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Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
- Manage Azure identities, networks, storage, and compute with confidence.
- For Azure Administrators handling real infrastructure.
- Our hands-on labs put you in live Azure environments throughout.
- Categories:
- Cloud
- Level:
- Intermediate
- Code:
- MAZ104
- Exam:
- Yes - Available separately
Overview
This four-day instructor-led course provides IT professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to administer Microsoft Azure environments. Aligned with the Microsoft Applied Skills curriculum for AZ-104, the course equips learners with the expertise needed to manage Azure identities, governance, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring services across enterprise cloud environments.
Through a combination of instructor-led learning and hands-on labs, participants gain practical experience configuring and managing Azure resources while developing the skills required to optimise security, performance, availability, and cost management. Successful completion of the course prepares learners for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification examination.
Prerequisites
Participants should have:
- A basic understanding of cloud computing concepts.
- Experience with Windows Server administration, networking, and virtualisation technologies.
- Familiarity with PowerShell and the Azure portal is recommended.
- An understanding of identity, storage, compute, and networking concepts.
- Previous experience with Microsoft Azure is beneficial but not essential.
Target audience
This course is designed for:
- Azure administrators responsible for managing Microsoft Azure environments.
- Systems administrators transitioning to cloud administration roles.
- IT professionals supporting Azure infrastructure and services.
- Cloud engineers responsible for deploying and managing Azure resources.
- Professionals preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification.
What's included
Select your preferred way to learn:
What is Classroom?
Hands-on, instructor-led training delivered in a QA learning centre
In-person training in a dedicated QA learning centre. Learners benefit from expert-led sessions, collaborative activities, and structured, hands-on workshops in a distraction-free environment. If you can’t attend in person, many classroom courses are also available to attend remotely.
Classroom sessions can be arranged on request. Please contact your account manager to discuss availability in your region
Best for: Individuals and teams who benefit from deep focus, direct interaction, and practical, hands-on learning.
What's included?
4 Days instructor led course
Exam: Yes - Available separately
6 month free access to QA learning platform
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What is bespoke training?
Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs
Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.
Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.
Find out more about the course:
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Manage Azure identities and governance using Microsoft Entra ID and Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
- Deploy and administer Azure storage solutions.
- Configure and manage Azure virtual machines and compute resources.
- Implement and manage virtual networking within Azure.
- Monitor Azure resources and optimise operational performance.
- Configure backup, recovery, and business continuity solutions.
- Prepare confidently for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification examination.
Course outline
Understand Microsoft Entra ID
- Compare Microsoft Entra ID to Active Directory Domain Services
- Learn about Microsoft Entra ID P1 and P2 plans
- Explore Microsoft Entra Domain Services for managing domain-joined devices and apps in the cloud
Create, Configure, and Manage Identities
- Control access to cloud-based workloads
- Provide just-enough access for users and resources
Describe the Core Architectural Components of Azure
- Learn about Azure’s physical and management infrastructure
- Get started with Azure accounts
Azure Policy Initiatives
- Enforce organisational standards with Azure Policy
- Assess compliance at scale
- Manage Azure resources effectively
Secure Your Azure Resources with Azure Role-Based Access Control (Azure RBAC)
- Manage access to resources using Azure RBAC
- Grant and list access
- View activity logs for RBAC changes
Allow Users to Reset Their Password with Microsoft Entra Self-Service Password Reset
- Set up, configure, and test self-service password reset
- Customise directory branding
Configure Virtual Networks
- Plan and create virtual networks and subnets
- Configure IP addressing and public/private IPs
Configure Network Security Groups
- Implement and manage network security groups and rules
- Apply application security groups
Host Your Domain on Azure DNS
- Create DNS zones and records
- Test domain name resolution
Configure Azure Virtual Network Peering
- Set up peering connections
- Address transit and connectivity concerns
Manage and Control Traffic Flow in Your Azure Deployment with Routes
- Implement custom routes
- Create and use network virtual appliances (NVAs)
Introduction to Azure Load Balancer
- Understand Azure Load Balancer functionality and scenarios
Introduction to Azure Application Gateway
- Learn about Azure Application Gateway and its use cases
Introduction to Azure Network Watcher
- Detect and monitor network performance issues
Configure Storage Accounts
- Implement Azure Storage
- Explore storage services, account types, and replication
- Secure storage endpoints
Configure Azure Blob Storage
- Configure blob storage, tiers, and object replication
- Manage blobs and lifecycle rules
Configure Azure Storage Security
- Apply storage security features and best practices
- Use shared access signatures and encryption
Configure Azure Files
- Set up Azure Files and Azure File Sync
- Manage file shares and snapshots
Introduction to Azure Virtual Machines
- Plan, create, and manage virtual machines
- Use extensions and services for VM management
- Back up virtual machines
Configure Virtual Machine Availability
- Plan for maintenance and downtime
- Configure availability sets, zones, and scale sets
- Implement autoscale
Configure Azure App Service Plans
- Set up App Service plans
- Configure pricing and scaling options
Configure Azure App Service
- Deploy and monitor App Service instances
- Use deployment slots and Application Insights
- Secure and back up App Service apps
Configure Azure Container Instances
- Set up container instances and groups
- Compare containers to virtual machines
Introduction to Azure Backup
- Understand Azure Backup features and scenarios
Protect Your Virtual Machines by Using Azure Backup
- Back up and restore Azure virtual machines and other workloads
Monitor Your Azure Virtual Machines with Azure Monitor
- Collect and analyse VM metrics and logs
- Use Metrics Explorer and VM insights
Exams and assessments
This course prepares learners for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification examination. Throughout the course, learners complete practical labs and knowledge-based exercises that reinforce the skills required to administer Microsoft Azure environments effectively. The exam is not
Hands-on learning
This course includes:
- Practical labs covering Azure identity, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring.
- Hands-on deployment and configuration exercises using the Azure portal.
- Real-world administration and troubleshooting scenarios.
- Guided activities covering backup, recovery, and governance.
- Instructor-led demonstrations using Microsoft Azure services.
Good to know
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What our customers are saying
“The Azure training which has been provided in partnership with QA and Microsoft has played a critical role in equipping our colleagues with the technical skills required as part of our technology transformation. Their ability to switch everything virtually for us has also been really important.”
Samantha Tweedale
Supplier Relationship Manager, Co-op
“Excellent courses with fantastic instructors and well-structured labs. I managed to upskill my Kubernetes knowledge and get more in-depth AWS knowledge, which helped me improve at my job.”
Traian C
QA learner
“Certification Paths are precise and easy to sift through along with the hands-on labs. I have cleared Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect and Certified Kubernetes Administrator by following the training paths.”
Vinay Reddy Guda
Cloud Engineer, Cognizant
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Cloud Portfolio Director - Cloud
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When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.
