How to Prepare for Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam?

The Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam is a certification exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in developing Microsoft Azure solutions. This exam is intended for developers who have experience in developing and maintaining Azure solutions and who can use Azure development tools, implement Azure compute solutions, and implement and manage Azure storage solutions.

The AZ-204 exam is a replacement for the older AZ-203 exam, which was retired in August 2020. When you pass this test, you’ll receive the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification. This shows you’re skilled at creating solutions using Azure.

Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam Glossary

Here are some key terms and concepts related to the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam:

1. Learn Azure: Microsoft’s cloud computing platform and services.
2. Azure App Service: A completely managed tool to create, put out, and grow web applications, backends for mobile apps, and RESTful APIs.
3. Azure Functions: A service where developers can run tiny bits of code (called functions) in the cloud, triggered by events.
4. Understand Azure Cosmos DB: A globally distributed, multi-model database service that supports NoSQL options such as MongoDB, Cassandra, Graph, and Table.
5. Azure Storage: A cloud-based storage service that provides durable, highly available, and massively scalable storage for unstructured data.
6. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): A service in the cloud that helps control who can use an application and what they can do with it.
7. Learn Azure Virtual Machines (VMs): A virtualized computing environment in the cloud that enables users to run applications and workloads on virtual machines.
8. Azure DevOps: A collection of tools and services to help you make, test, and put applications on Azure.
9. Azure Resource Manager (ARM): A management layer in Azure that enables users to create, manage, and deploy resources in a consistent manner.
10. RESTful API: A web API that conforms to the REST architectural style and uses HTTP verbs (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform operations on resources.

Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam Guide

here are the official links for the resources to prepare for the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam:

1. Microsoft Learn: Azure Developer Associate: This is the official learning path recommended by Microsoft for preparing for the AZ-204 exam. It includes modules, labs, and quizzes and is available for free.

Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/azure-developer/

2. Exam Skills Outline: This is the official exam skills outline provided by Microsoft that lists the topics and skills covered in the AZ-204 exam.

Link: https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE4Vq3t

3. Microsoft Azure Documentation: This is the official documentation for Azure, which provides comprehensive information on all Azure services and features. It includes articles, tutorials, and reference documentation.

Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/

4. Practice Exam: Microsoft also offers official practice exams for the AZ-204 exam. These practice tests imitate the real exam and can assist you in checking how ready you are and finding spots where you can do better.

Link: https://www.testpreptraining.com/developing-solutions-for-microsoft-azure-az-204-exam

Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for and pass the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam:

1. Review the exam skills outline: The exam skills outline provided by Microsoft lists the topics and skills that will be covered in the exam. Reviewing this outline can help you focus your preparation and identify areas where you need to improve.
2. Use Microsoft Learn: The Microsoft Learn platform provides a free, self-paced learning path specifically designed for the AZ-204 exam. It includes modules, labs, and quizzes that can help you gain the skills and knowledge required for the exam.
3. Practice with Azure: To do well in the AZ-204 exam, it’s crucial to get practical experience with Azure. Make an Azure account and try out its services and features. This way, you’ll grasp the ideas better and see how they work in real situations.
4. Use Azure documentation: The Azure documentation is a comprehensive resource for Azure developers. Use it to learn about Azure services, features, and concepts. Make sure you are familiar with the documentation on the topics covered in the exam.
5. Join Azure communities: Joining online communities and forums focused on Azure can provide valuable insights and resources for preparing for the AZ-204 exam. It can also give you the opportunity to connect with other Azure developers and learn from their experiences.
6. Take official practice exams: Microsoft offers official practice exams for the AZ-204 exam.
7. These practice tests copy the real exam and let you check how ready you are and find where you can get better. Use these practice tests to feel more sure and get ready well for the real exam.

Microsoft AZ-204 Course Outline

The domains covered in the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam endorse the necessary skills required for the operation of an Azure cloud developer. The preparation of domains in the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam version is rightly ideal for examining the technical skills and knowledge of candidates. 

1. Develop Azure compute solutions (25-30%)1.1 Implement containerized solutions

Create and manage container images for solutions (Microsoft Documentation: Build and deploy container images)Publish an image to Azure Container Registry (Microsoft Documentation: Push image to Azure Container Registry)Run containers by using Azure Container InstanceCreate solutions by using Azure Container Apps (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy a container application to Azure Container Instances)

1.2 Implement Azure App Service Web Apps

Create an Azure App Service Web App (Microsoft Documentation: Create an ASP.NET Core web app in Azure)Configure and implement diagnostics and logging (Microsoft Documentation: Enable diagnostics logging for apps in Azure App Service)Deploy code to a web app (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy your app to Azure App Service with a ZIP or WAR file)Configure web app settings including Transport Layer Security (TLS), API settings, and connection stringsImplement autoscalingConfigure deployment slots

1.3 Implement Azure functions

Create and deploy Azure Functions appsImplement input and output bindings (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Functions triggers and bindings concepts)Implement function triggers by using data operations, timers, and webhooks (Microsoft Documentation: Timer trigger for Azure Functions)

2. Develop for Azure storage (15-20%)2.1 Develop solutions that use Azure Cosmos DB storage

Perform operations on containers and items by using the SDKSet the appropriate consistency level for operations (Microsoft Documentation: Choose the right consistency level)Manage change feed notifications Change feed in Azure Cosmos DB)

