Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104): A Complete Guide

In today's tech world, storing and securing data is a breeze thanks to cloud technology. Microsoft Azure is leading the way in cloud innovation, and that's why many companies are on the lookout for Microsoft Azure Administrators.

Being a Microsoft Azure Administrator means you get to work with Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, performing virtual magic tricks and safeguarding digital information. Plus, it pays really well because the demand for Azure administrators is skyrocketing.

Who is an Azure Administrator?

An Azure administrator is a professional in a cloud environment accountable for maintaining and managing Microsoft cloud resources and services. Azure administrators work on or oversee the following: 

• Manage storage,
• Monitor performance,
• Configure networking, 
• Set up virtual machines,
• Ensure overall security, efficiency, and availability of Azure-based systems and applications. 

Moreover, their role concerns troubleshooting issues, implementing best practices, and optimizing the cloud infrastructure to meet business goals. 

Looking for a career as an Azure administrator? In that case, it’s mandatory to obtain Microsoft Certified Azure administrator associate certification. 

If you want to harness the boundless opportunities of cloud mastery in the evolving topography of 2023, explore KnowledgeHut's Azure 104 certification program. 

Top Skills to Become an Azure Administrator Associate

You need solid skills to become a proficient Azure administrator associate. You must be well-versed in balancing and deploying workloads, setting up cloud systems, and working with Windows, UNIX, LINUX, and other operating systems.

Below I have mentioned a few must-have basic skills to become an Azure professional. 

• Substantial knowledge of Azure's core concepts, services, and architecture 
• Basic understanding of the functions of databases, networking, software in the cloud, and servers
• A thorough understanding of cloud computing services is crucial in all Azure-based professions
• Experience in working with PowerShell and Office 365
• Understanding of Microsoft 
• You must know at least one programming language 
• Previous experience in AWS or Google Cloud can be beneficial 
• Familiarity with ASP.NET and open-source networks
• Experience working with virtual machines, understanding their deployment, management, and scaling
• You should be able to manage connections between Azure resources and on-premises infrastructure using Azure ExpressRoute or VPNs. 
• Must be familiar with the working of JavaScript, SQL Server, and HTML5. 

With this knowledge and skills, you can easily acquire Azure administrator associate certification and launch a good job. 

AZ-104 Certification: Exam Pattern

AZ 104 exam has an intermediate difficulty level compared to other Microsoft role-based tests. The exam comprises questions from 5 different modules and case studies as described below: 

• Manage Azure identities and Governance (15-20%)
• Implement and Manage Storage (10-15%)
• Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (25-30%)
• Configure and Manage Virtual Networking (30-35%)
• Monitor and backup Azure Resources (10-15%)

The exam is divided into sections, and you must attempt 60 odd questions in 3 hours. You must obtain cut-off marks for every section to pass the exam. The total cut-off for the exam is 700. Also, there’s no negative marking for any wrong answers. 

Typically, these sections have multiple-choice questions, hands-on and case studies, and Yes/No questions. 

How to Become a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate?

You must follow a structured process and have specific skills to become a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator. 

Here are the steps that you must follow: 

Step 1: Prerequisites and Familiarity with Azure Services

Professionals planning to become Azure administrators must be familiar with its core services, including software, databases, cloud servers, and networking. If you have experience in Google Cloud or AWS, you can easily transition to Azure with the help of your expertise. 

Step 2: Acquire Practice Knowledge and Experience

Unless you have hands-on experience, your knowledge isn’t that concrete. So, practice! Set up accounts, create virtual machines, networks, and storage resources, and work with Azure services. 

Exercise techniques like managing access controls, troubleshooting issues, and configuring securing settings. 

Step 3: Get Your Hands on Online Learning Resources

For those who don’t know, Microsoft Learn offers free, interactive modules and guided learning paths specific to Azure administration. Study Azure documentation to comprehend Azure concepts, best practices, and services.

However, if you are a beginner finding it challenging to grasp the concept of cloud computing, then fret not. KnowledgeHut offers an easy and comprehensive Cloud Computing training program to help you get ready to obtain Microsoft Certified Azure administrator associate certification. 

Step 4: Certification Exam Preparation

Once you have acquired theoretical and practical knowledge and have all the skills essential for the certification, you need to review the official exam guide for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam (AZ-104).

Also, before you attempt it, try practising sample questions and exams to evaluate your readiness. 

Step 5: Register for the Exam

Now that you are ready to register for the AZ-104 exam through the official Microsoft Certification website.

Step 6: Gather Your Concentration 

On your exam day, be early. Read every question carefully and understand them well before answering. 

Step 7: Certification 

If you have passed the exam, you will get the Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate certification. You can access and share your digital badge on social media and professional networks like LinkedIn. 

Tips to Prepare for the AZ-104 Azure Administrator Associate Certificate

Until now, we have discussed what an Azure administrator does, the specific skills required to be a proficient Azure administrator, how to become one, the exam patterns, etc, the main challenge is the preparation for the exam. 

