Things have shifted, and now certifications are the most valuable qualifications for those aiming for a thriving IT career. Certifications are vital for showcasing your accomplishments in a competitive job market, so keeping your certification up-to-date is crucial. Speaking of which, Microsoft Azure, a significant player in the IT industry, has introduced the AZ-104 exam. This marks a big change in the Azure Certification path, as the AZ-104 exam has replaced the old AZ-103 exam.
Therefore, in this article, we’re going to discuss all the new features of the AZ-104 certification examination. Every tiny detail that marks the difference and each and every new information will be provided in this article. So, let’s begin as we aren’t sparing any detail!
The very new Release AZ-104
According to Microsoft’s official website, the AZ-104 certification test is an upgraded version of the AZ-103. This is the new test that replaces the AZ-103 exam, and applicants must now pass the AZ-104 exam to become a Microsoft Azure Certified Administrator. However, the test is currently only available in beta form. Candidates can take the AZ-104 test between March 31 and April 30, 2020. Above all, applicants should be aware that the AZ-104 test is now unavailable. Because Microsoft is planning a 90-day phased rollout timetable. When then, the exam will be offered after the AZ-103 exam has been retired.
What new in AZ-104 Certification Exam?
For obvious reasons, one must question what changed between the old AZ-103 test and the new AZ-104 exam. The biggest change that arises, as previously said, is the variance in the course plan. Why? You are free to inquire. The most crucial part of staying current with technology is the advent of the new AZ-104 test.
– Target Audience Updated
The Azure Administrator is responsible for setting up, overseeing, and keeping an eye on identity, control, storage, virtual networks, and computing in a cloud setting. They also handle tasks like setting up, measuring, observing, and adapting resources when needed.
– Changes in Prerequisites
Candidates should have at least six months of hands-on Azure administration expertise. Core Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and governance should all be well-understood by candidates. You should be familiar with PowerShell, the Command Line Interface, Azure Portal, and ARM templates in order to pass this exam.
– New improved Identities
The two sections of the new AZ-104 certification exam, Managing Azure subscriptions and identities, have been combined into one. On the one hand, the administration of Azure identities and governance is covered in the first domain of the AZ-104 test. The administration of Azure subscriptions and resources is the first domain in the AZ-103 test, on the other hand. As a result, the subtopics differ significantly, despite the fact that they all deal with the management of role-based access control (RBAC).
– Concentrating Management of Data
On viewing the second domain, one may notice that implementation and management of storage are unchanged in both AZ-103 and the AZ-104 exam. However, the AZ-104 exam includes the management of storage accounts of the creation and configuration of storage accounts. In addition, the AZ-104 exam also comprises of the management of data in Azure storage instead of just importing and exporting data to Azure. Also, the AZ-104 certification exam omits the implementation of Azure backup from the domain of implementation and management of Azure Storage.
– A Separate Domain for Backup
A significant change in the AZ-104 Azure Administrator certification exam is the addition of a domain focusing on monitoring and backup of Azure resources. This new domain covers tasks like using Azure Monitor to keep an eye on resources and setting up backup and recovery processes.
– Shift from Virtual Machines to Compute Resources
As mentioned earlier, the AZ-104 exam now emphasizes the setup and control of Azure Compute resources, shifting away from just virtual machines in the third section. Additionally, the AZ-104 Azure Administrator certification exam covers subjects related to making and adjusting containers and Web Apps in this section.
Now that you understand the changes made in the Certification, it’s time to refresh your brain and get familiarized with the new exam details and Course Outline.
Overview: AZ-104 exam 
Every new update exam comes with new changes. However, one should not freak out. Therefore, it’s always good to be familiar with the examination beforehand. And, in this section, we’re going to discuss the new AZ-104 exam.
AZ-104 exam Microsoft Azure administrator is tailored for candidates who will handle identity, governance, storage, computing, and virtual networks in a cloud setup. What’s more, the Azure Administrator will also take care of tasks like setting up, sizing, keeping an eye on, and modifying resources as needed.
Benefits of the new AZ-104 examination
Microsoft Azure stands as one of the most well-liked cloud computing platforms. The AZ-103 exam exam is set to retire soon, making way for the AZ-104 exam, which is expected to be available to candidates around March 31, 2020. In a rapidly evolving IT industry, where new and improved technologies are constantly emerging, the AZ-104 exam aims to provide you with a competitive edge in the bustling IT job market.
