AZ-104T00: Microsoft Azure Administrator

Master Azure Cloud Administration: Become a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator in 2026.

The rapid shift to cloud infrastructure demands specialized skills, and many organizations face challenges finding certified experts who can effectively administer their Azure platforms, leading to inefficient operations and potential vulnerabilities.

What skills can I gain from AZ-104:

This intensive AZ-104T00 Microsoft Azure Administrator course equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to:

confidently deploy, manage, and monitor resources in Azure
manage Azure identities and governance
implement and manage storage
configure virtual networking
back up Azure resources

Overview

Level up with Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.

Cloud infrastructure enables companies around the world to reduce costs, enhance security, simplify management, and much more. And Azure administrators have what it takes to unlock the benefits of cloud computing for their organizations, making the most of the resiliency, scalability, and unified data governance of Azure.

Plus, these professionals understand how to put the cloud to work to enable newly remote business processes and to help companies become more agile in the face of today’s rapid digital transformation.

It’s no wonder that certified Azure administrators are in such great demand.

Skills Covered

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Manage services with the Azure portal
Introduction to Azure Cloud Shell
Introduction to Bash
Introduction to PowerShell
Deploy Azure infrastructure using JSON ARM templates
Understand Microsoft Entra ID
Create, configure, and manage identities
Describe the core architectural components of Azure
Implement Azure Policy initiatives
Secure Azure resources using Azure role‑based access control (Azure RBAC)

Prerequisites

Successful Azure Administrators start this role with experience in virtualization, networking, identity, and storage.

Understanding of on-premises virtualization technologies, including: VMs, virtual networking, and virtual hard disks.
Understanding of network configurations, including TCP/IP, Domain Name System (DNS), virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, and encryption technologies.
Understanding of Active Directory concepts, including users, groups, and role-based access control.
Understanding of resilience and disaster recovery, including backup and restore operations.

Candidates for this training can satisfy the required prerequisites by attending the AZ-900T00: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals training course.

Target Audience

This Azure Cloud training course is designed for Azure Administrators. The Azure Administrator implements, manages, and monitors identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in a cloud environment. The Azure Administrator will provision, size, monitor, and adjust resources as appropriate.

This Microsoft course also prepares you for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification exam.

Course Curriculum

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Module 1: Manage services with the Azure portal

Introduction
Azure management options
Navigate the portal
Exercise – Work with resources
Exercise – Use the Azure portal
Azure portal dashboards8 min
Exercise – Customize the dashboard
Access preview features
Summary

Module 2: Introduction to Azure Cloud Shell

Introduction
What is Azure Cloud Shell?
How does Azure Cloud Shell work?
When should you use Azure Cloud Shell?
Module assessment
Summary

Module 3: Introduction to Bash

Introduction
What is Bash?
Bash fundamentals
Bash commands and operators
Exercise – Try Bash
Exercise – Terminate a misbehaving process
Exercise – Use Bash and grep to filter CLI output
Module assessment
Summary

Module 4: Introduction to PowerShell

Introduction
What is PowerShell?
Exercise – Run your first PowerShell commands
Locate commands
Exercise – Locate commands
Module assessment
Summary

Module 5: Deploy Azure infrastructure by using JSON ARM templates

Introduction
Explore Azure Resource Manager template structure
Exercise – Create and deploy an Azure Resource Manager template
Add flexibility to your Azure Resource Manager template by using parameters and outputs
Exercise – Add parameters and outputs to your Azure Resource Manager template
Module assessment
Summary

Module 6: Understand Microsoft Entra ID

Introduction
Examine Microsoft Entra ID
Compare Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory Domain Services
Examine Microsoft Entra ID as a directory service for cloud apps
Compare Microsoft Entra ID P1 and P2 plans
Examine Microsoft Entra Domain Services
Module assessment
Summary

