Exam AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator

Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-103) Learning Resources

Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-103) serves as the missing link for the people interested in cloud computing IT fields. Not everyone nowadays wants to have a career in a mainstream old school job. The field of alternate education has created a lot of buzz around itself. And with technology increasing rapidly and everything available online. Certification courses have become a top priority for students as well as professionals to polish their skills and get ahead in their careers.

Microsoft AZ-103 is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) is available.

Note: Micorosft AZ-104 new version has been launched for Microsoft Azure Administrator, as a replacement of exam AZ-103. The Microsoft Azure AZ-104 is available from April 2, 2020. Where the AZ-103 exam will remain valid until August 31, 2020. Therefore, if are planning to go for the AZ-103 exam, then we provide AZ-103 exam preparation to guide you in the process of preparation.

Who should take Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-103) Exam?

Microsoft Azure Administrators Exam is suitable for a candidate who wishes to manage cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute cloud capabilities. The certification gives a deep understanding of each service across the full IT lifecycle, and take requests for infrastructure services, applications, and environments. They make recommendations on services to use for optimal performance and scale, as well as provision, size, monitor, and adjust resources as appropriate.

It is suggested that candidates planning to take this exam should have proficiency in using PowerShell, the Command Line Interface, Azure Portal, ARM templates, operating systems, virtualization, cloud infrastructure, storage structures, and networking.

As the name suggests AZ-103 exam for Microsoft Azure administrator has been specifically designed for all those candidates who will administrate and manage cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute cloud capabilities. Therefore, it is very important have clear cut understanding of each service across the full IT life cycles and are able to take requests for infrastructure services, application and environment. Basically, this exam will test your expertise on azure administrator.

Why choose Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-103 Exam?

Microsoft azure is recognized as one of the foremost cloud computing platforms. Starting from 1 May, 2019, Microsoft has retired AZ-100 and AZ-101 and replaced it with AZ-103: Microsoft Azure administrator certification. So if you are proficient in using PowerShell, the Command Line Interface, Azure Portal, ARM templates, operating systems, virtualization, cloud infrastructure, storage structures, and networking then this exam is definitely for you.

Since the IT sector is always on the go to new and updated technology. AZ-103 Exam will make sure that you get an upper hand in the field of jam-packed IT job marketplace. Even if you have a busy schedule, these exams offer utmost flexibility, since these are offered online as well.

For all those who are looking for career growth in the cloud computing field, obtaining azure certification should be the first step towards achieving your dreams. Now that you have made your mind and are ready to go for AZ-103 Exam, you need to gear up with all the necessary resources and preparation material to get you started.

But before you rush and boggle your brains out with exam preparation, let’s first go through basic details of the AZ-103 exam!!

Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-103) Exam Details

It’s always good to get all the information and subject knowledge of every subject which you are about to dive in. so before we start preparing for AZ-103 exam. Let’s just go through some details given by Microsoft Azure administrator.

Exam Name	Microsoft Azure Administrator
Exam Code	AZ-103
Exam Prerequisites	NIL
Exam Questions	40-60 Questions
Exam Fees	$165 USD*
Exam Language	English

Prerequisites for AZ-103 Exam

AZ-103 Exam – Microsoft Azure administrator as the name suggests wants the candidates to administrate various cloud services. This exam is just like any other azure exam, not to worry. But make sure, for you to crack AZ-103 exam you need to have a prior knowledge and experience with Azure Portal, ARM templates, operating systems, virtualization, cloud infrastructure, storage structures, and networking. You also need to be proficient in using PowerShell and the Command Line Interface.

Get ready and prepare for Microsoft AZ-103 Exam Today with learning material and AZ-103 Practice Test Now!

Exam AZ -103 Exam Details

Exam Structure: AZ-103

Before starting preparing for the exam, it is important to know the basic exam structure and what is the pattern of the exam. That is to say, this basic detail is beneficial during the preparation time. Firstly, let’s discuss the exam questions types.

Exam Question Format: Microsoft keeps on introducing various question types and testing technologies. However, they do not provide the specific question types that will appear on a given exam. To solve this problem, they provide a list of various question types that you may face in the exam.

Further, you can also deal with the case study exam format. The case study exam format uses complex scenarios that simulate what professionals do on the job. Moreover, there can be scenario-based questions that are included in the case studies. However, these will test your ability to identify critical information to solve a problem and then analyze it to make decisions.

