulty Level and Pass Rate Considerations

The Azure 104 exam is moderately challenging. It's positioned between the entry-level AZ-900 and expert-level exams like AZ-305. Its difficulty lies in its emphasis on practical skills. You can't rely solely on memorization. You need to understand how to configure, troubleshoot, and set services in real-world scenarios. For example, you might be asked to set up a virtual network with specific subnet configurations.

While Microsoft doesn't publish official pass rates, anecdotal evidence from training providers and community feedback suggests varying success rates depending on preparation level and hands-on experience. Those who struggle often lack practical experience or underestimate the exam's hands-on focus. Lab practice is critical to bridge the gap between theory and practice. So, spending time in the Azure portal, configuring services like VMs or storage accounts. It will significantly boost your chances of success.

Study Strategies to Succeed in AZ-104

Microsoft Azure 104 exam study for AZ 104 certification

Passing the AZ-104 requires a disciplined approach. Here are proven strategies to help you prepare effectively.

First, leverage Microsoft Learn. Its free learning paths cover all exam domains. It offers interactive modules, videos, and hands-on labs. They're tailored to the AZ-104 study guide. Also, enroll in instructor-led training. There are popular platforms like Readynez, Udemy, and Microsoft. There, you can get official courses. Those provide structured guidance and expert insights.

Besides, you can practice in Azure. Use a free Azure account. Experiment with virtual machines, storage accounts, networking configurations, and monitoring tools. You can also take practice exams. Simulate the real test with AZ-104 practice test options. It's to assess your readiness and identify weak areas.

Also, you can join communities. Engage with study groups on Reddit, Microsoft forums, LinkedIn, or Discord. Share tips, ask questions, and stay motivated. Finally, review exam objectives. Microsoft's official exam page lists detailed skills measured. It can help you focus on relevant topics.

Best Resources for AZ-104 Exam Preparation

Microsoft Learn is a fantastic starting point. It offers free, official learning paths. They align perfectly with the AZ-104 study guide. It includes interactive labs, quizzes, and videos covering every exam domain.

Do you want a deeper dive into complex topics like networking or governance? Then, Pluralsight delivers in-depth Azure courses led by expert instructors. If you're looking for affordability, Udemy has budget-friendly AZ-104 courses. They're packed with hands-on labs, practice questions, and real-world scenarios.

To simulate exam conditions and boost your confidence, Whizlabs offers realistic practice tests. Those closely mimic the actual exam. For AZ-104 practice tests, GitHub is a goldmine of community-shared labs and scripts. It lets you experiment with Azure configurations like setting up VMs or virtual networks.

A Cloud Guru stands out with its interactive courses. It blends real-world scenarios with lab environments to sharpen your practical skills. Lastly, don't overlook Microsoft's official Azure documentation. It's a treasure trove of detailed guides on services like Azure AD, storage, and networking. It's perfect for rounding out your prep.

Tips for Effective Exam Preparation in 2025

A structured study plan is essential for success in the AZ-104 practice test. For this, build a study schedule. Plan for 8–12 weeks, studying 1–2 hours daily. Adjust based on your experience level and existing Azure knowledge. Then, target weak domains. Use practice tests to pinpoint gaps (e.g., networking or governance). Then focus on those areas with a targeted study.

Also, practice hands-on. Set up virtual networks, deploy VMs, and configure storage accounts. Or create backup policies in the Azure portal to reinforce learning. Don't forget to simulate exam conditions. Take timed practice tests to build stamina. You must get comfortable with the exam format and question types.

Remember to balance work and study. Study during evenings or weekends to maintain consistency without risking burnout. Set realistic goals. For example, covering one domain per week. Stay updated. Check Microsoft's AZ 104 exam page for 2025 updates to ensure you're studying the latest objectives. It's because Azure services evolve rapidly.

Also, use study aids. Create cheat sheets or mind maps for complex topics and don't forget to take breaks. Avoid cramming by scheduling short breaks during study sessions. It will help to stay focused and retain information.

Exam-Day Strategy and Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you sit down for the Azure 104 exam, having a solid plan can make a big difference in how you perform. Start by managing your time smartly. Aim to spend about one to two minutes per question. If a question feels too tough, don't get stuck. Skip it, use the exam's flag feature to mark it. And come back to it later if you have time.

Pay close attention when reading, especially with case studies. It's because critical details - like specific requirements for a virtual network or an RBAC role - are often tucked away in the fine print. The flag feature is your friend for marking complex questions to review later. It helps you avoid wasting precious time.

For the Azure 104 exam, staying calm and confident is key. Trust the prep you've put in and don't overthink your answers. If you're unsure, try eliminating the obviously wrong options and go with the most logical choice.

There are a few pitfalls to watch out for, too. Don't skim through case studies - every word matters. And missing a key detail can lead to a wrong answer. Role-based access control comes up a lot in governance questions. So, make sure you're clear on roles like Owner, Contributor, and Reader. Networking concepts like subnets, VPNs, Azure Firewall, and network security groups are tested heavily. So practice those thoroughly.

For success, you must focus on mental and physical well-being. First of all, ensure you have a consistent 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Then, you must consume a light meal and arrive early. Or you can sign in early for an online exam. As a result, a focused mind will enable you to excel in your performance.

Final Thoughts: Why AZ-104 Remains a Career Game-Changer in 2025

The Microsoft AZ-104 certification is more than a credential. It's a powerful tool for building a future-proof career in the cloud. In 2025, companies deepen their reliance on Azure for digital transformation. So, certified administrators are in high demand. The AZ-104 demonstrates your ability to manage complex cloud environments. It's from securing identities to setting computer resources. Employers worldwide recognize it as a mark of expertise. It makes it a valuable asset for landing roles.

Beyond opportunities, the AZ-104 opens doors to advanced certifications. It paves the way for specialized, high-paying roles. It's not just about passing an exam. It's about proving you can handle real-world cloud challenges with confidence.

Start your preparation with our AZ-104 study guide. Dive into hands-on practice in the Azure portal. And test your skills with an AZ-104 practice test. The effort you invest today will pay off with career growth, higher earnings, and the skills to thrive.

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