Azure Administrator AZ-104: Renewal and Skill Updates

1. AZ-104: The Core Azure Administrator Exam

Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator validates day-to-day operational skills for running workloads on Azure. It covers implementing, managing and monitoring identity, governance, compute, storage and virtual networks in a cloud environment.

For many professionals, AZ-104 is the foundation before moving to architect, security or specialty certifications in the Azure ecosystem.

2. Free Renewal Model for Azure Administrator Associate

Microsoft uses a renewal-by-assessment model for role-based certifications. Instead of re-taking the full AZ-104 exam, you can:

• Complete a free online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn.
• Take the assessment up to six months before your certification expires.
• Refresh your credential for another year by demonstrating updated skills.

The renewal assessment reflects current Azure platform changes, ensuring that Azure Administrator Associate holders stay aligned with the latest services and features.

3. Skills Measured by the AZ-104 Exam

AZ-104 focuses on operational tasks that Azure administrators perform every day, including:

• Managing Azure AD identities and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Implementing and managing virtual networks, subnets, and connectivity.
• Managing virtual machines, containers and compute resources.
• Configuring and monitoring storage accounts, disks and file services.
• Implementing backup, recovery and monitoring solutions.

These skills are regularly updated to match the current Azure platform and best practices.

4. Using an AZ-104 Question Bank to Stay Current

Even after certification, using an AZ-104 question bank remains useful to:

• Check your understanding of new or renamed Azure services.
• Practice scenario-based questions similar to what appears in the renewal assessment.
• Identify configuration areas that you may not touch daily in your current role.

Combining question practice with hands-on labs creates a strong loop for learning and staying current as Azure evolves.

Article Details

• Exam: AZ-104 – Microsoft Azure Administrator
• Level: Associate
• Renewal: Free online assessment on Microsoft Learn

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