Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104

Certification Details

Here are the key details for the Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 certification:

Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

Certification Overview:

• Target Audience:
  IT professionals aspiring to become Azure administrators responsible for managing azure administrator certification resources and services.
• Skills Measured:
  The certification assesses skills in various domains, including managing azure administrator certification identities and governance, implementing and managing virtual machines, configuring and managing Azure virtual networks, and more.
• Prerequisites:
  There are no strict prerequisites for the AZ-104 certification. However, having a basic understanding of azure administrator certification services and cloud concepts is beneficial.

Exam Details:

• Exam Code:
  AZ-104
• Exam Format:
  Multiple-choice questions, case studies, and hands-on labs.
• Passing Score:
  A passing score on the AZ-104 exam demonstrates proficiency in azure administrator certification administration.
• Exam Registration:
  You can register for the exam through the Microsoft Certification website or a certified exam provider.

Who is an Azure Administrator?

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for managing and maintaining Microsoft Azure cloud services and resources. Their primary role revolves around configuring, monitoring, and maintaining Azure solutions to ensure they run efficiently and securely. Here are some key responsibilities and tasks commonly associated with an Azure Administrator:

1. Resource Management:
   Azure Administrators create, deploy, and manage Azure resources such as virtual machines, databases, storage accounts, and networking components.
2. Identity and Access Management:
   They configure and manage user identities, permissions, and access control to Azure resources using azure administrator certification Active Directory and role-based access control (RBAC).
3. Security and Compliance:
   Azure Administrators implement security measures, monitor for security threats, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. They may configure firewalls, encryption, and security policies.
4. Networking:
   They set up and manage virtual networks, subnets, VPN connections, and Azure ExpressRoute to establish secure and efficient communication between azure administrator certification resources and on-premises networks.
5. Collaboration:
   Collaborating with other IT professionals, such as developers and data engineers, to design and implement solutions that leverage Azure services.
6. Troubleshooting:
   Diagnosing and resolving issues related to Azure resources, network connectivity, and application performance.
7. Documentation:
   Maintaining documentation of azure administrator certification configurations, policies, and procedures to ensure transparency and knowledge sharing in azure administrator certification.

Azure Professional Skills

Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform, requires a diverse set of professional skills to effectively leverage its capabilities and manage cloud resources. Here are some key skills that professionals working with azure administrator certification should possess:

1. Azure Service Knowledge:
   Understanding Azure's diverse range of services, including computing, networking, storage, databases, AI, and IoT, is essential.
2. Cloud Architecture:
   Proficiency in designing and architecting cloud solutions, including creating scalable, reliable, and cost-effective Azure architectures.
3. Azure Governance:
   Ability to implement governance strategies using Azure Policy, role-based access control (RBAC).
4. Security and Compliance:
   Knowledge of azure administrator certification's security features, including identity and access management, encryption, threat detection, and compliance with industry standards for azure administrator certification.

Role-based Azure Administrator Skills

Azure Administrators, depending on their role and level of expertise, require specific skills tailored to their responsibilities. Here are role-based Azure Administrator skills for different Azure certification levels:

Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Skills

• Cloud Concepts:
  Understand fundamental cloud computing concepts, including cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and deployment models (public, private, hybrid).
• Azure Services:
  Familiarity with core azure administrator certification services and their use cases, such as virtual machines, storage, networking, databases, and web apps.

Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) Skills

• Azure Resource Management:
  Proficiency in creating, configuring, and managing Azure resources, including virtual machines, storage accounts, and virtual networks.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM):
  Implement role-based access control (RBAC) and manage identities using Azure Active Directory.
• Azure Networking:
  Configure and manage virtual networks, VPNs, and network security groups (NSGs) for secure and efficient network communication in azure administrator certification.

Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-300, AZ-301) Skills

• Azure Architecture:
  Design and architect complex Azure solutions, considering scalability, availability, and performance.
• Azure Services Integration:
  Understand how to integrate various Azure services to build comprehensive solutions.
• Data Management:
  Design data storage and management solutions using azure administrator certification SQL Database, Cosmos DB, Data Lake Storage, and data integration tools for azure administrator certification.

Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) Skills:

• CI/CD Pipelines:
  Set up continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using Azure DevOps.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC):
  Use IaC principles with tools like Azure Resource Manager templates and Terraform for automated infrastructure provisioning.

