Cloud: Passing AZ-104

Last time I wrote about my AZ-104 (Azure Admin Associate) journey, it was about failure. After underestimating the exam and cramming my way to a disappointing score, I walked away humbled but determined. Today, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially passed the AZ-104!

This exam was no joke. It’s an admin exam through and through, with a heavy emphasis on topics like Entra ID, Azure App Service, and the nitty-gritty of resource management.

My first attempt taught me the hard way that winging it won’t cut it.

Here’s how I turned things around:

• Hands-On Projects: I built a few Azure-focused projects to get more familiar with the portal. While they didn’t cover everything, they made the Azure environment feel less intimidating.

• Practice Exams: I can't stress this enough—practice tests were the game changer. I used ChatGPT to help explain answers I didn’t understand, turning it into a study partner.

• Microsoft Learn Labs: Instead of slogging through all the reading, I skipped straight to the hands-on labs. Nothing beats clicking around the portal and piecing things together in real-time.

• Test Strategy: This time, I marked tricky questions for review and powered through the ones I knew first. At the end, I used the open-book feature (Microsoft Learn) to double-check my flagged questions.

The exam’s content leaned heavily on Azure App Service and Entra ID. There were tricky questions about user management, deployment slots, NSGs, and subnet configurations—admin-level topics that require more than just theoretical knowledge.

Key Takeaways for Passing AZ-104:

1. Prioritize Practical Learning: Watching tutorials like John Savill’s is great for a broad overview, but hands-on labs will help solidify your knowledge.

2. Do Practice Exams: Aim for two. The first should be about learning and troubleshooting, while the second is to test how well you know the material.

3. Focus on the Admin Details: Entra ID, Azure App Service, Bastions, and P2P networking will show up. Know them.

I’ve put together a YouTube video sharing my full experience, from what went wrong the first time to how I prepared differently this time.

Watch the Full Video Here:

Career: Turning a Failure into a Win

The AZ-104 is now behind me, but the biggest lesson wasn’t about Azure. It was about perseverance.

• Failure as Feedback: My first attempt showed me exactly where my knowledge gaps were.

• Adaptability Wins: Whether it’s a study strategy, a career pivot, or an exam retake, being willing to adapt is the real superpower.

• Celebrate the Wins: Passing AZ-104 felt like validation—not just of the time and effort I put in, but also of the growth mindset that got me here.

Next up? I’m eyeing the Azure Data Fundamentals. Data engineering has always been a passion, and this feels like the natural next step. If you’re interested, let me know!

Whether you're pursuing certifications or navigating your own challenges, keep pushing forward.

Luke

PS: Have questions about AZ-104? Reply to this email or drop a comment on the video. Always happy to help!