Exam Duration: For the AZ-103 exam, you will get 150 minutes.
Number of Questions: In this, you will get 40-60 questions.
Passing Score: For passing this exam you have to score 700 (on a scale of 1-1000)

Responsibilities of an Azure Administrator

As an Azure Administrator, you need to have skills and understanding of the basic technologies in the Azure System Administration. Most importantly, from an exam point of view, you need to understand the basic responsibilities to enhance your knowledge about the AZ-103 exam. The Microsoft Azure Administrator is responsible for,

Configuring Networks

As an Azure Administrator, you need to understand the required networking tasks that include,

Firstly, deploying and configuring Virtual Networks.
Then, managing public and private IP addresses for VMs and other Azure resources.

Monitoring Resources and Log Analytics

You should learn the use of log analytics and should have a basic understanding of performing tasks like:

Firstly, using log analytics to write a simple query.
Then, understanding the data schema with operations that includes filtering, sorting, and grouping results.
After that, applying the time range and creating charts.

Computing

The Azure Administrator is often identified in running Virtual Machines in the cloud. Some of the VM Administrative tasks include,

Firstly, deploying VMs into Virtual Networks.
Then, configuring VM for optimum cost, performance, and security.
Lastly, backing up virtual machines and providing failover recovery.

Implementing and Managing Storage

Microsoft Azure provides Administrators with essentially limitless storage. And, it is the administrator’s responsibility to make use of Microsoft tools for Cloud Computing Model. In this the core tasks include,

Firstly, securing data against unauthorized access.
Then, backing up data and making it efficient to restore when required.

Implementing Security and Protecting Identities

The security stakes are high in the Azure public cloud because the business stores its proprietary data on other infrastructure. Also, these skills which include,

Firstly, encrypting data in transmitting and in use.
Then, reducing the attack surface of all your Azure resources.

Microsoft Azure AZ-103 Exam Course Outline

Microsoft Azure Administrator, AZ-103 exam is just like any other azure exams. Since AZ-103 is combination of both AZ-100 and AZ-100 so there is more syllabus to cover for you. as for the exam pattern expect the same 40 -60 questions. Since you can expect questions from different modules. Let’s just jump in these for your better understanding and preparation.

Domain 1 – Manage Azure subscriptions and resources (15-20%)

1.1 Manage Azure subscriptions

Assign administrator permissions (Microsoft Documentation: Add Change Azure Subscription Administrator)
Configure cost center quotas and tagging
Configure policies at Azure subscription level (Microsoft Documentation: Assign Policy posrtal)
Implement Management Groups

1.2 Analyze resource utilization and consumption

Configure diagnostic settings on resources
Create baseline for resources
Create and test alerts (Microsoft Documentation: Alerts Metric)
Analyze alerts across subscription (Microsoft Documentation: Alerts Managing Alerts Instances)
Analyze metrics across subscription (Microsoft Documentation: Metrics Chart)
Create action groups and action rules (Microsoft Documentation: Actions groups and Alerts action rules)
Monitor for unused resources
Monitor spend (Microsoft Documentation: Billing Getting Started)
Report on spend (Microsoft Documentation: Billing Download Azure Incvoice Daily Usage Data)
Utilize log queries in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Query Language)
View alerts in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: View and Manage with Azure Portal)

1.3 Manage resource groups

Use Azure policies for resource groups (Microsoft Documentation: Enforce Tag on Resource Group)
Configure resource locks (Microsoft Documentation: Resources Group Lock Resources)
Configure resource policies (Microsoft Documentation: Create and Manage Policies)
Implement and set tagging on resource groups (Microsoft Documentation: Resource Group using Tags)
Move resources across resource groups (Microsoft Documentation: Resource group move resources)
Remove resource groups (Microsoft Documentation: Clean Up resources)

1.4 Managed role based access control (RBAC)

Create a custom role (Microsoft Documentation: Custom Role Powershell)
Configure access to Azure resources by assigning roles (Microsoft Documentation: Role-based access control and assignment portals)
Configure management access to Azure (Microsoft Documentation: Role-based access control and assignment portals)
Troubleshoot RBAC (Microsoft Documentation: RBAC Troubleshooting)
Implement RBAC policies (Microsoft Documentation: RBAC Conditional Access Azure Management)
Assign RBAC Roles (Microsoft Documentation: RBAC Assign Role user Portal)

