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How to pass the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) in 6 weeks: a blueprint-first study plan
A focused, 6-week study plan for the AZ-104 exam based on the official blueprint. Maximize your chances of passing with targeted preparation.
Passing the AZ-104 exam hinges on your understanding of the exam's structure and content. You need a score of at least 700 out of 1000. The exam consists of 50 questions to be completed in 100 minutes. A clear study plan can make a significant difference.
Read the blueprint like an insider
Understanding the exam blueprint is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the domains, their weights, and what they specifically test:
| Domain Code | Domain Name | Weight (%) | What it Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | Manage Azure identities and governance | 22 | Azure Active Directory, RBAC, and subscriptions |
| D2 | Implement and manage storage | 18 | Storage accounts, blobs, files, and backups |
| D3 | Deploy and manage Azure compute resources | 22 | VMs, Azure App Services, and scaling |
| D4 | Implement and manage virtual networking | 18 | VNets, subnets, and network security |
| D5 | Monitor and maintain Azure resources | 20 | Azure Monitor, alerts, and resource health checks |
The blueprint gives you a clear target. Focus your studies on these areas.
The 6-week plan
To allocate your time effectively, follow this week-by-week guide:
Week 1: Manage Azure identities and governance (22%)
Focus on Azure Active Directory, role-based access control (RBAC), and managing subscriptions. Spend about 15 hours this week.
Week 2: Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (22%)
Concentrate on virtual machines, Azure App Services, and scaling strategies. Allocate 15 hours.
Week 3: Implement and manage storage (18%)
Study storage accounts, blob storage, and backup strategies. Dedicate 12 hours.
Week 4: Implement and manage virtual networking (18%)
Learn about VNets, subnets, and network security groups. Spend 12 hours.
Week 5: Monitor and maintain Azure resources (20%)
Focus on Azure Monitor, logs, and alerts. Use 13 hours for this domain.
Week 6: Review and practice
Spend this week revisiting all domains, taking practice exams, and addressing weaknesses. Aim for 20 hours of focused study.
How to practice so it sticks
Effective practice is key to retention. Use spaced repetition techniques to reinforce learning. Schedule timed mock exams that mimic the real test conditions. Aim to complete them at the same pace as the exam—100 minutes for 50 questions. After each mock, review every incorrect answer and understand why you missed it. Practice with varied question angles to deepen your understanding.
The week before
In the final week, taper your study hours. Focus on reviewing key concepts and practice exams under exam conditions. Ensure you get enough sleep, as rest is critical for memory retention and focus on exam day.
Common ways people fail
- Ignoring the blueprint: Many candidates overlook the importance of the exam blueprint. Understanding the weight of each domain is essential for effective study.
- Lack of practice: Failing to take sufficient practice exams can lead to poor time management on test day.
- Neglecting to review mistakes: Not analyzing wrong answers can result in repeated mistakes. Each error is a learning opportunity.
Stay focused and follow this structured approach. You’ll increase your chances of passing the AZ-104 exam.
Take the free AZ-104 mock exam.