To become an Azure Administrator, you'll need to pass the AZ-104 exam, which covers a wide range of topics related to cloud computing and Microsoft Azure.
The AZ-104 exam is a 85-question, multiple-choice test that requires a minimum of 700 points to pass.
To prepare for the exam, you'll want to focus on key areas such as Azure subscription and service management, security and identity, and data storage and networking.
Microsoft offers various study resources, including the Azure Administrator Learning Path, which provides a structured learning experience with video tutorials, hands-on labs, and practice exams.
Prerequisites and Eligibility
To be eligible for the AZ-104 exam, you should have at least six months of hands-on experience administering Azure, along with a solid core understanding of cloud services and a broad familiarity with Azure offerings.
You should possess fundamental IT administration abilities like managing networking, storage, computing, data, and security components. Familiarity with operating systems, virtualization, continuity, disaster recovery, budgets, and governance is also highly advantageous.
Prior cybersecurity knowledge isn't mandatory, but it allows you to better grasp the security implications of administrative decisions. Basic cybersecurity awareness around topics like network security, identity management, data protection, and threat detection is extremely helpful.
To prepare for the exam, you'll need to build general technical experience and cloud computing knowledge. If you don't have specific cybersecurity skills, the AZ-104 certification empowers you to securely administer Azure services and support organizational security objectives.
Here's a breakdown of the key prerequisites:
- Experience with virtualization tools like virtual machines (VMs) and networks.
- Knowledge of network settings, including TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, firewalls, and encryption.
- Familiarity with Active Directory, including users, groups, and access control.
- Understanding of storage solutions and how to manage identity and security in Azure.
- Basic knowledge of backup and disaster recovery processes.
It's worth noting that you can take the AZ-104 exam without prior cybersecurity knowledge, but having some basic understanding will help you better grasp the security implications of administrative decisions.
Registration and Details
To register for the AZ-104 exam, you'll need to visit the Microsoft Learn website and create an account if you haven't already.
You can find the AZ-104 exam by searching for it on the website and clicking "Schedule exam." Next, choose your testing center from the list of Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide and select your preferred date and time.
The exam fee is $165, which you'll pay online as part of the registration process. Once you've scheduled your exam, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.
Registration Details
To register for the AZ-104 exam, you'll first need to create an account on the Microsoft Learn website if you haven't already. This will give you access to the exam registration process.
You can find the AZ-104 exam on the Microsoft Learn website by searching for "AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate exam" and clicking "Schedule exam." This will take you to the registration page.
To schedule your exam, choose your preferred testing center from the list of Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, and select your date and time. The exam fee is $165, which you'll need to pay as part of the registration process.
Once you've scheduled your exam, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Be sure to arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes early with a valid government-issued ID.
The following are the steps to register for the AZ-104 exam:
- Visit the Microsoft Learn website and create an account if you haven't already.
- Find the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate exam and click "Schedule exam."
- Choose your testing center (Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide) and your preferred date and time.
- Pay the exam fee of $165.
- Receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.
Schedules for USA
If you're looking to register for AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Training in the USA, you'll want to check out the available schedules.
The process to achieve AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Training certification involves registering for a training course.
You can find schedules for AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Training in the USA.
The training course schedule will provide you with the necessary information to plan your certification journey.
AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Training is a comprehensive training program designed to help you pass the certification exam.
What Are the Details?
The exam details are crucial to know before signing up. The exam format consists of 40-60 multiple-choice/multiple-select questions.
You'll be taking the exam online, and it will be proctored to ensure the integrity of the process. The exam duration is a decent amount of time, at 120 minutes.
To pass the exam, you'll need to score at least 700 out of 1000. The registration fee is USD 165, plus applicable taxes as required by local law.
The exam is offered in a variety of languages, including English, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian, and Indonesian (Indonesia).
Cybersecurity and Governance
As an Azure administrator, you play a crucial role in safeguarding cloud platforms and ensuring adherence to security standards. Your skills are on the frontline, detecting and mitigating breaches or policy violations quickly.
