Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) prep, adaptive plan with ARIA
The Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) is the developer-track Azure cert most relevant for app builders deploying to Azure in 2026. 120 minutes, around 40-60 questions, mix of multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and case studies.
What the exam is
Five objectives:
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Develop Azure compute solutions | 25-30% |
| Develop for Azure storage | 15-20% |
| Implement Azure security | 20-25% |
| Monitor, troubleshoot, optimize Azure solutions | 15-20% |
| Connect to and consume Azure and third-party services | 15-20% |
Passing score 700 out of 1000. The exam expects working knowledge of C# or Python plus familiarity with the Azure SDK, Bicep, Key Vault, App Service, Functions, Cosmos DB, Service Bus, and API Management.
How ARIA preps you for it
The CAT eval lands a per-domain skill estimate after fifteen to twenty-five questions. Most candidates land heavy on Security and Storage, because Managed Identity scoping and Cosmos DB consistency-level questions catch developers who built mostly compute. The roadmap weights phases to your real gaps.
The error backlog tags every miss by service (App Service, Functions, Cosmos DB, Storage, Key Vault, Service Bus, Event Grid, API Management) and returns it on the standard 3-day, 7-day, 21-day schedule.
Common pitfalls on this cert
Memorizing service tiers without understanding when to pick them. App Service plans, Functions consumption vs premium vs dedicated, Cosmos DB consistency levels, the exam tests choice not recall.
Skipping Bicep and ARM template syntax. Both still appear on case studies. Knowing only the portal costs points.
Underestimating Managed Identity questions. Identity is the single highest-yield study target on AZ-204 because it spans every domain.
The pass guarantee
Same five conditions as every cert: all milestones done, all phases done, two mocks at target or above, one gauntlet at eighty, live readiness eighty or higher. Sit AZ-204 inside the 60-day window after eligibility, fail, get a full refund of the Exam Ready plan.