How to Clear AZ-900 and AZ-104 in the First Go?
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900
The Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals Exam, also known as the AZ-900, is a relatively simple exam that assesses your basic knowledge of Microsoft Azure. This is a beginner’s level exam that is a great place to start your Azure journey, no matter where you want to end up. Since it is important to learn the basics of technology before progressing to a higher level, passing the AZ-900 exam is recommended before pursuing other Azure certifications. This is the first step for you to start your career in the Azure Cloud.
Domains of the Exam
This exam comprises a total of four domains. These are:
Domain 1: Understand Cloud Concepts (15% – 20%)
- Why Cloud Services?
- Types of Cloud Models
- Types of Cloud Services
Domain 2: Understand Core Azure Services (30% – 35%)
- Core Azure Architecture Components
- Core Azure Services and Products
- Azure Solutions
- Azure Management Tools
Domain 3: Understand Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust (25% – 30%)
- Securing Network Connectivity
- Core Azure Identity Services
- Security Tools and Features
- Azure Governance Methodologies
- Monitoring and Reporting in Azure
- Privacy, Compliance, and Data Protection Standards
Domain 4: Understand Azure Pricing and Support (25% – 30%)
- Azure Subscriptions
- Planning and Managing Costs
- Azure Support Options
- Azure Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Who is this certification for?
This certification is generally intended for people with:
- Non-technical background
- Looking to validate the foundational knowledge of Cloud
- Technical Manager
- Cloud Seller
AZ-104
AZ-104 or the Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Exam is the second level that is an associate-level exam. This exam assesses you on the basis of your Administrator skills such as compute, storage, identity and governance, monitoring and back-up, and virtual networking. AZ-104 exam is pretty much the same as the AZ-103 exam (older version) with some minor changes. For candidates interested in a career as a certified Microsoft Azure Administrator, the Microsoft certification exam is a new direction.
Domains of the Exam
This exam comprises a total of five domains. These are:
Domain 1: Manage Azure Identities and Governance (15% – 20%)
- Manage Azure AD Objects
- Manage Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Manage Subscriptions and Governance
Domain 2: Implement and Manage Storage (10% – 15%)
- Manage Storage Accounts
- Manage Data in Azure Storage
- Configure Azure Files and Azure Blob Storage
Domain 3: Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (25% – 30%)
- Configure VMs for High Availability and Scalability
- Automate Deployment and Configuration of VMs
- Create and Configure VMs
- Create and Configure Containers
- Create and Configure Web Apps
Domain 4: Configure and Manage Virtual Networking (30% – 35%)
- Implement and Manage Virtual Networking
- Configure Name Resolution
- Secure Access to Virtual Networks
- Configure Load Balancing
- Monitor and Troubleshoot Virtual Networking
- Integrate an on-premises Network with Azure Virtual Network
Domain 5: Monitor and Back-Up Azure Resources (10% – 15%)
- Monitor Resources by using Azure Monitor
- Setup Alerts and Actions
- Application Insights
- Implement Back-Up and Recovery
- Recovery Service Vault
- Azure Site Recovery
Who is this certification for?
This certification is generally intended for people who are:
- On-premise Administrator
- Looking to become Azure Administrator
- Looking for a job change
- Looking to upgrade skills
Exam Details
| Certification Name | Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam AZ-104 | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Number of Questions | 40 to 60 | 40 to 60 |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes | 85 minutes |
| Passing Score | 700 out of 1000 | 700 out of 1000 |
| Exam Language | English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, German, and French | English |
How to prepare?
The Azure Certifications undoubtedly are top-ranking certifications in the market, and AZ-900 is the first step towards it. Azure Administrator is also one of the most sought-after certifications. If you want to excel in these exams in the first go, you can follow the tips given below:
- Design a plan of action: If you want to complete a mission, you must plan ahead. It’s just as important to make a study plan as it is to follow through with it. Make a study schedule that takes into account the importance of each domain of the exam.
- Register yourself for a professional training course: Training not only thoroughly prepares you for the exam but also caters you to a practical approach for the implementation of your learnings in the future. In your preparations, picking the right training course is very crucial. You can check out the combo course Microsoft Azure Combo (Fundamentals + Administrator) offered by InfosecTrain.
- Refer to the official source: Always use a resource that adheres to exam standards to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the whole exam structure and the topics you must cover. It is advised that you respond to the most relevant one. You may also consult the official exam manual for more details. For AZ-900 you can refer to the Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals guide and for AZ-104 you can refer to the Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator.
- Use online study materials and videos to assist you: You can consult the numerous study materials and videos that can be availed from the internet. Even, before taking the exam, make sure to look over the sample papers or exam dumps. It will assist you in following the proper format of questions during the preparations.
- Managing your time is a priority: It’s an art to effectively manage your time. Every commitment, work, or assignment in your life requires you to manage your time effectively. It would be beneficial if you scheduled your preparations as early as possible in order to avoid running out of time.
- Identify your strengths and threats: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is necessary, but working on them is more important. To identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks, use the SWOT analysis approach. The best way to ensure consistent planning is to concentrate on your flaws and set aside a decent amount of time per day.
- Practice until you can’t get it wrong: Practice helps you gain a better understanding of the topic and enhances your familiarity with it. It reinforces your strengths while also encouraging you to admit your flaws. You will steer your efforts in the right direction if you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Examine yourself and your upgrades on a daily basis with Mock tests. Mock tests also give you practical exam experience.
Apart from these considerations, there are a few minor details to keep in mind in order to prevent a major setback in your exam:
- Choose a place to study that is free of distractions
- To prevent reaching a stalemate when studying for the exam, take regular breaks
- Self-study is a non-negotiable component of your preparations
- If you don’t want any health problems to get in the way of your plans, live a healthy lifestyle
- Get in touch with other candidates pursuing the same career. It will assist you in determining if you are following the right approach
If you follow the steps outlined above, passing the AZ-900 and AZ-104 exams will be a breeze.
AZ-900 and AZ-104 with InfosecTrain
InfosecTrain is one of the flag bearers in the advanced IT security training providers. We are a Microsoft Training partner trusted by security professionals all across the globe. Take the assistance of our highly skilled and certified instructors to earn the renowned credentials offered by Microsoft. Check out the combo course Microsoft Azure Combo (Fundamentals + Administrator) offered by InfosecTrain.
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