Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate

About this certification

What Is the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)?

Microsoft’s associate-level certification proving you can design, build, test and maintain cloud applications and services on Azure.

The certification explained

Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) is Microsoft’s associate-level certification for cloud developers, proving you can build applications and services that run on Azure across compute, storage, security, APIs and event-driven solutions.

It suits software developers, back-end and full-stack engineers, and programmers moving into cloud development. You work hands-on with App Service, Azure Functions, containers, Blob storage, Cosmos DB and the SDKs and APIs that tie Azure services together.

Microsoft recommends one to two years of development experience along with familiarity with Azure before you sit the single AZ-204 exam. It’s a strong step toward the role-based Azure certifications that follow, from administrator to solutions architect.

AZ-204

Microsoft certification — for cloud application developers

Associate

level — role-based, building on real development experience

Developer

focus — compute, storage, security, APIs and event-driven solutions

Microsoft

awarding body — a globally recognised cloud platform

Is this for me?

This Course Is for You If…

AZ-204 suits developers ready to build and run applications on Azure — bringing coding experience into cloud development.

Software Developers

Writing code already and ready to design, build and deploy applications that run on Azure.

Back-End & Cloud Developers

Building services, APIs and data layers, and want to do it the Azure-native way.

Programmers Moving to Azure

Comfortable coding on another platform and want to bring those skills onto Azure.

DevOps Engineers

Automating and deploying on Azure and want the developer-side skills to match.

Full-Stack Developers

Working front to back and want to own how your apps run, scale and integrate on Azure.

Aspiring Azure Architects

Targeting Azure architect roles and want a strong developer credential to build from.

Course structure & curriculum

What You’ll Learn — Module by Module

The course runs across 8 modules built around the AZ-204 skill areas — Azure compute, storage, security, service integration, event-driven solutions and monitoring — plus exam prep. Clear lessons with hands-on demonstrations throughout.

Introduction to Azure Development

The Azure developer toolchain · SDKs, CLI and the portal · How the AZ-204 exam works

~1 hr

Developing Azure Compute Solutions

Azure App Service · Azure Functions · Containers and Azure Container Apps

~3 hrs

Developing for Azure Storage

Blob storage · Azure Cosmos DB · Working with data from your code

~3 hrs

Implementing Azure Security & Identity

Microsoft Entra ID & authentication · Key Vault & managed identities · Securing app data

~2 hrs

API Management & Azure Service Integration

Azure API Management · Consuming Azure & third-party services · Caching and content delivery

~2 hrs

Event & Message-Based Solutions

Event Grid & Event Hubs · Service Bus & Queue Storage · Building event-driven apps

~2 hrs

Monitoring, Troubleshooting & Optimisation

Application Insights · Logging and diagnostics · Tuning performance and reliability

~2 hrs

Exam Preparation & Practice

Practice questions · Weak-area review · Exam-day readiness

~1 hr

What the course covers

Compute & Storage Solutions

Azure App Service web apps

Azure Functions

Containers & Container Apps

Blob storage

Azure Cosmos DB

Working with data from code

Security, APIs & Integration

Microsoft Entra ID & auth

Key Vault & managed identities

Azure API Management

Consuming Azure services

Third-party service integration

Caching & content delivery

Monitoring & Exam Prep

Event- & message-based solutions

Application Insights

Logging & diagnostics

Troubleshooting & optimisation

Practice questions

Exam-day readiness

What’s included

Everything You Need to Succeed

Each course includes the materials, hands-on practice, and support you need to learn the skills properly and walk into the exam ready.

12 Months Course Access

Full access to all course materials and labs for 12 months. Study on any device, online 24/7. Never lose your progress.

Built-In AI Tutor

An AI-powered tutor built right into your course — ask it anything, any time, and get clear, instant explanations of tricky topics 24/7.

Meet your AI tutor →

Hands-On Practice & Labs

Guided hands-on labs and practice questions modelled on the AZ-204 exam, so you build real Azure development skills and walk in knowing what to expect.

Account Manager Support

A dedicated account manager to keep you on track, answer your questions, and help you arrange your exam when you’re ready.

Help when you need it →

Certificate & Digital Badge

Complete the course and you’ll receive a Career Smarter certificate of completion and a shareable digital badge for your LinkedIn and CV. The official Microsoft AZ-204 certification itself comes from passing the exam.

Shareable & verifiable →

14-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Not the right course? If you change your mind within 14 days of enrolling, we’ll refund you — no fuss.

