AZ-104 in 8 Weeks: Study Plan for Azure Administrators

Introduction

Passing the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator exam is a major career boost for any IT professional. But with a broad syllabus and deep technical questions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why a structured, week-by-week study plan is essential. This plan assumes you have some IT background—maybe you've dabbled in Azure or have experience with other cloud platforms—but you're not yet an Azure expert. Over the next 8 weeks, you'll systematically cover every domain, practice with hands-on labs, and hit specific checkpoint scores before moving on. By the end, you'll walk into the exam with confidence.

How to Use This Plan

Each week focuses on a specific set of objectives from the official AZ-104 skills measured. You'll need to dedicate about 10-12 hours per week. That includes watching videos, reading documentation, and hands-on labs. At the end of each week, you'll take a practice test and aim for the checkpoint score. If you don't hit it, spend extra time reviewing weak areas before moving on. Consistency beats cramming—stick to the schedule, and you'll be ready.

When your available study hours change, a free AZ-104 study plan can adjust the weekly schedule to fit the time you have.

Week 1: Azure Fundamentals and Identity

What to study: Core Azure concepts (regions, resource groups, ARM), and Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD). Focus on users, groups, roles, and Azure AD join.

Resources: Start with the official Microsoft Learn: AZ-104: Implement Microsoft Entra ID module. Watch the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator video course on Pluralsight by Michael Teske (first two modules). Read the Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam Ref AZ-104 book (chapters 1-2).

Hands-on: Create a free Azure account and set up a resource group. Practice creating users and groups in Entra ID, and assign roles.

Checkpoint: Achieve at least 70% on a practice test covering identity and governance.

Week 2: Governance and Compliance

What to study: Azure Policy, RBAC, Azure Blueprints, management groups, and cost management. Understand how to enforce compliance across subscriptions.

Resources: Microsoft Learn: AZ-104: Implement Azure Policy and Configure and manage virtual networks (only governance parts). Continue with Pluralsight modules 3-4. Read chapters 3-4 of the Exam Ref.

Hands-on: Create a management group hierarchy, assign a policy (e.g., allowed locations), and test RBAC by creating custom roles.

Checkpoint: 75% on practice tests focusing on governance and compliance.

Week 3: Azure Storage

What to study: Storage accounts, blob storage, Azure Files, and storage security (shared access signatures, access tiers). Also, Azure Storage redundancy options.

Resources: Microsoft Learn: AZ-104: Implement Azure Storage. Pluralsight module 5. Read chapter 5 of the Exam Ref.

Hands-on: Create a storage account, upload blobs, set access tiers, and configure SAS tokens. Try Azure Files and sync with on-premises (if possible).

Checkpoint: 70% on practice tests for storage.

Week 4: Compute (VMs and App Services)

What to study: Virtual machines (VM creation, sizing, disks, availability sets, scale sets), Azure App Service (web apps, deployment slots), and Azure Container Instances.

Resources: Microsoft Learn: AZ-104: Implement Azure VM and Implement Azure App Service. Pluralsight modules 6-7. Read chapters 6-7 of the Exam Ref.

Hands-on: Deploy a Windows and Linux VM, configure load balancing with a scale set. Create an App Service with a deployment slot and swap.

Checkpoint: 75% on compute-related practice questions.

Week 5: Networking

What to study: Virtual networks (VNet), subnets, network security groups (NSGs), Azure Firewall, Azure DNS, load balancer, Application Gateway, VPN Gateway, and VNet peering.

Resources: Microsoft Learn: AZ-104: Implement virtual networking and Implement Azure load balancing. Pluralsight modules 8-9. Read chapters 8-9 of the Exam Ref.

Hands-on: Create a VNet with subnets, set up NSGs, and test traffic. Configure VNet peering between two VNets. Set up a load balancer and Application Gateway.

Checkpoint: 80% on networking practice tests.

Week 6: Monitoring and Backup

What to study: Azure Monitor (metrics, logs, alerts), Log Analytics, Application Insights, Azure Backup, and Azure Site Recovery.

Resources: Microsoft Learn: AZ-104: Implement monitoring and Implement backup and recovery. Pluralsight module 10. Read chapter 10 of the Exam Ref.

Hands-on: Set up diagnostic settings for a VM, create a log query, and configure alerts. Perform a backup and restore of a VM.

Checkpoint: 75% on monitoring and backup practice tests.

Week 7: Advanced Identity and Security

What to study: Azure AD Conditional Access, MFA, Identity Protection, Azure Security Center (now Defender for Cloud), Key Vault, and role-based access control (RBAC) in depth.

Resources: Microsoft Learn: AZ-104: Implement identity security and Implement security controls. Pluralsight module 11. Read chapter 11 of the Exam Ref.

Hands-on: Configure Conditional Access policies, enable MFA for a test user, create a Key Vault and store a secret, and explore Defender for Cloud recommendations.

Checkpoint: 80% on identity and security practice tests.

Week 8: Full Review and Practice Exams

What to study: Review all domains, focusing on weak areas. Take multiple full-length practice exams to build stamina.

Take a free AZ-104 readiness check to quickly identify the topic areas where you should direct your final review.

Resources: Use the Microsoft Exam Ref book for quick reference. Take the official AZ-104 practice assessment on Microsoft Learn. Also, use the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator practice tests on PractiseExam.

Hands-on: Re-do labs on areas you struggled with. For example, if networking was tough, re-create a VNet with NSGs and peering.

Checkpoint: Score at least 85% on two consecutive full-length practice exams.

The Final 3 Days Before the Exam

Day -3: Take one final practice exam. Review every question you got wrong or guessed on. Write down key concepts you need to memorize (e.g., port numbers, quota limits, pricing tiers).

Day -2: Focus on hands-on labs. Microsoft's official labs are available on GitHub. Spend 2-3 hours doing the labs for your weakest areas. Practice using the Azure portal and Azure CLI. Also, review the exam objectives list and check off each one.

Day -1: Do a light review. Skim through the Exam Ref book, focusing on chapter summaries. Re-read your notes on common traps: e.g., which storage redundancy option to choose, how to configure NSG rules, and the differences between Azure AD and Azure AD B2B. Avoid heavy studying—your brain needs rest.

Exam Day: Arrive early, bring two forms of ID, and stay calm. Remember, you've prepared thoroughly.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use the official Microsoft Learn documentation as your primary reference. It's free and always up-to-date.
• Join study groups like the Azure subreddit or Microsoft Tech Community to ask questions.
• Take breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout.
• Understand the why behind each service—the exam tests scenarios, not just definitions.

See how your preparation compares to the passing standard on timed Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) practice exams.