Azure administrators enable organizational security through technical implementation and governance, applying security controls across infrastructures, systems, and services based on company policies and industry regulations. They manage user access, configure network security, enable data protection, and harden resources.
By translating government requirements into technical enforcement, Azure administrators bridge the gap between high-level directives and on-the-ground implementation using Azure Policy, Blueprints, and Resource Manager. This allows them to establish governance guardrails around security and compliance.
Azure administrators have visibility into the day-to-day operations, performance, and security posture of an organization's cloud environment. They monitor workloads, respond to alerts, investigate issues, and optimize configurations to detect and mitigate breaches or policy violations quickly.
To manage Azure subscriptions and governance, Azure administrators can implement and manage Azure Policy, configure resource locks, apply and manage tags on resources, manage resource groups, manage subscriptions, manage costs using alerts, budgets, and Azure Advisor recommendations, and configure management groups.
Here are some key tasks for managing Azure subscriptions and governance:
- Implement and manage Azure Policy
- Configure resource locks
- Apply and manage tags on resources
- Manage resource groups
- Manage subscriptions
- Manage costs by using alerts, budgets, and Azure Advisor recommendations
- Configure management groups
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of cloud management, and Azure administrators play a vital role in safeguarding cloud platforms. They apply security controls across infrastructures, systems, and services based on company policies and industry regulations.
Azure administrators manage user access, configure network security, enable data protection, and harden resources to ensure a secure cloud environment. This includes translating government requirements into technical enforcement using Azure Policy, Blueprints, and Resource Manager.
By monitoring workloads, responding to alerts, investigating issues, and optimizing configurations, Azure administrators gain visibility into the day-to-day operations, performance, and security posture of an organization's cloud environment. They can detect and mitigate breaches or policy violations quickly.
Skilled Azure administrators serve as an early warning system against threats, ensuring adherence to standards and assessing environments for risks. This is why the AZ-104 exam that tests these abilities is so important for a cybersecurity career.
Identities and Governance
Identities and Governance are crucial aspects of cybersecurity and governance. Azure administrators play a vital role in safeguarding cloud platforms by implementing and managing identities and governance.
Azure administrators apply security controls across infrastructures, systems, and services based on company policies and industry regulations. They manage user access, configure network security, enable data protection, and harden resources.
Azure administrators use Azure Policy to establish governance guardrails around security and compliance. They also use Blueprints and Resource Manager to translate government requirements into technical enforcement.
Skilled Azure administrators are on the frontline, safeguarding cloud platforms. They put security measures into practice, assess environments for risks, and ensure adherence to standards.
To manage Azure subscriptions and governance, Azure administrators implement and manage Azure Policy, configure resource locks, and apply and manage tags on resources. They also manage resource groups, subscriptions, and costs using alerts, budgets, and Azure Advisor recommendations.
Here are some key aspects of identities and governance that Azure administrators should focus on:
- Implementing and managing Azure Policy
- Configuring resource locks
- Applying and managing tags on resources
- Managing resource groups
- Managing subscriptions
- Managing costs using alerts, budgets, and Azure Advisor recommendations
- Configuring management groups
Implementing hybrid identities is also crucial for secure authentication and authorization. Azure administrators can use Password Hash Synchronization (PHS), Pass-through Authentication (PTA), and Federated Authentication to provide seamless single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Azure administrators can also implement App Proxy and Password Writeback to provide secure access to applications and sensitive data. By configuring user accounts for Multi-Factor Authentication, Azure administrators can add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
Career Path and Benefits
The AZ-104 certification can open up many career opportunities and benefits for you as an Azure administrator. It can be a springboard into the booming cloud security field.
You can expect to take on roles such as Azure administrator, where you'll manage and secure Azure infrastructure, implement security solutions, and ensure compliance. You can also leverage your Azure expertise to become a cloud security engineer, cloud architect, or cloud governance specialist.
Here are some of the diverse career paths that await you:
- Azure administrator: Manage and secure Azure infrastructure, implement security solutions, and ensure compliance.
- Cloud security engineer: Leverage your Azure expertise to dig deeper into security configurations, threat detection, and incident response.
- Cloud architect: Combine your infrastructure and security knowledge to design and implement secure cloud solutions aligned with business needs.
