The world of software development is moving fast, and cloud expertise has become the most sought-after skill on a developer’s resume. Among all the platforms, Microsoft Azure stands tall as one of the leaders powering digital transformation across industries. That’s why Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure has become a must-have certification for developers who want to prove they can create cloud applications that aren’t just functional, but also secure, scalable, and reliable.
The 2025 version of the AZ-204 exam goes beyond testing syntax and coding basics. It challenges you to think like a solution architect and developer rolled into one. You’ll be expected to design APIs that can handle high-demand traffic, integrate with services like Azure Functions and Logic Apps, manage secure authentication and authorization, optimize storage solutions, and ensure the applications you build can grow with the business. In other words, it’s not just about writing code; it’s about delivering end-to-end solutions that work in the real world.
What makes AZ-204 especially valuable is its practical nature. Passing this exam tells employers that you’re not just familiar with Azure—you can build with it. It shows that you understand how all the moving parts of the Azure ecosystem fit together, from compute and storage to monitoring and security. That’s why preparation for this exam isn’t about cramming facts—it’s about gaining hands-on skills, practicing with real Azure services, and learning how to troubleshoot and optimize solutions on the go.
So, if you are serious about building a career in cloud development, AZ-204 is your proving ground. And the best part? A solid study guide and preparation plan can take the overwhelm out of the process and help you tackle the exam with confidence.
About AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Exam
The AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam is designed for developers who build, test, and maintain cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure. It validates your ability to design and implement Azure solutions that are secure, reliable, and optimized for performance.
The exam is ideal for candidates with at least 1–2 years of professional development experience and a strong understanding of Azure development tools, data storage, and application lifecycle management. You should also be comfortable with programming in a supported language such as C#, JavaScript, Python, or Java.
Key skills measured in AZ-204 (2025 update):
- Developing Azure compute solutions (e.g., Azure App Service, Functions, Container Apps)
- Implementing Azure security (authentication, authorization, and managed identities)
- Integrating Azure storage solutions (Blob, Cosmos DB, relational databases)
- Connecting to and consuming Azure services and third-party APIs
- Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing Azure solutions
- Managing app configuration and deployment with tools like Azure CLI, ARM templates, and Bicep
Exam details:
- Certification: Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
- Format: Multiple-choice questions, case studies, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based tasks
- Duration: 100–120 minutes
- Passing Score: 700/1000
- Cost: Around USD $165 (may vary by region)
- Languages: English and other major languages supported
Earning the AZ-204 certification demonstrates that you’re not just writing code—you’re building real-world cloud solutions that can power modern businesses. It’s a powerful credential that sets you apart in the competitive world of cloud development.
Exam AZ-204 is a Microsoft certification exam for developers who want to prove their skills in creating solutions for Microsoft Azure. It tests your ability to design, build, watch over, and improve Azure solutions, which include apps, storage, security, and connecting different parts. The exam covers a range of topics, including Azure compute solutions, Azure storage solutions, Azure security and monitoring, Azure integration, and Azure DevOps.
Microsoft Azure Exam AZ-204: Course Outline
For the Microsoft AZ-204 exam, one must be familiar with the following objectives-
The updated Microsoft AZ-204 course outline includes:
- Develop Azure compute solutions (25–30%)
- Develop for Azure storage (15–20%)
- Implement Azure security (20–25%)
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure solutions (15–20%)
- Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (15–20%)
In case, you wish to adopt more information regarding the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 certification exam visit the tutorial page. Here we have mentioned each and every exam details from course outline to exam policies.
Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure: Glossary
Here is a glossary of some key terms related to Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure:
- Azure – Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, which provides a range of services and solutions for building, deploying, and managing applications and services.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) – Cloud computing model like renting virtual computer resource (like servers, storage, and networking) online from a cloud provider.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) – a cloud computing model where the cloud provider offers a platform for developing, deploying, and managing applications, including the underlying infrastructure and middleware, as a service over the internet.
- SaaS (Software as a Service) – a cloud computing model where the cloud provider offers applications and services, such as email, CRM, and collaboration tools, as a service over the internet.
- Azure App Service – a PaaS offering from Azure that allows developers to quickly build, deploy, and scale web and mobile applications.
- Azure Functions – serverless computing service from Azure that provides developers access for running event-driven code in a fully managed environment.
- Understanding Azure Storage – a cloud-based storage solution from Azure that provides scalable, secure, and cost-effective storage for data and applications.
- Azure Cosmos DB – a globally distributed, multi-model database service from Azure that offers a scalable and high-performance NoSQL data storage.
Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure: Study Guide
Here are some resources that can help you prepare for the exam:
- Microsoft Exam Preparation Guide: The official Microsoft Exam Preparation Guide provides a detailed overview of the exam, including its objectives, format, and recommended study resources.
Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/az-204
- Microsoft Azure Documentation: The Microsoft Azure documentation provides a comprehensive guide to the Azure platform, including information on how to develop and deploy applications in Azure.
Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Learn provides free, interactive training modules that cover a wide range of Azure development topics, from Azure fundamentals to advanced application development.
Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/azure/
- Pluralsight: Pluralsight offers a range of Azure development courses, including those focused on Azure DevOps, Azure Functions, and Azure Machine Learning.
Link: https://www.pluralsight.com/paths/microsoft-azure-developer-az-204
5. Azure Forums: Azure Forums are an online space where you can ask questions, share what you know, and work together with other Azure developers in the community.
Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/topics/azure.html
Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Tips and Tricks
Here are some exam tips and tricks for Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure:
- Understand the exam objectives: Make sure you understand the exam objectives and the skills that are being measured. This will help you focus your study efforts on the areas that you need to improve.
- Review the Azure documentation: Microsoft offers extensive documentation on Azure services and solutions. Reviewing the documentation can help you gain a deeper understanding of the Azure platform and its various components.
- Practice with hands-on labs: Hands-on labs can help you get practical experience with Azure services and solutions. Microsoft provides free hands-on labs through its Microsoft Learn platform, which can help you prepare for the exam.
- Take practice tests: Taking practice tests can help you identify areas where you need to improve and get familiar with the format and structure of the exam. Microsoft provides official practice tests for Exam AZ-204, as well as third-party practice tests.
- Use exam-taking strategies: When you take the exam, remember to use some helpful tactics like managing your time wisely, reading the questions closely, and getting rid of answers that are clearly wrong. These tactics can boost your score and reduce the chances of making silly errors.
- Take breaks: Taking breaks during the exam can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. If you feel stuck on a question, take a deep breath, relax, and move on to the next question.
- Stay calm and confident: Remember to stay calm and confident during the exam. Trust in your preparation and your knowledge of Azure, and don’t let anxiety or stress get the better of you.
I hope these tips and tricks help you prepare for Exam AZ-204. Good luck with your studies and the exam!
Microsoft Azure Exam AZ-204 Exam Preparatory Guide 2025
Let’s go over some essential steps to get ready for the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam. To start, you should visit the official certification page. This page provides information about the exam’s availability and how it’s scored. Here are some steps to follow:
Review AZ-204 Exam Objectives
Taking a closer look at each domain of the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam can provide a clearer understanding of what the exam aims to assess. Here is an outline of the exam’s domains. It’s important for candidates to understand these objectives as it will make their preparation easier.
Refer the Blueprint
The next crucial step in preparing for the exam effectively is to use the study guide. You can find this guide on the official certification page, where you downloaded the blueprint earlier. It contains essential information about the exam’s objectives and relevant details. This guide is a valuable resource to focus your study efforts on the necessary content for the exam.
1. Develop Azure compute solutions (25-30%)
1.1 Implement containerized solutions
- Create and manage container images for solutions (Microsoft Documentation: Build and deploy container images)
- Publish an image to Azure Container Registry (Microsoft Documentation: Push image to Azure Container Registry)
- Run containers by using Azure Container Instance
- Create solutions by using Azure Container Apps (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy a container application to Azure Container Instances)
1.2 Implement Azure App Service Web Apps
- Create an Azure App Service Web App (Microsoft Documentation: Create an ASP.NET Core web app in Azure)
- Configure and implement diagnostics and logging (Microsoft Documentation: Enable diagnostics logging for apps in Azure App Service)
- Deploy code to a web app (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy your app to Azure App Service with a ZIP or WAR file)
- Configure web app settings including Transport Layer Security (TLS), API settings, and connection strings
- Implement autoscaling
- Configure deployment slots
1.3 Implement Azure functions
- Create and deploy Azure Functions apps
- Implement input and output bindings (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Functions triggers and bindings concepts)
- Implement function triggers by using data operations, timers, and webhooks (Microsoft Documentation: Timer trigger for Azure Functions)
2. Develop for Azure storage (15-20%)
2.1 Develop solutions that use Azure Cosmos DB storage
- Perform operations on containers and items by using the SDK
- Set the appropriate consistency level for operations (Microsoft Documentation: Choose the right consistency level)
- Manage change feed notifications Change feed in Azure Cosmos DB)
2.2 Develop solutions that use blob storage
- Set and retrieve properties and metadata (Microsoft Documentation: Setting properties and metadata during the import process)
- Perform operations on data by using the appropriate SDK (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Blob storage client library v12 for .NET)
- Implement storage policies and data lifecycle management
3. Implement Azure security (15-20%)
3.1 Implement user authentication and authorization
- Authenticate and authorize users by using the Microsoft Identity platform (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft identity platform)
- Authenticate and authorize users and apps by using Microsoft Entra ID (Microsoft Documentation: Configure your App Service or Azure Functions)
- Create and implement shared access signatures (Microsoft Documentation: Grant limited access to Azure Storage resources using shared access signatures (SAS))
- Implement solutions that interact with Microsoft Graph
3.2 Implement secure Azure solutions
