This guide is designed to help you decide between the AZ-104 and AZ-204 exams by offering an in-depth comparison of both certifications, their respective topics, and the career opportunities they unlock. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional looking to specialize or a newcomer seeking a career change, this article will provide you with the clarity you need.

What is AZ-104?

The AZ-104 exam, also known as the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification, is designed for professionals who want to manage Azure resources. It focuses on implementing, managing, and monitoring Azure services such as virtual machines, storage, networks, and identities.

Key Topics in AZ-104:

• Managing Azure identities and governance (20-25%)
• Implementing and managing storage (15-20%)
• Deploying and managing Azure compute resources (20-25%)
• Implementing and managing virtual networking (15-20%)
• Monitoring and maintaining Azure resources (10-15%)

Target Audience: This certification is ideal for individuals interested in roles such as Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, or Systems Administrator.

What is AZ-204?

The AZ-204 exam, also called the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification, is tailored for developers who are responsible for building and deploying applications on the Azure platform. This certification is for professionals focused on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services.

Key Topics in AZ-204:

• Develop Azure compute solutions (25-30%)
• Develop for Azure storage (15-20%)
• Implement Azure security (15-20%)
• Monitor and troubleshoot Azure solutions (5-10%)
• Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (20-25%)

Target Audience: This certification is ideal for developers who want to work with cloud-based solutions and developers in roles such as Azure Developer, Cloud Developer, or Cloud Engineer.

AZ-104 vs AZ-204: Key Differences

1. Role Focus

• AZ-104: Primarily focused on administrative tasks like managing resources, networks, and identities within Azure.
• AZ-204: Primarily focused on development tasks, including the creation of cloud applications, using Azure SDKs, and working with databases.

2. Skills and Responsibilities

• AZ-104: Requires knowledge of infrastructure services such as virtual networks, storage accounts, and Azure Active Directory.
• AZ-204: Focuses more on coding skills, APIs, and integrating cloud-based solutions within applications.

3. Exam Content and Syllabus

• AZ-104: Topics include infrastructure management, storage management, networking, and governance.
• AZ-204: Topics focus on building cloud applications, integrating services, and securing Azure-based solutions.

4. Career Paths

• AZ-104: Leads to roles such as Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, and IT Manager.
• AZ-204: Leads to roles such as Azure Developer, Cloud Developer, and Solution Architect.

5. Difficulty Level

• AZ-104: Slightly easier for those with IT operations backgrounds, focusing more on operational management of cloud infrastructure.
• AZ-204: More suited for those with development experience, as it requires a deeper understanding of application development and services integration.

Which Certification Should You Take?

Choosing between the AZ-104 and AZ-204 depends on your career goals and expertise. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

If you enjoy managing and maintaining IT infrastructure:

The AZ-104 is a great choice. This certification will prepare you to handle Azure’s infrastructure services, allowing you to manage and monitor Azure resources effectively.

If you are more interested in cloud development:

The AZ-204 certification would be more suitable. If you are passionate about building applications, coding, and integrating with Azure’s various services, the AZ-204 is ideal for you.

Career Change:

If you are switching careers into IT or cloud computing, AZ-104 might be a better starting point as it focuses on core Azure services and operations.

Experience Level:

If you’re already a developer and want to expand your skills into Azure development, AZ-204 is the more relevant certification. On the other hand, if you have IT operational experience and want to move towards cloud administration, AZ-104 would be the better fit.

Resources to Prepare for AZ-104 and AZ-204

Regardless of which exam you choose, proper preparation is key to success. Here are some useful resources to help you prepare for both exams:

Practice Exams:

Get hands-on with practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and question types. Check out AZ-104 Practice Exam and AZ-204 Practice Exam to test your knowledge.

Microsoft Learn:

Microsoft’s official learning platform offers free, comprehensive learning paths for both AZ-104 and AZ-204. Explore the full list of learning resources on the Microsoft AZ-104 Certification Page and Microsoft AZ-204 Certification Page.

Study Guides and Books:

Consider using guides such as the AZ-104 Exam Guide and AZ-204 Study Materials to deepen your understanding of the exam topics.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between AZ-104 and AZ-204?
AZ-104 is focused on cloud administration tasks like managing infrastructure, whereas AZ-204 is geared towards developing and deploying applications on the Azure platform.

2. Is AZ-104 easier than AZ-204?
AZ-104 is generally considered less difficult for those with an IT background, as it covers administrative roles. AZ-204 requires programming skills and application development expertise, making it more challenging for those without a development background.