So, to reduce your efforts and help you pass the AZ 104 exam, we have mentioned a few steps that every candidate must follow: 

1. Gather All Pertinent Information in Advance 

Before you begin studying for this test, you must visit the Microsoft website's official exam information page. It contains only up-to-date, reliable, and authentic information. This page will inform you about the eligibility requirements, exam prerequisites, goals, registration costs, and exam schedules. 

2. Understand the Exam Topics

Each test has its unique weight and module structure. Therefore, it is critical that you genuinely understand the exam objectives. The official webpage of the exam will give you all information regarding the weightage of several modules. You can begin your preparation once you fully grasp each module and domain. With this knowledge, you may concentrate on the most important sections of the test. 

3. Consider Online Learning

Online training is one of the most convenient ways to prepare and practice for this test. You may master challenging ideas from industry professionals through online training classes. Microsoft offers a few self-paced online training programs for the AZ-104 test. A thorough study plan provided by an instructor-led training session may guarantee that you cover all areas and are up to speed on all the current trends and developments in exam themes.

4. Participate in Online Discussion Forums and Study Groups

Once you have gathered all the relevant test knowledge, you should participate in discussion forums and study groups. This may provide you with the opportunity to connect with people who are studying for this examination. You may ask questions, answer other people's inquiries, communicate with like-minded people, etc.

5. Practice! 

Practice should be the final stage in your preparation. Exam practice will increase your confidence and prepare you psychologically and physically for the AZ-104 exam. When you have completed your preparations, look out for several good simulators. These AZ104 simulators are intended to simulate an authentic exam-writing atmosphere. This practice might help you discover your strengths and shortcomings so that you can work on your skills. 

With Microsoft Learn, you can take free practice assessments and find out whether you are ready for the exam or not. 

Once you are prepared, you can attempt the Microsoft Certified Azure administrator certification exam. 

Azure Certification Latest Updates: Microsoft Rectifications

Currently, there are no updates or Microsoft rectifications on Azure Certification. However, if there are any announcements or updates in the future, you can find them on Microsoft Learn. 

Staying updated with the dynamic realm of Azure Certification as Microsoft continually refines its offerings for accuracy and relevancy. 

Career Advantages of Passing the Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam

The advantages are numerous. Some include career flexibility, the potential to advance in your career, the chance to earn a higher salary, improved security offerings from employers, and sharper skills. 

Let’s find out how obtaining MS Azure administrator certification can render these benefits. 

1. Access to Flexible Career Options

A Microsoft Azure certification can help you explore a variety of job opportunities. You have the option of becoming a cloud architect, a solution architect, or a developer. Furthermore, the accreditation allows you to operate in various sectors and regions.

Companies from several industries are migrating to the cloud because of its storage, computation, and networking advantages. An Azure certification can lead to healthcare, banking, and entertainment career opportunities. Moreover, many certified Azure experts work in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and others.

2. Career Growth

Whether you now work in cloud computing or want to get started, Azure administrator associate certification can help you progress your career. Azure credentials are some of the most in-demand qualifications in IT right now, and they may help you get a better job or advance within your organization.

3. Enhanced Security

Being certified can help you improve your company's cloud security by keeping you updated on the newest trends and alternatives. You'll keep up to speed on developments and new technologies if you renew your qualifications. This increased security knowledge makes you more appealing to firms wanting to recruit, particularly in cloud security jobs.

4. Improved Skill Set

The more familiar you are with cloud computing, the more likely you are to grab opportunities in the employment market. People with advanced certs in Azure are rewarded more for their expertise. Azure certification can help you hone your artificial intelligence and machine learning abilities. 

Knowledge of cloud principles and an awareness of Azure's essential architectural components are among the abilities assessed in the certification examinations. Azure identity, access, and security, as well as governance and compliance, are also discussed.

5. Higher Earning Potential

According to salary data gathered by Glassdoor, Azure certification can increase your earning potential. For instance, Azure cloud architects get an average annual pay of USD 127,590. 

Here are salaries for other Azure-certified cloud-based roles in the USA:

• Azure cloud engineer: $130,233
• Azure DevOps engineer: $126,096 
• Azure data engineer: $122,746 

Conclusion

An Azure administrator is a professional who works on cloud services and manages Microsoft cloud resources, ensuring efficiency, security, and availability. If you plan to become one, you must procure practical experience, study Azure basics, and obtain a Microsoft Certified Azure administrator associate certification. 

This certification offers numerous benefits like career growth, improved skill set, high earning potential, enhanced security knowledge, and flexible career options. With evolving Azure updates, you must stay updated to ensure your certification journey aligns seamlessly with the changing cloud landscape. 

If you are looking for a program to help you acquire the certification, enroll in KnowledgeHut Azure 104 certification program.