- Cloud governance specialist: Ensure responsible and secure cloud adoption through policy enforcement, cost optimization, and resource management.
- Cloud auditor: Verify adherence to security standards and compliance regulations within the cloud environment.
The demand for skilled Azure administrators, especially those with a cybersecurity focus, is skyrocketing, with a 15% year-over-year growth in cybersecurity spending anticipated.
Career Path
Obtaining the AZ-104 certification can open up many career opportunities and benefits for you as an Azure administrator.
The demand for skilled Azure administrators, especially those with a cybersecurity focus, is skyrocketing, with a 15% year-over-year growth in cybersecurity spending anticipated by Cybersecurity Ventures.
You can pursue a variety of career paths, including Azure administrator, which involves managing and securing Azure infrastructure, implementing security solutions, and ensuring compliance.
Cloud security engineers leverage their Azure expertise to dig deeper into security configurations, threat detection, and incident response.
Cloud architects combine their infrastructure and security knowledge to design and implement secure cloud solutions aligned with business needs.
Here are some of the diverse career paths that await you:
- Azure administrator: Manage and secure Azure infrastructure, implement security solutions, and ensure compliance.
- Cloud security engineer: Leverage your Azure expertise to dig deeper into security configurations, threat detection, and incident response.
- Cloud architect: Combine your infrastructure and security knowledge to design and implement secure cloud solutions aligned with business needs.
- Cloud governance specialist: Ensure responsible and secure cloud adoption through policy enforcement, cost optimization, and resource management.
- Cloud auditor: Verify adherence to security standards and compliance regulations within the cloud environment.
Whether you crave hands-on technical work or strategic leadership roles, the AZ-104 certification provides a strong foundation for your journey.
Individual and Organizational Benefits
Obtaining the AZ-104 certification can lead to more job options, including roles such as Azure Administrator or Cloud Engineer. This certification demonstrates that you are proficient in Azure administration and cloud services.
Having this certification can lead to a higher salary, which can significantly improve your financial stability. It's a great motivator to pursue this certification.
The certification also gives you access to a rich library of resources and instructor-led training sessions from Microsoft. This can be a huge advantage in your career development.
You become part of the Microsoft-certified professional community, which can provide a sense of belonging and connection with like-minded professionals. This community can also offer valuable networking opportunities.
Recruiters value candidates with global certifications, which can give you an edge in the job market. It's a great way to stand out from the competition.
Here are some of the benefits of the AZ-104 certification:
- Improved security: This certification teaches how to create secure Azure setups and can help improve security offerings for the employer
- Access to cheaper software and equipment: Microsoft offers reduced rates for software and equipment to businesses that pledge a certain level of funding
- Skilled employees: This certification demonstrates that employees have the skills to manage Azure setups, run networks, and control storage
- Access to new technologies: This Azure Administrator certification helps organizations to implement new technologies that are widely used in the market
- Azure environment expertise: This Azure certified professional gives organizations to implement, manage, and oversee an Azure environment
Ensuring You're Prepared
To ensure you're prepared for the Azure administrator certification, it's essential to develop strong study habits and manage your time efficiently. Create a study schedule and utilize various learning techniques like flashcards, mind maps, and practice labs.
The exam is timed, so practice managing your time effectively during practice tests and while studying different domains. Familiarize yourself with the number of questions, question types, and duration to help you strategize your approach.
To make the most of your study time, consider enrolling in a boot camp tailored to the AZ-104 exam, such as the Microsoft Azure Administrator Boot Camp or the Microsoft Azure Dual Certification Boot Camp. These boot camps can provide valuable practical experience with Azure and enhance your security skills.
Here are some recommended learning resources to help you prepare for the exam:
- Online courses and boot camps
- Practice exams
- Hands-on labs
- Community forums
- Azure documentation and tools
To stay updated and pursue recertification, engage with the community by connecting with fellow Azure professionals through online forums, user groups, and conferences. Share knowledge, learn from others' experiences, and stay at the forefront of industry trends.
