Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
Validates skills in designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure using Azure SDKs and APIs.
- Exam fee
- $165
- Typical salary
- $110K–$145K
The AZ‑204 is a solid credential for developers who regularly build applications on Azure and want to prove their expertise. If you are not a developer or focus on other cloud platforms, another certification may serve you better.
What AZ-204 covers
Validates skills in designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure using Azure SDKs and APIs.
Key topics covered: Azure compute & App Service, Storage solutions, Security & authentication, Monitoring & optimization, API Management, Azure Functions & Logic Apps.
Best suited for: Software developers building cloud-native applications on Microsoft Azure.
Common career paths: Azure Developer, Cloud Application Developer, Software Engineer.
AZ-204 exam details
Exam domains
- Azure compute & App Service
- Storage solutions
- Security & authentication
- Monitoring & optimization
- API Management
- Azure Functions & Logic Apps
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $165
How to prepare for AZ-204
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the Azure fundamentals Familiarize yourself with core Azure services, compute options, storage solutions, and security basics as outlined in the certification description. | Week 1-2 |
| 2 | Deep dive into development tools Practice using Azure SDKs, APIs, and Azure Functions/Logic Apps to build and test cloud‑native code. | Week 3-4 |
| 3 | Master monitoring and optimization Learn Azure monitoring, performance tuning, and cost‑optimization techniques to ensure reliable applications. | Week 5 |
| 4 | Hands‑on labs and projects Create end‑to‑end sample applications that incorporate App Service, API Management, and authentication flows. | Week 6-7 |
| 5 | Exam readiness review Consolidate knowledge, review key topics, and take timed practice questions to gauge readiness. | Week 8 |
Jobs and salary with AZ-204
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $110K–$145K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
AZ-204 questions answered
What is the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) certification?
Validates skills in designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure using Azure SDKs and APIs. It is issued by Microsoft and sits in the Cloud Computing field.
Is Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) hard?
Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) is rated Intermediate. It assumes some foundational knowledge or entry-level experience.
How much does the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) 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 Developer Associate (AZ-204)?
Professionals with Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) commonly report pay in the $110K–$145K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)?
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-204
| 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 |
| Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) | Microsoft | Intermediate |
| Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer | Google Cloud | Intermediate |