Is AZ-104 Really Worth For Aspiring Azure Admins?

If you’re an IT professional looking to get certified in Azure, then the AZ 104 certification is the perfect place to start. Beginners can start with the foundation level certification in Azure, which is known as AZ-900. However, it is not required for all professionals to start their professional journey as Azure admins. The AZ-104 certification is designed to test your knowledge and skills in managing Azure resources and services. In this blog post, we will discuss all the important concepts related to the AZ-104 certification.

What is AZ-104 Certification?

The AZ-104 certification is a Microsoft certification for Azure administrators. It is designed to test your skills in effectively managing Azure resources and services. This certification is for IT professionals who have experience in managing Azure resources and services and are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Prerequisites for AZ-104 Certification

To take the AZ-104 certification, you need to have a fundamental knowledge of Azure. You also need to have experience in provisioning and managing Azure resources and services. Microsoft recommends that you have at least six months of experience in managing Azure resources and services before taking the certification.

Exam Pattern for AZ-104 Certification

The AZ-104 certification exam consists of 40-60 questions that need to be answered in 150 minutes. The questions are of different types, including multiple-choice questions, drag and drop, and case studies. The qualifying score for this certification is 700 out of 1000.

Important Concepts of AZ-104 Certification

The AZ-104 certification focuses on managing Azure services, including Azure VMs, Azure Storage, Azure Virtual Networks, and Azure Active Directory. You need to have a deep understanding of these services to pass the certification.

Azure Resource Manager

Azure Resource Manager (ARM) is the service on Azure that deals with deployment and management. It is essential to understand how ARM works, how to deploy resources using ARM templates, and how to manage resources using ARM.

Azure Virtual Machines

Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) are one of the core services of Azure. You need to know how to create, manage, and configure Azure VMs. You also need to understand how to use VMs for different purposes, such as running applications or hosting websites.

Azure Storage

Azure Storage is a cloud-based storage service that provides highly scalable and durable storage for data. You need to know how to create, manage, and configure Azure Storage accounts. You also must understand the various types of storage options available in Azure like Blob storage, Queue storage, and File storage.

Azure Virtual Networks

Microsoft Azure Virtual Networks (VNets) are used to create isolated networks in Azure. You need to know how to create and manage VNets, how to configure network security groups, and how to connect VNets to on-premises networks.

Azure Active Directory

It is a cloud-based IAM service that helps admins manage users and their access to resources. You need to know how to create and manage Azure AD, how to configure Azure AD authentication, and how to manage Azure AD users and groups.

Azure Backup

It is a cloud-based backup service that provides backup and recovery solutions for Azure resources. You need to know how to configure Azure Backup, how to create and manage backup policies, and how to perform backup and recovery operations.

Azure Site Recovery

Azure Site Recovery (ASR) is a cloud-based disaster recovery service that provides replication and failover capabilities for Azure resources. You need to know how to configure ASR, how to create and manage recovery plans, and how to perform failover and failback operations.

Benefits of Taking AZ-104 Certification

Taking the AZ-104 exam can provide numerous benefits to individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft Azure. Here are some benefits of obtaining the AZ-104 certification:

Career Advancement: The certification showcases your skills and expertise in Azure cloud technology. This can help you get promoted to higher positions or get better job opportunities.

Validation of skills: The certification validates your skills and knowledge in Azure administration, deployment, and management. This will help you enhance your credibility with clients, colleagues, and employers.

Competitive Edge: The certification will help you get a competitive edge while applying for jobs, as it demonstrates your expertise and dedication to staying in line with the latest cloud technology trends.

Improved Salary: Certified professionals generally earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. The AZ-104 certification can potentially lead to increased salary and job security.

Access to Microsoft Resources: Microsoft offers numerous resources and benefits to certified professionals, including access to exclusive Azure updates, events, and community forums.

Improved Problem-Solving Abilities: Through the process of preparing for the certification exam, you can improve your problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to design and implement solutions in Azure.