Module 7: Create, configure, and manage identities

Introduction
Create, configure, and manage users
Exercise – assign licenses to users
Exercise – restore or remove deleted users
Create, configure, and manage groups
Exercise – add groups in Microsoft Entra ID
Configure and manage device registration
Manage licenses
Exercise – change group license assignments
Exercise – change user license assignments
Create custom security attributes
Explore automatic user creation
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 8: Describe the core architectural components of Azure

Introduction
What is Microsoft Azure
Get started with Azure accounts
Exercise – Explore the Learn sandbox
Describe Azure physical infrastructure
Describe Azure management infrastructure
Exercise – Create an Azure resource
Module assessment
Summary

Module 9: Azure Policy initiatives

Introduction
Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure
Azure Policy design principles
Azure Policy resources
Azure Policy definitions
Evaluation of resources through Azure Policy
Check your knowledge
Summary

Module 10: Secure your Azure resources with Azure role-based access control (Azure RBAC)

Introduction
What is Azure RBAC?
Knowledge check – What is Azure RBAC?
Exercise – List access using Azure RBAC and the Azure portal
Exercise – Grant access using Azure RBAC and the Azure portal
Exercise – View activity logs for Azure RBAC changes
Module assessment
Summary

Module 11: Allow users to reset their password with Microsoft Entra self-service password reset

Introduction
What is self-service password reset in Microsoft Entra ID?
Implement Microsoft Entra self-service password reset
Exercise – Set up self-service password reset
Exercise – Customize directory branding
Summary

Module 12: Configure virtual networks

Introduction
Plan virtual networks
Create subnets
Create virtual networks
Plan IP addressing
Create public IP addressing
Associate public IP addresses
Allocate or assign private IP addresses
Exercise: Create and configure virtual networks
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 13: Configure network security groups

Introduction
Implement network security groups
Determine network security group rules
Determine network security group effective rules
Create network security group rules
Implement application security groups
Exercise – Implement virtual networking
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 14: Host your domain on Azure DNS

Introduction
What is Azure DNS?
Configure Azure DNS to host your domain
Exercise – Create a DNS zone and an A record by using Azure DNS
Dynamically resolve resource name by using alias record
Exercise – Create alias records for Azure DNS
Summary

Module 15: Configure Azure Virtual Network peering

Introduction
Determine Azure Virtual Network peering uses
Determine gateway transit and connectivity
Create virtual network peering
Extend peering with user-defined routes and service chaining
Exercise – Implement Intersite Connectivity
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 16: Manage and control traffic flow in your Azure deployment with routes

Introduction
Identify routing capabilities of an Azure virtual network
Exercise – Create custom routes
What is an NVA?
Exercise – Create an NVA and virtual machines
Exercise – Route traffic through the NVA
Summary

Module 17: Introduction to Azure Load Balancer

Introduction
What is Azure Load Balancer?
How Azure Load Balancer works
When to use Azure Load Balancer
Module assessment
Summary

Module 18: Introduction to Azure Application Gateway

Introduction
What is Azure Application Gateway?
How Azure Application Gateway works
When to use Azure Application Gateway
Module assessment
Summary

Module 19: Introduction to Azure Network Watcher

Introduction
What is Azure Network Watcher?
How Azure Network Watcher works
When to use Azure Network Watcher
Module assessment
Summary

Module 20: Configure storage accounts

Introduction
Implement Azure Storage
Explore Azure Storage services
Determine storage account types
Determine replication strategies
Access storage
Secure storage endpoints
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 21: Configure Azure Blob Storage

Introduction
Implement Azure Blob Storage
Create blob containers
Assign blob access tiers
Add blob lifecycle management rules
Determine blob object replication
Manage blobs
Determine Blob Storage pricing
Exercise – Provide storage for the public website
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 22: Configure Azure Storage security

Introduction
Review Azure Storage security strategies
Create shared access signatures
Identify URI and SAS parameters
Determine Azure Storage encryption
Create customer-managed keys
Apply Azure Storage security best practices
Exercise: Manage Azure Storage
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 23: Configure Azure Files

