Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure

The Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure certification is designed for professionals involved in all stages of the software development lifecycle. This includes requirements gathering, solution design, development, deployment, security implementation, maintenance, performance optimization, and monitoring.

To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate strong proficiency in:

Azure SDKs
Data storage solutions (e.g., Blob Storage, Cosmos DB, SQL Database)
Data integration and connectivity
API development and integration
Application authentication and authorization mechanisms
Compute services and containerized application deployment
Application debugging and troubleshooting

– Collaborative Responsibilities

As an Azure Developer, you will work in coordination with a variety of stakeholders to implement and deliver cloud-based solutions, including:

Cloud Solution Architects
Database Administrators (DBAs)
DevOps Engineers
Infrastructure Administrators
Other cross-functional team members

– Recommended Experience

Before attempting the AZ-204 exam, it is recommended that candidates have:

A minimum of two years of experience in software development
Hands-on experience programming with Azure SDKs
Proficiency in using tools such as Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and related development utilities

Exam Details

Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure is an intermediate-level certification designed for professionals in the Developer role who are responsible for designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure. The exam duration is 100 minutes and is proctored, with no access to open-book materials. It may include interactive components that require hands-on problem-solving. The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, and Italian. A minimum passing score of 700 is required. Candidates who use assistive technologies, need additional time, or require modifications to the exam experience may request accommodations to support a fair and accessible testing environment.

Course Outline

The exam covers the following topics:

1. Developing Azure compute solutions (25-30%)

1.1 Implementing containerized solutions

Creating and managing container images for solutions (Microsoft Documentation: Build and deploy container images)
Publishing an image to Azure Container Registry (Microsoft Documentation: Push image to Azure Container Registry)
Running containers by using Azure Container Instance
Creating solutions by using Azure Container Apps (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy a container application to Azure Container Instances)

1.2 Implementing Azure App Service Web Apps

Creating an Azure App Service Web App (Microsoft Documentation: Create an ASP.NET Core web app in Azure)
Configuring and implementing 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)
Configurinf web app settings including Transport Layer Security (TLS), API settings, and connection strings
Implementinf autoscaling
Configuring deployment slots

1.3 Implementin Azure functions

Creating and deploying Azure Functions apps
Implementing input and output bindings (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Functions triggers and bindings concepts)
Implementing function triggers by using data operations, timers, and webhooks (Microsoft Documentation: Timer trigger for Azure Functions)

2. Developing for Azure storage (15-20%)

2.1 Developing solutions that use Azure Cosmos DB storage

Performing operations on containers and items by using the SDK
Set the appropriate consistency level for operations (Microsoft Documentation: Choose the right consistency level)
Managing change feed notifications Change feed in Azure Cosmos DB)

2.2 Developing solutions that use blob storage

Set and retrieve properties and metadata (Microsoft Documentation: Setting properties and metadata during the import process)
Performing operations on data by using the appropriate SDK (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Blob storage client library v12 for .NET)
Implementing storage policies and data lifecycle management

3. Implementing Azure security (15-20%)

3.1 Implementing user authentication and authorization

Authenticating and authorizing users by using the Microsoft Identity platform (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft identity platform)
Authenticating and authorizing users and apps by using Microsoft Entra ID (Microsoft Documentation: Configure your App Service or Azure Functions)
Creating and implementing shared access signatures (Microsoft Documentation: Grant limited access to Azure Storage resources using shared access signatures (SAS))
Implementing solutions that interact with Microsoft Graph

3.2 Implementing 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)
Developing code that uses keys, secrets, and certificates stored in Azure Key Vault (Microsoft Documentation: Configure and manage secrets in Azure Key Vault)
Implementing Managed Identities for Azure resources (Microsoft Documentation: Use a Windows VM system-assigned managed identity to access Resource Manager)

4. Monitoring and troubleshooting Azure solutions (5–10%)

4.1 Monitoring and troubleshooting solutions by using Application Insights

Monitor and analyze metrics, logs, and traces Azure Monitor Metrics overview)
Implementing Application Insights Web Test and Alerts (Microsoft Documentation: Creating an Application Insights Web Test and Alert Programmatically)
Instrument an app or service to use Application Insights

5. Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (25-25%)

