Validates skills in implementing, managing, and monitoring Azure environments including virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, and governance. Requires proficiency with PowerShell and Azure CLI. Free online renewal every 12 months.
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Sign in to RateAggregated from r/AzureCertification AZ-104 threads
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May 9, 2026
HR Value
Worth Cost
Learning
Exam Difficulty
Most-recommended associate Azure cert. Strongly preferred over AZ-900 for technical roles. John Savill's AZ-104 master class on YouTube + Tim Warner Pluralsight course are the standard 2024 prep.
Aggregated from PBQ / hands-on threads
Does not count toward average ratings or recommendation %.
May 9, 2026
HR Value
Worth Cost
Learning
Exam Difficulty
Heavy hands-on PowerShell / CLI / Bicep coverage in current version. Pure book study insufficient — most pass-on-2nd-attempt threads cite "more lab time" as the fix.
Aggregated from sysadmin → Azure migration threads
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May 9, 2026
HR Value
Worth Cost
Learning
Exam Difficulty
Required prereq for AZ-305 (Solutions Architect). Microsoft enforces this in their official learning path. Career-switchers from on-prem sysadmin backgrounds report strong applicability.
Aggregated from renewal / content-currency threads
Does not count toward average ratings or recommendation %.
May 9, 2026
HR Value
Worth Cost
Learning
Exam Difficulty
Renewal: free online via Microsoft Learn assessment annually. Big improvement over CompTIA's 3-year retake model. Recurring complaint: exam content updates faster than community study guides — use Microsoft Learn primary.
Aggregated from "AZ-104 hardest topics" threads
Does not count toward average ratings or recommendation %.
May 9, 2026
HR Value
Worth Cost
Learning
Exam Difficulty
Network configuration (vNet, peering, VPN gateway) and storage are the most-failed topics. Hands-on practice in your own Azure subscription (free $200 credit) cited as essential.
The most-recommended AZ-104 prep on r/AzureCertification. Free YouTube series.
Official Microsoft Learn path with hands-on labs in Azure Sandbox.
Polished video course with exam-objective alignment.
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Pass Score
700/1000
Remote Proctored
Yes — remote or test center
Exam Languages
Study Time
~100 hours