AZ-104 Exam Topics - Must-Know Microsoft Azure Skills

Master core Azure skills like managing subscriptions, resources, storage, and virtual networks. Learn identity management, security, and cost optimization. Focus on Azure CLI, PowerShell, and monitoring tools. Perfect for Azure administrators. For detailed study guides and practice tests, visit Study4Pass to ace your AZ-104 exam effortlessly!

Tech Professionals

11 April 2025

Microsoft

What is the AZ-104 Exam?

The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator certification exam is designed for IT professionals who manage cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute capabilities within Microsoft Azure. It’s not just a test of theory it requires hands-on skills, real-world experience, and an understanding of Azure core services.

This exam replaces the older AZ-103 exam and aligns with updated Azure technologies and administrative roles. Upon successful completion, candidates earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate credential an industry-trusted validation of your expertise in Azure administration.

Why the AZ-104 Certification Matters?

In today’s job market, cloud proficiency is more than a bonus it’s a necessity. Azure’s global infrastructure supports thousands of enterprises, and they need skilled administrators to maintain, secure, and scale their cloud environments. Here’s why the AZ-104 certification holds weight:

Industry Recognition: Microsoft certifications are globally recognized and respected.
Career Advancement: It opens doors to job roles such as Cloud Administrator, Azure Administrator, Infrastructure Engineer, and more.
Higher Earning Potential: Certified professionals consistently earn more than their non-certified peers.
Validation of Skills: The AZ-104 proves that you can deploy, manage, and monitor resources in Azure effectively.

Who Should Take the AZ-104 Exam?

The AZ-104 exam is ideal for:

IT professionals transitioning to cloud-based roles.
System administrators expanding their cloud knowledge.
Network and security admins aiming to integrate Azure into their infrastructure.
Anyone looking to solidify a career in Microsoft Azure administration.

If you’re someone who has experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, PowerShell, or virtualization, you’ll find that these skills translate well into Azure administration tasks.

Complete Breakdown: AZ-104 Exam Topics

To pass the AZ-104 exam, you must understand what skills are measured. Microsoft breaks the exam into six functional domains. Let’s explore them:

1. Manage Azure Identities and Governance (15-20%)

Key Areas:

Manage Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) objects (users, groups, devices)
Manage role-based access control (RBAC)
Manage subscriptions and governance, including:
- Azure policies
- Resource locks
- Tags
- Azure Blueprints

Why it Matters:

Security and identity are at the heart of every cloud deployment. Azure AD is the backbone of authentication and authorization in Azure. Administrators must master identity management, especially RBAC, which controls access to resources.

Study4Pass covers this module thoroughly, offering real-world scenarios and practice questions that reflect the exam's structure.

2. Implement and Manage Storage (15-20%)

Key Areas:

Secure and manage storage accounts
Manage data in Azure Storage:
- Blob storage
- File shares
Configure Azure Files and Azure Blob Storage
Implement Azure Storage lifecycle policies

Why it Matters:

Every cloud service needs storage. You must understand how to secure, scale, and automate storage in Azure. Knowing when to use Blob, Table, Queue, or File storage is crucial.

Study4Pass simplifies these storage concepts through illustrations, quizzes, and cheat sheets to help you retain key differences between services.

3. Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (20-25%)

Key Areas:

Configure VMs for high availability and scalability
Create and configure VMs (Windows and Linux)
Automate deployment using ARM templates or Azure Bicep
Implement Azure Container Instances (ACI)
Manage VM backups and update management

Why it Matters:

Compute is the powerhouse of the cloud. Whether you’re deploying applications or building services, managing compute resources is essential. This section tests your knowledge on VM creation, availability sets, scale sets, and containers.

With Study4Pass, you get hands-on labs and exam-specific tasks designed to reinforce deployment procedures and best practices.

4. Configure and Manage Virtual Networking (25-30%)

Key Areas:

Implement and manage virtual networks (VNets)
Configure network security groups (NSGs), application security groups
Implement Azure Firewall, Azure DDoS Protection
Connect VNets with peering, VPNs, and ExpressRoute
Troubleshoot networking issues

Why it Matters:

Network configuration ensures connectivity and security. Without it, resources can’t communicate properly. This section requires understanding subnets, routing, and securing traffic flow.

Study4Pass provides practical case studies and performance-based questions that mimic real-world scenarios you’ll encounter on the exam.

5. Monitor and Back Up Azure Resources (10-15%)

Key Areas:

Monitor resources using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Alerts
Implement backup and recovery with Azure Backup
Set up diagnostic settings and analyze logs

Why it Matters:

Monitoring ensures operational continuity. If something breaks or slows down, you must detect and resolve issues quickly. Backup policies ensure data integrity and resilience.

