The Azure Administrator Associate certification shows you can run an Azure environment day to day: identities, governance, storage, compute, networking and monitoring. It’s the most common starting point for hands-on Azure roles and the prerequisite for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
I passed AZ-104 on 22 January 2026. On this page you’ll find what the exam covers, how I’d prepare if I were starting today, a free study plan, and ways to work with me if you want help getting across the line.
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How I passed
What the exam covers
AZ-104 is hands-on. Expect questions about how you’d configure something, not only what it is. The skills outline has five areas:
- Manage Azure identities and governance
- Implement and manage storage
- Deploy and manage Azure compute resources
- Implement and manage virtual networking
- Monitor and maintain Azure resources
Exam format
- Multiple choice, scenario questions, and possibly case studies or labs
- Passing score: 700 out of 1000
- Associate and Expert certifications are valid for one year. You renew them for free with an online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Exam details change. Check the official exam page before you book. Official AZ-104 page.
Who it’s for
System administrators moving to the cloud, help desk and infrastructure staff who want an Azure role, and anyone planning to go on to AZ-305.
How to prepare
- Get a free or pay-as-you-go Azure account and build things. Reading alone won’t get you through AZ-104.
- Spend extra time on virtual networking: peering, NSGs, routing, DNS and load balancing.
- Know Microsoft Entra ID, RBAC, Azure Policy and resource locks well.
- Practice with ARM templates and Bicep enough to read them.
- Take Microsoft Learn’s free practice assessment, then fill the gaps it shows.
Free AZ-104 study plan
Get my step-by-step AZ-104 study plan by email: what to study each week, the resources worth your time, and a checklist for the week before the exam. It’s free.
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AZ-104 course
If you’d rather follow a structured path, my AZ-104 course walks you through every exam domain with lessons, labs where they apply, and practice questions. You can also browse practice exams and guides in the store.
Book a session
Stuck on a domain, failed once already, or short on time? In a 1:1 session we go through where you are, what’s left, and a plan to get you to exam day. Book a session, or see 1:1 certification coaching. Training a team? Ask about corporate team training.
Verify
I hold the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification. Passed 22 January 2026.
What to take next
Where to go after AZ-104: