Microsoft Azure Certifications are extremely popular among experts and newcomers who want to further their professions. The same is applicable to Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam AZ-104. There are several more benefits to it in addition to being involved in the most cutting-edge cloud technologies and learning more about them. This exam is worth all.
Passing the AZ-104 exam will help you earn the title of Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. With this qualification, you will be able to work as an Azure Administrator in a specific position in any international company. In other words, you will be in charge of setting up and maintaining a company’s cloud infrastructure. And, in order to help you achieve this role, let’s start our journey by covering all the basic details, study resources, tips, and training to pass the exam.
What is the Microsoft AZ-104 Exam?
The Microsoft Azure AZ-104 exam is intended for those who have in-depth knowledge of setting up, maintaining, and keeping track of a company’s Microsoft Azure infrastructure, which includes virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security, and governance.
The individual with these abilities frequently works as a member of a bigger group tasked with putting in place a company’s cloud infrastructure. To deliver Azure networking, security, database, application development, and DevOps solutions, they collaborate with other roles as well.
Knowledge required for the exam:
- An organization’s cloud infrastructure is frequently implemented by a bigger team that includes an Azure administrator. You need to have been administering Azure for at least six months, and you should be well-versed in the key services, workloads, security, and governance of the platform.
- Additionally, this position should have knowledge of PowerShell, the Azure CLI, the Azure interface, and templates for the Azure Resource Manager.
Coming on to the exam preparation part. Below, we will learn the steps and methods that will be useful for your exam preparation and help you earn this certification.
Steps for Passing the Microsoft AZ-104 Exam
If you want to administer and maintain records of a Microsoft Azure environment for an organization, being certified with the Microsoft Azure-104 exam would be a great place to begin. This admin-level certification exam for Microsoft is seen as the initial point for those who want to be a member of a bigger group tasked with setting up a company’s cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, if you already hold any of the following credentials or were pursuing them, you will do well on this exam:
- MCSE: Core Infrastructure
- MCSA: Windows Server 2012
- MCSA: Windows Server 2016
We all understand, however, how difficult it is to be prepared for any certification course. If we want to ace the test, we must follow the advised test-taking method. Here are some tips and study resources to help you pass the Microsoft AZ-104 exam.
1. Understand the basics details of the exam
Examine the Microsoft AZ-104 page on the Microsoft website first. There, you’ll get all the necessary information as well as preparatory choices from Microsoft. However, the basic details include:
Number of questions: 40-60 questions
Exam cost: $165 USD
Passing score: 700
Language: English, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian, Indonesian (Indonesia)
2. Utilizing the Exam Study Guide to Understand the Topics
After covering the exam basics, you must start your preparation by using the AZ-104 study guide if you want to be thoroughly familiar with the exam’s subject. With the help of this guide, you can more clearly understand the main ideas and objectives of the test.
This guide will provide you with a complete overview of the subjects you should pay particular attention to when studying for the test. You will also be able to understand all exam topics and discover study advice. All you need to do is carefully follow them in order to pass the certification exam. The topics are:
Module 1: Manage Azure identities and governance (20-25%)
1.1 Manage Microsoft Entra users and groups
- Create users and groups (Microsoft Documentation: Add or delete users using Azure Active Directory)
- Manage user and group properties
- Manage licenses in Microsoft Entra ID
- Manage external users
- Configure self-service password reset (SSPR) (Microsoft Documentation: Tutorial: Enable users to unlock their account or reset passwords using Azure Active Directory self-service password reset)
1.2 Manage access to Azure resources
- Manage built-in Azure roles
- Assign roles at different scopes
- Interpret access assignments
1.3 Manage Azure subscriptions and governance
- Implementing and managing Azure policy (Microsoft Documentation: Create and manage policies to enforce compliance)
- Configuring resource locks (Microsoft Documentation: Lock resources to prevent unexpected changes)
- Apply and manage tags on resources (Microsoft Documentation: Use tags to organize your Azure resources and management hierarchy)
- Managing resource groups (Microsoft Documentation: Move resources to a new resource group or subscription)
- Managing subscriptions (Microsoft Documentation: Organize and manage multiple Azure subscriptions)
- Manage costs by using alerts, budgets, and Azure Advisor recommendations (Microsoft Documentation: Use cost alerts to monitor usage and spending)
- Configuring management groups (Microsoft Documentation: Create management groups for resource organization and management)
Module 2: Implement and manage storage (15-20%)
2.1 Configure access to storage
- Configure Azure Storage firewalls and virtual networks
- Create and use shared access signature (SAS) tokens
- Configure stored access policies
- Manage access keys (Microsoft Documentation: Manage storage account access keys)
- Configure identity-based access for Azure Files
2.2 Configure and manage storage accounts
- Create and configure storage accounts
- Configure Azure Storage redundancy (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Storage redundancy)
- Configure object replication (Microsoft Documentation: Configure object replication for block blobs)
- Configure storage account encryption
- Manage data by using Azure Storage Explorer and AzCopy (Microsoft Documentation: Get started with AzCopy)
2.3 Configure Azure files and Azure blob storage
- Create and configure a file share in Azure Storage (Microsoft Documentation: Create an Azure file share)
- Create and configure a container in Blob Storage
- Configure storage tiers (Microsoft Documentation: Hot, Cool, and Archive access tiers for blob data)
- Configure snapshots and soft delete for Azure Files
- Configure blob lifecycle management (Microsoft Documentation: Configure a lifecycle management policy)
- Configure blob versioning
Module 3: Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20-25%)
3.1 Automate deployment of resources by using Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates or Bicep files
- Interpret an Azure Resource Manager template or a Bicep file
- Modify an existing Azure Resource Manager template
- Modify an existing Bicep file
- Deploy resources by using an Azure Resource Manager template or a Bicep file
- Export a deployment as an Azure Resource Manager template or convert an Azure Resource Manager template to a Bicep file
3.2 Create and configure Virtual Machines
- Create a Virtual Machine (Microsoft Documentation: Create a Windows virtual machine)
- Configure Azure Disk Encryption (Microsoft Documentation: Create and encrypt a Windows virtual machine with the Azure portal)
- Move a virtual machine to another resource group, subscription, or region (Microsoft Documentation: Move a Windows VM to another Azure subscription or resource group)
- Manage virtual machines sizes (Microsoft Documentation: Sizes for virtual machines in Azure)
- Add virtual machines disks
- Deploy virtual machines to availability zones and availability sets
- Deploy and configure an Azure Virtual Machines scale sets (Microsoft Documentation: Create a virtual machine scale set in the Azure portal)
3.3 Provision and manage containers in the Azure portal
- Create and manage an Azure container registry
- Provision a container by using Azure Container Instances
- Provision a container by using Azure Container Apps
- Manage sizing and scaling for containers, including Azure Container Instances and Azure Container Apps
3.4 Create and configure Azure App Service
- Provision an App Service plan
- Configure scaling for an App Service plan
- Create an App Service (Microsoft Documentation: App Service overview)
- Configure certificates and Transport Layer Security (TLS) for an App Service
- Map an existing custom DNS name to an App Service
- Configure a backup for an App Service (Microsoft Documentation: Back up and restore your app in Azure App Service)
- Configuring networking settings for an App Service (Microsoft Documentation: Configuring the Network)
- Configure deployment slots for an App Service
Module 4: Implement and manage virtual networking (15–20%)
4.1 Configure and manage virtual networks in Azure
- Create and configure virtual networks and subnets (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Virtual Network)
- Create and configure virtual network peering (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual network peering)
- Configure public IP addresses
- Configure user-defined network routes (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual network traffic routing)
- Troubleshoot network connectivity
4.2 Configure secure access to virtual networks
- Create and configure network security groups (NSGs) and application security groups (Microsoft Documentation: Network security groups)
- Evaluate effective security rules in NSGs (Microsoft Documentation: Effective security rules view in Azure Network Watcher)
- Implement Azure Bastion (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Bastion)
- Configure service endpoints for Azure platform as a service (PaaS)
- Configure private endpoints for Azure PaaS(Microsoft Documentation: private endpoint)
4.3 Configure name resolution and load balancing
- Configure Azure DNS
- Configure an internal or public load balancer (Microsoft Documentation: Create an internal load balancer)
- Troubleshoot load balancing (Microsoft Documentation: Troubleshoot Azure Load Balancer)
Module 5: Monitor and Maintain Azure resources (10-15%)
5.1 Monitor resources in Azure
- Interpret metrics in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Metrics in Azure Monitor)
- Configure log settings in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Monitor Logs overview)
- Query and analyze logs in Azure Monitor(Microsoft Documentation: Get started with log queries in Azure Monitor)
- Set up alert rules, action groups, and alert processing rules in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Create, view, and manage metric alerts using Azure Monitor)
- Configure and interpret monitoring of virtual machines, storage accounts, and networks by using Azure Monitor Insights (Microsoft Documentation: VM insights)
