How I Passed AZ-104: Study Plan, Resources & Real-World Strategies

Preparing for the AZ-104 exam was a rewarding but challenging journey. As someone working in cloud and DevOps, I already had some Azure experience—but this exam required a deeper operational understanding across services. In this post, I’ll share the exact study plan, resources, strategies, and tips that helped me pass the exam and strengthen my day-to-day Azure skills.

🔍 Understanding What AZ-104 Covers

The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate exam measures practical knowledge in:

1. Azure identity and governance
2. Storage accounts and data management
3. Virtual machines and compute resources
4. Networking and connectivity
5. Monitoring, backup, and cost management

It’s designed for those managing Azure in production, so expect scenario-driven questions, not just definitions.

🧠 My Study Strategy at a Glance

Here’s how I structured my preparation over 6–7 weeks:

• Weekdays: 1–2 hours of focused learning
• Weekends: Longer hands-on labs and recap sessions
• Weekly focus: One core skill area per week
• Final week: Practice exams + weak area reviews

I made sure to combine Microsoft Learn, practice tests, and real Azure usage—not just passive reading.

📅 My 6-Week Study Plan

Week 1: Azure Identity & Governance

• RBAC, Azure AD, roles, subscriptions, policies
• Tools Used: Azure CLI + Microsoft Entra
• Lab: Created custom RBAC roles & enforced policies

📘 Recommended Resource:
Microsoft Learn: Manage identities and governance

Week 2: Storage

• Blob vs File vs Table vs Queue
• Lifecycle rules, replication types (LRS, GRS)
• Lab: Used az storage CLI to automate blob upload/download

🔧 Used Azure Storage Explorer & Microsoft Learn Modules

Week 3: Virtual Machines & Compute

• VMSS, availability sets/zones, extensions, custom script
• App Services and scaling plans
• Lab: Deployed VMs via portal and ARM templates

▶️ Watched John Savill’s deep dives on VM internals

Week 4: Networking

• VNets, peering, NSGs, UDRs, VPNs, ExpressRoute basics
• Azure DNS, Load Balancer vs App Gateway
• Lab: Built a hub-and-spoke topology + peered VNets

🛠 Tool: Azure Network Watcher for testing and logs

Week 5: Monitoring & Backup

• Log Analytics workspace, Azure Monitor, Alerts, Recovery Vaults
• Advisor recommendations and cost optimization

📊 Lab: Created alerts on VM CPU + dashboarded logs via KQL

Week 6–7: Revision & Practice Exams

• Daily practice tests (MeasureUp + TutorialDojo)
• Identified weak areas (e.g., NSG vs ASG, shared disks)
• Reread official docs for ambiguous areas

🎯 Practice tip: Timebox each practice test to simulate exam pressure

🧰 My Go-To Resources

Here are the exact tools and platforms I used:

🧠 Study Tips That Worked for Me

• Timebox your sessions: 45 mins study + 15 mins review beats hours of unfocused reading.
• Always test what you learn: Don’t just read about VNets—create one, peer it, break it.
• Use the Azure free tier + sandbox from Microsoft Learn.
• Flag confusing practice questions and revisit them weekly.
• Join a community: Reddit, Discord, and LinkedIn groups are helpful for clarifications.

📝 On the Exam Day

• You’ll have about 50–60 questions in 120 minutes.
• Expect drag-and-drop, case studies, CLI/PowerShell, and scenario questions.
• Use the “mark for review” option liberally—skip and come back.

🔥 Curveballs I got:

• Shared Access Signatures (SAS) and Azure Files permissions
• Fault domains vs update domains — know how they apply in availability sets
• Service tiers for Blob storage (Hot, Cool, Archive)
• DNS resolution with private endpoints and custom DNS settings

🎉 Final Thoughts

Passing AZ-104 is very achievable, even if you’re new to certifications. My biggest takeaway? Don’t just aim to pass—aim to build real admin skills. The exam will push you to become more confident in managing Azure in real-world environments.

Let me know if you’re preparing—I’m happy to share more templates, notes, or even jump on a study call. You’ve got this 💪

💬 Got questions?
Reach out on LinkedIn or drop a comment.