Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Quick Facts (2025)

Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Certification Quick Facts

If you're navigating the world of cloud infrastructure and looking to break into roles requiring Azure expertise, understanding the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Certification is essential. This guide gives you everything you need to confidently prepare for and pass the AZ-104 exam.

What is the Azure Administrator Associate Certification?

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification validates your ability to implement, manage, and monitor Microsoft Azure environments. It's built for professionals responsible for maintaining core Azure infrastructure services such as networking, storage, computing, identity, and governance.

The certification confirms your ability to administer secure and scalable cloud environments using tools like the Azure Portal, Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI), Azure PowerShell, and Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates.

Who Is This Certification For?

This certification is ideal for:

• Cloud administrators and IT professionals managing Azure resources
• System administrators transitioning to cloud-based roles
• Infrastructure specialists supporting Azure services
• DevOps and network engineers working in hybrid cloud setups

It’s also a great entry point into Microsoft's role-based certification ecosystem for those seeking cloud administration credentials.

What Jobs Can I Get with This Certification?

Earning the Azure Administrator Associate certification signals to employers that you're ready for cloud-centric roles such as:

• Azure Administrator
• Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
• IT Systems Administrator
• Network and Cloud Security Specialist
• Systems Engineer – Cloud
• Cloud Operations Specialist
• And more...

It stands out across industries such as finance, healthcare, SaaS, and government where Microsoft Azure plays a major infrastructure role.

Which exam do I need to take?

To earn this certification, you need to pass Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator. This is the core exam for the associate-level Azure Administrator credential.

How much does the exam cost?

The AZ-104 exam costs $165 USD, although pricing varies by country or region. Microsoft occasionally offers vouchers or bundles, so check for current offers via the official certification portal.

How many questions are on the exam?

The exam typically includes around 60 questions. These may include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, case studies, and scenario-based items.

How much time is given for the exam?

You'll have 100 minutes to complete the exam. While the number of questions may vary slightly, time management is crucial, especially when navigating case-based and interactive questions.

What languages is the exam available in?

The AZ-104 exam is available in:

• English
• Japanese
• Chinese (Simplified/Traditional)
• Korean
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Italian

What’s the passing score?

You’ll need a scaled score of 700 out of 1000 to pass. Microsoft uses this scale to ensure fairness across different exam versions.

Is the exam difficult?

Although the AZ-104 exam is considered intermediate-level, many candidates face challenges due to the breadth of topics and hands-on nature of the questions. It's especially tough for those with limited real-world Azure experience.

Hands-on labs and realistic AZ-104 practice exams that replicate the test environment can make a massive difference in how well you perform on exam day.

What domains does the exam cover and what are their weightings?

The exam content is divided into the following five skill domains:

1. Manage Azure identities and governance (24%)

   • Microsoft Entra ID management (formerly Azure AD)
   • Role-based access control (RBAC)
   • Azure subscriptions and policies
   • Resource tagging, locking, and grouping

2. Implement and manage storage (19%)

   • Configure storage accounts and containers
   • Azure Files and Blob Storage
   • Security, replication, and access tiers
   • Data transfer with AzCopy, SAS, and Network Rules

3. Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (24%)

   • ARM templates and Bicep
   • Virtual machines and scale sets
   • Web apps in Azure App Service
   • Container Instances and Container Apps

4. Implement and manage virtual networking (19%)

   • Virtual networks, subnets, and peering
   • Network security groups (NSGs)
   • Load balancers and VPN gateways
   • Azure DNS and private endpoints

5. Monitor and maintain Azure resources (14%)

   • Azure Monitor, Alerts, and Insights
   • Logging and diagnostics
   • Backup and Recovery Services
   • Site Recovery and failover

Are there any prerequisites?

While there are no formal prerequisites, Microsoft recommends:

• 6+ months of hands-on experience administering Azure resources
• A firm understanding of networking, virtualization, and identity
• Familiarity with scripting tools like Azure CLI, PowerShell, and ARM/Bicep templates
• A basic grasp of on-premises vs. cloud infrastructure deployment models

What knowledge areas should I focus on?

Successful candidates tend to prioritize these focus areas:

1. Identity and Access Management

   • Master role assignments and Microsoft Entra ID configuration

2. Automation and Templates

   • Dive into ARM and Bicep for consistent deployments

3. Virtual Networks

   • Set up subnets, address spaces, DNS, and secure network boundaries

4. Storage and Backup

   • Secure storage using SAS, firewall rules, and lifecycle policies

5. Monitoring and Optimization

   • Implement alerts, analyze logs, and optimize cost/resource usage

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Beware of these common pitfalls:

• Skipping CLI or PowerShell hands-on labs, which form the backbone of Azure administration
• Overlooking role-based access implementation details, especially across scopes
• Ignoring the Azure Policy and governance model
• Relying solely on theoretical knowledge, rather than practicing real configurations
• Not practicing in a realistic exam environment, which affects time management and question familiarity

Using premium exam simulations for the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate exam can boost your confidence and help uncover knowledge gaps in a timed setting.

How can I prepare for the exam?

Microsoft and the broader certification community provide a wealth of resources:

1. Official Microsoft Learn Paths

   • AZ-104 prep content includes over 20 hours of guided content and labs
   • Tracks for networking, storage, compute, backup, and IAM

2. Hands-On Practice

   • Set up a free Azure account to spin up VMs, storage, and networks
   • Use Azure CLI and PowerShell alongside the portal

3. Certification Study Guide

   • Download the official AZ-104 study guide from Microsoft for up-to-date objectives

4. Videos & Webinars

   • Microsoft experts regularly host exam tips and walkthrough recordings

5. Exam Sandbox

   • Test how exam questions function in the real exam environment

6. Practice Tests

   • Use trusted third-party practice exams to simulate real-time testing and identify weak areas

How long is the certification valid?

Like other Microsoft role-based certifications, this one is valid for 12 months. However, renewal is free and online by passing a quick assessment on Microsoft Learn.

How do I maintain the certification?

To remain current:

1. Take the annual online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn
2. Stay informed about new Azure features and policies
3. Continue practicing in real-world environments to solidify your skills

What's next after AZ-104?

Once you’ve passed AZ-104, consider pursuing advanced certifications such as:

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) – Build and design scalable Azure solutions
• Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) – Focus on advanced security, threat protection, and governance
• Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) – Combine development and operations with automated pipelines

Where can I take the exam?

You have two exam delivery options:

1. Online Proctored Exam (at home/office)

   • Requires webcam, stable internet, and quiet environment

2. Authorized Testing Center (in-person)

   • Ideal for those preferring a supervised, distraction-free setting

How do I register for the exam?

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification page
2. Select "Schedule with Pearson VUE"
3. Choose either online or test center delivery
4. Pick your date and time
5. Pay and get registration confirmation with detailed instructions

What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

No need to panic. If you fail:

• You can retake it after 24 hours (on the first attempt)
• Understand your weak areas via the score report
• Use additional prep resources to improve performance
• Focus more deeply on misunderstood domains
• Practice more hands-on labs and time-based tests before retaking

Where can I find more information?

Visit the official Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification page to find current exam updates, preparation materials, and registration links. Staying current with the skills measured and Azure feature updates is crucial to long-term success.

This guide is your springboard into Azure infrastructure certification success—backed by solid preparation and practical hands-on knowledge. Good luck on your journey to earning the Azure Administrator Associate credential!