The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator certification remains one of the most valuable cloud credentials in 2026. It validates your ability to manage Azure environments, including identities, compute, storage, networking, and governance.
This exam is not theoretical. It tests whether you can:
- Configure Azure resources
- Manage subscriptions and identities
- Monitor performance
- Secure cloud environments
Microsoft expects candidates to actively manage cloud infrastructure, not just understand concepts. That is why preparation requires both knowledge and hands-on practice.
What the AZ-104 Exam Tests
The AZ-104 exam focuses on real administrative tasks performed in Azure.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing Azure identities and governance
Implementing and managing storage
Deploying and managing compute resources
Configuring and managing virtual networking
Monitoring and maintaining Azure resources
These domains reflect real job roles like:
Azure Administrator
Cloud Engineer
System Administrator (Cloud-focused)
To better understand how these responsibilities are tested in real scenarios, reviewing AZ-104 exam questions and answers can help you align your preparation with actual exam expectations.
AZ-104 Exam Domains Breakdown
Here is a clear breakdown of the main domains you need to prepare:
| Domain | What You Need to Learn |
|---|---|
| Identity & Governance | Azure AD, RBAC, subscriptions, policies |
| Storage | Blob storage, file shares, access tiers, replication |
| Compute | Virtual machines, App Services, containers |
| Networking | VNets, subnets, NSGs, load balancers |
| Monitoring | Azure Monitor, alerts, backups |
Each domain is important, and questions are often scenario-based.
Step 1: Understand Identity and Governance
Identity and governance is one of the most important areas in AZ-104.
You should focus on:
- Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
- Users and groups
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Subscriptions and management groups
- Azure Policy
Why this matters
Many questions test:
- Who has access
- What permissions are applied
- How to secure resources
If you do not understand RBAC properly, many questions will feel confusing.
Step 2: Learn Azure Storage Concepts
Storage is a core Azure service and appears frequently in exams.
Key topics include:
- Blob storage
- File shares
- Storage accounts
- Access tiers (hot, cool, archive)
- Redundancy (LRS, GRS, ZRS)
- Shared access signatures (SAS)
What to expect
Questions often ask:
- Which storage type to use
- How to secure data
- How to reduce cost
Understanding real use cases is important here.
Step 3: Master Compute Resources
Compute is about running applications and services.
Focus on:
- Virtual Machines (VMs)
- VM scaling and availability sets
- Azure App Services
- Containers and Kubernetes basics
Key areas
- VM deployment
- VM sizing
- Scaling options
- High availability
Questions often involve choosing the best compute solution.
Watch Cert Empire’s YouTube video for a complete and easy explanation: 🔻
Step 4: Understand Networking
Networking is one of the most challenging parts of AZ-104.
Topics include:
- Virtual Networks (VNets)
- Subnets
- Network Security Groups (NSGs)
- Load Balancers
- VPN Gateway
- DNS
Why it feels difficult
- Many components interact together
- Requires logical thinking
- Scenario-based questions are common
You should understand how data flows between resources.
Step 5: Monitoring and Backup
Monitoring ensures your system runs smoothly.
Focus on:
- Azure Monitor
- Log Analytics
- Alerts
- Backup and recovery
- Resource health
What to expect
Questions may ask:
- How to monitor performance
- How to detect issues
- How to recover data
4-Week AZ-104 Study Plan
A structured plan makes preparation easier.
Week 1: Identity and Storage
- Learn Azure AD and RBAC
- Study storage accounts and services
- Practice small labs
Week 2: Compute and Networking
- Deploy VMs and App Services
- Understand networking concepts
- Practice scenarios
Week 3: Monitoring and Integration
- Learn Azure Monitor and backups
- Combine multiple services
- Focus on real-world use cases
Week 4: Practice and Revision
- Take mock exams
- Review weak areas
- Practice time management
Why Hands-On Practice Is Critical
AZ-104 is not a theory exam.
You must:
- Create Azure resources
- Configure services
- Test real scenarios
Without hands-on practice, many questions will feel unfamiliar.
Using Practice Questions Effectively
Practice questions help you:
- Understand exam patterns
- Improve speed
- Identify weak areas
Focus on:
- Scenario-based questions
- Real-world decision-making
- Explanation review
Some learners use platforms like Cert Mage after studying concepts to practice exam-style questions and improve accuracy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Networking
Networking is heavily tested and often misunderstood.
2. Skipping Hands-On Labs
Reading alone is not enough.
3. Memorizing Instead of Understanding
Azure exams test decision-making.
4. Not Following Exam Domains
Random study leads to poor results.
5. Using Outdated Material
Azure services evolve quickly.
How Difficult Is AZ-104 in 2026
AZ-104 is considered:
- Moderate to difficult
Why?
- Wide topic coverage
- Scenario-based questions
- Real-world application focus
It is easier for candidates with:
- Cloud experience
- Hands-on practice
- Structured study plans
Final Tips for Exam Day
- Read questions carefully
- Eliminate wrong options first
- Manage your time
- Stay calm
Confidence comes from preparation.
Summary
AZ-104 is one of the best certifications to build a cloud career.
It validates:
- Practical Azure skills
- Real-world problem-solving
- Cloud administration knowledge
If you follow a structured study plan, practice regularly, and focus on real scenarios, passing the exam becomes achievable.
The goal is not just to pass, but to understand Microsoft Azure as a working platform.
A compact visual guide has been published on Cert MAge’s Instagram.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to prepare for AZ-104?
Most candidates take four to eight weeks depending on experience, with consistent study and hands-on practice being the most important factors.
2. Is AZ-104 difficult for beginners?
Yes, it can be challenging because it covers multiple Azure services, but beginners can pass with structured study and practical experience.
3. How many questions are in AZ-104 exam?
The exam typically includes around 40 to 60 questions with a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based formats.
4. Is hands-on practice required for AZ-104?
Yes, hands-on practice is essential because the exam tests real-world Azure administration tasks rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Discover more: AI-103 vs AI-200 Exam | Which New Microsoft AI Certification Is Right for You? 2026