Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
A direct operational credential for managing Azure environments and an important step in the Azure architect pathway.
Current exam: AZ-104. The English skills outline applies from 17 April 2026. Assessment time: 100 minutes. Role-based certification renewal is every 12 months through Microsoft Learn. Checked 13 September 2026; regional pricing and languages are on the official page.
AZ-104 preparation checklist
Manage Azure identities and governance (20–25%), storage (15–20%), compute resources (20–25%), virtual networking (15–20%), and monitoring and maintenance (10–15%). Practise these tasks in Azure before booking.
Read Microsoft’s current AZ-104 study guideWhat this credential focuses on
Who should consider it?
Build experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, the Azure portal, ARM/Bicep and Microsoft Entra ID, alongside operating systems, networking and virtualisation.
Eligibility comes first.
Earn the credential by passing AZ-104. Microsoft does not list another certification as a prerequisite; hands-on Azure administration knowledge is recommended. Use a personal Microsoft account when scheduling through Pearson VUE.
How to register
Prepare the AZ-104 skills outline dated 17 April 2026: identities and governance, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring.
Open the Azure Administrator Associate page on Microsoft Learn and use Schedule exam. Microsoft recommends a personal Microsoft account.
Continue to Pearson VUE. Select your country, language, delivery option and an available appointment; review the local fee and identification requirements.
Complete payment or apply a valid voucher in the official booking flow, keep the confirmation and complete the required exam-day checks.
Passing AZ-104 earns this associate credential. No prior certification is listed as a prerequisite. The exam allows 100 minutes for the assessment; certification renewal is every 12 months through Microsoft Learn.
Book AZ-104 through Microsoft LearnMake it count in your career.
Deploy a private application with identity controls, monitoring, backups and infrastructure as code.
The career guidance here is editorial. A certification can support your profile, but its value depends on your practical ability, your employer’s technology and the role you are targeting.
Official exam source reviewed 13 September 2026. Confirm current details and availability with the provider before booking.