As cloud development becomes central to how businesses build and scale applications, Microsoft’s Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) certification has gained strong recognition in the tech industry. It is designed for professionals who develop, deploy, and maintain applications and services on the Microsoft Azure platform. But one of the most common questions from aspiring candidates is: “How hard is the AZ-204 exam?”
The answer depends on your background. For experienced developers familiar with cloud concepts and Azure tools, it is a solid but manageable challenge. For those new to Azure or without hands-on experience, it can feel overwhelming due to its depth and practical focus.
In this blog, we will break down the exam’s structure, what it tests, who might find it difficult, how it compares to other certifications, and the best ways to prepare—so you can approach the AZ-204 exam with clarity and confidence.
What Is the AZ-204 Exam?
The Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) is a certification exam that validates your ability to design, build, test, and maintain cloud applications using Microsoft Azure services. It is intended for developers who work with cloud-based solutions and want to deepen their expertise in Azure development.
Key Facts About the AZ-204 Exam:
- Full name: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure (Exam AZ-204)
- Certification earned: Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
- Exam duration: 120 minutes
- Question types: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, case studies, code snippets
- Number of questions: Typically 40–60
- Passing score: 700/1000
- Languages available: English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, and others
Who Should Take It?
This exam is ideal for:
- Software developers with 1–2 years of experience building cloud applications
- Professionals who want to work in DevOps, backend development, or API design
- Developers familiar with Azure SDKs, REST APIs, and scripting tools like PowerShell or Azure CLI
What Technologies Are Covered?
AZ-204 covers a wide range of Azure services and developer tools, including:
- Azure App Services (Web Apps, API Apps, Functions)
- Azure Storage (Blobs, Queues, Tables)
- Azure SQL Database and Cosmos DB
- Azure Key Vault and identity services (RBAC, Azure AD)
- Monitoring tools (App Insights, Log Analytics)
- Deployment methods (ARM templates, GitHub Actions, CLI)
This exam is highly practical, emphasizing hands-on implementation over theory.
Microsoft AZ-204 Exam Outline and Documentation
The AZ-204 exam is structured around five core skill areas that represent the full lifecycle of developing applications and services on Microsoft Azure. Each domain reflects real-world tasks that a developer is expected to perform in a cloud environment.
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)
How difficult is the AZ-204 Exam?
The AZ-204 exam is considered moderately to highly difficult, depending on your background in development and cloud computing. It is not an entry-level certification—it assumes hands-on experience with Azure and a strong understanding of application development concepts.
Why Some Candidates Find It Difficult:
1. Technical Breadth and Depth
- The exam covers a wide range of Azure services across storage, compute, security, and monitoring.
- You must know both how to implement and when to use services appropriately.
2. Real-World Scenarios
- Many questions are scenario-based, requiring judgment rather than memorization.
- You will often be asked to choose the best or most secure solution—not just a technically correct one.
3. Hands-On Expectations
- The exam assumes practical familiarity with Azure Portal, CLI, and SDKs.
- If you have only studied theory without deploying apps or using developer tools, the exam will feel much harder.
4. Overlap of Concepts
- Topics like security, deployment, and monitoring appear in multiple domains.
- You need to understand how services interact, not just how they work in isolation.
Key Takeaway:
AZ-204 is challenging if you lack Azure project experience, but very manageable if you have built and deployed apps on the platform. It rewards practical skills over rote learning and is best approached through hands-on practice and structured study.
Who Might Find the AZ-204 Exam Challenging?
While the AZ-204 exam is achievable with proper preparation, certain candidates may find it more challenging due to their background or limited hands-on experience with Azure services.
1. Developers New to Cloud Platforms
Suppose you are experienced in traditional development (e.g., desktop or on-premise web apps) but have not worked with cloud-native architecture. In that case, you may struggle with concepts like scalability, statelessness, or event-driven design.
2. Self-Taught Learners Without Projects
Candidates who rely solely on reading materials or video courses without building real apps in Azure often find it hard to apply their knowledge to scenario-based questions.
3. Front-End Developers
Developers focused mostly on UI may find it hard to grasp backend services like Azure Functions, Blob Storage, or service-to-service authentication. The exam heavily emphasizes backend cloud logic and integration.
4. Non-Developers Attempting the Exam
IT professionals or system administrators may find the coding and SDK/API-based questions difficult if they lack experience with languages like C#, JavaScript, or Python, which are often used in the exam examples.
5. Candidates Weak in Security and Monitoring
Many candidates underestimate the depth of the security and monitoring sections. If you are unfamiliar with Azure AD, RBAC, Key Vault, App Insights, and Log Analytics, those questions may feel unfamiliar and tough to reason through.
How Does AZ-204 Compare to Other Microsoft Certifications?
If you are trying to decide where the AZ-204 exam fits in Microsoft’s certification landscape, it helps to understand how it compares to both beginner-level and more advanced certifications in terms of difficulty, scope, and technical depth.
AZ-204 vs Other Microsoft Exams
| Certification | Level | Focus Area | Relative Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-900 | Beginner | Cloud concepts, general overview | Very Easy |
| PL-900 | Beginner | Power Platform basics | Easy |
| AZ-104 | Associate | Azure administration | Moderate |
| AZ-204 | Associate | Azure app development | Moderate to High |
| AZ-305 | Expert | Architecture and design decisions | High |
Key Differences:
- AZ-900 vs AZ-204:
AZ-900 is conceptual with no coding required, ideal for non-technical roles. AZ-204 is hands-on and code-driven. - AZ-104 vs AZ-204:
AZ-104 focuses on Azure infrastructure (VMs, networking, identity), while AZ-204 is for application developers working on APIs, serverless logic, and integration. - AZ-305 vs AZ-204:
AZ-305 is a higher-level certification for designing large-scale solutions. It assumes that you already understand what AZ-204 teaches, and builds on top of it.
