Last updated: May 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson. See our review methodology.
By Josh Hutcheson · E-Learning Specialist
Reviewing online learning platforms since 2019.
The 60-second guide: AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure is the Associate-level certification for Azure developers. Cost $165 USD, 120 minutes, 40-60 questions. Tests your ability to develop, deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot apps on Azure. Most candidates with 1-2 years of Azure development experience need 6-8 weeks of focused prep. Best prep path: Microsoft Learn (free official) + the Udacity Cloud Developer using Azure Nanodegree for hands-on portfolio that prepares you specifically for AZ-204 exam objectives.
By the numbers (Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)):
- 200,000+ AZ-204 certified developers globally (Microsoft, 2025). Source: learn.microsoft.com.
- Azure Developers earn $115K-$155K base mid-level (Glassdoor, Apr 2026). Source: www.glassdoor.com.
- Microsoft-shop premium adds 5-10% to median offers in regulated industries (banking, healthcare, government). Source: www.glassdoor.com.
Risk reversal: AZ-204 retake allowed after 24 hours; max 5 attempts/year. Cert renews FREE annually via Microsoft Learn assessment.
What is AZ-204 (Azure Developer Associate)?
Before you spend money on the wrong online course, read this.
I've taken hundreds of online courses and certs. Get my honest Tuesday picks — plus reader-only deal alerts.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
AZ-204 is the Associate-level Microsoft certification for developers building solutions on Azure. It validates competency across the full developer workflow: compute, storage, security, monitoring, and integration with other Azure and third-party services.
It’s also the most popular Azure cert for developers entering the Microsoft cloud space — over 200K holders globally as of 2026.
Should you pursue AZ-204?
Take it if you’re:
- A developer with 1-2+ years of any cloud or modern application development experience.
- Targeting Microsoft-shop employers — banks, government, healthcare, large enterprise.
- Already comfortable with C# .NET, Node.js, or Python — the exam tests across multiple languages.
- Working toward AZ-400 (DevOps Engineer Expert) which requires AZ-204 OR AZ-104 as prerequisite.
Skip it if:
- You target AWS — get AWS Developer Associate (DVA-C02) instead.
- You’re an architect, not a developer — AZ-305 is more relevant.
Exam format
| Detail | AZ-204 |
|---|---|
| Cost | $165 USD |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Questions | 40-60 |
| Format | Multiple choice + drag-drop + case studies + occasional labs |
| Passing score | 700 / 1000 |
| Validity | 1 year (free annual renewal) |
The 5 exam domains
Domain 1: Develop Azure compute solutions (25-30%)
Azure App Service (configuration, deployment slots, scaling), Azure Functions (triggers, bindings, durable functions), containers (Container Apps, AKS, Container Instances), Azure Container Registry.
Domain 2: Develop for Azure storage (15-20%)
Cosmos DB (partitioning, consistency models, change feed), Blob Storage (lifecycle, tiers, SAS), Table/Queue/File Storage.
Domain 3: Implement Azure security (20-25%)
Microsoft Entra ID authentication, OAuth 2.0 flows, Managed Identities, Key Vault, RBAC, encryption.
Domain 4: Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure solutions (15-20%)
Application Insights, Log Analytics queries (KQL), caching strategies (Azure Cache for Redis, CDN), Application Gateway optimization.
Domain 5: Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (15-20%)
API Management, Event Grid, Service Bus, Event Hubs, Logic Apps integration patterns.
Salary impact
- Azure Developer (entry-level): $90K-$120K base in US.
- Azure Developer (3-5 yrs + AZ-204): $115K-$155K base.
- Senior Azure Developer / Architect track: $145K-$200K base.
- Microsoft-shop premium: 5-10% above AWS-equivalent in regulated industries.
Best ways to prepare for AZ-204
Honest ranking, with community consensus weighted heavily:
#1 (free, official, genuinely best): Microsoft Learn AZ-204 path
Microsoft’s official learning path, completely free. ~30+ hours with hands-on Azure trial labs. For AZ-204 specifically, Microsoft Learn is consistently the most-recommended primary resource on r/AzureCertification.
#2 (paid alternative): Scott Duffy or Tim Warner Udemy AZ-204
Scott Duffy’s AZ-204 on Udemy ($15-30 with discount). Most-purchased AZ-204 course outside Microsoft Learn. Useful if you prefer paid structured learning over Microsoft’s modular format.
#3 (essential): Practice tests
Microsoft Official Practice Assessment (free). MeasureUp ($99) for closest exam difficulty. Whizlabs AZ-204 ($19-24) for budget option.
#4 (for portfolio + cert combo): Udacity Cloud Developer using Azure Nanodegree
Udacity Cloud Developer using Microsoft Azure Nanodegree (nd081) — intermediate level, 51 hours, explicitly designed to prep for AZ-204. Covers App Service, Functions, deployment slots, Managed Identities, Key Vault.
$399/month + ~$50-100/month Azure costs. The Udacity program goes deeper on hands-on coding than Microsoft Learn’s labs — useful for portfolio. See our full Cloud Developer review.
Honest framing: Microsoft Learn is sufficient for the exam. Udacity is for portfolio depth, not a substitute for the official path.
8-week study plan
- Weeks 1-2: Microsoft Learn Domain 1 (Compute) + hands-on App Service + Functions deployments.
- Weeks 3-4: Domain 2 (Storage) + Domain 3 (Security). Cosmos DB partitioning + Managed Identities exercises.
- Weeks 5-6: Domain 4 (Monitor) + Domain 5 (Integration). Application Insights + Service Bus + Logic Apps.
- Week 7: Practice tests, weak-spot review.
- Week 8: Final review, exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is AZ-204?
Moderate. Easier than AZ-305 (Solutions Architect Expert), harder than AZ-104 (Administrator). 60-70% pass rate among prepared candidates.
What languages do I need to know for AZ-204?
The exam is language-agnostic but C# .NET, Node.js, and Python questions appear most often. You’ll see code samples — ability to read multiple languages helps.
How does AZ-204 compare to AWS Developer Associate (DVA-C02)?
Roughly equivalent. AZ-204 emphasizes Azure’s unified compute platform (App Service, Functions); DVA-C02 emphasizes AWS’s service variety. Pick based on your target employer’s cloud. See AWS vs Azure.
Is AZ-204 worth it?
Yes for Azure developers. Adds ~10% to median offers at junior-mid level + opens AZ-400 (DevOps Expert) path.
What comes after AZ-204?
AZ-400 (DevOps Engineer Expert) or AZ-305 (Solutions Architect Expert) for senior-track progression.
Related guides
Cert path: AZ-305 (Solutions Architect) · AWS Developer (DVA-C02) · AWS vs Azure
Best courses: Udacity Cloud Developer Nanodegree (AWS + Azure)