3. Can a beginner take AZ-204?
While beginners can take AZ-204, it is recommended to have some programming experience before attempting this exam, as it covers application development and cloud integration.

4. Which exam is better for a cloud career?
Both exams are valuable, but AZ-104 is often seen as a better starting point for those new to Azure, while AZ-204 is suited for those pursuing development roles.

5. Can I take both AZ-104 and AZ-204 certifications?
Yes, many professionals choose to pursue both certifications to enhance their skills in both administration and development.

6. What is the cost of the AZ-104 and AZ-204 exams?
Both exams are priced at $165 USD each.

Conclusion

Both the AZ-104 and AZ-204 exams open doors to exciting career opportunities in the cloud industry. Choosing the right certification depends on your skills, career goals, and passion for either administration or development. Whatever path you choose, ensure you are well-prepared by utilizing the right resources and dedicating enough time for study and practice.

Take the next step in your career today and enhance your Azure expertise by exploring AZ-104 Practice Tests or AZ-204 Practice Tests.

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The Heartbeat of Technology: Why AZ-104?

1. An In-Depth Look at the AZ-104 Exam

The AZ-104 exam, known officially as the Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate, is designed for those looking to solidify their skills in managing Azure’s cloud services. With a duration of 120 minutes and a question range of 40-60, the stakes are high but manageable, with a passing score of 700 out of 1000 and an exam fee of $165 USD.

2. Market Trends Amplifying AZ-104’s Popularity

In the rapidly evolving tech world, cloud computing has claimed its throne, and Azure is at the forefront. Businesses, big and small, are migrating to Azure at an unprecedented rate, creating a surge in demand for knowledgeable administrators who can navigate this complex environment. The AZ-104 certification equips candidates with the ability to manage Azure identities, governance, virtual networking, and monitor Azure resources effectively.

3. The Economic Perspective: AZ-104 and Career Advancement

Why is AZ-104 turning heads in the salary discussions? Certified Azure Administrators enjoy a robust salary range, reflecting their critical role in managing and implementing Azure solutions. Organizations recognize the strategic importance of cloud management, offering lucrative packages to attract skilled professionals.

Deep Dive into the AZ-104 Exam Content

• Identity and Governance Management: This segment emphasizes the importance of secure and efficient governance and identity solutions, accounting for 20-25% of the exam.
• Storage Solutions and Management: Candidates learn to implement and manage Azure storage solutions, crucial for 15-20% of the exam content.
• Azure Compute Resources: Deploying and managing Azure compute resources covers another 20-25%, focusing on the backbone of Azure services.
• Virtual Networking: With 15-20%, this area dives into the virtual networks essential for cloud architecture.
• Resource Monitoring: Monitoring and maintaining Azure resources make up 10-15% of the exam, ensuring systems run smoothly.

Preparing for the AZ-104: Strategies and Insights

1. Leveraging Official and Unofficial Study Resources

Effective preparation for the AZ-104 exam requires a blend of official materials and supplementary resources to ensure comprehensive coverage and deep understanding.

• Official Microsoft Learning Pathways: Start with the core, Microsoft-provided learning materials on the Azure Administrator learning path. These resources are tailored to cover all the topics outlined in the exam syllabus systematically.
• Practice Tests: Engage in practice exams available on platforms like EduSum to test your knowledge under exam-like conditions. This helps identify weak areas and gauge exam readiness.
• Study Guides and Books: Supplement your learning with study guides and books from reputable sources. These often provide different perspectives and deeper insights into complex topics.
• Video Tutorials: Visual learners can benefit from video tutorials available on platforms like YouTube or paid courses from EduSum, which often break down difficult concepts into digestible parts.
• Community Forums and Study Groups: Participate in community discussions on platforms like EduSum where fellow learners share insights and updates on the Azure Administrator exam.

2. Timing and Planning Your Study Path

Creating an effective study plan is critical to ensuring that you cover all necessary material without becoming overwhelmed.

Assessment of Current Knowledge: Begin by assessing your current level of expertise in Azure administration. Identify areas of strength and weakness relative to the AZ-104 exam topics to prioritize learning efforts.

Structured Learning Schedule: Develop a structured study plan that allocates time based on the complexity of topics and your schedule. This should include.

• Daily Study Sessions: Short, focused study periods are more effective than occasional marathon sessions.
• Weekly Goals: Set achievable goals each week to maintain a steady pace, adjusting as needed based on progress.
• Regular Review: Incorporate regular review sessions to reinforce old material and integrate new knowledge, ensuring a holistic understanding.