How to Prepare for the AZ-204 Exam
Preparing for AZ-204 requires a mix of conceptual clarity, hands-on practice, and real-world problem-solving. Unlike exams that rely mostly on memorization, AZ-204 tests your ability to apply knowledge in development scenarios—so experience matters.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide:
1. Start with Microsoft Learn Modules
- Microsoft Learn offers free, official learning paths for AZ-204.
- Focus on modules that include hands-on sandbox environments where you can test your knowledge in real-time.
- Suggested paths:
- Develop apps with Azure App Service
- Implement Azure Functions
- Secure your cloud apps with Azure AD and Key Vault
- Monitor and troubleshoot apps with Application Insights
2. Build and Deploy Sample Projects
- Create simple apps and deploy them to Azure App Service
- Use Azure Functions for automation or background tasks
- Store data in Blob Storage or Cosmos DB
- Use Key Vault to manage secrets and connection strings securely
- Instrument your app with App Insights for real-time logging
3. Practice with Azure CLI and ARM Templates
- AZ-204 includes deployment and infrastructure automation topics
- Learn how to create and manage resources with:
- Azure CLI
- PowerShell
- ARM templates
- Understand deployment slots, app settings, and configuration files
4. Review Code Snippets and SDK Usage
- Questions may involve C# or JavaScript SDK usage examples
- Understand how to:
- Connect to services (e.g., Blob Storage, Service Bus)
- Make authenticated API calls
- Handle errors and retries in your code
5. Use Mock Exams for Practice
- Time yourself with practice tests to simulate real exam pressure
- Review explanations, especially for scenario-based questions
- Use Microsoft’s exam sandbox if available to get comfortable with the format
AZ-204 Weekly Study Plan
A focused and structured study plan can make AZ-204 preparation much more manageable. This 6-week guide assumes you study around 6–8 hours per week and includes hands-on practice alongside reading and revision.
Week 1: Azure App Services and Compute Basics
- Learn how to build, deploy, and scale web apps using Azure App Service
- Explore deployment slots, app settings, and environment variables
- Study Azure Functions: triggers, bindings, and deployment
Hands-on: Deploy a basic web app and create a timer-based Azure Function
Week 2: Storage and Data Solutions
- Understand how to use Blob Storage, Cosmos DB, and Azure SQL
- Practice CRUD operations via SDK and REST APIs
- Learn data access patterns and how to use connection strings securely
Hands-on: Upload and retrieve files from Blob Storage using a simple app
Week 3: Authentication and Security
- Implement Azure AD authentication in your app
- Study Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Work with Azure Key Vault to store secrets and keys
Hands-on: Secure an API with Azure AD and store credentials in Key Vault
Week 4: Monitoring and Troubleshooting
- Dive into Application Insights and Azure Monitor
- Set up custom logs and metrics
- Explore techniques to diagnose and fix performance issues
Hands-on: Enable App Insights for your deployed app and view telemetry data
Week 5: Service Integration and APIs
- Learn how to call external APIs and Azure services securely
- Study Event Grid, Service Bus, and Logic Apps
- Understand how to handle async messaging and failures
Hands-on: Build a flow that reacts to blob uploads using Event Grid and Logic App
Week 6: Review and Mock Testing
- Revisit areas you found challenging
- Review Microsoft Docs and Learn modules
- Take at least 1–2 full-length mock exams under timed conditions
- Analyze your weak areas and revise accordingly
This study plan is flexible—you can compress or expand it depending on your background. The key is to practice consistently and not rely solely on reading material.
Career Benefits and Salary Expectations After Earning AZ-204
Earning the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) certification is not just a personal achievement—it is a career accelerator. It demonstrates your ability to build scalable, secure, and efficient cloud applications on one of the world’s leading cloud platforms.
Job Roles You Can Target
With an AZ-204 certification, you can confidently apply for roles such as:
- Azure Developer
- Cloud Application Developer
- Backend Engineer (Azure)
- DevOps Engineer (with Azure development focus)
- Software Engineer – Cloud Integration
- Solutions Developer (Azure Functions, APIs, Storage)
Average Salary Ranges (Mid-Level Roles)
| Region | Expected Salary Range |
|---|---|
| United States | $100,000 – $125,000 per year |
| Canada | CAD 90,000 – CAD 115,000 |
| UK | £55,000 – £70,000 per year |
| India | ₹12 – ₹20 LPA |
| Australia | AUD 110,000 – AUD 130,000 |
| Middle East | AED 180,000 – AED 240,000 annually |
Salaries vary by experience, location, and whether you combine AZ-204 with other certifications like AZ-400 (DevOps) or AZ-305 (Architecture).
Why Employers Value AZ-204
- Proves your ability to build and maintain production-ready applications on Azure
- Shows that you can work with cloud-native services, serverless functions, and APIs
- Demonstrates practical skills in security, deployment, and monitoring
- Fits well in DevOps-focused, agile teams driving digital transformation
Final Thoughts
The AZ-204 exam is not an easy test—but it is absolutely worth the effort if you want to specialize in cloud development. It challenges you to think like a real developer in a production environment, where decisions affect cost, performance, and user experience.
If you enjoy building solutions, working with APIs, and automating processes in the cloud, then AZ-204 is an excellent step toward becoming a Microsoft-certified Azure professional.
Prepare smart, practice hands-on, and you will be more than ready.
