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AZ-104 · Microsoft · Updated August 2026

AZ-104 eligibility requirements

~3 min read · checked against the Microsoft AZ-104 study guide

Good news: AZ-104 has no formal prerequisites — it's open to anyone willing to learn. Here's what that means and the background Microsoft recommends.

What you need to qualify

While there's no hard requirement, the background Microsoft recommends helps the scenario questions feel intuitive rather than abstract.

After you pass

AZ-104 requires expires after 12 months; renew free with a short, open-book online assessment on microsoft learn in the 6 months before expiry to stay current.

AZ-104 practice questions — coming soon

We're building an original, expert-validated AZ-104 question bank. Leave your email and you'll be first to know when it's live — one email, no spam.

AZ-104 eligibility — FAQ

Do I need AZ-900 before AZ-104?

No — AZ-900 is not a prerequisite. Microsoft recommends it as background, but many admins go straight to AZ-104.

Does AZ-104 include hands-on labs?

No — the live exam is multiple choice, drag-and-drop and case studies. Hands-on practice still matters, because the scenarios assume real admin experience.

How many questions is the AZ-104 exam and how long is it?

Typically 40–60 questions (Microsoft doesn't publish an exact count) — multiple choice, drag-and-drop and case-study scenarios; the live exam has no hands-on labs.

What is the passing score for AZ-104?

The passing score is 700 on a 1–1,000 scale. Aim for a consistent 80–85% on realistic practice exams before booking.

What is the AZ-104 pass rate?

Microsoft does not publish official pass rates, so any exact percentage quoted online is unverified. The readiness signal that actually predicts passing: consistently holding 80–85% on realistic, full-length practice exams before you book.

What are the AZ-104 eligibility requirements?

No formal prerequisite exams (AZ-900 is recommended background, not required). Microsoft recommends ~6 months of hands-on Azure administration experience, plus familiarity with PowerShell, Azure CLI, the Azure portal, ARM/Bicep and Microsoft Entra ID.

How much does AZ-104 cost?

US pricing is commonly cited at $165 USD (exact fee varies by country). Retakes: 24-hour wait after the first fail, then 14 days between attempts (max 5 per rolling year).

How long should I study for AZ-104?

For most candidates, commonly reported 40–100+ hours (4–12 weeks) depending on hands-on Azure experience. What matters most is practising questions and analysing why each option is right or wrong — not just reading.

Does the AZ-104 certification need recertification?

Expires after 12 months; renew free with a short, open-book online assessment on Microsoft Learn in the 6 months before expiry.

Are ExamDeck's AZ-104 questions exam dumps?

No — every question is original, written to test the concepts and reviewed before it ships, with an explanation linked to the source for every option. Dumps are stale, often wrong, and against Microsoft's policies.

ExamDeck is an independent study tool, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft. AZ-104 and related marks are trademarks of their respective owners, used for identification only. Exam facts checked against official Microsoft materials (as of August 2026); always confirm current details with the vendor before booking.