- Use Azure Network Watcher and Connection Monitor
5.2 Implement backup and recovery
- Create a Recovery Services vault (Microsoft Documentation: Create and configure a Recovery Services vault)
- Create Azure backup vault (Microsoft Documentation: Backup vaults overview)
- Create and configure backup policy
- Perform backup and restore operations by using Azure Backup (Microsoft Documentation: restore Azure VM data in Azure portal)
- Configure Azure Site Recovery for Azure resources (Microsoft Documentation: Azure to Azure disaster recovery architecture)
- Perform failover to a secondary region by using Site Recovery (Microsoft Documentation: Failover Azure VMs to a secondary region)
- Configure and interpret reports and alerts for backups (Microsoft Documentation: Configure Azure Backup reports)
3. Educate yourself via Microsoft Learning Paths
You can access exam-related knowledge via a variety of courses on Microsoft’s learning path. You can find these Microsoft AZ-104 test preparation resources on the exam’s official website. The ways for getting ready for exams include:
– Requirements for Azure administrators
Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/az-104-administrator-prerequisites/
As an Azure administrator, you must understand the fundamental Azure ideas. These are the AZ-104 Azure Administrator series learning paths:
Some of the modules in this include:
- Utilize tools to configure Azure resources:
- You will discover how to choose from a variety of tool options, including Azure Portal, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure Cloud Shell.
- Make use of Azure Resource Manager:
- You’ll discover how to utilize resource groups to arrange the Azure resources used by your company.
- Utilize Azure Resource Manager templates to configure resources:
- You’ll discover how to deploy assets reliably using Azure Resource Manager templates.
- Automate Azure operations with PowerShell scripts:
- To handle Azure resources, install Azure PowerShell locally.
- Utilize the CLI to manage Azure services:
- To administer Azure resources, install the Azure CLI locally.
- Utilize JSON ARM templates to deploy Azure infrastructure:
- Use Visual Studio Code to create JSON Azure Resource Manager templates (ARM templates) to regularly and dependably deploy your infrastructure to Azure.
– Azure identity and governance management
Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/az-104-manage-identities-governance/
Learn how to manage subscriptions, governance, role-based access control (RBAC), and objects from Azure Active Directory.
Some of the modules in this include:
- Azure Active Directory configuration:
- You will learn how to set up features like AD Join and Self-Service Password Reset in Azure Active Directory.
- Set up individual and group accounts:
- Become familiar with setting up individual and group accounts.
- Set up the subscriptions:
- Discover how to set up Azure subscriptions, including how to sign up, use cost management, and add tags to Azure resources.
- Setup Azure Policy:
- Learn how to implement compliance requirements by configuring Azure Policy.
- Create a role-based access control system:
- You will discover how to implement role-based access control to guarantee that resources are safeguarded while allowing users to continue to access the resources they require.
- Create Azure Active Directory users and groups:
- In Azure Active Directory, create users. Recognize the many categories of groupings. Form a group and include others in it. Manage guest accounts for commercial transactions.
– Implement and control Azure storage
Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/az-104-manage-storage/
Manage your storage accounts, Azure Storage data, and Azure File and Blob storage by reading this guide.
Some of the modules in this include:
- Set up storage accounts:
- The configuration of storage accounts, including replication and endpoints, will be covered.
- Set up blob storage:
- Blob storage configuration, including tiers and object replication, will be covered.
- Set storage security:
- You will discover how to set up aspects of standard storage security such as storage access signatures.
- Set up Azure File Sync and Azure Files:
- Azure file and file sync configuration will be covered.
- Organize storage using tools:
- With the use of programs like Storage Explorer and AZCopy, you will discover how to set up storage.
- Open a storage account in Azure:
- Create an Azure Storage account with the features your company needs.
- Utilize shared access signatures to manage access to Azure Storage:
- Using shared access signatures, you may securely provide users access to the data in your Azure Storage accounts.
– Manage and deploy Azure computing resources.
Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/az-104-manage-compute-resources/
Learn how to install and set up Web Apps, containers, and virtual machines in Azure.
Some of the modules in this include:
- Set up virtual machine:
- You will gain knowledge on how to size, store, and link virtual machines.
- Configure the availability of virtual machines:
- You will learn how to scale vertically and horizontally while configuring virtual machine availability.
- Create extensions for virtual machines:
- You’ll discover how to automate virtual machine deployments using extensions for virtual machines.
- Set up app service plans:
- You will learn how to scale and set the price for the App Service Plan.
