Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

What is the Difference between MS Azure 103 and 104 exams

What is the Difference between MS Azure 103 and 104 exams | Novelvista

Written by Vaibhav Umarvaishya

Share This Blog


Microsoft Azure is one of the perceptible names among driving open cloud specialist co-ops. The job-based affirmation model of Microsoft Azure adjusts consummately with different rising occupation obligations in distributed computing. If you are trying to certify a Microsoft Azure Certified Administrator, at that point you should think about the AZ-103 versus AZ-104 examination. 

AZ-103 is the current affirmation test for the job of Microsoft Azure Administrator and would be accessible till August 31, 2020. Microsoft Azure presented a substitution of the AZ-103 test as the AZ-104 test on April 2, 2020. 

Therefore, many hopeful competitors are confronting disarrays about the perfect decision among AZ-103 and AZ-104. The accompanying conversation presents an examination between the tests to assist you with concluding as indicated by your vocation desires. 

The Difference in the Basics of the Exams 

One of the main parts of the AZ-103 versus AZ-104 correlation alludes legitimately to the fundamental subtleties of the two tests. The enrollment cost for both the tests is USD 165. Be that as it may, the AZ-103 test is accessible in four distinct dialects, for example, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese. Then again, AZ-104 confirmation is accessible by and by in the English language as it were. 

The Difference in Target Audience for the Exams 

The following pointer in looking at AZ-104 versus AZ-103 accreditation test alludes to the intended interest group for the two tests. Perusers can discover this segment introducing express comparability between the two tests. Both the tests are perfect for hopeful Azure directors. 

In any case, it is basic to take note of that Microsoft presents new affirmations for approving the abilities of up-and-comers intending to the new necessities from explicit employment jobs. In this manner, the AZ-104 test is nearly thorough than the AZ-103 confirmation test as it would concentrate on abilities required for rising changes in the activity of Microsoft Azure chairmen. 

Contrasts in Exam Prerequisites 

Up-and-comers could likewise discover outstanding contrasts in the AZ-103 versus AZ-104 examination while considering the test requirements. Most importantly, you should realize that there are no particular essentials to show up for the AZ-103 or AZ-104 test. In any case, the AZ-104 accreditation test presents the accompanying information and experience necessities that are far-reaching than that of the AZ-103 affirmation test. 

  • At any rate a half year of hands-on involvement with Azure organization. 
  • Complete information on center Azure Services. 
  • Point by point comprehension of Azure administration, outstanding tasks at hand, and security. 
  • Promising aptitudes in cloud foundation, working frameworks, organizing, capacity structures, and virtualization.
  • Hands-on involvement with the use of Azure Portal, Command Line Interface, ARM layouts, and Azure PowerShell. 

Correlation of Domains in AZ-103 and AZ-104 Exams 

Perusers can reinforce their insight into AZ-103 versus AZ-104 correlation by considering contrasts in spaces shrouded in the tests. Let us plot the areas shrouded in AZ-103 and AZ-104 tests before exploring the contrasts between them. 

The AZ-103 accreditation test contains the accompanying spaces. 

  • Overseeing Azure memberships and assets. 
  • Usage and overseeing stockpiling. 
  • Sending and overseeing virtual machines. 
  • Design and the board of virtual systems. 
  • Character the board. 

Planning Guide for AZ-103 Exam 

The AZ-104 accreditation test contains the accompanying areas. 

  • The executives of Azure characters and administration. 
  • Usage and the executives of capacity. 
  • Arrangement and the board of processing assets. 
  • Arranging and overseeing virtual systems. 
  • Checking and reinforcement for Azure assets. 

First of all, you can set up certain similitudes in the AZ-103 versus AZ-104 correlation, given the previously mentioned data. Both the tests incorporate the spaces of execution of and overseeing capacity and the setup and overseeing of virtual systems. 

Be that as it may, we can likewise see the distinction in areas of AZ-103 and AZ-104 confirmation tests. The AZ-104 affirmation test centers around the organization and overseeing of registering assets while AZ-103 spotlights on sending and overseeing virtual systems. Here is a portion of different contrasts between AZ-103 and AZ-104 tests we can discover by looking at the test spaces. 

The AZ-104 confirmation test underscores more on personalities and administration as opposed to memberships and assets. 

In the subsequent space, we can see further contrasts in the AZ-103 versus the AZ-104 examination. Even though the area is comparative in the two tests, the emphasis on information the board is noticeable in AZ-104. 

Perusers could likewise locate a particular space devoted to reinforcement and recuperation in the new AZ-104 confirmation test. The new area thinks about explicitly using Azure Monitor for the usage of reinforcement and recuperation and checking assets. 

At last, the AZ-104 affirmation test has taken the consideration of virtual machines towards process assets. 

Things being what they are, Which Exam would you say you are Going to Take? 

Thus, in light of the comprehension of previously mentioned contrasts, you can settle on a choice at this point. You can unmistakably see the various open doors that the AZ-104 accreditation test brings for hopeful Azure executives. Then again, it has additionally carried numerous new difficulties for the contender to get ready for the test. 

With an away from the spaces canvassed in the new test, applicants can pick perfect learning assets for their arrangements. Generally significant of all, perusers can think about the contrasts between AZ-103 versus AZ-104 with the rising obligations of Azure director. Subsequently, you can pick the correct test for a long encouraging vocation ahead!

