Is the Azure Administrator Certification (AZ-104) Difficult for Beginners?

johnparker · Posted at 3 day before

This is a question I see a lot, and for good reason! The AZ-104 Azure Administrator certification is a highly sought-after credential, but if you're new to cloud computing, the idea of tackling it can feel a bit daunting.
Let's break it down.
The Short Answer: Yes, it can be challenging for absolute beginners, but it's definitely achievable with the right approach and dedication.
Why it's challenging:

Breadth of Knowledge: The AZ-104 covers a very wide range of Azure services. You'll need to understand networking, virtual machines, storage, identity (Azure AD), monitoring, backup, and more. It's not just about knowing what these services are, but how to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot them.
Practical Application: The exam isn't just theoretical. It tests your ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. Many questions are scenario-based, requiring you to choose the best solution for a given problem.
Pace of Azure Development: Azure is constantly evolving. New features are released, and existing ones are updated. This means study materials can become outdated, and you need to be prepared for continuous learning.

Why it's achievable (even for beginners):

Structured Learning Paths: Microsoft provides excellent documentation, learning paths, and even free "Azure Fundamentals" (AZ-900) content that serves as a great stepping stone. Starting with the AZ-900 is highly recommended to build a foundational understanding.
Hands-on Experience is Key: Reading about Azure isn't enough. You must get hands-on. Create a free Azure account and start deploying resources. Follow tutorials, break things, fix them – this is where the real learning happens.
Plenty of Resources: Beyond Microsoft's official materials, there are countless online courses (Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight), YouTube channels, and study guides available. Find an instructor or resource that resonates with your learning style.
Community Support: The Azure community is vibrant and helpful. Don't hesitate to join forums, Discord servers, or LinkedIn groups to ask questions and learn from others.

Tips for Beginners:

Start with AZ-900: Seriously, don't skip this. It provides a crucial overview.
Focus on Concepts First: Before diving into specific commands, understand why you would use a particular service and what problem it solves.
Prioritize Hands-on Labs: Dedicate a significant portion of your study time to actually doing things in Azure.
Use Practice Exams Strategically: Once you feel you have a grasp of the material, practice exams can help you identify weak areas and get familiar with the exam format. For comprehensive preparation and to test your knowledge, I found resources like these incredibly helpful:
https://passitexams.com/download/az-104-exam-dumps/
Don't Rush: Give yourself adequate time to learn the material thoroughly. For most beginners, this isn't a certification you can cram for in a week.
Break it Down: The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. Break the curriculum into smaller, manageable chunks and focus on mastering one topic at a time.

In conclusion: While the AZ-104 demands effort and dedication, it's absolutely within reach for beginners who are committed to learning. Embrace the challenge, get hands-on, and leverage the wealth of resources available, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a certified Azure Administrator!
What are your thoughts or experiences with the AZ-104? Share in the comments below!