Course and Training Information
The AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Course is a comprehensive online training program that prepares you for the AZ-104 exam. This course covers essential skills needed to configure, manage, and secure important functions in Microsoft Azure.
You'll learn to manage Azure subscriptions, secure identities, and administer infrastructure, including virtual networking, storage solutions, and monitoring cloud services. The course also covers Azure policies, Role-Based Access Control, and Azure Resource Manager.
Here are some key topics covered in the course:
- Creating an app service plan
- Creating a web app
- Implementing Azure Container Instances
- Implementing Azure Kubernetes Service
- File and Folder Backups
- Virtual Machine Backups
The course includes 100+ hours of training, covering topics such as managing subscriptions and accounts, implementing Azure policies, and using Role-Based Access Control. You'll also learn about virtual networks, IP addressing, network security groups, and Azure Firewall.
Change Log
The change log for this exam is a crucial part of understanding what's new and what's remained the same.
One of the key changes is the update of "Manage Azure AD users and groups" to "Manage Microsoft Entra users and groups", which is considered a minor change.
Another notable update is the addition of the objective "Configure secure access to virtual networks" which was previously not listed.
The exam now focuses on implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization's Microsoft Azure environment, including virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security, and governance.
Azure administrators often serve as part of a larger team dedicated to implementing an organization's cloud infrastructure, and they coordinate with other roles to deliver Azure networking, security, database, application development, and DevOps solutions.
Here is a summary of the key changes to the exam:
Professionals in this role should have experience using PowerShell, Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI), the Azure portal, Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, and Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), part of Microsoft Entra.
Course Curriculum
The course curriculum for the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator course is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics. This course prepares you for the AZ-104 exam and equips you with the skills needed to configure, manage, and secure important functions in Microsoft Azure.
You'll learn about securing identities with Microsoft Entra ID and implementing users and groups. Managing subscriptions and accounts, implementing Azure policies, and using Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) are also key components of the curriculum.
The course covers the tools an Azure Administrator uses to manage their infrastructure, including the Azure Portal, Cloud Shell, Azure PowerShell, CLI, and Resource Manager Templates. You'll also learn about basic virtual networking concepts like virtual networks, IP addressing, network security groups, Azure Firewall, and Azure DNS.
You'll gain insights on different services of Microsoft Azure, such as Storage, Virtual Machines, Websites, Cloud Services, and Azure Active Directory. Configuring Application Integration with Azure AD and implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for secure sign-in are also covered.
Here's a breakdown of the course curriculum:
- Subscriptions and Accounts
- Azure Policy
- Role-based Access Control (RBAC)
- Azure Resource Manager
- Azure Portal and Cloud Shell
- Azure PowerShell and CLI
- ARM Templates
- Virtual Networks
- IP Addressing
- Network Security groups
- Azure Firewall
- Azure DNS
- VNet Peering
- VPN Gateway Connections
- ExpressRoute and Virtual WAN
- Network Routing and Endpoints
- Azure Load Balancer
- Azure Application Gateway
- Traffic Manager
- Storage Accounts
- Blob Storage
- Storage Security
- Azure Files and File Sync
- Managing Storage
- Virtual Machine Planning
- Creating Virtual Machines
- Virtual Machine Availability
- Virtual Machine Extensions
- Azure App Service Plans
- Azure App Service
- Azure Container Instances
- Azure Kubernetes Service
- Backing up files and folders, and virtual machine backups
- Monitoring your Azure infrastructure, including Azure Monitor, alerting, and log analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AZ 104 hard to pass?
The AZ-104 exam is considered moderate in difficulty, requiring a good understanding of Azure services and hands-on experience. Passing the exam is achievable with focused study and practical experience with Azure.
Sources
- https://www.infosecinstitute.com/resources/microsoft-azure/microsoft-azure-schedule-duration-format-scheduling-scoring-and-results/
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/resources/study-guides/az-104
- https://www.simpliaxis.com/az-104-microsoft-azure-administrator-certification-training
- https://www.edureka.co/microsoft-azure-administrator-certification-training
- https://academyflorida.com/training_classes/az-104-microsoft-azure-administrator-certification-boot-camp-in-sarasota-fl/
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