- Azure App Services configuration:
- The Azure App Service, including deployment slots, will be configured and monitored for you.
- Azure Container Instances configuration:
- You will learn how to set up container groups and Azure Container Instances.
- Set up the Azure Kubernetes Service:
- You will discover how to set up Azure Kubernetes, including scalability, networking, and storage.
- Utilize the Azure CLI to control virtual machines:
- Learn how to manage virtual machines in Azure by creating, starting, stopping, and carrying out other administrative operations using the cross-platform Azure CLI.
– For Azure administrators, create and maintain virtual networks.
Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/az-104-manage-virtual-networks/
Learn how to set up and administer Azure network features including delivery, protection, and network monitoring services for applications as well as connection services.
Some of the modules in this include:
- Set up virtual networks:
- You will discover how to set up virtual networks, subnetworks, and IP addresses.
- Make network security groups configurations:
- You’ll discover how to set up network security groups and make sure the rules are followed appropriately.
- Set up the Azure Firewall:
- You will learn how to set up firewall rules and configure the Azure Firewall.
- Set up Azure DNS:
- You will discover how to set up Azure DNS, as well as unique domain names and record sets.
- Set up peering across virtual networks:
- In addition to addressing transit and connectivity issues, you will learn how to create a VNet peering connection.
- Setup VPN Gateway:
- You will discover how to build VPN gateways and safely link the sites of your business to Azure.
- ExpressRoute and Virtual WAN configuration:
- ExpressRoute and Virtual WAN configuration for connectivity services will be covered.
- Set up network endpoints and routes:
- The configuration of routes, including endpoints and private links, will be covered.
- Set up Azure Load Balancing:
- You will discover how to set up a private or public load balancer.
- Establish Azure Application Gateway settings:
- The configuration of an Azure Application Gateway will be covered.
– Tracking and backing up Azure resources
Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/az-104-monitor-backup-resources/
Learn how to use Azure Monitor to monitor resources and how to use backup and recovery in Azure.
Some of the modules in this include:
- Set up backups for files and folders:
- You will discover how to set up backup and restoration procedures that adhere to the legal requirements for your business.
- Create backups for virtual machines:
- You will discover how to set up virtual machine backups and restore procedures.
- Establish Azure Monitor:
- You’ll discover how to set up Azure Monitor, including how to search the activity log.
- Set up Azure alerts:
- You’ll discover how to set up Azure alerts with action groups.
- Set Log Analytics:
- You will discover how to set up Log Analytics, including query structure.
- Create Network Watcher settings:
- You will discover how to set up Network Watcher and fix typical networking issues.
- Enhance incident response with Azure alerting:
- Utilize alerting features in Azure Monitor to respond to issues and activity in your infrastructure.
4. Enhance skills using Microsoft Instructor-led Training
Microsoft Azure Administrator:
In this course, IT professionals will learn how to manage their Azure subscriptions, safeguard user identities, manage infrastructure, set up virtual networking, link Azure and on-premises sites, control network traffic, implement storage solutions, build and scale virtual machines, implement web apps and containers, back up and share data, and monitor your solution.
Audience Profile:
- Azure Administrators should take this course. In a cloud environment, the Azure Administrator implements and oversees identity, governance, storage, computing, and virtual networks.
- In accordance with need, the Azure Administrator will provide, size, monitor, and modify resources.
5. Join Online Study Communities and Groups
A helpful source for preparing for the certification exam is online study groups. They make it possible for you to be surrounded by test-takers. You can pick up thoughts and ideas that will help you comprehend the topic more rapidly. You could come across additional study materials and other tools that can help in your appropriate comprehension of the concepts evaluated on the exam. Lastly, you can participate in the discussion by contributing your exam-related queries and doubts.
6. Start taking practice tests
This is yet another key component of the study guide that will help you not only identify your areas of weakness but also develop a strong degree of revision. In other words, by using the practice exams, you can sharpen your answer-writing abilities while also saving a lot more time. There are several free sample exams accessible to get you familiar with AZ-104 tests. You can use practice exams as part of your study once you’ve studied over a section or a few topics.
Final Words
When you are certain that you have understood all of the exam objectives, review your notes to ensure that you are completely prepared. Review your notes, take as many AZ-104 practice exams as you can, and be active in online groups to achieve this. Develop your abilities to provide, size, monitor, and alter resources as necessary, as well as manage and monitor identity, governance, storage, computing, and virtual networks in a cloud environment. You’ll be ready and confident to pass the Microsoft AZ-104 exam.
