Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)

Intermediate Microsoft Cloud Computing

Core Azure admin cert. Covers identity, governance, storage, compute, and networking. Fastest ROI on Azure path.

Quick Verdict

Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) sits at the Intermediate level — a solid next step once you have some foundational experience, without requiring the multi-year track record advanced credentials demand.

Overview

Core Azure admin cert. Covers identity, governance, storage, compute, and networking. Fastest ROI on Azure path.

Key topics covered: Identity & Azure AD, Virtual machines & networking, Storage accounts, Load balancing & VPN, Monitoring & backup, ARM Templates.

Best suited for: IT administrators and cloud engineers managing Azure infrastructure.

Common career paths: Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Systems Administrator, IT Infrastructure Lead.

Who This Is For

IT administrators and cloud engineers managing Azure infrastructure.

Exam Focus Areas

  • Identity & Azure AD
  • Virtual machines & networking
  • Storage accounts
  • Load balancing & VPN
  • Monitoring & backup
  • ARM Templates

Study Roadmap

Full step-by-step roadmap coming soon. See the roadmap page for updates.

Career Paths This Supports

Azure AdministratorCloud EngineerSystems AdministratorIT Infrastructure Lead

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification?

Core Azure admin cert. Covers identity, governance, storage, compute, and networking. Fastest ROI on Azure path. offered by Microsoft, focused on Cloud Computing.

Who offers the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification?

Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is issued by Microsoft.

Is Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) a beginner, intermediate, or advanced certification?

Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is classified as Intermediate-level. It generally assumes some prior foundational knowledge or entry-level experience.

How much does the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) exam cost?

The Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) exam costs $165. Always confirm current pricing on the official Microsoft certification page, as fees change periodically.

What salary can I expect with Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)?

Professionals holding Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) commonly report compensation in the $110K–$140K range, though actual pay varies by employer, geography, and total experience.

What category does Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) fall under?

Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is categorized under Cloud Computing on CertPlanet, alongside other related certifications you can compare directly.

Is Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) worth pursuing in 2026?

That depends on your current experience level and goals — as an Intermediate-level credential, it works well once you have some foundational experience but haven't yet formalized it.

How does Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) compare to similar certifications?

See the dedicated comparison page for Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) to view it side-by-side against alternative certifications in Cloud Computing.

Where do I register for the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) exam?

Registration happens directly through Microsoft's official certification portal, linked from this page.

What's the best way to prepare for Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)?

A structured, step-by-step study roadmap for Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is available on this site, built around the exam's actual focus areas rather than a generic study checklist.