Domain 2 – Implement and manage storage (15-20%)

2.1 Create and configure storage accounts

Configure network access to the storage account (Microsoft Documentation: Storage Network Security)
Create and configure storage account (Microsoft Documentation: Storage Create Account and Storage Account Manage)
Generate shared access signature (Microsoft Documentation: Storage Dotnet Shared Access Signature)
Install and use Azure Storage Explorer (Microsoft Documentation: Get started with Storage Explorer)
Manage access keys (Microsoft Documentation: Storage Account Manage Access Keys)
Monitor activity log by using Monitor Logs (Microsoft Documentation: Monitor Storage Account Configure Logging)
Implement Azure storage replication (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Storage Replication Implementation)
Implement Azure AD Authentication (Microsoft Documentation: Acquire a token from Azure AD for authorizing requests from a client application)

2.2 Import and export data to Azure

Create export from Azure job (Microsoft Documentation: Storage Import Export Data from Blobs)
Create import into Azure job (Microsoft Documentation: Storage Import Export Data from Blobs)
Use Azure Data Box (Microsoft Documentation: Data Box Quickstart Portal)
Configure and use Azure blob storage (Microsoft Documentation: Storage Quickstart Blobs Portal)
Configure Azure content delivery network (CDN) endpoints (Microsoft Documentation: Create a Storage Account with CDN)
Use Azure Data Factory to transfer data to Azure (Microsoft Documentation: Copy Activity Overview)

2.3 Configure Azure files

Create Azure file share (Microsoft Documentation: Stoarge to create File Share
Create Azure File Sync service (Microsoft Documentation: Storage sync Files Deployment)
Create Azure sync group (Microsoft Documentation: Storage sync Files Deployment)
Troubleshoot Azure File Sync (Microsoft Documentation: Storage sync files troubleshoot)

2.4 Implement Azure backup

Configure and review backup reports (Microsoft Documentation: Backup Azure Configure Reports)
Perform backup operation (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Azure Block Blob Storage Backup)
Create Recovery Services Vault (Microsoft Documentation: Backup create RS Vault)
Create and configure backup policy (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Backup Policy)
Perform a restore operation (Microsoft Documentation: SQL Database recovery using Backups)

Domain 3 – Deploy and manage virtual machines (VMs) (15-20%)

3.1 Create and configure a VM for Windows and Linux

Configure high availability (Microsoft Documentation: Availability Sets)
Configure monitoring, networking, storage, and virtual machine size (Microsoft Documentation: Learning Monitoring, Virtual Network, Managed Disks Overview, VM Sizes and Storage, VM Scale sets Quick Create Portal)
Deploy and configure scale sets (Microsoft Documentation:

3.2 Automate deployment of VMs

Modify Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template (Microsoft Documentation: Update Resources
Configure location of new VMs (Microsoft Documentation: Azure to Azure Tutorial Migrate
Configure VHD template (Microsoft Documentation: Create VM Specialized
Deploy from template (Microsoft Documentation: VM PS Template
Save a deployment as an ARM template (Microsoft Documentation: VM Download Template
Deploy Windows and Linux VMs (Microsoft Documentation: Create Windows VM from Azure template and Create a Linux virtual machine with Azure Resource Manager templates

3.3 Manage Azure VM

Add data discs (Microsoft Documentation: Attach Disk to PowerShell
Add network interfaces (Microsoft Documentation: Add or remove network Interface from VM
Automate configuration management by using PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC) and VM Agent by using custom script extensions (Microsoft Documentation: Autmation DCS getting started
Manage VM sizes (Microsoft Documentation: VM Windows Sizes
Move VMs from one resource group to another (Microsoft Documentation: Move VMs
Redeploy VMs (Microsoft Documentation: Redeploy to New Node Windows
Soft delete for Azure VMs (Microsoft Documentation: Backup Azure Security Features

3.4 Manage VM backups

Configure VM backup (Microsoft Documentation: Quick Backup VM Portal
Define backup policies (Microsoft Documentation: Backup Azure VMs Encryption
Implement backup policies (Microsoft Documentation: Backup Azure ARM VMs Prepare
Perform VM restore (Microsoft Documentation: Backup Azure Restore VMs
Azure Site Recovery (Microsoft Documentation: Site Recovery Azure to Azure Quickstart

