What is the Azure 104 Certification Cost?

Azure Administrator Certification Cost

The Azure 104 certification, also known as the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam, is aimed at professionals who want to validate their skills in managing Azure resources and handling workloads on the Azure platform. But what about the cost of the Azure 104 certification? The exam typically costs around $165 USD, which is approximately ₹13,500 INR. However, prices may vary based on your location and any available discounts or promotions.

In this Azure tutorial, I’ll walk you through the details of the Azure 104 certification cost and why it’s a valuable investment for your career in cloud administration. Ready to learn more about the Azure 104 certification and its cost? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) Certification

The AZ-104 Certification is a crucial credential for professionals who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in managing Microsoft Azure services and cloud infrastructure. It is perfect for individuals aiming to specialize in cloud administration and further their careers in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.

What is the AZ-104 Certification?

The AZ-104 Certification is a professional-level credential for individuals who wish to become certified Microsoft Azure Administrators. It validates your expertise in managing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure infrastructure and services. This certification ensures that you are equipped to implement, monitor, and manage critical components like identity, governance, storage, and computing within a cloud environment.

• Focuses on managing Azure identities and governance.
• Covers configuring and managing virtual networks and storage.
• Teaches how to effectively monitor and maintain Azure resources.

Who Should Pursue This Certification?

The AZ-104 Certification is ideal for IT professionals and cloud enthusiasts who want to advance their careers in cloud computing. Whether you're an experienced system administrator or just starting your journey into the world of Azure, this certification can significantly enhance your professional credentials.

• System administrators who handle the management of cloud infrastructure on a daily basis.
• IT professionals transitioning into cloud-based roles.
• Individuals looking to demonstrate their Azure expertise.

Why Get Azure Administrator Certification?

Cloud computing continues to expand, making skilled Azure Administrators highly sought after. Earning the AZ-104 Certification can keep you ahead in the job market and provide access to lucrative opportunities.

• 93% of organizations worldwide are leveraging cloud services, with Azure playing a central role in cloud computing.
• 40% growth in demand for cloud professionals with Azure expertise is expected in 2025-2025.
• Equips you with the latest tools and skills to manage advanced Azure features, ensuring you remain competitive in cloud administration.

How Much Does the Azure 104 Certification Cost?

The Azure 104 certification exam involves several costs, including the exam fee, retake fee, training expenses, and practice test costs. Understanding these expenses can help you plan and budget accordingly for the certification process. Below is a breakdown of each cost associated with obtaining the certification:

Exam Fee

The Azure 104 certification exam costs $165 USD or approximately ₹13,600 INR, depending on your location. This fee is for the initial attempt to validate your skills in managing Microsoft Azure services and infrastructure.

• $165 USD or approximately ₹13,600 INR.
• Validates expertise in managing Azure services.

Retake Fee

If you do not pass the Azure 104 certification exam on your first attempt, you will need to pay the same fee to retake the exam. This is typically $165 USD or around ₹13,600 INR.

• Retake fee is the same as the original exam fee: $165 USD or ₹13,600 INR.
• Take enough preparation to avoid additional retake costs.

Training Costs

Training for the Azure 104 certification varies widely depending on the type of resources you choose. You can opt for free resources or paid instructor-led courses. These training programs may cost between $100 to $500 USD or approximately ₹8,000 to ₹40,000 INR.

• Free online tutorials and resources.
• Paid instructor-led courses range from $100 to $500 USD or ₹8,000 to ₹40,000 INR.
• Some courses may include practice exams and labs.

Practice Test Cost

Practice tests for the Azure 104 certification are available for a fee and typically range from $20 to $50 USD or approximately ₹1,600 to ₹4,000 INR. These tests simulate the actual exam, helping you identify areas that need improvement.

• Cost typically ranges from $20 to $50 USD or ₹1,600 to ₹4,000 INR.
• Helps you familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.

Return on Investment (ROI) for Azure 104 Certification

The Azure 104 certification offers significant returns on investment (ROI) by enhancing your career prospects, increasing your earning potential, and providing a competitive edge in the cloud computing industry. Below are the key benefits and considerations for investing in this certification:

Azure 104 Career Benefits

Obtaining the Azure 104 certification opens doors to various career opportunities, making you a valuable asset to employers seeking skilled professionals in Microsoft Azure administration. Here are the career benefits:

• Increased demand for Azure administrators with expertise in managing cloud infrastructure.
• Better job security as more businesses adopt cloud technologies.
• Potential for higher salaries due to your validated cloud computing skills.
• Opportunities to work with leading organizations in the growing cloud services industry.

Azure 104 Certification vs. Job Market

The Azure 104 certification aligns with the increasing demand for cloud professionals. As more businesses shift to cloud environments, companies are actively seeking qualified Azure experts. The certification not only boosts your credibility but also improves your chances of landing job opportunities in the cloud computing sector.

• Growing demand for skilled Azure administrators due to cloud migration.
• Employers prefer candidates with verified expertise through certifications like Azure 104.
• Improves your profile, making you a top contender in the competitive job market.

Is the Azure 104 Certification Cost Worth It?

While the Azure 104 certification comes with an upfront cost, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expenses. The enhanced career opportunities, potential salary growth, and job security make it a valuable investment in your professional development. The ROI can be realized within a short period after achieving the certification, making it a smart choice for those serious about cloud computing.

• Long-term career growth and potential for higher earnings.
• Improved job stability and security in a growing sector.
• Increased employability and professional credibility.