Introduction
Compare storage for file shares and blob data
Manage Azure file shares
Create file share snapshots
Implement soft delete for Azure Files
Use Azure Storage Explorer
Consider Azure File Sync
Knowledge check
Summary and resources

Module 24: Introduction to Azure virtual machines

Introduction
Compile a checklist for creating an Azure Virtual Machine
Exercise – Create a VM using the Azure portal
Describe the options available to create and manage an Azure Virtual Machine
Manage the availability of your Azure VMs
Back up your virtual machines
Module assessment
Summary

Module 25: Configure virtual machine availability

Introduction
Plan for maintenance and downtime
Create availability sets
Review update domains and fault domains
Review availability zones
Compare vertical and horizontal scaling
Implement Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets
Create Virtual Machine Scale Sets
Implement autoscale
Configure autoscale
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 26: Configure Azure App Service plans

Introduction
Implement Azure App Service plans
Determine Azure App Service plan pricing
Scale up and scale out Azure App Service
Configure Azure App Service autoscale
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 27: Configure Azure App Service

Introduction
Implement Azure App Service
Create an app with App Service
Explore continuous integration and deployment
Create deployment slots
Add deployment slots
Secure your App Service app
Create custom domain names
Back up and restore your App Service
Use Azure Application Insights
Exercise: Implement Web Apps
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 28: Configure Azure Container Instances

Introduction
Compare containers to virtual machines
Review Azure Container Instances
Implement container groups
Review Azure Container Apps
Exercise: Implement Container Instances
Module assessment
Summary and resources

Module 29: Introduction to Azure Backup

Introduction
What is Azure Backup?
How Azure Backup works
When to use Azure Backup
Module assessment
Summary

Module 30: Protect your virtual machines by using Azure Backup

Introduction
Azure Backup features and scenarios
Back up an Azure virtual machine by using Azure Backup
Exercise – Back up an Azure virtual machine
Restore virtual machine data
Exercise – Restore Azure virtual machine data
Summary

Module 31: Improve incident response with Azure Monitor alerts

Introduction
Explore the different alert types that Azure Monitor supports
Use metric alerts for alerts about performance issues in your Azure environment
Exercise – Use metric alerts to alert on performance issues in your Azure environment
Use log search alerts to alert on events in your application
Use activity log alerts to alert on events within your Azure infrastructure
Use action groups and alert processing rules to send notifications when an alert is fired
Exercise – Use an activity log alert and an action group to notify users about events in your Azure infrastructure
Summary

Show full curriculum

Exam & Certification

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.

The Azure Administrator Associate certification validates that you have subject matter expertise in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Azure environment. You earn this Azure cloud certification by passing Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator.

As an Azure administrator, you understand what the cloud can do for your organization. And you know how to enable purpose-built infrastructures for consistent management, security, and governance—on-premises, in a hybrid scenario, or fully in the cloud. With all the innovation and capabilities that Azure has to offer, now is the time to earn your Azure Administrator Associate certification.

Prove your ability to make a difference to your team and your organization—today and in the future—with your in-demand Azure administrator skills and experience.

Training & Certification Guide

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Candidates for the Azure Administrator Associate certification should have subject matter expertise implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment.

Responsibilities for this role include implementing, managing, and monitoring identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in a cloud environment, plus provision, size, monitor, and adjust resources, when needed.

An Azure administrator often serves as part of a larger team dedicated to implementing an organization’s cloud infrastructure.

A candidate for this certification should have at least six months of hands-on experience administering Azure, along with a strong understanding of core Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and governance. In addition, this role should have experience using PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal, and Azure Resource Manager templates.

Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator

This exam measures your ability to accomplish the following technical tasks: manage Azure identities and governance; implement and manage storage; deploy and manage Azure compute resources; configure and manage virtual networking; and monitor and back up Azure resources.

