Introduction – In a Cloud-First Age, Being the “Hands-On” Admin Matters
In 2025, when cloud computing, hybrid infrastructure, and automation dominate enterprise IT, you might ask: “Which certification actually prepares me for real cloud work?”
The AZ-104 exam stands out as one of those credentials, emerging as the practical bridge between foundational knowledge (such as AZ-900) and more advanced or architect-level roles.
Whether you are a system administrator, network professional, cloud engineer, operations lead or someone pivoting into cloud, I’ll explain why AZ-104 continues to be one of the most applicable certifications for 2025.
We’ll cover what it evaluates, how it aligns with the real world, how it’s updated, what the career benefits are, and how you can approach preparation efficiently with resources like these AZ-104 practice dumps to help you study smarter.
Why AZ-104 Still Holds Major Value in 2025
1. Role-Based & Aligned with Job Functions
According to Microsoft, the Azure Administrator role “implements, manages, and monitors an organisation’s Microsoft Azure environment, including compute, storage, network and security”. That means the certification isn’t just “theoretical cloud knowledge”, it’s what you’ll actually do on Day 1.
2. Practical Skills Over Memorisation
The recent study guide emphasises skills measured such as deploying VMs, managing identities, configuring virtual networks, monitoring resources. In other words: if you plan to manage Azure rather than just talk about it, AZ-104 maps directly.
3. Updated for 2025 Realities
The exam’s skills-measured document (April 2025 update) shows the exam has only minor changes, but refreshes that reflect current Azure services. That kind of stability + relevance means your effort won’t go stale quickly.
4. Career-Ready Impact
Sources report that qualifying as an Azure Administrator with AZ-104 opens roles such as “Cloud Administrator”, “Azure Support Engineer”, “Infrastructure Specialist”. If you’re building your cloud career ladder, this credential is a strong rung.
What AZ-104 Covers (and Why It Matters)
Let’s dive into the major domains and link them to real-world tasks.
| Domain | Key Topics | Real-World Relevance for 2025 |
| Manage Azure Identities & Governance (~15-20 %) | Azure AD, RBAC, policy, subscriptions | Azure environments integrate with enterprise identity and governance frameworks, you’ll be managing access, compliance. |
| Implement & Manage Storage (~15-20 %) | Storage accounts, files/blobs, access tiers, encryption | Data is heavy, you’ll set up cost-effective storage, retention, backups. |
| Deploy & Manage Compute Resources (~20-25 %) | VMs, containers, scale sets, app services | You’ll provision and manage workloads in Azure rather than on-prem. |
| Configure & Manage Virtual Networking (~20-25 %) | VNets, subnets, VPN/ExpressRoute, NSGs, load-balancers | Connectivity is still critical, hybrid cloud, site-to-cloud links, security. |
| Monitor & Back Up Azure Resources (~10-15 %) | Azure Monitor, alerts, diagnostics, backup/recovery | Operations rarely stop, survivability, performance monitoring matter. |
Because these domains reflect live workloads, you’re not just prepping for an exam, you’re prepping for what you’ll actually do in a job.
Who Should Take the AZ-104 and Why
- IT Administrators migrating to cloud, you already manage infrastructure; AZ-104 shifts your skills to Azure.
- Traditional System/Network engineers wanting to pivot cloud, you’ll reuse what you know (networking, VMs, storage) but in Azure context.
- Cloud support or operations professionals, validating your skills gives you credibility.
- Career changers to cloud roles, if you’ve done AZ-900 or have foundational knowledge, AZ-104 adds hands-on credibility.
How AZ-104 Fits in the Certification Journey
Think of it this way:
- AZ-900 (Fundamentals) = Concepts & Cloud literacy
- AZ-104 (Administrator) = Operational/Hands-On cloud admin
- Then you move to Architect/DevOps/Security tracks (AZ-305, AZ-400, AZ-500)
So AZ-104 is the practical middle credential that transforms “I know cloud theory” into “I can manage cloud workloads”.
Preparation Strategy for AZ-104 (2025 Edition)
Here’s a step-by-step plan tailored for 2025’s practical exam demands.
Step 1: Review the Official Exam Skills Outline
Download the “Skills measured” document (April 2025 version) and mark where your gaps are.
