Training guide
Azure Administrator Associate: AZ-104 Exam Guide
A guide to the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam: what it tests, how renewal works and how to prepare.
EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026 · Based on Microsoft Learn certification pages
Introduction
The Azure Administrator Associate certification is for people who run Microsoft Azure environments day to day. You earn it by passing one exam, AZ-104.
This guide explains what the exam covers, how the score works and how renewal works. It replaces an older page that called the exam a general learning guide.
Quick Information
| Provider |
Microsoft |
| Certification |
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate |
| Exam |
AZ-104 |
| Level |
Associate |
| Passing score |
700 or greater, on a scaled score |
| Renewal |
Free online assessment on Microsoft Learn, each year |
| Prerequisites |
None formal. Third-party guides say about six months of hands-on experience helps |
Key Points at a Glance
- You earn the certification by passing one exam, AZ-104.
- A passing score is 700 or greater.
- The score is scaled, so it does not equal 70 per cent of the points.
- The certification expires each year and renews free online.
- Microsoft updates the skills measured from time to time.
What the Certification Shows
It shows that you can implement, manage and monitor an organisation’s Azure environment. This covers identities, storage, computing, networking and monitoring.
It does not show deep design skill. That is the job of the expert-level architect exam.
What AZ-104 Covers
The skills measured include managing Microsoft Entra users and groups, managing licences and controlling access.
Other areas include storage, virtual machines and containers, virtual networks and monitoring and backup. Microsoft publishes the exact list and weights on its study guide.
Scoring
Microsoft says a score of 700 or greater is needed to pass. Because the score is scaled, it may not equal 70 per cent of the points.
Question counts and time limits differ between sources, from 40 to 60 questions and 100 to 120 minutes. Check the exam page for your own appointment.
Cost
A third-party guide lists the US fee at 165 US dollars. Prices vary by country.
Check the price on the Microsoft Learn page before you book.
Free Renewal
Microsoft says associate, expert and specialty certifications expire each year. You renew by passing a free online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
The assessment is open for a window before the expiry date. Put a reminder in your calendar.
Who Should Take It
It suits system administrators, support engineers and junior cloud staff who already use Azure. It is also a step towards the architect expert certification.
If you are new to the cloud, the Azure Fundamentals exam is a gentler start. Microsoft does not require it.
Study Plan
Use the free learning path on Microsoft Learn and the free practice assessment. Build a small lab in a free or trial account and set a spending limit.
Plan six to eight weeks. Practise one skill area a week and review your weak spots.
The Exam Sandbox
Microsoft offers an exam sandbox that shows the exam screens. Use it so that the interface is familiar on the day.
Role-based exams also let you search Microsoft Learn during the test, according to a third-party guide. Check this rule before your exam.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not rely on dumps. They break exam rules and are often out of date.
Do not skip hands-on labs. Questions test what you do, not only what you know.
Do not forget to renew.
Using It in Europe
Roles include cloud administrator, systems administrator and cloud support engineer. Add the certificate and the year to your Europass CV.
Mention that it renews each year and show your current expiry date.
Key Terms Explained
Microsoft Entra ID: the service that manages users, groups and sign-in.
Resource group: a container that holds related Azure resources.
Virtual machine: a computer that runs in the cloud.
Virtual network: a private network inside Azure.
Role-based access control: giving people only the rights they need.
Backup: a saved copy of data that you can restore.
A Sample Lab Plan
Create a resource group, a virtual network and a small virtual machine. Add a storage account and set access rights for one test user.
Set up an alert for high processor use and a daily backup. Then delete the resource group so that you pay nothing extra.
Repeat the lab from memory a week later. This shows what you really know.
After You Pass
Add the certificate and the expiry date to your CV. Put a renewal reminder in your calendar.
Then plan your next step, such as the architect exam or a security certification.
Reading Exam Questions
Scenario questions list a need and ask for the best action. Underline the need first.
Remove answers that break a rule, such as using more rights than needed. Pick from what is left.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for AZ-104?
700 or greater, on a scaled score.
Does the certification expire?
Yes. It renews each year through a free online assessment.
Is a prerequisite required?
No formal prerequisite is required.
Which exam do I take?
You take AZ-104.
Find Jobs
Job titles to search for include cloud administrator, systems administrator and cloud support engineer. Search current vacancies on the EURES portal.
Official Course Page
Read the current details on the Microsoft Learn Azure Administrator page.
Disclaimer
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with Microsoft. Prices, course lists and exam rules change, so check the official page before you pay or enrol. A certificate does not give you the right to work in any country.
