Updated January 2026 version

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification is designed for those building hands-on skills to implement, manage, and monitor Microsoft Azure environments. This certification requires preparation through Microsoft Learn, supplemental video content, and hands-on practice.

Official Exam Overview

From the official certification page:

Candidates for this exam should have subject matter expertise in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment, including virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security, and governance.

Skills measured include managing Azure identities and governance, implementing storage solutions, deploying compute resources, configuring virtual networking, and monitoring/maintaining Azure resources.

Recommended Pre-Prerequisites

• Complete the Azure Fundamentals certification if not already done.

• Create a Microsoft Learn account and sign in with your Microsoft Account at
  https://learn.microsoft.com/

• Improve networking fundamentals if needed:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs39FWDhzDs

• Review DNS fundamentals:
  https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/what-is-dns/

Prerequisite Training on Microsoft Learn

Complete the Azure Administrator prerequisites:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/azure-administrator-prerequisites/

Step 1 – Azure Administrator Training Paths

• Manage identities and governance
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/azure-administrator-manage-identities-governance/

• Implement and manage storage solutions
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/azure-administrator-manage-storage/

• Deploy and manage compute resources
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/azure-administrator-manage-compute-resources/

• Configure and manage virtual networks
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/azure-administrator-manage-virtual-networks/

• Monitor and back up resources
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/azure-administrator-monitor-backup-resources/

Step 3 – Additional Video Content

• Azure Master Class — John Savill
  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlVtbbG169nGccbp8VSpAozu3w9xSQJoY

Step 4 – Manuals, Study Guides, and Books

• Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam Reference Guide – AZ-104
  https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0138345937?tag=gac0fd-20

• MCA Microsoft Certified Associate AZ-104 Study Guide
  https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1119705150?tag=gac0fd-20

Step 5 – Review Before the Exam

• AZ-104 Study Cram — John Savill
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Knf9nub4-k

Book the Exam

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-administrator/

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