In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, cloud computing has become an essential part of how businesses operate and scale. Among the major cloud platforms, Microsoft Azure stands out as one of the most widely used and robust solutions for cloud services. As organizations continue to migrate to the cloud, there is an increasing demand for professionals skilled in managing and securing cloud-based infrastructure. The az 104 dumps certification is one of the key credentials for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft Azure.
But what exactly is the AZ-104 certification, and why is it important? In this article, we will explore the purpose of the AZ-104 exam, what it covers, and how it can benefit your career in cloud computing.
What is AZ-104 Certification?
The AZ-104 exam, formally titled Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, is an entry-level certification designed for IT professionals who want to showcase their skills in administering Microsoft Azure environments. This certification validates a candidate’s ability to manage Azure resources, implement security controls, manage virtual networks, and work with other cloud services such as storage, compute, and monitoring solutions.
The AZ-104 certification is intended for individuals who have some hands-on experience with Azure and basic cloud concepts, but it is still open to those who are relatively new to Azure or cloud administration. As organizations increasingly shift their workloads to the cloud, the demand for professionals with expertise in managing Azure environments is growing, making this certification valuable for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in the cloud space.
Who Should Pursue AZ-104 Certification?
The AZ-104 certification is ideal for IT professionals who are responsible for managing cloud infrastructure and services in Microsoft Azure. This includes roles such as:
- Azure Administrators
- Cloud Infrastructure Specialists
- Systems Administrators
- Network Administrators
- Cloud Operations Managers
If you are in an IT role where you handle the management, configuration, and security of cloud-based environments, the AZ-104 certification will help you solidify your knowledge of Microsoft Azure and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Additionally, the AZ-104 is a stepping stone for those pursuing more advanced certifications in Azure, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-303/304) or the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400).
Key Skills Covered in the AZ-104 Exam
The AZ-104 exam is designed to test your ability to perform a range of tasks related to Azure administration. The certification exam covers five key areas, each focusing on a specific aspect of cloud administration. Below is an overview of these areas and the skills you’ll need to master:
1. Manage Azure Identities and Governance (15-20%)
This domain focuses on managing Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), users, and groups, as well as configuring role-based access control (RBAC). Key skills in this area include:
- Managing Azure AD tenants and subscriptions
- Managing user accounts and groups in Azure AD
- Configuring and managing Azure AD join for virtual machines
- Implementing and managing Azure policies and blueprints
- Configuring and managing RBAC for role assignments
Understanding identity and access management in Azure is crucial, as it governs how users and services interact with resources in the cloud.
2. Implement and Manage Storage (10-15%)
Azure provides multiple storage options to suit different needs, including Blob Storage, File Storage, and Disk Storage. This domain focuses on managing storage accounts, data migration, and ensuring the security and availability of data. Skills in this area include:
- Creating and configuring Azure storage accounts
- Managing Azure Blob Storage, File Storage, and other storage solutions
- Implementing Azure Storage replication for data protection
- Configuring and managing Azure Data Lake
- Implementing encryption and data security in Azure Storage
Proficiency in storage management is vital, as it helps ensure that data is efficiently stored and accessible while maintaining security.
3. Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (25-30%)
Compute resources in Azure allow you to run virtual machines (VMs) and containers in the cloud. This domain focuses on provisioning, configuring, and maintaining virtual machines, containers, and other compute resources. Skills covered include:
- Deploying and configuring virtual machines in Azure
- Configuring and managing virtual machine networks and storage
- Automating the deployment of resources using Azure Resource Manager templates
- Managing containers using Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
- Implementing and managing Azure App Services for hosting web apps
Mastering compute resources is essential for administrators who need to manage workloads and optimize the performance of applications running in the cloud.
4. Configure and Manage Virtual Networking (30-35%)
This domain covers the fundamentals of creating and managing virtual networks in Azure. Virtual networks are the backbone of cloud communication, connecting resources and services across Azure regions. Skills in this domain include:
- Implementing and managing virtual networks, subnets, and IP addresses
- Configuring and managing Network Security Groups (NSGs) and Azure Firewall
- Implementing Azure VPN Gateway and ExpressRoute for hybrid networking
- Configuring Azure Load Balancer and Application Gateway for high availability
- Managing private and public IP addresses and DNS settings
Azure administrators need to understand how to configure and manage networking resources to ensure that applications and services are connected and can communicate securely.
5. Monitor and Back Up Azure Resources (10-15%)
The final domain in the AZ-104 exam focuses on monitoring and backing up resources in Azure. This includes setting up monitoring tools and implementing backup strategies to ensure that cloud-based resources are performing well and are protected against data loss. Skills in this domain include:
- Monitoring the health and performance of Azure resources using Azure Monitor
- Configuring alerts and automated actions based on metrics
- Implementing backup solutions for Azure VMs and other resources using Azure Backup
- Using Azure Site Recovery for disaster recovery and business continuity
Being able to monitor performance and maintain business continuity through backups and disaster recovery is crucial for maintaining the health of your cloud environment.
How to Prepare for AZ-104 Certification
Preparing for the AZ-104 exam requires a blend of hands-on experience and studying key concepts. Here are some effective ways to prepare for the certification:
- Study Microsoft Learn: Microsoft offers free learning paths through its Microsoft Learn platform. The learning modules are well-structured, and they cover all of the skills and topics tested in the AZ-104 exam.
- Use Online Courses: Platforms like Pluralsight, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer paid courses specifically designed for the AZ-104 exam. These courses typically include video lectures, practice exams, and study materials.
- Hands-On Practice: Nothing beats hands-on experience when preparing for a cloud certification. Create a free or paid Azure account and practice managing resources. Azure provides a free tier with limited resources to get started.
- Read full report Official Documentation: The official Microsoft Azure documentation is an invaluable resource that explains every aspect of Azure services in detail. It is highly recommended to consult the documentation when you need clarification on specific topics.
- Take Practice Exams: Practice exams can help you familiarize yourself with the question format and identify areas where you need to improve. Many exam prep platforms offer practice tests for the AZ-104.
Benefits of AZ-104 Certification
The AZ-104 certification offers several benefits for those pursuing a career in cloud computing, including:
- Improved Career Prospects: With the rise of cloud technologies, certified Azure administrators are in high demand. Obtaining the AZ-104 certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
- Hands-On Skills: The exam and preparation process provide hands-on experience with Azure, which is highly valuable for your day-to-day tasks as an administrator.
- Credibility and Recognition: The certification is globally recognized and respected within the IT industry, signaling to employers that you have the skills necessary to manage Azure environments effectively.
- Foundation for Advanced Certifications: The AZ-104 is a stepping stone for more advanced certifications in the Azure ecosystem, such as the Azure Solutions Architect or Azure DevOps certifications.
Conclusion
The AZ-104 certification is an excellent choice for IT professionals looking to establish their expertise in Microsoft Azure administration. By covering key areas such as identity management, networking, storage, compute resources, and monitoring, the certification equips you with the practical skills needed to manage and secure cloud-based environments effectively.
Whether you are an aspiring Azure administrator or looking to boost your career prospects in cloud computing, the AZ-104 certification provides the knowledge and credibility needed to advance in the rapidly growing field of cloud technology.