Skills measured:

Manage Azure identities and governance (15-20%)
Implement and manage storage (15-20%)
Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20-25%)
Configure and manage virtual networking (25-30%)
Monitor and back up Azure resources (10-15%)

Celebrate your Azure talents with the world

When you earn a certification or learn a new skill, it’s an accomplishment worth celebrating with your network. It often takes less than a minute to update your LinkedIn profile and share your achievements, highlight your skills, and help boost your career potential. Here’s how:

If you’ve earned a certification already, follow the instructions in the congratulations email you received. Or find your badge on your Certification Dashboard, and follow the instructions there to share it. (You’ll be transferred to the Acclaim website.)
To add specific skills, visit your LinkedIn profile and update the Skills and endorsements section. Tip: We recommend that you choose skills listed in the skills outline guide for your certification.

Keep your certification up to date

If you’ve already earned your Azure Administrator Associate certification, but it’s expiring in the near future, we’ve got good news. You’ll soon be able to renew your current certifications by passing a free renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn—anytime within six months before your certification expires.

For more details, please read our blog post, Stay current with in-demand skills through free certification renewals.

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Why train with Trainocate

Why get Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certified?

Earning a Microsoft Azure Certification is globally recognized and industry-endorsed evidence of mastering real world skills. It shows you demonstrate proficiency in keeping pace with technology. It’s a career move that yields many positive results.

Getting a Microsoft Cloud certification is also a great way to break into the tech industry. A Microsoft Certification immediately confers a level of authority and expertise, especially helpful for someone new to the industry.

How long is the exam and what types of questions can I expect?

The number of questions on a certification exam is subject to change as Microsoft make updates to ensure it aligns with current changes in the technology and job role. Most Microsoft Certification exams typically contain between 40-60 questions; and around 60-140 minutes.

How long is the certification valid for?

Starting June 30 2021, all newly earned role-based and specialty certifications will be valid for one year from the date the certification was earned.

How Learning Partners can help you achieve your learning goals?

To stay up to date, IT pros are constantly learning and adding skills. The IDC study concluded that Microsoft Learning Partners such as Trainocate Malaysia which was recently awarded 2021 Microsoft Learning Partner of the Year are well positioned to help organizations achieve their business and learning goals. The IT leaders who were surveyed found the most value from a Learning Partner that provides:

An end-to-end solution which starts with identifying skill gaps, simplifies the learning experience, and finishes by evaluating how well the Learning Partner met the organization goals.
Scale, flexibility, and speed to train teams of any size, in any location, amid changing circumstances.
Value-added services, such as hands-on labs, classroom training, and custom content that help the skills development program succeed.
High-quality content and delivery, meaning accurate, relevant courseware, top-notch instructors, and a path to certification, if needed.

What's next after AZ-104?

We recommend these certifications for IT pros who want to validate their skills in building, deploying, and managing on-premises, hybrid, or cloud infrastructure solution:

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The session will cover the basics of Azure Virtual Desktop and provide an implementation details of Windows 10 pool of VMs within the same.

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Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is a three-day instructor-led course that provides students with the information they need to plan, configure, and manage virtual desktops on Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer

If your responsibilities as part of a larger team include maintaining the security posture, identifying and remediating vulnerabilities by using a variety of security tools, implementing threat protection, and responding to security incident escalations, this could be the certification for you.

The AZ-500T00 training enables you to secure end-to-end infrastructure on both cloud and hybrid environments and validate technical expertise with the Azure Security Engineer Associate certification.

Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty

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This course teaches IT Professionals experienced in SAP solutions how to leverage Azure resources that include deployment and configuration of virtual machines, virtual networks, storage accounts, and Azure AD that includes implementing and managing hybrid identities.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate

This AZ-700T00: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions course teaches Network Engineers how to design, implement, and maintain Azure networking solutions. This course covers the process of designing, implementing, and managing core Azure networking infrastructure, Hybrid Networking connections, load balancing traffic, network routing, private access to Azure services, network security and monitoring.