AZ-104 Exam Guide: Cost, Format and How to Prepare

The AZ-104 exam tests whether you can run an Azure environment day to day. You need a score of 700 or higher to pass. Passing earns you the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.

This guide covers what the exam tests, what it costs, and how to prepare. We also point you to Microsoft's own pages for details that change.

*Written by the Buy Exam Voucher Team. Last reviewed: October 28, 2026.* Exam details change, so check the date on any guide you use, including this one.

What AZ-104 is and who it is for

AZ-104 is the exam for the Azure Administrator Associate role. An Azure administrator creates, manages and monitors cloud resources. Think virtual machines, storage, networks, user access and backups.

This exam suits you if you work in IT support, system administration or networking and are moving to the cloud. It also suits you if you already use Azure and want proof of your skills. It is not a beginner exam. If you have never opened the Azure portal, build some familiarity first.

If you are brand new to cloud, our Cloud Computing certification page lists other starting points.

What the AZ-104 exam covers

Microsoft groups the exam into five skill areas:

• Manage Azure identities and governance

• Implement and manage storage

• Deploy and manage Azure compute resources

• Implement and manage virtual networking

• Monitor and maintain Azure resources

Each area has a weight, and Microsoft adjusts the weights from time to time. We do not quote percentages here, because a copied number can go stale. Open the official AZ-104 study guide (Skills measured) to see the current weights and the full task list. Plan your study time from that page.

Identities and governance

Expect Microsoft Entra ID users and groups, role-based access control (RBAC), Azure Policy, resource locks, subscriptions and management groups. These ideas also show up inside other topics, so they repay your time.

RBAC trips up many people. Practice assigning roles at different scopes and see what each person can and cannot do.

Storage

Learn storage accounts, redundancy options, access tiers, shared access signatures and Azure Files. Know how to secure access to storage and when to use each option.

Compute

This covers virtual machines, scale sets, containers, App Service and deployment templates. Know how to resize, move and back up a VM. Be able to read a template, not only click through the portal.

Virtual networking

Expect virtual networks, subnets, network security groups, peering, DNS and load balancing. Many questions describe a problem, such as two VMs that cannot talk to each other. You then pick the fix.

Monitoring and maintenance

This includes Azure Monitor, alerts, Log Analytics, Azure Backup and recovery options. Know the difference between backing up a VM and replicating it to another region.

Exam format, scoring and passing score

The passing score is 700 or higher. Microsoft reports results on a scaled score, so 700 does not mean you must answer 70% of questions correctly.

We do not quote an exact question count or time limit. Microsoft can change these, and question counts can differ between candidates. Question types can include multiple choice, case studies and other formats. Read the current details on the official AZ-104 exam page.

Also try the Microsoft exam sandbox. It is interactive, so you can see the question styles and the interface before exam day.

You can usually take the exam at a test center or online with a proctor. Pick whichever setting helps you stay calm. Check Microsoft's current delivery rules before you book, including ID requirements.

How much does the AZ-104 exam cost?

Our AZ-104 voucher costs $44.99 in USD. You can see it on the AZ-104 voucher page.

Here is how it works:

• One voucher covers one exam attempt.

• We deliver vouchers by email within 12 hours.

• If you fail, you need another voucher for the next attempt.

Microsoft's own listed price depends on your country, and it can change. Compare it with the price on Microsoft's exam page for your region. For the steps after you buy, read How Exam Vouchers Work. It covers buying, redeeming and scheduling.

How to prepare: a practical 6-week plan

How long you need depends on your experience. Someone who uses Azure at work may need less time. Someone new to cloud may need more. Treat the plan below as a starting template, not a promise.

Step 1: Get the official skills outline and rate yourself

Open the current Skills measured list from Microsoft. Copy each bullet into a checklist. Rate yourself on each one using this scale:

1. 1 = Never done it. I could not explain it.

2. 2 = Done it once, with a guide. I need to repeat it.

3. 3 = Can do it from memory. I could fix it if it broke.

Study every 1 first. Then move to the 2s. Re-rate yourself at the end of weeks 3 and 5.