AZ-103 vs AZ-104: A Detailed Comparison of Microsoft Azure Exams

When aiming for a cloud career, selecting the perfect certification can make all the difference. If you’re preparing for the Microsoft Azure exam as an administrator, you've likely come across AZ-103 and AZ-104. While AZ-103 is now taken out of use, many professionals still want to know how it compares to AZ-104, especially in terms of content, difficulty, and real-world relevance.

This detailed guide walks you through a side-by-side comparison, complete with exam structure, preparation resources, and how each certification can benefit your cloud career. Whether you're aiming to level up your skills or make a career change, understanding these exams will help you stay coordinated with the growing Azure certification path.

Key Differences at a Glance: Azure AZ-103 vs AZ-104

To simplify the comparison, here’s a comprehensive table that highlights the most relevant differences between the two exams:

difference between AZ-103 and AZ-104

 

Exam Structure and Topics: A Closer Look

Both exams test your ability to perform Azure administrator duties. However, the AZ-104 exam is more harmonized with the current Azure ecosystem, focusing on real-world scenarios and updated services.

AZ-103: Exam Breakdown

While it is now retired, AZ-103 included the following domains:

  • Managing Azure subscriptions and resources
  • Implementing and managing storage
  • Deploying and managing virtual machines
  • Configuring and managing virtual networks
  • Managing identities using Azure Active Directory

This exam laid the foundation for basic cloud administration but lacked emphasis on governance, automation, and security monitoring.

AZ-104: Exam Breakdown

The Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 exam focuses on more evolved and related topics:

  • Handle Azure identities and governance (15–20%)
  • Carry out and manage storage (15–20%)
  • Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20–25%)
  • Configure and manage virtual networking (20–25%)
  • Monitor and back up Azure resources (10–15%)

This exam emphasizes cloud-native monitoring tools, automation through ARM templates, and cost-effective compute management.

Study Resources: Where and How to Prepare

Regardless of the exam, preparation is key. While AZ-103 resources are still available online, your focus should shift completely to AZ-104.

study material for AZ-104

Suggested Study Materials for AZ-104:

  • Microsoft Learn Azure – Microsoft’s certified learning platform with hands-on labs.
  • Exam Ref AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator – A trusted guidebook coordinated with the exam goals.
  • Azure Documentation – Always updated with the latest service capabilities.
  • Practice Exams – Simulators that copy real exam formats.
  • Instructor-led Training – Consider formal training programs like NovelVista that offer structured learning paths.

If you're interested in additional certifications or learning progression, Microsoft provides guided pathways under the wider Azure certification track.

Real-World Applications: Which One Matters Now?

Now, let’s talk career impact. What do these certifications really represent in the workplace?

Practical Relevance of AZ-103 (Before Retirement):

  • Entry-level Azure roles (e.g., Junior Cloud Administrator)
  • Focused more on basic configuration tasks
  • Helped build initial trust in cloud environments

While AZ-103 was perfect for cloud beginners, its content has become outdated with the quick transformation of Azure services.

Practical Relevance of AZ-104 (Current Standard):

  • Highly demanded for roles like Azure Systems Administrator, Cloud Support Engineer, or DevOps Associate.
  • Required for managing real-time monitoring dashboards, automation scripts, and scaling operations
  • Increases your eligibility for enterprise roles handling large Azure deployments
In a nutshell, AZ-104 is the go-to Microsoft Azure exam if you're looking to demonstrate hands-on admin experience with current tools and services.

The Transition: Why AZ-104 is the Future

Microsoft’s update from AZ-103 to AZ-104 wasn’t just non-essential. It was a strategic move to coordinate certification content with actual job tasks Azure professionals face today.

AZ-104 Future
  • Security-first approach: With cloud security becoming non-negotiable, AZ-104 includes topics like RBAC, Azure Policies, and Azure Monitor Alerts.
  • Automation and scripting: Candidates are expected to work with ARM templates, PowerShell, and CLI.
  • Observing and backup: Skills in Azure Monitor, Log data analysis, and Recovery Services Vault are important.

These additions ensure that AZ-104 reflects future trends in cloud computing and prepares professionals to operate in real-world production environments.

ms azure cta

Conclusion: Choose Smart, Choose the Future

While AZ-103 was a gateway for the Azure certification path, the IT industry has moved forward. For those serious about a cloud career, focusing on AZ-104 is the way to go.

It’s not just about passing a test — it’s about proving your capability to manage and secure a modern cloud infrastructure.

Whether you're polishing up for your next job or adding a cloud certification to your resume, AZ-104 is your ticket to real-world preparedness.

And if you're gearing up, don’t forget to explore the Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 Training course offered by Novelvista for expert-led learning and career guidance.

Make the Smart Move – Go with AZ-104!

👉 Stay current and career-ready with the latest Microsoft Azure Administrator certification.

Topic Related Post
Vaibhav Umarvaishya

Vaibhav Umarvaishya

Cloud Engineer | Solution Architect

As a Cloud Engineer and AWS Solutions Architect Associate at NovelVista, I specialized in designing and deploying scalable and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. My responsibilities included selecting suitable AWS services based on specific requirements, managing AWS costs, and implementing best practices for security. I also played a pivotal role in migrating complex applications to AWS and advising on architectural decisions to optimize cloud deployments.

Enjoyed this blog? Share this with someone who’d find this useful


Confused about our certifications?

Let Our Advisor Guide You

Already decided? Claim 20% discount from Author. Use Code REVIEW20.