If you're serious about building your career in cloud computing, the Azure Administrator certification is one of the smartest choices you can make. The Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) exam is designed for IT professionals who work with Azure every day. But let's be honest—it can feel a bit overwhelming if you don't have a clear plan.
The good news? There are tons of resources—official and third-party—that can make your prep much easier. In this guide, we'll walk through the best materials, platforms, and strategies to help you study with confidence.
Why Go for the Azure Administrator Certification?
The AZ-104 exam checks how well you can manage Azure services, handle storage, secure identities, and keep an eye on cloud resources. Passing it proves that you're capable of managing cloud infrastructure in a professional environment—something companies all over the world value.
It also gives you a solid foundation if you want to move toward advanced certifications like the Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500). If you see yourself taking that path, AZ-104 is the right place to start.
Best Resources to Prepare for AZ-104
Not all study resources give the same results. Let's break down the ones that actually make a difference.
Microsoft Learn (Free Official Resource)
Microsoft Learn is the official platform, and it's packed with free study paths. It's a great starting point if you're new to the exam.
What you'll find there:
- Step-by-step lessons
- Interactive labs to practice
- Quizzes to check your progress
Start here before moving on to anything else.
Instructor-Led Training
Some people prefer structured learning, and that's where instructor-led training comes in. Microsoft and its partners offer both classroom and virtual sessions.
Here's what makes it helpful:
- Direct interaction with certified trainers
- Hands-on labs
- Instant answers to your questions
It's a solid choice if you like real-time guidance.
Books and Study Guides
Books are still one of the best resources for this exam. They explain everything in detail and usually include practice questions.
Popular picks include:
- Exam Ref AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator
- Study Guide for Azure Administrator Certification
Books are especially useful if you prefer offline study or want deeper coverage of topics.
Practice Tests
You can't prepare for AZ-104 without practice tests. They give you the feel of the real exam and show you where you're weak.
Some trusted platforms for practice exams:
- MeasureUp
- Whizlabs
- Udemy practice tests
The more you test yourself, the more confident you'll feel.
Video Courses
If you like watching instead of reading, video courses can help. Platforms like Udemy, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning all have full AZ-104 courses.
These usually include:
- Lectures
- Hands-on demos
- Practice exercises
Video learning is great for beginners because you see the concepts in action.
What About AZ-104 Dumps?
A lot of candidates search for AZ-104 dumps online. Dumps are collections of past exam questions that other test-takers share. They can help you understand the style of questions and their difficulty.
But here's the catch—Microsoft updates the exam often. Dumps may not always match the latest version. If you decide to use them, treat them as a revision tool after you've already studied the main topics. Don't rely on them alone.
Moving Toward Security with AZ-500
After AZ-104, the next logical step for many is the Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) certification. This one focuses on securing resources, identity protection, and compliance.
Why Go for AZ-500?
- Cloud security is one of the hottest skills in IT.
- It complements what you learn in AZ-104.
- It can take your career to the next level.
Study Resources for AZ-500
- Microsoft Learn: Free learning paths focused on security.
- Online Training: Pluralsight, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning have targeted courses.
- Practice Exams: Use dumps or mock exams, but treat them as an add-on, not the main tool.
How to Create a Study Plan
Having a plan keeps you consistent and stops you from cramming at the last minute. Here's a simple way to structure your prep:
Step 1 – Review the Skills Outline
Download the official exam skills outline from Microsoft's website. It shows every topic that might appear in the exam.
Step 2 – Select Your Resources
Mix and match learning paths, video courses, and books. Add practice tests later and use dumps only for review.
Step 3 – Build a Weekly Schedule
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Week 1–2 | Learn identity and access management |
| Week 3–4 | Cover storage and compute resources |
| Week 5–6 | Focus on monitoring and networking |
| Week 7–8 | Revise using practice tests and dumps |
Step 4 – Test Yourself
Simulate the real exam. Don't book it until you're scoring at least 80% on practice tests.
Quick Tips to Pass AZ-104
- Don't just memorize—make sure you really get the concepts.
- Practice inside a real Azure environment.
- Keep revisiting your weak areas.
- Use dumps as revision, not as your primary source.
Final Thoughts
Getting certified as an Azure Administrator can boost your career and open new doors. With a mix of official resources, study guides, video courses, and practice tests, you'll be well prepared.
And if you're looking to go further, the AZ-500 certification is a natural next step. Whether you use AZ-104 dumps or AZ-500 dumps, always balance them with real study. Passing the exam is great, but building skills you can use in the real world is even better.