The Azure 104 certification, known formally as the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, is a widely recognized credential for professionals managing Microsoft Azure environments. Successfully passing the Azure 104 exam requires a deep understanding of Azure services and administration. However, many candidates make common mistakes that hinder their success on the first attempt. Avoiding these errors can make a significant difference in your performance and increase your chances of passing the azure 104.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common mistakes candidates make and how to avoid them.
1. Neglecting the Exam Blueprint
One of the most common errors is failing to thoroughly review the exam blueprint, which outlines the skills measured and their weight in the exam. Microsoft provides a detailed guide for the Azure 104 exam, breaking down topics and the approximate percentage of questions dedicated to az 104 certification.
Solution:
Download the Exam Skills Outline from the official Microsoft website and review each topic. Pay attention to areas that carry a higher weight, such as managing Azure identities and governance or implementing and managing storage. Prioritize these topics in your study plan to ensure you cover the exam’s most critical areas.
2. Insufficient Hands-On Practice
While theoretical knowledge is important, the Azure 104 exam tests practical skills in Azure management. Many candidates focus solely on reading and watching tutorials without hands-on practice, which can make it difficult to answer scenario-based questions effectively.
Solution:
Set up a free Azure account and explore the Azure portal extensively. Practice configuring resources like virtual machines, setting up virtual networks, and creating storage accounts. Working through real-world scenarios solidifies your understanding of key concepts, making it easier to answer questions accurately.
3. Overlooking Core Networking Concepts
Azure networking is a significant part of the Azure 104 exam, yet many candidates underestimate its complexity. Concepts like virtual networks, subnets, network security groups (NSGs), and VPN gateways are essential for success, and failing to understand them thoroughly can lead to missed questions.
Solution:
Dedicate a portion of your study time to mastering Azure networking concepts. Use Microsoft Learn or other resources to practice setting up virtual networks, creating NSGs, and configuring VPN connections. Understand how Azure networking components interact and practice troubleshooting common network issues.
4. Ignoring Resource Permissions and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and permissions management are crucial for managing user access in Azure. The exam often includes scenario-based questions about assigning roles, configuring permissions, and managing identities. Neglecting this area can cost valuable points.
Solution:
Study Azure’s identity and access management features, including how to assign roles at different scopes (subscription, resource group, and resource levels) and understand the implications of each. Practice configuring permissions using RBAC and creating custom roles. Familiarize yourself with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and how it integrates with RBAC.
5. Failing to Understand Cost Management and Pricing
Azure cost management is often overlooked by candidates, but it is a crucial part of the Azure 104 exam. Understanding Azure’s pricing models and how to control costs within an Azure environment is essential.
Solution:
Review Azure’s pricing calculator and cost management tools to understand how to estimate and control expenses. Practice setting budgets, analyzing cost reports, and using cost alerts to monitor spending. Know the basic pricing structure for different Azure services like virtual machines, storage, and data transfer.
6. Lack of Knowledge in Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Many candidates struggle with questions about monitoring and troubleshooting in Azure. Understanding how to use Azure Monitor, configure alerts, and analyze logs is critical for maintaining a healthy Azure environment, and questions in this area are frequently included in the exam.
Solution:
Familiarize yourself with Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and Log Analytics. Practice setting up alerts, configuring diagnostic settings, and interpreting logs to troubleshoot common Azure issues. Azure provides hands-on labs for monitoring and troubleshooting, which are helpful for solidifying your understanding.
7. Not Mastering Azure Backup and Recovery Solutions
Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery (ASR) are essential for ensuring data resilience and business continuity. Many candidates do not spend enough time on these topics, resulting in lost points when asked about backup and disaster recovery scenarios.
Solution:
Spend time learning about Azure Backup, including how to create and restore backups. Understand Azure Site Recovery and the steps required to replicate and failover resources to another region. Practice using these tools in Azure to become comfortable with their features and limitations.
8. Misunderstanding Identity Management and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Identity management is a critical skill for any Azure administrator, and the exam often includes questions about Azure AD, Conditional Access, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Candidates who overlook these concepts may struggle to answer questions accurately.
Solution:
Review Azure AD features, including user and group management, Conditional Access policies, and how to enforce MFA. Practice configuring Conditional Access policies and understand scenarios where MFA is essential for enhancing security. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring secure identity management within an Azure environment.
9. Relying Solely on Memorization
Azure 104 is a practical exam, and memorizing facts without understanding the underlying concepts can lead to failure. Many questions are scenario-based, requiring you to apply knowledge rather than recall isolated facts.
Solution:
Focus on understanding how Azure services work together rather than rote memorization. Work through scenario-based questions in practice exams to develop a problem-solving approach. Use labs and real-world practice to reinforce your conceptual knowledge.
10. Not Using Official Practice Exams
Rushing into the exam without taking official practice tests can result in unexpected challenges. Practice exams provide insight into the exam’s format, question style, and the areas where you may need additional study.
Solution:
Microsoft offers official practice tests for the Azure 104 exam, and these tests can help you gauge your readiness. Take multiple practice exams and carefully review your results to identify weak areas. Practice exams also help you get comfortable with the time constraints of the actual test.
11. Failing to Manage Time During the Exam
Time management is critical during the Azure 104 exam. With a limited time to answer all questions, poor time management can lead to rushed answers or unanswered questions.
Solution:
During practice exams, time yourself and practice pacing. Don’t spend too much time on any single question. Mark difficult questions for review and come back to them after you’ve answered the easier ones. This strategy ensures you maximize your points by addressing all questions.
12. Not Reviewing Microsoft Learn and Documentation
Microsoft Learn and Azure documentation are free, official resources that cover all aspects of Azure services. Ignoring these resources means missing out on in-depth, accurate, and up-to-date information.
Solution:
Use Microsoft Learn to study for each exam topic. These modules provide hands-on labs, exercises, and quizzes that reinforce key concepts. The official Azure documentation is also valuable for understanding complex topics and is an excellent reference for specific questions during preparation.
13. Underestimating Security and Compliance Topics
Security and compliance are high-priority areas for cloud administrators, and the Azure 104 exam includes questions on security tools, governance, and compliance.
Solution:
Review security features like Azure Policy, Azure Security Center, and Compliance Manager. Practice configuring policies to enforce organizational standards and use Security Center for threat detection. Understanding security and compliance concepts will help you answer questions related to safeguarding Azure resources.
Conclusion
Passing the Azure 104 exam requires a thorough understanding of Azure administration concepts and practical skills. By avoiding common mistakes—such as neglecting hands-on practice, overlooking key topics like networking and RBAC, and not utilizing practice exams—you can improve your chances of success. Focus on understanding how Azure services work together, practice with real-world scenarios, and use official resources to guide your study plan. With careful preparation and attention to these common pitfalls, you’ll be well-equipped to pass the Azure 104 exam and become a certified Azure Administrator.