Azure Resource Manager templates (ARM templates) play a crucial role in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) skills. These JSON-based templates are used to define and provision Azure resources in a declarative manner. Their primary purposes and some example template structures are as follows:

Purpose of ARM Templates:

1. Infrastructure Automation:
   ARM templates enable the automated provisioning and configuration of Azure resources. This eliminates manual setup and ensures consistent, repeatable deployments in azure administrator certification.
2. Version Control:
   ARM templates can be stored in version control systems (e.g., Git) to track changes, collaborate with team members, and roll back to previous configurations if needed.
3. Documentation:
   Templates serve as documentation for your Azure infrastructure, making it easier to understand and maintain complex environments for azure administrator certification.

Example Template Structures:

1. Resource Declaration:
   Define the Azure resources you want to create or manage within the template. For example, you can declare a virtual machine, a storage account, or a virtual network.

2. Parameters and Variables:
   Utilize parameters to make templates reusable with different configurations. Variables can store intermediate values or expressions in azure administrator certification.

3. Outputs:
   Define what information you want to extract from the deployment, which can be useful for post-deployment tasks or reporting in azure administrator certification.

Azure Administrator Certification

Here are the key details for the Azure Administrator certification:

Certification Name:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Exam Code:
AZ-104 (Please verify the exam code on the official Microsoft certification website as it may have changed.)

Certification Overview:

• Target Audience:
  IT professionals responsible for managing Azure resources, including virtual machines, storage, networking, and security.
• Prerequisites:
  While there are no strict prerequisites for the AZ-104 azure administrator certification, candidates should have a foundational understanding of Azure services and cloud concepts.

Exam Details:

• Exam Format:
  Multiple-choice questions, case studies, and hands-on labs.
• Passing Score:
  A passing score on the AZ-104 exam demonstrates proficiency in Azure administration.
• Exam Registration:
  You can register for the exam through the official Microsoft azure administrator certification website or an authorized exam provider.

Certification Benefits:

• Validation:
  Earning the Azure Administrator Associate certification validates your skills and expertise in managing Azure resources, making you a recognized Azure administrator.
• Career Opportunities:
  Azure administrators are in high demand, and this azure administrator certification can open doors to various cloud-related job roles.

Exam Preparation:

• Study Resources:
  Microsoft provides official study materials, including documentation, online courses, and practice exams, to help you prepare for the AZ-104 exam.
• Hands-on Experience:
  Practical experience in managing azure administrator azure administrator certification resources is crucial for success in the exam.
• Practice Tests:
  Consider using practice tests to assess your knowledge and readiness for the exam in azure administrator certification.

Azure Administrator Syllabus

The AZ-104 certification covers several domains related to Azure administration:

1. Manage Azure Identities and Governance:

• Implement and manage Azure Active Directory.
• Manage Azure AD objects (users, groups, and devices).
• Implement and manage hybrid identities.
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Configure Azure AD self-service password reset.

2. Implement and Manage Storage:

• Create and configure storage accounts.
• Manage storage access keys.
• Implement Azure Blob Storage and Azure Files.
• Manage storage data.
• Configure Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN).

3. Deploy and Manage Virtual Machines (VMs):

• Create and configure virtual machines.
• Configure Azure Disk Encryption.
• Automate VM deployment.
• Manage Azure VMs.
• Implement solutions for VM availability, including availability sets and availability zones.

4. Configure and Manage Virtual Networks:

• Create connectivity between virtual networks.
• Implement and manage virtual networking.
• Configure name resolution.
• Secure access to virtual networks.
• Implement and manage virtual network peering.

