AZ-104 Supporting Guide
AZ-104 Exam Guide: Format, Skills Measured and Preparation Plan
Understand the current AZ-104 scope, exam format, skills measured and preparation sequence so you can use practice tests as a real readiness tool instead of a memorisation shortcut.
Direct Answer
The AZ-104 exam measures whether you can administer Azure resources in realistic conditions: identity and governance, storage, compute, networking, monitoring and recovery. Your preparation should start with the current Microsoft study guide, then move into hands-on configuration and scenario-based practice tests.
Use this AZ-104 exam guide as a practical map. It explains what the exam is trying to measure, how to prioritise the domains, how to think about scoring and how to review practice questions without simply memorising repeated wording.
AZ-104 at a Glance
These are the preparation facts most candidates need before building a study plan.
Audience
Azure administrators
Best for people who implement, manage and monitor Azure environments.
Format
Proctored exam
Microsoft notes the exam may include interactive components and provides an exam sandbox.
Best prep
Hands-on + practice
Pair Microsoft Learn scope review with Azure configuration and original scenario questions.
What AZ-104 Currently Covers
Microsoft lists five major skills groups for AZ-104 as of April 17, 2026. The largest weights are identity and governance plus compute, but storage, networking and monitoring are all central to the administrator role.
Format, Timing and Scoring
Microsoft Learn lists 100 minutes to complete the AZ-104 assessment and notes that the exam is proctored. Microsoft also notes that the exam may contain interactive components, so candidates should use the exam sandbox to understand the interface before the appointment.
Microsoft scoring guidance states that a score of 700 or greater is required to pass. Treat that as an official threshold, not as a promise that any third-party practice score predicts the real result. A practice score is useful when it tells you which decisions you are still getting wrong.
A Practical AZ-104 Preparation Sequence
A strong plan keeps official scope, hands-on work and practice tests connected. Use the outline below as a repeatable cycle rather than a one-time checklist.
1. Map the domains
Copy the five Microsoft skills groups into your study tracker and mark each as confident, partial or weak.
2. Run a diagnostic test
Take a mixed practice test before heavy study. The goal is to find weak patterns, not to judge yourself.
3. Practise configurations
Use the Azure portal, CLI or Bicep to create small examples around weak domains such as NSGs, storage access or VM backup.
4. Review by decision rule
For every missed question, write one sentence explaining what condition should have pointed you to the correct answer.
5. Finish with timed mixed sets
In the final phase, avoid studying only your favourite area. AZ-104 requires fast switching between domains.
Original Mini Scenario
A team needs to prevent deletion of production resources, require cost-centre tags and allow application owners to manage app settings. A strong answer separates three concerns: resource locks for deletion protection, Azure Policy for tag requirements and scoped RBAC for application-owner permissions.
This kind of scenario is valuable because it trains the administrative reasoning AZ-104 expects. You are not simply naming features; you are deciding which control belongs to which requirement.
Common AZ-104 Preparation Mistakes
Memorising isolated facts
You may know a feature name but miss the scenario condition that changes the answer. Attach every fact to a small admin use case.
Ignoring monitoring
Monitoring and recovery topics appear inside troubleshooting and operations questions. Practise alerts, logs, metrics and restore decisions.
Using copied exam dumps
They can be inaccurate, unethical and poor preparation for updated objectives. Use official materials and original scenarios instead.
Turn the Guide Into Practice
Once you know the current AZ-104 scope, the next step is repetition: timed questions, explanations, weak-area review and scenario practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take AZ-104?
AZ-104 is aimed at people who administer Azure environments, including cloud administrators, systems administrators and infrastructure engineers.
Do I need Azure CLI or PowerShell?
Microsoft says candidates should have experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, the Azure portal and ARM templates or Bicep files.
How should I use practice tests?
Use practice tests to diagnose weak domains, build timing and review explanations. Do not rely on repeated question memory.
How often does the exam change?
Microsoft updates exams periodically to reflect role skills. Check the official study guide shortly before final preparation.
Is this official Microsoft training?
No. Heycademy is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. This guide summarises public preparation information and offers original guidance.
Start With the Current Scope
Read the current Microsoft Learn AZ-104 study guide, map your weak domains, then use scenario practice to turn knowledge into exam-ready administrator judgement.
Provider disclaimer: Heycademy is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. Microsoft, Azure and certification names are trademarks of their respective owners.