Study4Pass helps you internalize monitoring tools with walkthroughs, diagrams, and scenario-based drills that mirror the AZ-104 exam questions.

6. Manage Azure Resources (10-15%)

Key Areas:

Create and configure resource groups
Manage resource tagging for billing and organization
Use ARM templates to automate deployment
Implement cost management tools

Why it Matters:

Efficient resource management ensures consistency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of scaling. This domain covers the core of day-to-day administration.

With Study4Pass, you learn how to manage infrastructure smartly saving both time and costs in real-world Azure environments.

Exam Details at a Glance

Exam Code: AZ-104
Duration: Approximately 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 40–60
Question Types: Multiple-choice, case studies, performance-based, drag and drop
Passing Score: 700/1000
Language Options: English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean
Prerequisites: None officially, but 6 months+ Azure experience is recommended

Must-Have Microsoft Azure Skills for AZ-104 Success

Mastering the AZ-104 means going beyond memorization. Here are must-know Azure skills you need:

1. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Understand how to assign roles, use custom roles, and audit permissions effectively.

2. Virtual Machines and Availability Sets

Learn how to deploy, monitor, and manage VM configurations, snapshots, and redundancy features.

3. Azure CLI and PowerShell

Scripting is often tested. You must know key commands to manage resources programmatically.

4. Networking Fundamentals

Know how to design VNet architectures, secure them, and implement failover connections.

5. Monitoring and Alerts

Be proficient in using Azure Monitor to configure alerts, diagnose logs, and maintain system health.

6. Azure Pricing and Budgeting Tools

Understand how to estimate costs, set budgets, and optimize resource spending.

Study4Pass reinforces these topics with hands-on practice, targeted review sections, and real exam simulations.

How Study4Pass Helps You Prepare for AZ-104?

When preparing for a certification like the AZ-104, having the right study partner can be the difference between passing on your first try and struggling with re-attempts. Study4Pass is purpose-built to help you succeed with confidence and clarity.

Here’s why Study4Pass is your go-to platform for AZ-104:

Up-to-Date and Accurate AZ-104 Exam Dumps

Study4Pass provides exam dumps that reflect the latest AZ-104 exam format and question types. Each question is crafted to replicate the real testing experience, helping you get familiar with how Microsoft evaluates candidates.

Comprehensive Coverage of Exam Objectives

Unlike generic study materials, Study4Pass meticulously aligns its content with the official AZ-104 exam objectives. Every topic whether it's Azure DNS zones or NSG rules is covered in depth.

Real-Time Practice Tests

You can test your knowledge with full-length mock exams that mirror the difficulty and style of the real test. These practice tests are timed, scored, and include detailed explanations for every answer.

Performance Tracking and Progress Analysis

Know where you stand. Study4Pass provides insights into your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your efforts where it counts most.

Expert Verified Content

Every question and explanation is reviewed by certified Azure professionals. This ensures accuracy, clarity, and relevance so you're never studying outdated information.

Mobile-Friendly Study Experience

Whether you’re on the move or studying at your desk, Study4Pass platform is optimized for both desktop and mobile making it easy to fit your studies into your schedule.

Guaranteed Exam Success

With a proven track record of helping candidates pass the AZ-104 exam, Study4Pass stands behind its materials with a guarantee of success. If you're serious about certification, this is the platform you need.

Tips for Passing the AZ-104 Exam

Even with great materials like those from Study4Pass, you need to approach your study methodically. Here are top strategies:

Create a Study Plan

Block out regular study times and break the content into manageable sections using Study4Pass syllabus structure.

Use Practice Exams Early

Start with a diagnostic test. Identify weak spots and revisit those topics with Study4Pass targeted modules.

Focus on Hands-On Practice

Set up a free-tier Azure account. Practice real-world tasks like creating VMs, configuring NSGs, and setting up alerts.

Review Microsoft Docs When Needed

Use Study4Pass as your core guide but support your study with documentation if you need clarification.

Don’t Cram-Review Smart

Use Study4Pass flashcards, summaries, and test banks for efficient review before test day.

Final Thoughts

The AZ-104 exam is more than just a certification it’s a career changer. By mastering the exam topics and practicing key Azure skills, you position yourself as a sought-after cloud professional.

And with Study4Pass by your side, you’re not just preparing for an exam you’re preparing for success in the real world. From in-depth exam dumps to expert-guided practice tests, Study4Pass equips you with everything you need to pass AZ-104 with confidence.

So, if you're ready to launch your Azure career, trust the process, stay consistent, and choose Study4Pass as your ultimate exam prep partner.