Networking Opportunities: Obtaining the AZ-104 certification can provide networking opportunities with other certified professionals, which can lead to potential partnerships or collaborations.

The AZ-104 certification can provide a wide range of benefits to individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft Azure. However, getting this certification without practical skills will take you nowhere. It can help only those with practical hands-on skills on Azure and who want to validate their skills via the official Microsoft certification.

How to Prepare for AZ-104?

To prepare for the AZ-104 certification exam, you need a thorough understanding of Azure Administration concepts and skills. Here are some steps to help you get ready for the exam:

Review the exam objectives: Start by reviewing the exam objectives, which outline the topics and skills covered in the exam.

Gain practical experience: Azure Administration is a practical field, and hands-on experience is critical for success in the AZ-104 exam. Create an Azure account and practice the skills covered in the exam.

Study Azure Administration concepts: Review Azure Administration concepts like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure networking, Storage solutions, and Azure Active Directory.

Take online courses and tutorials: There are numerous online courses and tutorials available that cover Azure Administration concepts and skills. These resources can help you build a deeper understanding of the material covered in the exam.

Use practice exams: Practice exams are valuable resources that can help you evaluate your understanding of the material and identify areas where you may need to focus your studies.

Join Azure communities: Joining Azure communities can help you connect with other professionals in the field and learn from their experiences.

Review Microsoft documentation: Microsoft provides extensive documentation on Azure Administration. Reviewing these resources can help you deepen your understanding of the platform and the skills covered in the exam.

By following these steps, you can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the exam and become a certified Azure Administrator. To prepare for the AZ-104 exam, you need to combine practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and study materials.

Is AZ-900 Required for Taking AZ-104?

Microsoft Azure offers a range of certifications that allow individuals to showcase their expertise in cloud computing. One such certification is the AZ-104, which is designed for Azure Administrators. Many individuals who are interested in obtaining the AZ-104 certification wonder if they need to take the AZ-900 certification first.

It is important to note that the AZ-900 certification is not mandatory before taking the AZ-104 certification. However, the AZ-900 certification covers fundamental Azure concepts and terminology, which can be beneficial when preparing for the AZ-104 certification. Additionally, the AZ-900 certification is ideal for individuals who are new to Azure and want to gain a foundational understanding of the platform before delving into more complex topics.

If you already have a strong understanding of Azure fundamentals, you can skip the AZ 900 certification and focus on preparing for the AZ-104 certification. However, for those who are new to Azure, taking the AZ-900 certification before taking the AZ-104 certification can be beneficial. Ultimately, the decision to take the AZ-900 certification before the AZ-104 certification depends on an individual’s prior knowledge and experience with Azure.

Modes of Taking the Certification

When it comes to taking the AZ-104 certification exam, you have two options: in-person or online.

1. Offline (exam center): The in-person mode requires you to travel to a physical testing center to take the exam. This option provides a secure and controlled environment for test-takers. It may be preferred by individuals who prefer a traditional testing experience.
2. Online (proctored): The online mode allows you to take the AZ-104 exam from the comfort of your own home or office. This option offers more flexibility and convenience as individuals can take the exam from anywhere with an internet connection. However, there are specific requirements for taking the exam online, such as a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a private environment.

Choosing between these two modes depends on your preferences and circumstances. In-person testing centers provide a secure and controlled environment, while online testing offers more flexibility and convenience. Careful consideration of the requirements and limitations of each mode is crucial in making an informed decision.

AZ-104 Validity

The certification is valid for two years from the date it was earned, as Azure is a constantly evolving platform. To maintain certification status after two years, you must either pass a recertification exam or earn a higher-level certification.

Conclusion

The AZ-104 certification is an excellent certification for IT professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in managing Azure resources and services. To pass the certification, you need to have a deep understanding of Azure services, Azure Resource Manager, Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Virtual Networks, Azure Active Directory, Azure Backup, and Azure Site.

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