Risk-free enrolment →

Want your certification sorted in one go? You can add your official Microsoft AZ-204 exam at checkout — sat online or at a Pearson VUE test centre when you’re ready.

In practice

Azure Development in the Real World

Organisations build on Azure every day. See where AZ-204 developer skills make a difference.

Building Cloud Apps

Shipping applications that run and scale on Azure

How to design and deploy apps with Azure App Service, Functions and containers, and secure them with Microsoft Entra ID, Key Vault and managed identities. AZ-204 gives you the hands-on skills to build production-ready cloud applications.

Azure development in action Knowing when to reach for App Service, Functions or containers helps you ship features that scale without over-engineering the infrastructure.

Exam details

About the Microsoft AZ-204 Exam

AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure is a single exam, sat through Pearson VUE — online with a remote proctor, or at a test centre. It’s an optional add-on here: add your official Microsoft exam at checkout, and we’ll provide everything you need to book it when you’re ready. The exam covers five skill areas: developing Azure compute solutions, developing for Azure storage, implementing Azure security, monitoring and optimising solutions, and connecting to and consuming Azure and third-party services.

Exam

AZ-204

Questions

40–60

Format

MC, case studies & labs

Pass mark

700 / 1000

Recommended

1–2 yrs dev experience

Exam

Optional add-on

What to Expect on Exam Day

The AZ-204 exam is booked and sat through Pearson VUE. You can take it online with a remote proctor, or at a local test centre — whenever you’re ready.

Booking

When you add the exam and feel ready, your account manager helps you get set up and book through Pearson VUE — online or at a test centre near you.

Equipment required

For online testing you need a laptop or desktop (not a mobile or tablet), a working webcam and microphone, a quiet private room, and a stable internet connection.

On the day

You have around 120 to 150 minutes and roughly 40 to 60 questions, in a mix of formats — multiple choice, case studies and hands-on labs in a live Azure environment.

Results

You get your score on a 1–1000 scale as soon as you finish. Score 700 or above and you’ve passed — you’ll be Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate.

Rescheduling

If something comes up, you can reschedule through Pearson VUE up to 24 hours before your exam. Your account manager can help if you’re not sure how.

Student reviews

What Our Students Say

4.8

1,247 verified reviews

The majority of students pass first time, based on an internal student survey conducted in May 2026.

5★

80%

4★

15%

3★

5%

2★

0%

1★

0%

Dominic

I have recently booked the PRINCE2 certification. The process was made extremely easy for me with the help of Lanie, who was the account manager I spoke with. My questions were answered within minutes and the process was sped up thanks to Lanie.

C L WINCOTT

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I had a fantastic experience with Career Smarter from start to finish. Before enrolling on the CompTIA A+ course, they took the time to explain everything clearly, including what was included in the package and how the learning would work. I never felt rushed or pressured into making a decision, which I really appreciated.

They also showed me another training package that could be useful if I decide to continue my learning in the future, but there was absolutely no hard sell or constant follow-up. They simply gave me the information and left the decision entirely up to me, which made me feel much more comfortable.

To top it off, they offered me a discount, which was a lovely bonus.

The customer service has been excellent, they're knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely helpful. Based on my experience so far, I would highly recommend Career Smarter to anyone looking to start or develop a career in IT.

Thank you Lanie for top customer service!

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I was 'talking' to my Chatgpt initially about where I could study Prince2 certifications with Agile (without the price tags that come with most learning providers) - funnily enough it was Chatgpt that led me to look at Career Smarter. So I went there ... I was able to chat online with Lanie who was very clear, helpful and because I was buying several certification courses, she helped me with a reasonable price for the whole lot. I really recommend this company and feel like there will be lots of help and support and I can always contact Lanie for any issues I'm having - I feel confident she will be resolving them!

Career Growth Path

Where This Certification Takes You

AZ-204 is the step from coding into cloud development on Azure. See where it leads — and the certifications that take you further.

Where You Are Now

Developer background — coding experience

AZ-204

£42k–£58k avg.

You are here

Azure Developer

£50k–£68k avg.

Senior Cloud Developer

£65k–£85k avg.

Cloud / Solutions Architect

£80k–£100k avg.

Cloud development skills are among the most sought-after in tech

Azure is one of the leading cloud platforms used by organisations worldwide

Recommended next certifications

→ Start with the basics

AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals

New to Azure? The entry-level credential covering core cloud concepts.

→ Add operations

AZ-104 Azure Administrator

Manage and operate the Azure environments your apps run on.

→ Add security

AZ-500 Azure Security Engineer

Specialise in securing Azure identities, data and applications.

→ Go expert

AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect

Design end-to-end Azure solutions at the expert level.

Go further for less

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Pricing

Simple, Transparent Pricing

One course, no hidden extras. Add your exam voucher at checkout when you’re ready.

Course only — right for you if…

You want to study first and buy your exam voucher later, or you already have a way to fund the exam (for example through an employer).

Course & exam — right for you if…

You want everything sorted in one go. Choose the Include Exam option below to add your official Microsoft AZ-204 exam alongside your course.

AZ-204 — Sale Price

£395 £295 inc. VAT Save £100

Everything you need to prepare for the AZ-204 exam. Add your official Microsoft exam at checkout when you’re ready.

12 Months Course Access

Study anytime, on any device, 24/7

Built-In AI Tutor

24/7 AI help while you study

Hands-On Practice & Labs

Build real Azure development skills

Official Exam

Optional — add at checkout, sat via Pearson VUE

14-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Change your mind, get a refund

Certificate & Digital Badge

On course completion — shareable & verifiable

Finance available at checkout · 14-day money-back guarantee

Pay Monthly

From £18.75/month

CAREER SMARTER LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Social Money Limited t/a Payl8r who is authorised by the FCA under Ref. Number 675283. Credit is subject to creditworthiness and affordability assessments. Missed payments may affect your credit file, future borrowing and incur fees. Representative Example: £440.00 over 12 months at 2.50% fixed per month. Rep APR 65.5%. Monthly: £47.67. Total repayable: £572.04. 0% interest rate applies only where the loan is repaid in full within 3 months.

Team & Corporate

Bulk discounts available

Training 3 or more employees? Get volume pricing, a dedicated account manager, and custom reporting.

Talk to Our Team

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you enrol.

What is AZ-204 / Azure Developer Associate?

AZ-204 leads to Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate — Microsoft's associate-level certification for cloud developers. It proves you can design, build, test and maintain applications and services on Azure, across compute, storage, security, APIs and event-driven solutions. It's earned by passing the single AZ-204 exam.

How long does the course take?

Most learners complete AZ-204 over a few weeks to a couple of months alongside work, depending on experience. There's no time limit: you have 12 months' access, so you can study at whatever pace suits you.

Is the exam included?

The course doesn't include the exam by default — it's an optional add-on. Choose Include Exam at checkout to add your official Microsoft AZ-204 exam, or buy the course now and add it later when you're ready. You book and sit the exam through Pearson VUE, online with a proctor or at a test centre.

Do I need any prior experience?

There are no formal prerequisites for AZ-204, so you can enrol at any time. Microsoft recommends one to two years of software development experience plus familiarity with Azure, and you should be comfortable with a programming language such as C#, Python, JavaScript or Java.

Who is this course for?

Software developers, back-end and full-stack engineers, programmers moving onto Azure, DevOps engineers, and anyone targeting Azure architect roles. If you already write code and want to build and run applications on Azure, AZ-204 is for you.

How does finance at checkout work?

At checkout you can choose flexible finance options to spread the cost. You'll gain immediate full access to all course materials as soon as your first payment is confirmed.

AZ-204 — Microsoft Azure Developer

What Is the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)?

The certification explained

This Course Is for You If…

Software Developers

Back-End & Cloud Developers

Programmers Moving to Azure

DevOps Engineers

Full-Stack Developers

Aspiring Azure Architects

What You’ll Learn — Module by Module

What the course covers

Everything You Need to Succeed

12 Months Course Access

Built-In AI Tutor

Hands-On Practice & Labs

Account Manager Support

Certificate & Digital Badge

14-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Azure Development in the Real World

Shipping applications that run and scale on Azure

Working with data the Azure-native way

Connecting services and keeping apps healthy

About the Microsoft AZ-204 Exam

What to Expect on Exam Day

Booking

Equipment required

On the day

Results

Rescheduling

What Our Students Say

Where This Certification Takes You

AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals

AZ-104 Azure Administrator

AZ-500 Azure Security Engineer

AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect

Why stop here? Get our entire IT library.

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AZ-204 / Azure Developer Associate?

How long does the course take?

Is the exam included?

Do I need any prior experience?

Who is this course for?

How does finance at checkout work?

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