- Secure app configuration data by using the App Configuration and Azure Key Vault (Microsoft Documentation: Securely save secret application settings for a web application)
- Develop code that uses keys, secrets, and certificates stored in Azure Key Vault (Microsoft Documentation: Configure and manage secrets in Azure Key Vault)
- Implement Managed Identities for Azure resources (Microsoft Documentation: Use a Windows VM system-assigned managed identity to access Resource Manager)
4. Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure solutions (10-15%)
4.1 Implement caching for solutions
- Configure cache and expiration policies for Azure Cache for Redis configure Azure Cache for Redis)
- Implement secure and optimized application cache patterns including data sizing, connections, encryption, and expiration Caching guidance)
- Implement Azure Content Delivery Network endpoints and profiles
4.2 Troubleshoot solutions by using Application Insights
- Monitor and analyze metrics, logs, and traces Azure Monitor Metrics overview)
- Implement Application Insights Web Test and Alerts (Microsoft Documentation: Creating an Application Insights Web Test and Alert Programmatically)
5. Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (25-25%)
5.1 Implement API Management
- Create an Azure API Management instance (Microsoft Documentation: Create a new Azure API Management service instance)
- Create and document APIs
- Configure access to APIs
- Implement policies for APIs
5.3 Develop event-based solutions
- Implement solutions that use Azure Event Grid (Microsoft Documentation: Automate resizing uploaded images using Event Grid)
- Implement solutions that use Azure Event Hub (Microsoft Documentation: Visualize data anomalies in real-time events sent to Azure Event Hubs)
5.4 Develop message-based solutions
- Implement solutions that use Azure Service Bus (Microsoft Documentation: Update inventory using PowerShell and topics/subscriptions)
- Implement solutions that use Azure Queue Storage queues (Microsoft Documentation: Work with Azure storage queues)
Check the roadmap for preparing for Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam
Effective Study Material
Locating useful study materials can be tricky. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of recommended books for the Microsoft AZ-204 exam that you can use as references.
- Exam Ref AZ-203 Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure 1st Edition by Santiago Fernández Muñoz
- Microsoft Azure Cloud – Complete Practical Guide for Ultimate Beginners: Step By Step Azure Cloud Lab Manual by ProTechGurus
- Learn Microsoft Azure: Build, manage, and scale cloud applications using the Azure ecosystem by Mohamed Wali
Training Program by Microsoft
Choosing the right Microsoft AZ-204 exam training courses from trusted certification training providers is crucial. These courses, especially Instructor-led training, offer valuable expert guidance. They include tutorial videos with practical demonstrations, making learning easier and more effective. Candidates can also benefit from hands-on labs, which help them apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. To enhance their skills for certification exams, candidates can register for the Azure free tier and practice hands-on exercises.
Practice Tests
Practice tests should be a top priority for candidates preparing for certification exams, including the Microsoft Azure AZ-204 exam. These practice tests are a reliable way to assess your level of preparation. They also help improve time management and quick thinking skills, giving you an edge in the exam.
Subsequently, the candidate can improve their chances of qualifying the exam easily. The candidate can find many free AZ-204 practice tests online.
Microsoft Azure Exam AZ-204 Study Plan
This study plan is designed to guide you step by step through the AZ-204 exam domains, starting with core Azure fundamentals and gradually moving into hands-on development, security, integration, and monitoring. By following the weekly focus areas, you’ll not only build a solid understanding of the services covered in the exam but also gain practical experience by actually deploying, securing, and troubleshooting solutions in Azure. The path ensures you’re balancing theory with real-world practice, so by the end of six weeks, you’ll be exam-ready and equipped with skills that go far beyond test-taking—skills that employers value when looking for developers who can confidently deliver production-ready cloud solutions.
| Week | Focus Area | Key Activities | Resources/Tools | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Exam Overview & Azure Fundamentals | • Review AZ-204 exam guide • Brush up on Azure basics (compute, networking, storage) • Set up free Azure account | Microsoft Learn, Azure Free Tier, AZ-204 skills outline | Strong foundation in exam structure and Azure services |
| Week 2 | Developing Azure Compute Solutions | • Practice creating and deploying apps with Azure App Service • Work with Azure Functions and Container Apps • Explore deployment tools (CLI, ARM templates, Bicep) | Microsoft Docs, Hands-on labs, Azure Portal | Ability to build and deploy compute solutions |
| Week 3 | Implementing Security & Storage Solutions | • Implement authentication & authorization with Azure AD • Secure secrets with Key Vault • Practice using Blob Storage, Cosmos DB, SQL Database | Azure Identity docs, Security labs, Azure Storage Explorer | Confident in building secure, storage-backed applications |
| Week 4 | Integrating & Connecting Services | • Work with Event Grid, Service Bus, Logic Apps • Integrate 3rd-party APIs • Explore REST & SDK integrations | Microsoft Learn integration modules, API testing tools (Postman) | Practical skills in service integration |
| Week 5 | Monitoring, Troubleshooting & Optimization | • Use Application Insights & Azure Monitor • Debug issues & analyze logs • Optimize performance and scaling | Azure Monitor, App Insights docs, Practice scenarios | Ability to monitor and troubleshoot real-world apps |
| Week 6 | Revision & Practice Exams | • Attempt timed practice tests • Revise weak areas • Revisit Microsoft Learn paths • Mock deployment exercises | MeasureUp practice tests, Whizlabs, Microsoft Learn | Exam readiness & confidence for AZ-204 |
