Preparing for the az-104 exam means proving you can run real Azure environments, not just recall definitions. The Microsoft Azure Administrator certification is built for IT professionals who manage identity, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring across cloud deployments. If you work as an Azure Administrator, Cloud Administrator, or Systems Administrator, AZ-104 validates the hands-on skills employers expect. The exam lasts 100 minutes, includes 40-60 questions, and requires a passing score of 700 out of 1000. Key domains include Manage Azure Identities and Governance (20%), Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (20%), Implement and Manage Storage (15%), Implement and Manage Virtual Networking (15%), and Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources (10%). Whether you search for az 104, az-104, or az104, this HydraNode.ai hub helps you study with focused resources and realistic practice.
You are an Azure Administrator for an organization using Microsoft Entra ID. You need to create a group that automatically adds members whenever a user’s Department attribute is set to 'Finance.' Which group membership configuration in Microsoft Entra ID should you use to achieve this objective?
A
Assigned membership
B
Dynamic device membership
C
Dynamic user membership
D
Self-service group management
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Dynamic user membership is the correct choice because it uses attribute-based rules (e.g., Department) to automatically manage group membership without manual intervention.
A. Incorrect.
This option requires you to manually add or remove users, which does not fulfill the requirement of automatic membership based on an attribute.
B. Incorrect.
Dynamic device membership applies rules to devices rather than to users, so it won't meet the requirement of automatically adding users based on the Department attribute.
C. Correct.
Dynamic user membership lets you create a membership rule based on user attributes such as Department, enabling automated user addition or removal.
D. Incorrect.
Self-service group management allows users to request membership in groups, but it does not automatically add or remove users based on attributes.
You are an Azure Administrator for a company that uses Microsoft Entra for identity management. The HR department requests that any new user hired into the 'Sales' department is automatically added to the 'SalesTeam' group without requiring manual updates. Which action should you take to ensure these users are instantly assigned to the correct group upon hire?
A
Edit the 'SalesTeam' group membership to require approval-based joining for all new hires
B
Define a dynamic membership rule that adds members with Department set to 'Sales' to the 'SalesTeam' group
C
Convert the 'SalesTeam' group into a Microsoft 365 group and enable self-service membership
D
Create a script to run nightly that queries each new user’s department and updates group membership
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Dynamic membership in Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) automatically assigns users to groups based on their user attributes, such as Department. Defining a rule that checks whether the Department attribute is set to 'Sales' ensures all new 'Sales' employees are added to the 'SalesTeam' group without manual intervention.
A. Incorrect.
Approval-based joining only allows users to request membership but doesn’t automate assignment based on user attributes, so it’s not suitable for automatic assignment.
B. Correct.
A dynamic membership rule in Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) uses a user’s department or other attributes to grant or remove group membership automatically.
C. Incorrect.
Changing the group type to a Microsoft 365 group and enabling self-service membership would still require users to manually join, which does not meet the requirement for automatic assignment.
D. Incorrect.
While scripting could theoretically manage membership, it requires ongoing maintenance and does not leverage native Azure AD dynamic membership capabilities, making it less efficient and more prone to error.
Your company recently hired several employees who need immediate access to a corporate application protected by a Microsoft Entra security group. You want the group's membership to be updated automatically based on each new employee's department attribute in Microsoft Entra ID. Which group membership type should you configure to ensure that all new employees in the 'Sales' department are automatically added to this group?
A
Assigned group membership
B
Dynamic user membership
C
Dynamic device membership
D
Microsoft 365 group membership
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Dynamic user membership in Microsoft Entra ID lets you define rules based on user attributes. When a new employee in the 'Sales' department is created, the attribute-based membership rule automatically adds the user to the group, removing the need for manual intervention.
A. Incorrect.
Assigned group membership requires manual addition or removal of members, which does not suit the automatic requirement.
B. Correct.
Dynamic user membership automatically adds or removes user accounts based on defined user attributes, fulfilling the scenario’s requirement.
C. Incorrect.
Dynamic device membership filters devices, not user attributes, so it would not automatically add employees based on their department.
D. Incorrect.
Microsoft 365 group membership is primarily for collaboration scenarios, and it does not inherently automate user addition based on attributes.
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 5 domains to pass your exam
1
Manage Azure Identities and Governance
20%
2
Implement and Manage Storage
15%
3
Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources
20%
4
Implement and Manage Virtual Networking
15%
5
Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources
10%
Who Should Take This Exam?
IT professionals seeking Microsoft Azure expertise
The Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification validates your ability to manage cloud services spanning storage, security, networking, and compute capabilities within Microsoft Azure. This associate-level certification is one of the most sought-after Azure credentials and demonstrates proficiency in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization's Azure environment.
