The demand for professionals skilled in cloud computing, specifically within Microsoft Azure, is skyrocketing. As organizations continue to move their operations to the cloud, there is an increasing need for certified experts who can manage, develop, and secure Azure environments. Among the most sought-after certifications are the AZ-104 exam (Microsoft Azure Administrator) and AZ-204 exam (Microsoft Azure Developer Associate). But with both exams focusing on Azure, you might be wondering which one to pursue.
This guide is designed to help you decide between the AZ-104 and AZ-204 exams by offering an in-depth comparison of both certifications, their respective topics, and the career opportunities they unlock. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional looking to specialize or a newcomer seeking a career change, this article will provide you with the clarity you need.
What is AZ-104?
The AZ-104 exam, also known as the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification, is designed for professionals who want to manage Azure resources. It focuses on implementing, managing, and monitoring Azure services such as virtual machines, storage, networks, and identities.
Key Topics in AZ-104:
- Managing Azure identities and governance (20-25%)
- Implementing and managing storage (15-20%)
- Deploying and managing Azure compute resources (20-25%)
- Implementing and managing virtual networking (15-20%)
- Monitoring and maintaining Azure resources (10-15%)
Target Audience: This certification is ideal for individuals interested in roles such as Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, or Systems Administrator.
What is AZ-204?
The AZ-204 exam, also called the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification, is tailored for developers who are responsible for building and deploying applications on the Azure platform. This certification is for professionals focused on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services.
Key Topics in AZ-204:
- Develop Azure compute solutions (25-30%)
- Develop for Azure storage (15-20%)
- Implement Azure security (15-20%)
- Monitor and troubleshoot Azure solutions (5-10%)
- Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (20-25%)
Target Audience: This certification is ideal for developers who want to work with cloud-based solutions and developers in roles such as Azure Developer, Cloud Developer, or Cloud Engineer.
AZ-104 vs AZ-204: Key Differences
1. Role Focus
- AZ-104: Primarily focused on administrative tasks like managing resources, networks, and identities within Azure.
- AZ-204: Primarily focused on development tasks, including the creation of cloud applications, using Azure SDKs, and working with databases.
2. Skills and Responsibilities
- AZ-104: Requires knowledge of infrastructure services such as virtual networks, storage accounts, and Azure Active Directory.
- AZ-204: Focuses more on coding skills, APIs, and integrating cloud-based solutions within applications.
3. Exam Content and Syllabus
- AZ-104: Topics include infrastructure management, storage management, networking, and governance.
- AZ-204: Topics focus on building cloud applications, integrating services, and securing Azure-based solutions.
4. Career Paths
- AZ-104: Leads to roles such as Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, and IT Manager.
- AZ-204: Leads to roles such as Azure Developer, Cloud Developer, and Solution Architect.
5. Difficulty Level
- AZ-104: Slightly easier for those with IT operations backgrounds, focusing more on operational management of cloud infrastructure.
- AZ-204: More suited for those with development experience, as it requires a deeper understanding of application development and services integration.
Which Certification Should You Take?
Choosing between the AZ-104 and AZ-204 depends on your career goals and expertise. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
If you enjoy managing and maintaining IT infrastructure:
The AZ-104 is a great choice. This certification will prepare you to handle Azure’s infrastructure services, allowing you to manage and monitor Azure resources effectively.
If you are more interested in cloud development:
The AZ-204 certification would be more suitable. If you are passionate about building applications, coding, and integrating with Azure’s various services, the AZ-204 is ideal for you.
Career Change:
If you are switching careers into IT or cloud computing, AZ-104 might be a better starting point as it focuses on core Azure services and operations.
Experience Level:
If you’re already a developer and want to expand your skills into Azure development, AZ-204 is the more relevant certification. On the other hand, if you have IT operational experience and want to move towards cloud administration, AZ-104 would be the better fit.
Resources to Prepare for AZ-104 and AZ-204
Regardless of which exam you choose, proper preparation is key to success. Here are some useful resources to help you prepare for both exams:
Practice Exams:
Get hands-on with practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and question types. Check out AZ-104 Practice Exam and AZ-204 Practice Exam to test your knowledge.
Microsoft Learn:
Microsoft’s official learning platform offers free, comprehensive learning paths for both AZ-104 and AZ-204. Explore the full list of learning resources on the Microsoft AZ-104 Certification Page and Microsoft AZ-204 Certification Page.
Study Guides and Books:
Consider using guides such as the AZ-104 Exam Guide and AZ-204 Study Materials to deepen your understanding of the exam topics.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between AZ-104 and AZ-204?
AZ-104 is focused on cloud administration tasks like managing infrastructure, whereas AZ-204 is geared towards developing and deploying applications on the Azure platform.
2. Is AZ-104 easier than AZ-204?
AZ-104 is generally considered less difficult for those with an IT background, as it covers administrative roles. AZ-204 requires programming skills and application development expertise, making it more challenging for those without a development background.
3. Can a beginner take AZ-204?
While beginners can take AZ-204, it is recommended to have some programming experience before attempting this exam, as it covers application development and cloud integration.
4. Which exam is better for a cloud career?
Both exams are valuable, but AZ-104 is often seen as a better starting point for those new to Azure, while AZ-204 is suited for those pursuing development roles.
5. Can I take both AZ-104 and AZ-204 certifications?
Yes, many professionals choose to pursue both certifications to enhance their skills in both administration and development.
6. What is the cost of the AZ-104 and AZ-204 exams?
Both exams are priced at $165 USD each.
Conclusion
Both the AZ-104 and AZ-204 exams open doors to exciting career opportunities in the cloud industry. Choosing the right certification depends on your skills, career goals, and passion for either administration or development. Whatever path you choose, ensure you are well-prepared by utilizing the right resources and dedicating enough time for study and practice.
Take the next step in your career today and enhance your Azure expertise by exploring AZ-104 Practice Tests or AZ-204 Practice Tests.