Step 2: Set up a free practice environment

Create an Azure account and practice in a real subscription. Microsoft offers a free account for new users, but check the current terms yourself. Set a budget alert on day one so you do not get a surprise bill. Delete resources when you finish each session.

Step 3: Study with Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn has a free AZ-104 course and learning paths that follow the exam. Many learners also pair it with John Savill's free videos on YouTube. Use them to learn the idea, then switch to the portal and do it yourself.

Step 4: Follow a weekly rhythm

1. Week 1: Identities, RBAC, subscriptions and governance.

2. Week 2: Storage accounts, access and redundancy.

3. Week 3: Virtual machines, containers and App Service.

4. Week 4: Virtual networking, security groups and DNS.

5. Week 5: Monitoring, backup and recovery, plus weak spots.

6. Week 6: Practice assessment, review notes and book your exam.

Step 5: Do labs, not just reading

For each topic, build something. Create a VM, attach a disk, lock it down with a network security group, back it up, then delete it. You remember what you have done far better than what you have read.

Try each task in the portal first. Then repeat it with Azure CLI or PowerShell, since the exam may expect you to recognize commands.

Step 6: Use practice questions carefully

Start with Microsoft's free official practice assessment for AZ-104. You can find it through the official certification page. It is safe, it matches the current skills outline, and it shows you the question style.

Practice questions help you find gaps. They do not replace understanding. Be wary of any site that says its questions are the real exam. Memorizing leaked content can break Microsoft's exam rules, and it will not help you on the job.

When you miss a question, ask why the right answer is right. Then test it in the portal.

Worked lab: why can't these two VMs talk?

This scenario mirrors a common exam pattern. VM-A and VM-B sit in the same virtual network, but VM-A cannot reach VM-B on port 80. Here is one way to build it and fix it. Check the Azure CLI reference for current options before you run anything.

1. Create a resource group: az group create --name rg-lab --location eastus

2. Create two VMs in the same virtual network and subnet, using az vm create. Name them vm-a and vm-b.

3. Create a network security group: az network nsg create --resource-group rg-lab --name nsg-lab

4. Add a deny rule for port 80 with a low priority number, for example 100. Use az network nsg rule create with --access Deny and --destination-port-ranges 80.

5. Attach the NSG to the subnet, then try to reach vm-b from vm-a. The connection should fail.

6. Find the cause. Run az network nic list-effective-nsg for vm-b's network interface. It shows every rule that applies, in priority order.

7. Fix it. Add an allow rule for port 80 with a lower priority number than the deny rule, such as 90. Lower numbers are checked first.

8. Clean up: az group delete --name rg-lab --yes

The lesson is rule priority and where an NSG is attached. It can sit on the subnet, the network interface, or both. When you troubleshoot, check both places. The exam often tests this exact thinking.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping identity and governance. It appears inside other topics too, so weak RBAC knowledge hurts you elsewhere.

• Only watching videos. You may feel ready without being able to do the tasks.

• Ignoring cost controls. A forgotten VM or gateway can use up your credit.

• Studying old material. Azure changes. Check the date on any course or notes you use.

• Booking too early. Pick a date that gives you time, but not so much time that you drift.

Exam day checklist

1. Redeem your voucher and schedule the exam in advance.

2. Confirm your ID and name match what Microsoft requires.

3. If testing online, test your computer, camera and room beforehand.

4. Read each question fully, especially case study details.

5. Flag hard questions and return to them, if the exam allows it.

When you are ready to book, you can buy the AZ-104 voucher and follow the redeem steps in our guide.

What to do after you pass

Passing AZ-104 gives you an associate-level Azure credential. Many people then look at security, DevOps or architecture paths. Check Microsoft's certification pages for current options and prerequisites, since they change.

If you fail, do not panic. Your score report shows which areas were weaker. Study those, redo the labs, and read Microsoft's exam policies, including the retake rules before you book again.

Sources

• AZ-104 Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate voucher

• How Exam Vouchers Work: Buy, Redeem and Schedule Your Exam

• Cloud Computing certifications