Here is a list of benefits a candidate will surely enjoy after the qualifying the AZ-104 exam-
- The new AZ-104 exam will help the candidate with career advancements. As a result, boosting one’s self-confidence.
- New certification comes with new and updated learning and skills. Thereby, refreshing candidate’s prior knowledge.
- Also, this will be proof that the candidate is proficient in new technology.
Now, that you understand the advantages of the new examination i.e. AZ-104, it’s time for you to view the exam details.
All Details Here!
When it comes to the certification exams, every minute detail becomes important. So, in this section, we’re going through each and every detail, for your convenience.
AZ-104 Exam Prerequisites
As mentioned earlier, the AZ-104 certification exam is actually the new version of the previous AZ-103 exam with slight modifications. And, the examination is ideal for candidates who wish to become an Azure Administrator. However, these are a few requirements one must be proficient in before appearing for the AZ-104 exam-
- To begin, having at least half a year of hands-on experience with Azure work management is necessary.
- Due to the nature of an Azure administrator’s job, which includes suggesting services for top-notch performance and scalability, candidates should also excel in core Azure services, governance, workloads, and security.
- A deep understanding of virtualization, networking, operating systems, cloud infrastructure, and storage setups is essential.
- Additionally, candidates should be familiar with utilizing PowerShell, the Command Line Interface, Azure Portal, and ARM templates.
Basic Detail
The new AZ-104 beta exam is only available in the English language. The AZ-104 fee for the exam is USD 165 that varies from country to country.
The next very important piece of information, that one must not forget, is to view the course outline. So, let’s view the newly updated course outline and all the differences that it holds.
New and Revised Course Outline
The most significant part of every test is the course outline. Since a result, don’t ignore this part, as it contains the most crucial material for the AZ-104 test. All of the domains specified in the course outline will assist the applicant in laying the foundation for the AZ-104 test. Each domain offers a number of subtopics that will help you prepare for each topic in more detail. Furthermore, each domain has a certain weighting that is plainly stated next to it. This also allows the applicant to recognise the importance of each area in the examination questions. So, for a better understanding, let’s go over the course outline.
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)
This marks the end of the course outline. As mentioned above, the course outline comprises of most of the changes and updates in the AZ-104 exam. So, let’s view these new changes and updates.
Updated Exam Updated Resources: AZ-104 Exam Study Guide
New and updated exam demands new and updated new learning resources. So, in this section, we’ll provide you with the new learning resources so that you aren’t left empty-handed.
1. The Official Certification Page
This must be your first and foremost step while preparing for the certification. The official AZ-104 exam certification page is the most authentic source to attain relevant information about the AZ-104 exam. Here you can view all the details regarding the exam. By doing so, you’ll have a clear view of each and every information related to the AZ-104 exam. So, make sure, to begin with, this step.
2. Explore the Exam Guide and Stick to It
After that, make sure to obtain the exam skill summary from the official website. You can download the latest exam outline to see all the areas covered, including their subtopics. Remember, it’s crucial to use the official website for this information, as the test changes every few years, and the official site provides the most reliable and up-to-date details.
Check out the AZ-104 study guide for better preparation!
3. Online Courses and Practice Tests
Online training programs offered by trustworthy platforms like Tespreptraining can serve as excellent ways for candidates to get ready for the exam. Microsoft AZ-104 exam training courses offer candidates the opportunity to receive dependable guidance from professionals skilled in Microsoft Azure administration. After this, candidates must practice using AZ-104 exam sample tests.
Bottom Line
Certifications are invaluable for anyone aiming for a successful IT career. While a four-year degree is a solid foundation, certifications give you an extra edge and show employers that you’re dedicated to your job. They prove you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and relevant technology.
If you’re aspiring to be an Azure administrator, be aware that a new exam is on the horizon! The AZ-104 exam is changing the current format for Azure administrator certification. We’ve covered all the details about the new Azure AZ-104 exam.
Next, use the information provided here as soon as possible. Also, make sure to stay updated with the Microsoft Azure learning community for any new changes in the Microsoft AZ-104 certification exam. Stay informed and stay ahead of the game!
Also note that the last date to take the Microsoft Azure AZ-103 exam is June 30, 2020. So, start your preparation for the exam now and get ready to take the exam.
Make your resume stand out and become a Certified Microsoft Azure Administrator. Try free practice tests here!