Practical Application: Whenever possible, apply your learning in a practical setting. Use a free Azure trial to experiment with real-world scenarios, which can significantly enhance your understanding and retention of exam topics.

Mock Exams: Towards the end of your preparation, take full-length mock exams to simulate the test day experience. This not only tests your readiness but also helps manage time effectively during the actual exam.

By combining these strategies with diligence and consistency, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the Azure Administrator exam and move one step closer to becoming a certified Azure Administrator.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About AZ-104

Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the AZ-104 exam?

A: There are no strict prerequisites, but hands-on experience with Azure services is recommended.

Q: How often is the AZ-104 exam updated?

A: Microsoft updates the exam periodically to reflect the latest Azure technologies and best practices.

Q: Can I retake the AZ-104 if I don’t pass on the first try?

A: Yes, candidates can retake the exam after a waiting period, although additional fees apply.

Conclusion

Deciding to pursue the Azure Administrator certification is not just about passing an exam; it’s about committing to a career path that is dynamic, demanding, and deeply rewarding. As cloud technologies continue to evolve, the skills verified by the AZ-104 exam will not only be relevant but essential. Whether you’re looking to enhance your expertise or pivot your career toward cloud administration, AZ-104 offers a concrete pathway to achieving those goals.

By understanding what drives the demand for the AZ-104, preparing thoroughly, and connecting with the right resources, you can turn this certification into a cornerstone of your professional development. Remember, every step taken towards gaining this certification is a step towards securing a future in one of technology’s most vital fields.

The post Why AZ-104 Is Your Key to Azure Mastery appeared first on Certification Box.

To crack the Microsoft AZ-104 certification exam, you must prove management of Azure’s customer environment by configuring computers, network connections, storage, and other Azure services usually managed by engineers and management teams. In almost all facets of information technology, the cloud plays a vital role, and to stay competitive in the IT industry, the cloud should be one of your strengths. The Azure Administrator certification is designed for people who wish to advance their careers or take on a new position as an Azure cloud server.

Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 Exam Information

Microsoft AZ-104 exam cost is $165 and comprising of 40-60 questions. You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the exam. And the passing score is 700 / 1000.

Microsoft AZ-104 Syllabus Topics

• Manage Azure identities and governance (15–20%)
• Implement and manage storage (15–20%)
• Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20–25%)
• Configure and manage virtual networking (25–30%)
• Monitor and back up Azure resources (10–15%)

Study Resources to Help You Prepare for Microsoft AZ-104 Exam

1. Online Training Course

There are many study resources available for applicants who choose the self-study approach. One of the best means to prepare yourself is to register for an online training course. Select a reliable AZ-104 training provider based on your requirements and at an economical price. Online training is affordable and provides you with skills and hands-on experience in the field. You can communicate with instructors and solve your doubts during live sessions.

2. Microsoft Documentation

You can consider the official Microsoft documentation to prepare for the Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 exam. The Microsoft documentation contains a detailed theoretical section to comprehend each exam objective. Find detailed topics from the official website and study document.

3. Online Community or Group of Studies Available Online

It is important to join study groups or online forums to communicate with like-minded people. This group discussion can help acquire a new point of view on the subject matter and keep consistency throughout the preparation phase. Before participating in such communities, it is essential to ensure the reliability of groups and forums.

4. Books and Study Guides

If you are interested in reading books for exam preparation, you can buy books and study guides offered by Microsoft. Written by experts in the field, these books will enable you to study and efficiently crack the Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 exam.

5. Microsoft AZ-104 Practice Tests

Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 exam preparation is partial without performing practice tests, and they are appropriate for self-evaluation and help you find problems that require your thought. Practical tests also improve your confidence and allow you to manage your time efficiently during the exam.

Benefits of Taking Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 Practice Tests

Bearing in mind the high difficulty level of the AZ-104 exam, you must attempt plenty of practice tests before appearing for the real exam. Here are the major benefits of doing practice tests for the AZ-104 practice tests:

• Robust understanding and clarity of the exam structure, time limit, and question types.
• Opportunity to try different exam-attempting techniques every time and, thus, contrive the best one.
• Improves speed and accuracy.
• Enhanced time management skills for dealing with different types of AZ-104 exam questions.
• Familiarity with the actual exam environment, time constraints, and other traits.