Week 1-2
Azure Fundamentals and Identities/Governance
Build foundation and master identity and governance concepts
Set up free Azure account and explore portal
Complete Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) modules
Understand RBAC and Azure Policy
Practice creating users, groups, and assigning roles
Learn subscription and resource group management
Week 3-4
Storage and Compute Resources
Master Azure storage solutions and virtual machines
Create and configure storage accounts with different tiers
Practice with AzCopy and Storage Explorer
Deploy VMs using multiple methods (Portal, CLI, PowerShell)
Configure VM availability and scaling
Work with Azure App Service
Week 5-6
Virtual Networking
Deep dive into Azure networking components and configurations
Create and configure VNets and subnets
Implement NSGs with proper rule prioritization
Configure VNet peering across regions
Set up load balancers and application gateways
Practice VPN Gateway configurations
Week 7-8
Monitoring, Backup, and Integration
Learn monitoring tools and disaster recovery solutions
Configure Azure Monitor and Log Analytics workspaces
Create alerts and action groups
Set up Azure Backup for VMs and files
Configure Site Recovery
Practice diagnostic settings configuration
Week 9-10
Review, Practice Exams, and Weak Areas
Final review and intensive practice testing
Complete multiple full-length practice exams
Review all incorrect answers thoroughly
Revisit weak areas identified in practice tests
Practice scenario-based questions
Review exam skills outline one final time
Study tips
Hands-On Practice is Critical
Create a free Azure account immediately and practice everything you learn
Don't just watch videos - recreate every demo in your own Azure environment
Use Azure CLI and PowerShell alongside Portal - exam includes command-line scenarios
Set budget alerts on your free account to avoid unexpected charges
Delete resources after practice sessions to minimize costs
Master the Azure Portal
Learn to navigate quickly between services using the search bar
Familiarize yourself with resource creation workflows for all major services
Understand where to find configuration options and settings for each service
Practice using Azure Cloud Shell (both Bash and PowerShell)
Know how to use the Azure mobile app for basic management tasks
Focus on Scenario-Based Questions
AZ-104 heavily features scenario questions - understand WHY to use services, not just HOW
Practice case studies where you select the appropriate service for given requirements
Understand cost optimization scenarios and when to use different service tiers
Learn to identify when high availability or disaster recovery solutions are needed
Practice troubleshooting scenarios common to Azure administrators
Understand Service Limitations and Quotas
Know default limits for VMs per region, storage accounts per subscription, etc.
Understand which limits are soft (can be increased) vs hard limits
Learn when to use multiple subscriptions for scale
Know how to request quota increases
Understand service availability by region
Command-Line Proficiency
Practice common Azure CLI commands for all major services (az vm, az storage, az network)
There are no strict formal prerequisites for the Microsoft Azure Administrator certification. However, Microsoft Azure recommends having foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts and some hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Candidates who invest time in study materials and practice exams typically perform best.
FAQ
Microsoft Azure Administrator FAQs
Common questions about the AZ-104 certification exam
The Microsoft Azure Administrator is a professional certification offered by Microsoft Azure that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is AZ-104. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using Microsoft Azure technologies.
The Microsoft Azure Administrator exam typically contains 40-60 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The passing score for the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam is 700/1000. Note that Microsoft Azure uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.
The Microsoft Azure Administrator exam duration is 100 minutes (2 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.
The Microsoft Azure Administrator exam costs $165. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. Microsoft Azure occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.
The Microsoft Azure Administrator certification is valid for 1 year. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through Microsoft Azure's continuing education program.
While Microsoft Azure doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.
Yes, the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.
If you don't pass the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. Microsoft Azure typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.
To prepare for the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.
About the Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification
The Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is a associate-level certification offered by Microsoft Azure. This certification validates your expertise in cloud computing and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 40-60 questions to be completed in 100 minutes, with a passing score of 700/1000. The exam fee is $165, and the certification is valid for 1 year.
Why Get Microsoft Azure Administrator Certified?
Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $115,000 per year. Microsoft Azure-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the cloud computing industry.
Industry Recognition: Microsoft Azure certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in cloud computing technologies and practices.
Skill Validation: The Microsoft Azure Administrator exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 5 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam Format & Details
The AZ-104 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 100 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 40-60 questions. A score of 700/1000 is required to pass. As an associate-level certification, it requires a solid understanding of the core technologies and some hands-on experience.
Exam Domains & Topics
The Microsoft Azure Administrator exam covers 5 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
Manage Azure Identities and Governance (20% of exam)
Implement and Manage Storage (15% of exam)
Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (20% of exam)
Implement and Manage Virtual Networking (15% of exam)
Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources (10% of exam)
Who Should Take the Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
IT professionals seeking Microsoft Azure expertise
Cloud Computing practitioners looking to validate their skills
Professionals preparing for a career in cloud computing
Technical specialists aiming to advance their career with an industry-recognized credential
Team leads and managers who need to understand cloud computing concepts
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the Microsoft Azure Administrator certification opens doors to roles such as Azure Administrator, Cloud Administrator, Systems Administrator. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $115,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for cloud computing skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The Microsoft Azure Administrator certification is valid for 1 year. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet Microsoft Azure's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The AZ-104 exam costs $165. You can register through Microsoft Azure's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for AZ-104
Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study to prepare for the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
HydraNode publishes 288 free AZ-104 practice questions with answers and explanations, plus a timed practice exam drawn from the same bank. Every question is written to the published objectives, so what you practise matches the format and difficulty of the actual AZ-104 exam.
