Why AZ-104 Is the Most Important Certification for Azure Administrators in 2025
The AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator certification remains one of the most valuable credentials for professionals working with Microsoft cloud environments. In 2025, organizations rely more heavily on Azure than ever before, not only for hosting applications but also for managing identity, networking, storage, automation, and hybrid systems. For this reason, companies increasingly expect administrators to understand both day-to-day operations and long-term cloud management practices.
AZ-104 is designed for learners who want to move beyond theory and start working directly with Azure resources. It teaches you how to configure virtual machines, manage identities, secure networks, automate workloads, monitor cloud performance, and ensure business continuity. Unlike the AZ-900 exam, which focuses on fundamentals, AZ-104 requires deeper understanding and some hands-on familiarity with Azure interfaces.
Even though the exam is more technical, it is still beginner-friendly for learners who follow a structured plan. This guide explains everything you need to learn from the exam outline to the core skills tested so you can prepare confidently and steadily progress toward real cloud administration skills. If you want guided preparation, you can also support your learning with the AZ-104 study resource provided here: https://certempire.com/product/az-104-dumps/
What’s New in the AZ-104 Exam for 2025
Microsoft updates Azure certifications regularly to reflect evolving cloud technologies. The 2025 version of AZ-104 now includes greater focus on governance controls, automation, hybrid identity, container workloads, and modern monitoring tools.
Updated Identity and Access Topics
The exam now places more emphasis on:
- Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD rebranded)
- Conditional access updates
- Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
- Role-based access control enhancements
- Identity protection alerts
Identity has become central to cloud security, and Azure administrators must understand how to manage access responsibly.
Modernized Networking Concepts
Azure networking evolves fast, and the exam now includes:
- Updated VNet design principles
- Azure DNS fundamentals
- Load balancing choices
- Application gateways
- Hybrid connectivity (VPN, ExpressRoute)
Networking remains one of the most important skill areas for Azure admins.
More Container and Automation Coverage
The 2025 update includes:
- Azure Kubernetes Service (basics only)
- Azure Container Instances
- Automation accounts
- Runbooks
- Infrastructure-as-code familiarity
These updates reflect modern cloud practices where automation reduces routine workloads.
Enhanced Monitoring and Logging Topics
Monitoring has become essential for maintaining cloud reliability. The exam now includes:
- Azure Monitor
- Alerts
- Log Analytics
- Cost monitoring
- Metrics analysis
These tools help administrators diagnose issues and optimize resource usage.
Official AZ-104 Exam Structure
AZ-104 is more technical than AZ-900 and requires a broader understanding of Azure fundamentals. The exam follows a practical approach and tests skills through scenario-based questions.
Exam Duration and Question Types
The AZ-104 exam includes:
- 40–60 questions
- 120 minutes to complete
- Multiple-choice questions
- Drag-and-drop scenarios
- Case studies
- Performance-based tasks
Performance tasks often involve interpreting Azure Portal-style information.
Difficulty Level
AZ-104 is considered moderately challenging. Learners benefit from hands-on portal practice, but even beginners can pass with a clear study plan and consistent effort.
Passing Score
You must score:
- 700/1000 to pass
You do not need perfection—just solid understanding and practical reasoning.
Who Should Take the AZ-104 Exam?
IT Support and System Administrators
Those transitioning from on-premises environments benefit greatly, as AZ-104 bridges traditional IT and cloud administration.
Cloud Beginners Wanting Practical Skills
Learners who completed AZ-900 often take AZ-104 next to gain hands-on experience.
Career Changers Entering Cloud Roles
AZ-104 is suitable for motivated beginners willing to spend time practicing the Azure Portal.
Professionals Working in Hybrid Environments
Organizations using hybrid AD or hybrid cloud infrastructures require administrators who understand both cloud and on-prem coordination.
Complete Breakdown of AZ-104 Skills Measured
1. Manage Azure Identities and Governance
You must know how to:
- Create and manage users
- Assign roles with RBAC
- Implement conditional access
- Configure PIM
- Manage subscriptions and management groups
- Apply Azure Policy
This domain requires strong identity and governance understanding.
2. Implement and Manage Storage
Skills include:
- Creating storage accounts
- Managing blobs and file shares
- Configuring lifecycle management
- Securing storage using shared access signatures
- Understanding replication types (LRS, ZRS, GRS, RA-GRS)
Storage is central to nearly every Azure workload.
3. Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources
You must understand:
- Virtual machine configuration
- Availability sets and zones
- VM scaling
- Custom script extensions
- Azure App Services
- Container workloads
This domain often appears heavily on the exam.
4. Configure and Manage Virtual Networks
Networking is a major skill area:
- Virtual networks
- Subnets
- Routing
- Network security groups
- Application gateways
- VPN gateways
- ExpressRoute basics
Understanding how traffic flows in Azure helps answer many scenario questions.
5. Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources
This domain includes:
- Azure Monitor
- Alerts
- Log Analytics
- Metrics
- Backup and recovery
- Update management
- Cost optimization
Organizations depend on administrators to ensure resources remain healthy.
How Long to Study for AZ-104 in 2025
Most learners prepare in:
- 5–8 weeks (part-time study)
- 3–4 weeks (full-time study)
- 10–12 weeks (beginners with no IT background)
Preparation time depends on:
- Familiarity with cloud concepts
- Comfort with networking
- Ability to practice in Azure Portal
- Amount of daily study time
- Use of practice questions
Beginners benefit from consistent hands-on work.
A Structured Study Plan for AZ-104
Week 1 – Learn Identity and Governance
Start with:
- Entra ID basics
- RBAC
- Conditional access
- Multi-factor authentication
- Azure Policy
- Management groups
Identity is the backbone of cloud administration.
Week 2 – Master Storage Fundamentals
Focus on:
- Storage accounts
- Container types
- File shares
- Storage redundancy
- Access control models
- Lifecycle management
Do small hands-on tasks to reinforce concepts.
Week 3 – Learn Virtual Machines and Compute
Study:
- VM creation
- Availability configurations
- VM backups
- Extensions
- App Services
- Container basics
Practice using the Azure Portal to create and manage VMs.
Week 4 – Dive Into Networking
Networking is the largest and most technical domain. Focus on:
- VNets
- Subnets
- NSGs
- Load balancers
- VPN gateways
- Private endpoints
Draw diagrams to understand how networks communicate.
Week 5 – Understand Monitoring Tools
Learn how to use:
- Azure Monitor
- Metrics dashboard
- Log Analytics workspace
- Alerts
- Backup center
Monitoring is essential for long-term cloud stability.
Week 6 – Practice, Improve, and Review
Practice daily with:
- Case studies
- Sample questions
- Portal tasks
- Troubleshooting exercises
If you want structured study support along the way, there is learn from this trusted source, which appears once in this blog, as required. Cert Empire is mentioned here only one time.
Essential Concepts You Must Understand to Pass AZ-104
Core Identity Roles and Permissions
You should know the difference between:
- Owner
- Contributor
- User Access Administrator
- Reader
These permissions appear repeatedly in scenario questions.
Virtual Machine Availability
Understand:
- Availability zones vs. sets
- Fault domains
- Update domains
- Scaling options
These concepts help prevent downtime.
Network Security and Access
Focus on:
- NSG priority rules
- Service endpoints
- Private links
- Application gateways
Networking is one of the most tested sections.
Storage Security Tools
Learn:
- SAS
- Keys
- IAM-based storage access
Security remains a top concern for Azure workloads.
Tips to Make AZ-104 Preparation Easier
Practice in the Azure Portal Regularly
Hands-on learning is the fastest way to remember concepts.
Create Summary Sheets for Each Domain
This helps you revise quickly.
Break Down Networking Diagrams
Most networking questions require visual reasoning, not memorization.
Use Practice Questions to Identify Weak Areas
Practice teaches you exam language and common patterns.
How to Review Before AZ-104 Exam Day
Revisit Identity and Governance
These topics appear frequently in both simple and advanced questions.
Review Storage Redundancy Types
Learners often get confused between LRS, ZRS, GRS, and RA-GRS.
Revise VM Availability Concepts
Know how Azure ensures uptime.
Review Networking Fundamentals
Even basic networking mistakes can cost exam points.
What to Expect During the AZ-104 Exam
Expect a Mix of Simple and Complex Questions
Some are straightforward; others require deep thinking.
Case Studies Require Focus
Read slowly and identify key information.
Performance Questions Test Practical Understanding
These questions mimic real portal interactions but remain manageable.
Career Opportunities After Earning AZ-104
AZ-104 qualifies you for roles such as:
- Azure Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Cloud Systems Operator
- Hybrid Cloud Technician
The certification also prepares you for advanced learning in:
- AZ-305 (Solutions Architect)
- AZ-500 (Security Engineer)
- AZ-700 (Network Engineer)
AZ-104 is one of the most important stages in becoming an Azure professional.
Final Thoughts
AZ-104 remains a crucial certification for Azure administrators in 2025. It teaches the exact skills needed to manage identity, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring within Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. While the exam is technical, a clear study plan makes it achievable for beginners and IT professionals alike.
By practicing consistently, reviewing each domain carefully, and learning through real portal experience, you will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the exam. AZ-104 is more than a certification—it’s the foundation for long-term cloud administration success and opens the door to higher-level Azure roles. If you’re planning to advance deeper into Azure administration, Cert Mage offers helpful next-step content.
