The AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure certification validates your ability to design, build, test, and maintain cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure. This includes everything from App Services, Azure Functions, and API Management to DevOps, Cosmos DB, and identity integrations.
This updated guide offers practical steps, free learning paths, sandbox access, tips, and updated links to help you pass the exam in 4–6 weeks.
Pre-requisites
1. Professionals with a minimum of 1-2 years of development experience and experience with Microsoft Azure.
2. One should also be able to code in Azure-supported programming languages and should be proficient using Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and other Azure tools.
3. Download the official skills outline from Microsoft.
Exam study references
1. The official study guide on the exam home page is the first place to start preparing for the exam topics
Microsoft Learn Paths (Free + Hands-On Sandboxes)
The best thing about Microsoft Learn is:
Free Azure sandboxes — no credit card required
Interactive labs — practice what you study
Aligned to the exam domains
Here are the most relevant Learn paths based on current AZ-204 modules:
1. Develop Azure compute solutions
2. Develop for Azure storage
3. Implement Azure security
4. Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize
5. Connect to & consume Azure services/APIs
Hands-On Lab Tip: Use the Sandboxes!
Each module gives you free sandbox time (~2 hours).
Use this to:
- Deploy sample apps
- Create storage accounts
- Build and test Functions
- Explore identity flows with B2C and MSAL
New Topics You Should NOT Miss (2024–2025 updates)
Microsoft has updated the AZ-204 exam to include:
| Topic | What’s New |
|---|---|
| Azure Container Apps | Lightweight container hosting — faster than AKS |
| Managed Identity | Essential for securing APIs & resources |
| Azure OpenAI & AI Services (Preview) | Know the basics but not deeply tested yet |
| Azure Front Door | Added to networking options |
| Cosmos DB Partitioning | Important for performance and cost optimization |
Practice Tests & Courses
Before attempting the real exam, test yourself using:
Recommended Practice Tests
- Whizlabs Practice Tests for AZ-204
- Udemy AZ-204 Practice Tests by Scott Duffy
- MeasureUp (Microsoft Official Partner)
Recommended Video Courses
- Udemy: AZ-204 Full Course by Alan Rodrigues or Scott Duffy
- Pluralsight Learning Paths for Azure Developers
Study Timeline (4–6 Week Plan)
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Official Skills Outline + Learn Modules (Compute) |
| Week 2 | Storage + Identity + CLI/PowerShell practice |
| Week 3 | Event-driven architectures + Monitoring |
| Week 4 | Build a mini project using App Service or Azure Functions |
| Week 5 | Practice tests + revisit weak areas |
| Week 6 | Final revision + booking the exam |
I hope the above material helps you achieve your az-204 exam certification goal. Study this material for around 4-5 weeks and then go to the practice tests. Try building a sample application using Azure App Service or implementing an Azure function, and use Azure documentation and resources to help you learn and troubleshoot. Remember going through the material this way will prepare you to take real work in the mentioned topics and not just ace the exams, so do as many labs as possible. Also, review the CLI and PowerShell versions of everything you use in the portal.
Happy Studying! And All the Best!
Pro tips:
1. Always explore both Azure Portal and CLI/PowerShell versions of any task.
2. If you’re aiming to obtain the Databricks certified Data Engineer Associate certification, take a look at these helpful tips.
See more
Srirang Netake
Been working with Microsoft Tech stack for more than 12 years. Aspiring Software Architect, cloud enthusiast. idea of fun is a good book or a good movie and good food.