Domain 4 – Configure and manage virtual networks (30-35%)

4.1 Create connectivity between virtual networks

Create and configure VNET peering
Create and configure VNET to VNET connections (Microsoft Documentation: Configure a VNet to Vnet VPN Gatewayusing PowerShell)
Verify virtual network connectivity (Microsoft Documentation: VPN Gateway Verify Connection resource Manager)
Create virtual network gateway (Microsoft Documentation: Create Route Based VPN Gateway Portal)

4.2 Implement and manage virtual networking

Configure private and public IP addresses, network routes, network interface, subnets, and virtual network (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual Network Public IP address and Virtual Network Static IP ARM Portal)
Configure network routes (Microsoft Documentation: Create Route Table Portal)
Configure Network Interface (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual Network Interface)
Configure Subnets (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual Network Manage Subnet)
Configure the virtual network (Microsoft Documentation: Manage Virtual Network)

4.3 Configure name resolution

Configure Azure DNS (Microsoft Documentation: Create Azure DNS zone using Azure Portal)
Configure custom DNS settings (Microsoft Documentation: DNS Custom Domain)
Configure private and public DNS zones (Microsoft Documentation: Private DNS PowerShell and Delegate Domain Azure DNS)

4.4 Create and configure a Network Security Group (NSG)

Create security rules (Microsoft Documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/manage-network-security-group
Associate NSG to a subnet or network interface (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual Network Manage Network Security Groups)
Identify required ports (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual Network Security Overview)
Evaluate effective security rules (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual Network Interface)
Implement Application Security Groups (Microsoft Documentation: Create Application Security Groups)

4.5 Implement Azure load balancer

Configure internal load balancer (Microsoft Documentation: Load Balancer Basic Internal Portal)
Configure load balancing rules (Microsoft Documentation: Configure Loadbalacer Outbond CLI
Configure public load balancer (Microsoft Documentation: Create Load-balancer using PowerShell)
Troubleshoot load balancing (Microsoft Documentation: Load-Balancer Troubleshoot)

4.6 Monitor and troubleshoot virtual networking

Monitor on-premises connectivity
Use Network resource monitoring (Microsoft Documentation: Network Performance Monitor)
Use Network Watcher (Microsoft Documentation: Network Watcher Create)
Troubleshoot external networking (Microsoft Documentation: VPN Troubleshoot Site-to-Site Connect)
Troubleshoot virtual network connectivity (Microsoft Documentation: Diagnose Communication between Networks)

4.7 Integrate on-premises network with Azure virtual network

Create and configure Azure VPN Gateway (Microsoft Documentation: Create Gateway PowerShell)
Create and configure site to site VPN (Microsoft Documentation: Create Site-to-Site connection in Azure Portal)
Configure Express Route (Microsoft Documentation: Create and Modify ExpressRoute Circut)
Verify on premises connectivity (Microsoft Documentation: VPN Gateway Verify Connection Resource Manager)
Troubleshoot on premises connectivity with Azure (Microsoft Documentation: Troubleshoot Site-to-Site Connectivity)
Use Azure network adapter

Domain 5 – Domain Manage identities (15-20%)

5.1 Manage Azure Active Directory (AD)

Add custom domains (Microsoft Documentation:
Azure AD Join (Microsoft Documentation:
Configure self-service password reset (Microsoft Documentation:
Manage multiple directories (Microsoft Documentation:

5.2 Manage Azure AD objects (users, groups, and devices)

Create users and groups (Microsoft Documentation:
Manage user and group properties (Microsoft Documentation:
Manage device settings (Microsoft Documentation:
Perform bulk user updates (Microsoft Documentation:
Manage guest accounts (Microsoft Documentation:

5.3 Implement and manage hybrid identities

Install Azure AD Connect, including password hash and pass-through synchronization (Microsoft Documentation:
Use Azure AD Connect to configure federation with on-premises Active Directory Domain (Microsoft Documentation:
Services (AD DS) (Microsoft Documentation:
Manage Azure AD Connect (Microsoft Documentation:
Manage password sync and password writeback (Microsoft Documentation:

5.4 Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Configure user accounts for MFA (Microsoft Documentation:
Enable MFA by using bulk update (Microsoft Documentation:
Configure fraud alerts (Microsoft Documentation:
Configure bypass options (Microsoft Documentation:
Configure Trusted IPs (Microsoft Documentation:
Configure verification methods (Microsoft Documentation:

By looking at this long list of modules, you can easily guess this exam needs a fully focused preparation. And the moment you might not feel ready to appear for AZ-103 exam.