Step 2: Structured Study Plan
- Week 1-2: Identities & Governance + Storage
- Week 3-4: Compute + Virtual Networking
- Week 5: Monitoring & Backup + Review. Use Microsoft Learn modules, hands-on labs, and video courses.
Step 3: Hands-On Practice
Don’t just read, do. Create a free Azure account or sandbox. Practice:
- Creating VMs, scaling them
- Setting up VNets, peering, NSGs
- Configuring RBAC, Azure AD groups
- Using Monitor/Alerts, backup vault. This makes the “real work” stick.
Step 4: Practice Tests + Simulations
Use full-length tests that mimic the exam format. According to feedback: Cert Mage AZ-104 practice pack really helped you spot weak areas.”
Simulate real exam conditions so you know your timing and nerves are handled.
Step 5: Review & Schedule
As you near readiness (consistently scoring >80% in mocks), schedule your exam. Review your weak domains one last time.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Impact | What to Do |
| Treating it like a theoretical exam | You’ll fail practical tasks | Practice labs + focus on operations |
| Ignoring networking fundamentals | Virtual networks heavily tested | Spend decent time on VNets, NSGs |
| Skipping monitoring/back-up domain | You’ll lose easy marks | Allocate ~10-15% study to it |
| Relying on outdated study materials | Exam has minor changes for 2025 | Always use 2025-aligned resources |
| Not using Azure portal hands-on | You’ll slow down in real exam | Use sandbox for real tasks |
Preparing for the Real World, Not Just the Exam
One of the biggest advantages of AZ-104: the skills measured map directly to real Azure administrator jobs.
This means when you pass, you’re not just certified, you’re somewhat job-ready.
For example, an organisation waving “we need an Azure Admin who can manage VMs, networking, identity & storage”, you’ll show you’ve done exactly that.
Career Impact & Salary Insights
While certifications alone don’t guarantee roles, many sources indicate the AZ-104 credential enhances your cloud career viability.
Job titles you might target: Azure Administrator, Cloud Administrator, Cloud Support Engineer, Infrastructure Specialist. Salary estimates vary by region/experience but globally, cloud admin roles command strong compensation. Because AZ-104 proves you can operate in Azure, not mere theory, you often have an edge.
Key Trends for 2025 That Make AZ-104 Even More Relevant
- Hybrid & Multi-Cloud Environments: On-premises + cloud coexist; Azure admins need to manage that bridge.
- Automation & Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Azure administrators are expected to use CLI/PowerShell/ARM templates.
- Security & Governance as Core Admin Tasks: Administrators aren’t just “doing” they are enforcing policy, RBAC, monitoring access.
- Operations Focus over Architecture: Many organisations fill operational roles before pushing to architect roles, AZ-104 fits perfectly.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification?
A: It is a Microsoft role-based certification that validates the skills required to manage and monitor Azure environment including identities, storage, compute, networking, and governance.
Q2: What are the prerequisites for AZ-104?
A: Microsoft says no formal prerequisites, but candidates should have experience with Azure services, networking, storage, compute and skills covered in AZ-900 if not already taken.
Q3: What is the structure and format of AZ-104 in 2025?
A: The exam covers five key skill areas. It typically includes multiple‐choice, case studies, simulation tasks. The 2025 update adds fewer changes but emphasises real-world tasks.
Q4: Why is AZ-104 “practical” compared to other exams?
A: Because it focuses on live tasks (deploying VMs, configuring networks, managing governance) rather than just definitions, making the skills directly usable in jobs rather than just exam-passing.
Q5: What certifications can I pursue after AZ-104?
A: After AZ-104 you can move to more advanced/architect roles: AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect), AZ-400 (Azure DevOps Engineer), AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer) among others.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cloud certification in 2025 that offers real world applicability, career relevance, and foundational value, the AZ-104 is an excellent choice. It sits in that sweet spot between fundamental awareness (AZ-900) and architect/expert credentials. It ensures you don’t just speak cloud, you can operate cloud.
Invest your study time here, gain hands-on practice, and you’ll emerge not just certified, but operationally capable. That’s what makes AZ-104 the most practical Azure exam for 2025 professionals.