Azure Administrator Jobs

Here are some common job roles and positions that require Azure Administrator expertise:

1. Azure Administrator:
   The most straightforward role is that of an Azure Administrator. These professionals are responsible for managing Azure resources, ensuring security, optimizing costs, and maintaining Azure environments.
2. Cloud Administrator:
   Cloud Administrators, in general, manage cloud infrastructure, but those with Azure expertise are specifically responsible for Azure resources and services.
3. System Administrator:
   Azure System Administrators focus on Azure-based systems, virtual machines, and network azure administrator certification to ensure smooth operations and security.
4. Network Administrator:
   Azure Network Administrators specialize in Azure's networking services, including virtual networks, VPNs, and network security groups.
5. Azure Consultant:
   Azure Consultants work as external advisors to organizations, helping them plan, implement, and optimize their Azure environments.
6. Cloud Operations Engineer:
   These professionals oversee day-to-day cloud operations, including Azure, ensuring high availability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in azure administrator certification.
7. Azure Support Engineer:
   Support Engineers provide technical support for Azure customers, helping them troubleshoot issues and optimize their Azure deployments.
8. Azure Sales Engineer:
   Sales Engineers use their Azure technical expertise to support sales teams in explaining Azure solutions to potential customers.
9. Azure Cloud Engineer:
   Cloud Engineers with Azure skills work on designing, deploying, and managing cloud solutions, including Azure resources in azure administrator certification.
10. Azure Data Engineer:
    These professionals focus on managing and optimizing data-related services in Azure, including data storage, databases, and analytics.

Azure Administrator Salary

The salary of an Azure Administrator can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and the specific organization or industry.

In the United States:

• Entry-Level Azure Administrator (0-2 years of experience):
  The average salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year.
• Mid-Level Azure Administrator (3-5 years of experience):
  The average salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $110,000 per year.
• Senior-Level Azure Administrator (6+ years of experience):
  The average salary can exceed $110,000 per year, with some senior-level professionals earning over $150,000 per year.
• India:
  In India, salaries for Azure Administrators can vary significantly based on the city and organization. Entry-level salaries may start at INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, while experienced professionals can earn INR 8-15 lakhs or more annually.

Data Source :
Reliable sources such as job search websites (e.g., Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn) and industry reports to get the most up-to-date salary information for azure administrator certification roles in your specific location.

Prepare for the Exam and Become a Certified Azure Professional

Preparing for the Azure certification exams and becoming a certified Azure professional requires a structured approach, dedication, and a combination of study resources and hands-on practice. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey:

1. Set Clear Goals

• Identify the specific Azure certification you want to pursue, such as Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-303/AZ-304), or others.
• Understand the prerequisites, exam details, and skills measured for your chosen azure administrator certification.

2. Build a Study Plan

• Create a study schedule that outlines your daily or weekly study goals and milestones.
• Allocate time for each exam domain or topic.
• Consider your current knowledge level and adjust your plan accordingly.

3. Access Official Microsoft Resources

• Visit the official Microsoft Learn website for free, self-paced Azure training modules and documentation.
• Explore the official Microsoft azure administrator certification exam pages for detailed exam objectives and recommended learning paths.

4. Invest in Quality Study Materials

• Purchase or access official study guides and books related to your certification exam.
• Consider online courses and video tutorials from reputable platforms like Pluralsight, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning.

5. Hands-on Practice:

• Set up a free Azure account (Azure free tier) to access Azure services for hands-on practice.
• Create and manage Azure resources, configure virtual machines, and implement various Azure services.
• Practice using Azure PowerShell or Azure CLI for resource management.

6. Practice Tests and Labs:

• Take practice tests and quizzes to assess your knowledge and identify weak areas.
• Consider using Azure labs or sandbox environments to simulate real-world scenarios and solve practical problems.

7. Azure Certification Training Courses:

• Consider enrolling in structured Azure certification training courses offered by Microsoft or accredited training providers.

8. Review and Revision:

• Periodically review what you've learned to reinforce your knowledge.
• Focus on areas where you might need additional practice or understanding.

9. Time Management:

• Stick to your study schedule and manage your time effectively to cover all exam objectives.

10. Take Practice Exams:

• Once you feel confident in your knowledge, take practice exams to simulate the actual azure administrator certification test environment.
• Practice exams help you become familiar with the format and types of questions you'll encounter in the real exam.

11. Exam Registration:

• Register for the certification exam through the official Microsoft Certification website or an authorized exam provider.

12. Post-Exam:

• After passing your Azure certification exam, update your resume and share your achievement on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
• Apply for Azure-related job positions to leverage your newly acquired certification and skills.
• Stay current with Azure by regularly learning about its latest updates and features.
• Engage in hands-on practice to maintain and enhance your Azure proficiency.
• Join Azure communities to network with peers and gain valuable insights in azure administrator certification.