Preparation Guide for Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-103) Exam

Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-103 Exam enables you to make a smarter approach towards your profession. While preparing for the exam it is very important to be fully focused and give your best in the final exam. Right preparation path will allow you to pass AZ-103 exam in the very first attempt. Use the following preparation guide to pass AZ-103 Exam.

Learning Resource 1 – Microsoft Learning Platform

To learn more about AZ-103 exam you are required to first go through the Microsoft website and get the authentic information about the exam. You can easily locate the AZ-103 page where you go through all the necessary information about the exam. From exam pattern to all the included modules and study materials can be spotted on the portal itself.
Fee online course is also available on the Microsoft website itself. In short, every detail regarding exam can be located there for you.

Learning Resource 2 – Microsoft Documentation

Now make sure you don’t mix Microsoft documentation with Microsoft learning portal as both of these contain different learning pages. By using Microsoft documentation you can not only understand Microsoft azure fundamentals but also azure account creation. Moreover you can also get to know the different scale of different azure services. This will make sure that you are working by the clock and learning so much new to azure technologies.

Learning Resources 3 – Instructor Led Training

Also it is important to go through the instructor led training located on the Microsoft portal. Now what’s best in this resource is that you will find exactly to the point same modules of the new AZ-103 exam. Some of the advantages of instructor led training is facility to have on-demand classroom training. If you’re juggling so many chores and fear you might skip one, then this will enable you to arrange classes according to your convenience.

Learning Resource 4 – Books and Online Resources

Since Microsoft AZ-103 exam is relatively a new exam for you. You may encounter some difficulties on finding books and online resources for the same. You can order books online such as Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam Ref AZ-103. This particular is written by Michael Washam, Jonathan Tuliani, Scott Hoag. This book is available on Microsoft press store. For more you can always go through the previously available books for AZ-100 and AZ-101 already available in market as well as online.

Learning Resource 5 – Forums and Study Groups

This particular step is not mandatory to your preparation yet useful. This step of joining any study group or forum depends on you. At any point while preparing you join any study group. But this can always turn out in your favor. Study groups will make sure you are connected to all other people who are also going through the same journey as yours. You can always ask question related to topic you’re having difficulty with. Many people in study groups can also help you understand any query you have relating to AZ-103 exam.

Learning Resource 6 – Sample Paper and Tests

Finally, we’re on the last step for the preparation of AZ-103 exam. This final step will give you the exact insight of where you stand. Are you ready to self evaluate? Make sure you’re going through sample tests only after you have gone through the whole syllabus. All the sample test/ mock test/ practice tests are designed in such a way that you encounter the real exam environment around you. After completing sample tests you can easily understand the areas you’re lacking behind and work upon them.

Practice papers can be from various sources. Remember the more you test yourself the better you’re going to become. So Try AZ-300 Practice Test now.

Pass Microsoft AZ-103 Exam with real time AZ-103 practice test and expert guidance. Try AZ-103 Free Practice Test Now!

Learning Resources Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-103)

Manage Azure subscriptions and resources (15-20%)

Implement and Manage Store (15-20%)

Deploy and Manage Virtual Machines (VMs) (15-20%)

Configure and Manage Virtual Networks (30-35%)

Create Connectivity between Virtual Networks
Implement and manage virtual networking
Configure name resolution
Create and configure a Network Security Group (NSG)
Implement Azure load balancer
Monitor and troubleshoot virtual networking
Integrate on premises network with Azure virtual network

Manage Identities (15-20%)

Manage Azure Active Directory (AD)
Manage Azure AD objects (users, groups, and devices)
Implement and manage hybrid identities
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Get ready to Practice and Prepare for Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam (AZ-103)

FREE PRACTICE TEST AZ-103 EXAM

Exam Name Microsoft Azure Exam Administrator Associate
Exam Code AZ-103
Exam Duration 150 minutes
Exam Format Multiple Choice and Multi-Response Questions
Exam Type Online and Proctored Exam
Number of Questions 40-60
Eligibility/Pre-Requisite NIL
Exam Fee $165
Exam Language English
Pass Score 700 (on a scale of 1-1000)