2.2 Develop solutions that use blob storage

Set and retrieve properties and metadata (Microsoft Documentation: Setting properties and metadata during the import process)Perform operations on data by using the appropriate SDK (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Blob storage client library v12 for .NET)Implement storage policies and data lifecycle management

3. Implement Azure security (15-20%)3.1 Implement user authentication and authorization

Authenticate and authorize users by using the Microsoft Identity platform (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft identity platform)Authenticate and authorize users and apps by using Microsoft Entra ID (Microsoft Documentation: Configure your App Service or Azure Functions)Create and implement shared access signatures (Microsoft Documentation: Grant limited access to Azure Storage resources using shared access signatures (SAS))Implement solutions that interact with Microsoft Graph

3.2 Implement secure Azure solutions

Secure app configuration data by using the App Configuration and Azure Key Vault (Microsoft Documentation: Securely save secret application settings for a web application)Develop code that uses keys, secrets, and certificates stored in Azure Key Vault (Microsoft Documentation: Configure and manage secrets in Azure Key Vault)Implement Managed Identities for Azure resources (Microsoft Documentation: Use a Windows VM system-assigned managed identity to access Resource Manager)

4. Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure solutions (10-15%)4.1 Implement caching for solutions

Configure cache and expiration policies for Azure Cache for Redis configure Azure Cache for Redis)Implement secure and optimized application cache patterns including data sizing, connections, encryption, and expiration Caching guidance)Implement Azure Content Delivery Network endpoints and profiles

4.2 Troubleshoot solutions by using Application Insights

Monitor and analyze metrics, logs, and traces Azure Monitor Metrics overview)Implement Application Insights Web Test and Alerts (Microsoft Documentation: Creating an Application Insights Web Test and Alert Programmatically)

5. Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (25-25%)5.1 Implement API Management

Create an Azure API Management instance (Microsoft Documentation: Create a new Azure API Management service instance)Create and document APIsConfigure access to APIsImplement policies for APIs

5.3 Develop event-based solutions

Implement solutions that use Azure Event Grid (Microsoft Documentation: Automate resizing uploaded images using Event Grid)Implement solutions that use Azure Event Hub (Microsoft Documentation: Visualize data anomalies in real-time events sent to Azure Event Hubs)

5.4 Develop message-based solutions

Implement solutions that use Azure Service Bus (Microsoft Documentation: Update inventory using PowerShell and topics/subscriptions)Implement solutions that use Azure Queue Storage queues (Microsoft Documentation: Work with Azure storage queues)

Preparatory Guide to Qualify AZ-204 Exam 

Let us discuss some necessary steps in order to prepare for the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam. As a result, every candidate’s initial step should be to visit the official certification page. The certification page informs candidates about the exam’s availability and scoring system. The candidate should follow the steps below.

1. Revise the Objectives 

Taking a closer look at each part of the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam can give you more insight into what the exam aims for. Here’s an overview of the different areas of the AZ-204 exam. It’s smart to understand these areas since it makes getting ready for the test easier when you know what they’ll ask about.

• First of all, Develop Azure compute solutions (25-30%)
• Secondly, Develop for Azure storage (10-15%)
• Subsequently, Implement Azure security (15-20%)
• In addition, Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimizing the Azure solutions (10-15%)
• Lastly, Connect to and Utilise Azure services and third-party services (25-30%)

2. Review AZ-204 Exam Blueprint

After understanding the basics, the next good move is to get a study guide. Go to the official certification page to find the AZ-204 study guide or exam guide. It’s helpful to get the exam blueprint and check the goals and related stuff. The blueprint helps you focus only on what you need to know for the exam.

3. Effective Study Material 

Getting good study material can be tough. Here, we’ve made a list of books for the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam that you can use as references.

• Exam Ref AZ-203 Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure 1st Edition by Santiago Fernández Muñoz
• Microsoft Azure Cloud – Complete Practical Guide for Ultimate Beginners: Step By Step Azure Cloud Lab Manual by ProTechGurus
• Learn Microsoft Azure: Build, manage, and scale cloud applications using the Azure ecosystem by Mohamed Wali

Prepare for Microsoft Azure AZ-204 using the study guide!

4. Training Program by Microsoft 

Candidates should choose appropriate Microsoft Azure AZ-204 training courses from trustworthy certification training providers. The main advantage of these online courses is the guidance from experts who know the subject well. Also, there are engaging tutorial videos with practical examples that make learning easier. Candidates can also do hands-on labs as much as possible to practice in real situations.

Hands-on labs help improve skills for tackling technical tasks in certification exams. Candidates can sign up for the Azure free tier and practice hands-on exercises.

5. Practice Tests 

Before taking a certification exam, candidates should always prioritize practicing with tests. Using AZ-204 practice tests is a proven way to check how ready they are for the exam. This also helps them get better at managing time and thinking on their feet. As a result, candidates can increase their chances of passing the exam smoothly. The candidate can find many free practise tests online.  

To Conclude!

The study mentioned earlier provided important information about the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 certification exam and gave helpful tips for passing it. After that, candidates need to make the important decision to actually take the exam and start preparing accordingly. Getting certified isn’t easy; it requires a lot of effort. It also needs practice, time, and the right kind of focus. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PRACTISE TEST!

Learn and enhance your AZ-204 exam skills. Become a Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate Now!