Jobs for Successful Applicants Who Pass Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 Exam

The applicants who pass the AZ-104 exam will become qualified for the following job positions:

• Azure Cloud Administrator
• Azure Technical Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Systems Administrator

There are plenty of opportunities. And they do not always mean switching your current job. For instance, a Systems Administrator who has officially verified Microsoft Azure skills with the AZ-104 exam can expect a salary of $64k. In the meantime, a Network Administrator with the same Microsoft qualifications makes an average of $65k.

However, if you determine to become an Azure Cloud Administrator, you should be ready to acquire strong expertise in cloud computing and become skilled in working on technical architectures. While the efforts might sound quite fierce, the benefits make it worth it.

Conclusion

Microsoft presented the Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 certification exam with industry requirements in mind. The AZ-104 exam acts as a step for aspiring Azure administrators, and it also makes the reason for organizations to hire qualified job candidates. Sheer commitment and constant practice will help you crack the exam on the first attempt.

The post Become Microsoft Azure Administrator with AZ-104 Exam appeared first on Certification Box.

AZ-104 Exam Overview:

The AZ-104 certification exam is available in many languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. This Microsoft exam comprises 40-60 questions that need to be completed in 120 minutes. To pass the exam, you need to score 700 points or more out of 1000.

Domains Included in Microsoft AZ-104 Certification Exam:

As you prepare to become a Microsoft Azure Administrator, you will come across several topics and concepts relating to your role daily. These can be covered under specific domains that carry different weightage in the AZ-104 exam.

• Manage Azure identities and governance (15-20%)
• Implement and manage storage (15-20%)
• Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20-25%)
• Configure and manage virtual networking (25-30%)
• Monitor and back up Azure resources (10-15%)

Target Audience

Many IT professional roles can avail from the AZ-104 certification. The ones that can benefit the most are:

• Azure administrators who are trying to brush up on their skills
• Developers
• Network administrators
• System administrators
• Cloud architects
• Security engineers
• Database administrators
• IT professionals who desire to understand the role of Azure administrator

Skills Needed for Microsoft AZ-104 Exam

This exam has set the bar in comprehending the Azure environment. You must make an effort to carry out the tasks associate-level certified professionals must do. There must be proficiency in carrying out and managing storage. Similarly, you should have an assured authority in configuring and managing virtual networking, along with Azure identities and governance.

Alongside these, you have to be an expert in monitoring and to back up Azure resources and deploy and supervise Azure compute resources. As a whole, you need to be fluent in the intricacies of dealing with an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment.

How to Prepare for AZ-104 Exam?

• Microsoft provides guides and training courses to polish your Azure knowledge.
• You can also explore Microsoft learn for more in-depth learning.
• There are instructor-led training courses available online to get a complete understanding of the AZ-104 syllabus topics.
• For this Microsoft exam, you need to have hands-on experience. Practicing with Azure and exploring all the domains is vital.
• Familiarity with the AZ-104 exam structure and kinds of questions asked will be beneficial in the exam
• Joining an online community will be very helpful.
• Performing the AZ-104 practice test is a must. Mimic the exam environment and notice how you manage in the actual exam.

Is the Microsoft AZ-104 Exam Worth the Time and Effort?

For junior IT professionals who wish to obtain a certification that provides them a deep foundation in fundamental administration skills, the AZ-104 exam is worth the time, energy, and money spent on it. Organizations and managers with teams of administrators value the confidence that comes with hiring someone who has passed the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam.

Not only that, preparing for and passing the AZ-104 can lead to work in many other IT fields. From more developed network administration to virtualization engineers, you might get a preference for various topics from the work you put into achieving the AZ-104.

The AZ-104 exam is mainly a map of all the expertise and skills you will require to begin your career on the right path for a novice administrator. Especially if you haven’t even started your career yet – maybe you’re still in school, or you’re considering working in the IT field– you should directly turn the AZ-104 exam in the must-have list before applying for an Azure-related job.

The AZ-104 won’t be helpful in every single administration job an organization that doesn’t utilize Azure won’t be keen to employ an Azure Administrator. But suppose you don’t want to spend the time and energy into obtaining a CompTIA A+ certification and would instead spend a few months certifying on one piece of tech. In that case, the AZ-104 emphasizes the basic skills you should learn to get started.

If you’ve been working in an administrative capacity for many years but you’re worried you’re not going anywhere, certifications are an authentic way to promote your career. Passing the Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 will demonstrate to your manager and organization that Microsoft certifies your skills. Earning a Microsoft certification can also deliver a backstop for your career. After achieving the Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104, you can apply for more high-level and technical positions.

All the Best!!

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