5.1 Implementing API Management

Create an Azure API Management instance (Microsoft Documentation: Create a new Azure API Management service instance)
Creating and document APIs
Configuring access to APIs
Implementing policies for APIs

5.3 Developing event-based solutions

Implementing solutions that use Azure Event Grid (Microsoft Documentation: Automate resizing uploaded images using Event Grid)
Implementing solutions that use Azure Event Hub (Microsoft Documentation: Visualize data anomalies in real-time events sent to Azure Event Hubs)

5.4 Developing message-based solutions

Implement solutions that use Azure Service Bus (Microsoft Documentation: Update inventory using PowerShell and topics/subscriptions)
Implementing solutions that use Azure Queue Storage queues (Microsoft Documentation: Work with Azure storage queues)

Microsoft AZ-204 Exam FAQs

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FAQs: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Exam Policies

Microsoft Certification Exam Policies are designed to ensure consistency, fairness, and the integrity of the certification process across all testing environments, whether conducted online or at a physical testing center. These standardized guidelines help maintain the global credibility and recognition of Microsoft certifications.

Retake Policy: Candidates who do not pass an exam on their first attempt are required to wait a minimum of 24 hours before retaking it. For all subsequent attempts, a mandatory waiting period of 14 days applies between each try. Candidates are permitted a maximum of five exam attempts within 12 months. Once a passing score is achieved, the same exam cannot be retaken unless the associated certification has expired. Each attempt requires payment of the applicable exam fee.
Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy: Exam appointments can be rescheduled or canceled without penalty if the request is made at least six business days before the scheduled appointment. Changes made within five business days of the scheduled date may incur a rescheduling fee. If a cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the exam or the candidate does not appear for the appointment, the full exam fee will be forfeited.

Microsoft AZ-204 Exam Study Guide

Step 1: Understand the Exam Objectives

Begin your preparation by thoroughly reviewing the official AZ-204 exam skills outline provided by Microsoft. This document breaks down all the key domains and technical tasks that are tested in the exam. Understanding these objectives is essential, as they form the foundation of the exam content. Focus areas typically include developing Azure compute solutions, implementing security, monitoring, storage solutions, and connecting to and consuming Azure services. Make sure you clearly understand what skills are expected under each domain before diving into any study material.

Step 2: Follow Microsoft’s Official Learning Paths

Leverage the free, structured learning paths available on Microsoft Learn. These modules are created by Microsoft and align directly with the AZ-204 exam objectives. They offer a mix of theoretical knowledge, interactive exercises, and hands-on labs using the Azure portal, CLI, and SDKs. Progress through each learning path systematically, ensuring that you practice each concept in a real-world context. This hands-on experience is critical for understanding how Azure services are implemented in actual development scenarios. The training modules are:

Step 3: Supplement with Instructor-Led or Self-Paced Training

Consider enrolling in instructor-led training courses or high-quality self-paced courses from recognized platforms. These structured programs often include guided labs, quizzes, and real-time doubt clearing. Look for training providers that are Microsoft Learning Partners to ensure the material aligns with the latest exam updates. Combining Microsoft Learn with external training sources can offer diverse perspectives and help reinforce complex topics.

Step 4: Join Study Groups and Online Communities

Connecting with others, preparing for the AZ-204 exam can greatly enhance your understanding. Join certification-focused study groups on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and dedicated forums such as Tech Community or ExamTopics. Participating in discussions, asking questions, and helping others will deepen your conceptual clarity. Study groups can also provide moral support and keep you motivated throughout the preparation journey.

Step 5: Take Practice Exams and Assess Your Readiness

Regularly evaluate your progress using AZ-204-specific practice exams. These simulations will help you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and time constraints. Aim to take multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions. After each test, thoroughly review your incorrect answers to identify knowledge gaps and revise those areas. Some platforms also offer performance analytics to track your improvement over time.

Step 6: Review and Reinforce Key Concepts

In the final days before your exam, revisit high-weight topics and review Azure documentation for deeper insights into services and best practices. Focus on areas such as Azure Functions, Logic Apps, REST APIs, authentication via Azure Active Directory, and application monitoring using Application Insights. Reinforcing these topics can help you confidently handle scenario-based and multi-step questions during the actual exam.