Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
The Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) cert validates core Azure admin skills across identity, governance, storage, compute, and networking.
- Exam fee
- $165
- Typical salary
- $110K–$140K
AZ-104 is a solid choice for IT admins and cloud engineers who need hands‑on Azure infrastructure skills and want a fast ROI. If you’re looking for a developer‑focused or architect‑level path, consider other certifications.
What AZ-104 covers
Core Azure admin cert. Covers identity, governance, storage, compute, and networking. Fastest ROI on Azure path.
Key topics covered: Identity & Azure AD, Virtual machines & networking, Storage accounts, Load balancing & VPN, Monitoring & backup, ARM Templates.
Best suited for: IT administrators and cloud engineers managing Azure infrastructure.
Common career paths: Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Systems Administrator, IT Infrastructure Lead.
AZ-104 exam details
Exam domains
- Identity & Azure AD
- Virtual machines & networking
- Storage accounts
- Load balancing & VPN
- Monitoring & backup
- ARM Templates
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $165
How to prepare for AZ-104
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of Azure Identity Study Azure AD concepts, user and group management, and role‑based access control to build a solid identity base. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Core Compute & Storage Services Hands‑on labs with virtual machines, storage accounts, and backup solutions to understand provisioning and maintenance. | Week 2‑3 |
| 3 | Networking Essentials Learn virtual networks, subnets, load balancers, and VPN gateways, focusing on connectivity and security. | Week 4 |
| 4 | Governance & Monitoring Explore policies, resource locks, Azure Monitor, and cost‑management tools to keep environments compliant and efficient. | Week 5 |
| 5 | Practice Exams & Review Take practice tests, review weak areas, and reinforce knowledge with ARM template exercises. | Week 6 |
Jobs and salary with AZ-104
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $110K–$140K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
AZ-104 questions answered
What is the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification?
The Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) cert validates core Azure admin skills across identity, governance, storage, compute, and networking. It is issued by Microsoft and sits in the Cloud Computing field.
Is Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) hard?
Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is rated Intermediate. It assumes some foundational knowledge or entry-level experience.
How much does the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $165. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Microsoft before you book.
What salary can I expect with Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)?
Professionals with Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) commonly report pay in the $110K–$140K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to AZ-104
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Solutions Architect Associate | Amazon Web Services | Intermediate |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | Amazon Web Services | Beginner |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | Microsoft | Beginner |
| Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer | Google Cloud | Intermediate |
| Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect | Google Cloud | Advanced |