Job Opportunities After Azure Administrator Certification

The Azure Administrator certification opens the door to numerous job opportunities in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing. As more companies move to the cloud, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage Azure services has skyrocketed. Below are some of the key job roles you can pursue after earning your Azure 104 certification:

1. Azure Administrator

As an Azure Administrator, you'll be responsible for managing, monitoring, and securing Microsoft Azure environments. You’ll configure and manage virtual networks, storage, and cloud resources, ensuring smooth and efficient cloud operations for businesses.

• Manage Azure resources like virtual machines, networking, and storage.
• Implement and manage security solutions in Azure.
• Monitor cloud performance and optimize the Azure infrastructure.

2. Cloud Engineer

With your Azure 104 certification, you can work as a Cloud Engineer, responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud solutions. This role focuses on building infrastructure and services on Microsoft Azure to meet business needs.

• Design and implement cloud-based solutions using Azure.
• Work with developers and system architects to deploy cloud infrastructure.
• Manage cloud security, monitoring, and optimization.

3. Cloud Solutions Architect

The Cloud Solutions Architect role involves designing and implementing cloud solutions tailored to an organization’s requirements. With your Azure expertise, you can lead projects to create scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud systems.

• Design scalable cloud architectures using Azure services.
• Assess technical requirements and deliver cloud solutions.
• Ensure cloud security and compliance with best practices.

4. IT Manager

An IT Manager with Azure skills is responsible for overseeing an organization’s IT infrastructure, including cloud services, networking, and security. Azure expertise helps you manage the transition to cloud platforms and ensure efficient operations.

• Manage and monitor Azure cloud infrastructure.
• Lead teams to optimize cloud usage and maintain security standards.
• Oversee disaster recovery plans and cloud-based solutions.

5. DevOps Engineer

As a DevOps Engineer, you'll use Azure tools to streamline the development and deployment processes. Your Azure 104 certification will help you automate the deployment of applications and manage infrastructure as code in the cloud.

• Automate deployment processes using Azure DevOps tools.
• Work closely with developers to create reliable cloud applications.
• Monitor and maintain Azure cloud resources in a continuous integration environment.

6. Security Engineer

A Security Engineer with Azure expertise is responsible for securing cloud infrastructure and applications. Your Azure 104 certification will prepare you to implement and manage security policies, controls, and risk management strategies in cloud environments.

• Implement security solutions and manage security risks in Azure environments.
• Perform regular audits and monitor systems for potential threats.
• Work with other teams to ensure compliance with security standards.

7. Cloud Consultant

As a Cloud Consultant, you'll work with organizations to help them transition to the cloud, optimize their Azure usage, and manage costs. Your Azure skills will allow you to provide expert advice and implement solutions to meet client needs.

• Consult organizations on adopting Azure cloud solutions.
• Assist in designing and migrating cloud-based systems.
• Provide strategies to optimize cloud operations and reduce costs.

Azure Administrator Job Roles and Salary Structure in India and Worldwide

The average salary of an Azure Administrator ranges from ₹ 10.0 Lakhs to ₹ 30.0 Lakhs per year in India, depending on factors such as experience, skills, and location. Let's break down how the salary varies across different roles and locations:

1. Azure Administrator Salary - Based on the Job Role

Azure Administrator's salary varies according to their job roles and responsibilities. Below is a breakdown of the average salary for various roles:

2. Azure Administrator Salary - Based on Experience

Experience plays a significant role in determining your salary. Entry-level professionals can earn an average of ₹ 8 LPA, while experienced Azure administrators can make up to ₹ 30 LPA. Here's the average salary based on experience:

3. Azure Administrator Salary - Based on Location

Your city or country plays a crucial role in determining your salary. Tech hubs like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune offer competitive pay. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary across different locations:

4. Azure Administrator Salary - Based on Skills

Your technical skills are a major determinant of your salary. Below are some in-demand skills that can boost your earning potential as an Azure Administrator:

1. Cloud Infrastructure: Expertise in managing Azure infrastructure, including virtual machines and storage.
2. Automation: Proficiency in Azure Automation, PowerShell, and other automation tools to streamline cloud management.
3. Security: Strong knowledge of Azure security services like firewalls, encryption, and access control.
4. Networking: Familiarity with setting up and managing Azure networking services, including VPNs and Azure Load Balancer.
5. Monitoring and Optimization: Ability to monitor and optimize Azure resources for performance and cost efficiency.
6. Disaster Recovery: Experience in implementing disaster recovery solutions on Azure.

Summary

The article provides a detailed overview of the Azure Solutions Architect salary structure, covering aspects such as job roles, experience, location, and skills. It breaks down salary ranges across different locations like India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and more, offering insight into how these factors influence earnings. For anyone looking to advance in this field, specialized skills like Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure as Code, and Azure DevOps play a crucial role in boosting salary potential.

To further enhance your career in Azure, consider enrolling in our Microsoft Azure Certification Training and get started with the Azure Fundamentals Course.

Did You Know? Quiz - Azure 104 Certification Cost

Q1: "The Azure 104 certification exam is free of cost."

• True
• False

Q2: "The price for the Azure 104 certification exam is fixed globally."

• True
• False

Q3: "Microsoft offers discounts for students taking the Azure 104 certification exam."

• True
• False

Q4: "You can attempt the Azure 104 certification exam multiple times with no additional cost."

• True
• False

Q5: "You can find Azure 104 certification cost details on the official Microsoft certification website."

• True
• False

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