Microsoft · IT Certification
Use this 8-week roadmap to focus on the exam domains that matter most, choose a strong core course, and turn your prep into a weekly plan.
Use the free PrepPath plannerMicrosoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) rewards consistent, blueprint-led practice. Start by learning the highest-weighted domains, then use practice results to rebalance your time before exam day.
How long to study
A 8-week Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) study plan gives most learners enough room for first-pass learning, targeted review, and at least one full practice pass. If you are already strong in the fundamentals, compress the early lessons and reserve the final weeks for weak domains and timed practice.
Blueprint breakdown
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Manage Azure identities and governance |
23%
|
| Implement and manage storage |
18%
|
| Deploy and manage Azure compute resources |
24%
|
| Configure and manage virtual networking |
20%
|
| Monitor and maintain Azure resources |
15%
|
What's on the exam
Covers Microsoft Entra ID users and groups, role-based access control, Azure Policy, resource locks, subscriptions, and governance of access and resources.
Covers storage accounts, blob and file storage, access keys and SAS tokens, redundancy options, lifecycle management, and secure data access.
Covers virtual machines, scale sets, availability options, App Service, container instances, and managing Azure compute workloads.
Covers virtual networks and subnets, network security groups, load balancing, VNet peering, VPN/ExpressRoute, DNS, and network security.
Covers Azure Monitor, alerts, Log Analytics, backup and disaster recovery, and maintaining the health and performance of Azure resources.
Suggested timeline
This is a blueprint-led default — front-load the heaviest domains, then convert weak spots from your mock results into targeted review. The free planner turns it into exact dates.
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–3 Foundations |
Deploy and manage Azure compute resources, Manage Azure identities and governance, Configure and manage virtual networking First-pass learning on the heaviest-weighted domains: read the guide, watch the core course, and start active-recall questions. |
| Weeks 4–6 Breadth |
Implement and manage storage, Monitor and maintain Azure resources Cover the remaining domains and sit your first full, timed mock to expose weak areas. |
| Weeks 7–8 Review & mocks |
Weakest domains + full mocks Re-test with timed mocks, drill the domains your scores flag, then a light rest-and-logistics day before the exam. |
Recommended prep kit
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CourseFTC affiliate disclosure: this recommendation may contain a sponsored affiliate link. PrepPath may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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GearFree PrepPath planner
Enter your exam date and weak domains, then PrepPath generates the day-by-day schedule.
FAQ
A typical Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) study plan takes about 8 weeks. Shorten that if you already score well on practice tests, or extend it if the official objectives are new to you.
The best course for Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is one that maps lessons to the current exam domains and includes practice questions. This page recommends AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator (Scott Duffy) as the core course to review first.
Start with Deploy and manage Azure compute resources, because it carries about 24% of the exam blueprint, then move through lower-weight domains while tracking weak areas.
PrepPath turns your exam date, daily study hours, and confidence by domain into a calendar you can follow, then adjusts your focus after practice scores.
Most candidates do well with about 1–2 focused hours on study days across a 8-week plan, ramping up in the final weeks for timed practice. Consistency beats marathon sessions — PrepPath spaces each domain out so you revisit it instead of cramming.
Aim for at least 2–3 full, timed mock exams: one early to set a baseline, then more in the final third of your plan. Review every wrong answer and tag the domain it came from so PrepPath can rebalance your remaining days toward your real weak spots.