Microsoft is a leading player in providing IT products and services. After the launch of Microsoft Azure (formerly known as Windows Azure) in 2010, organizations have started adopting this cloud service. Microsoft is now amongst the top cloud service providers operating on a global scale. Owing to its popularity and widespread use, there has been an increase in the demand for professionals with the ability to administer and manage Azure. Employees aspiring to work with Azure need to be able to effectively showcase their knowledge via industry-acknowledged Azure certifications. Amongst the popular Microsoft Azure certifications, AZ 104 is the most sought-after.
Microsoft Azure Administrator certification AZ 104:
This Microsoft Azure certification is ideal for job seekers and employees who wish to create a career as Azure administrators. The certificate holders can implement, manage, monitor, and easily maneuver through an organization’s Microsoft Azure requirement.
AZ 104 Certification Exam details-
Before enrolling for this Microsoft Azure Certification, it is important to understand the generic details of the Examination:
| Name of the Exam | Microsoft AZ-104 |
| Technology | Microsoft Azure |
| Duration of the Examination | 120 minutes |
| Azure Certification Cost | USD 165 plus taxes (for US citizens) INR 4800 plus taxes (for Indian residents) This fee is to be paid to Microsoft when you register for the examination |
| Passing Score | 700 out of 1000 |
| Language | The exam can be taken in any of the following languages: English, Korean, French, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simple), Spanish, German, Portuguese (Brazil) & Russian In case you take the examination in English and are uncomfortable with the language, you can request additional time. |
| Certifying body | Microsoft |
Prerequisites for the Exam-
There are a few prerequisites for this Microsoft Cloud certification. A candidate appearing for the exam must have:
- Experience with Azure Portal, operating systems, cloud infrastructure and networking.
- General Knowledge of IT.
- Experience in virtualization, storage, networking and identity.
- Fundamental knowledge of Azure.
- An understanding of Azure security, network security features, understanding of privacy and compliance features.
- An understanding of cloud computing.
How to prepare for the exam-
There are various azure certification training centers available around the globe. Accredited training providers for Microsoft certifications offer multiple learning modes. One may opt for the one best suited to their individual needs. The available options of learning are listed below:
- Instructor-led classroom training (Offline course).
- Instructor-led live online training (Online course).
- One-on-one training (Both online & offline).
- Fly me a trainer.
- Onsite training in corporates.
The first three modes are the most suited for individual employees. With the availability of online courses and training, it is easy to study for the exam anywhere. It is advantageous to take formal training courses since they provide the best study material, expert-level assistance along adequate guidance of the examination process.
The duration of the training is around 32 hours. The training is available via two models:
- Weekday Model-
This is a regular training schedule that is spread across 8 days. The classes are held every weekday for 4 hours each day.
- Weekend Model-
A weekend training schedule is a 4-day training schedule. The classes are held on two consecutive weekends for 8 hours each day.
Cost of Microsoft Azure Certification along with training
The cost of the Microsoft AZ-104 Examination is USD 165 (INR 12000 approximately). The cost of online training in a group is approximately INR 39000. The cost of one-on-one training online is INR 65000. One-on-one sessions are slightly more expensive but are ideal for in-depth clarity of content.
Modules of AZ 104 training course
The training course for Microsoft certification – AZ 104 is divided into 10 modules.
Module 1 – Identity
Module 2 – Governance & Compliance
Module 3- Azure Administration
Module 4- Virtual Networking
Module 5- Intersite Connectivity
Module 6 – Network Traffic Management
Module 7 – Azure Storage
Module 8 – Azure Virtual Mechanics
Module 9 – Serverless Computing
Module 10 – Data Protection & Monitoring
Who will benefit from the certification?
Some of the roles that AZ 104 certification will open up for you are listed below:
- Azure Administrator
- Network Administrator
- System Administrator
- Cloud Architect
- Security Engineer
- Database administrator
Opsgility is a premier provider of Microsoft Cloud training with a distinct focus on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Dynamics 365. Its unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier content and comprehensive Microsoft Azure Training empowers enterprises with the skills to excel in today’s digital environment. By incorporating Opsgility’s services into your learning strategy, your enterprise can guarantee smooth and efficient cloud operations for your business.
A Microsoft Azure certification provides for validation to your skillset. Employers nowadays are looking for certified IT professionals. A certificate in Azure is a value add to your resume. IT employees with accredited online courses are twice as likely to receive promotions and increments. A Microsoft certification helps you stay up to date with the changing trends and technologies in IT.