Preparing for AZ-103 Microsoft Azure Administrator exam? Don’t know where to start? This post is the AZ-103 Study Guide (with links to each exam objective for the Azure Certification).
I have curated a list of articles from Microsoft documentation for each objective of AZ-103 Azure Administrator exam. I hope this article will be your AZ-103 Study Guide for the exam. Also, please share the post within your circles so it helps them to prepare for the exam.
AZ-103 Course (Online Training)
Whizlabs [AZ-104 Course] AZ-104 Azure Administrator Course Skylines Academy (AZ-104) NEW! AZ-104 Certification: Azure Administrator LinkedIn Learning (Free Trial) Azure Cert. Prep. for Administrators [Learning Path] Pluralsight (Learning Path) Azure Administrator Certification Preparation Path
AZ-103 Practice Tests & Labs
Whizlabs Practice Tests 5 Practice Tests (a total of 275 questions) Udemy Practice Tests Azure Admin. (Labs + 180 Practice Tests) Skylines Academy (Labs) Labs for Azure Administrator Certification
AZ-103 Exam Reference Books (PDF)
AZ-103 Exam Voucher
| Test Voucher | Microsoft Azure Single Shot Exam Voucher ($30 OFF) |
To view other Azure certificate study guides, click here
Full Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I receive a commission when you purchase through them.
Looking for AZ-103 dumps? Read this!
Using az-103 exam dumps can get you permanently banned from taking any future Microsoft certificate exam. Read the FAQ page for more information. However, I strongly suggest you validate your understanding with practice questions.
If you are confused, if you should take az-103 or wait for az-104, this post will help answer some of your queries.
AZ-103 Exam Details
- AZ-103 Exam duration: 210 minutes; 60 questions; pass score 700/1000; no negative marking
- Question types: 2 labs (with several tasks), 2-4 Case studies & Multiple-choice questions
- Multiple-choice questions are of following types:
- Single-correct answer
- Up to ‘n’ correct answers (they tell how many answers to choose)
- Fill in the blanks
- Order statements in the right order
- The exam is divided into sections. You can go back and update the answer but only within sections. Once you are out of a section, you cannot go back
AZ-103 Exam Tips
- Don’t worry memorizing PowerShell/CLI. Understand the structure of the syntax
- For PowerShell, focus on the new ‘AZ’ module, not the older ‘AzureRM’
- Between PowerShell and CLI, the focus is more on PowerShell commands
- Labs don’t mandate the use of CLI or PowerShell; Only the result matters
- Don’t fret about ARM templates. You just need to understand its layout. You will not be required to create one but will be asked to pick the missing syntax
- Don’t worry about memorizing trivial information like CDN features, SKU details, etc., as these can change too often and cannot be meaningfully tested
- Expect questions on cost optimization/effectiveness
- Take an Azure subscription & practice the labs from Microsoft Learning
- Definitely, do a practice test to gauge your preparedness before the exam
- Other common questions on Azure Certification & study tips are covered here
- Preferably, avoid taking the exam from home. There have been a lot of issues
- Expect the labs to be very slow. It will test your patience
Manage Azure subscriptions and Resources (15-20%)
Manage Azure Subscriptions
Assign administrator permissions
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/billing/billing-add-change-azure-subscription-administrator
Configure cost center quotas and tagging
LinkedIn Learning: Configure Cost Center quotas (check with a free trial)
Configure policies at Azure subscription level
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/assign-policy-portal
Analyze Resource Utilization and Consumption
Configure diagnostic settings on resources
Linkedin Learning: Configure Diagnostic Setting (check with a free trial)
Create a baseline for resources
LinkedIn Learning: Creating a Baseline for Resources (check with a free trial)
Create and test alerts
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/platform/alerts-metric
Analyze alerts across subscription
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/platform/alerts-managing-alert-instances
Analyze metrics across subscription
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/platform/metrics-charts
Create action groups and action rules
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/platform/action-groups
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/platform/alerts-action-rules
Monitor for unused resources
https://docs.bmc.com/docs/reclaiming-the-unused-and-overallocated-azure-virtual-machines
Monitor spend
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/billing/billing-getting-started
Report on spend
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/billing/billing-download-azure-invoice-daily-usage-date
Utilize Log queries in Azure Monitor
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/log-query/query-language
View alerts in Azure Monitor
Amazon link (affiliate)
Manage Resource Groups
Use Azure policies for resource groups
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/enforce-tag-on-resource-groups
Configure resource locks
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-resource-manager/resource-group-lock-resources
Configure resource policies
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/tutorials/create-and-manage
Implement and set tagging on resource groups
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-resource-manager/resource-group-using-tags
Move resources across resource groups
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-resource-manager/resource-group-move-resources
Remove resource groups
Managed Role based Access Control (RBAC)
Create a custom role
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/tutorial-custom-role-powershell
Configure access to Azure resources by assigning roles
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/role-assignments-portal
Configure management access to Azure
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/role-assignments-portal
Troubleshoot RBAC
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/troubleshooting
Implement RBAC policies
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/conditional-access-azure-management
Assign RBAC Roles
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/quickstart-assign-role-user-portal
Implement and Manage Storage (15-20%)
Create and Configure Storage Accounts
Configure network access to the storage account
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-network-security
Create and configure storage account
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-quickstart-create-account
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-account-manage
Generate shared access signature
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-dotnet-shared-access-signature-part-1
Install and use Azure Storage Explorer
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vs-azure-tools-storage-manage-with-storage-explorer
Manage access keys
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-account-manage
Monitor activity log by using Monitor Logs
Implement Azure storage replication
MSDN Blog: Azure Storage Replication Implementation
Implement Azure AD authentication
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-auth-aad-app
Import and Export Data to Azure
Create export from Azure job
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-import-export-data-from-blobs
Create import into Azure job
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-import-export-data-to-blobs
Use Azure Data Box
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/databox/data-box-quickstart-portal
Configure and use Azure blob storage
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/blobs/storage-quickstart-blobs-portal
Configure Azure content delivery network (CDN) endpoints
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cdn/cdn-create-a-storage-account-with-cdn
Use Azure Data Factory to transfer data to Azure
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/copy-activity-overview
Configure Azure Files
Create an Azure file share
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/files/storage-how-to-create-file-share
Create Azure File Sync service
Create Azure sync group
Troubleshoot Azure File Sync
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/files/storage-sync-files-troubleshoot
Implement Azure Backup
Configure and review backup reports
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-configure-reports
Perform backup operation
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/blog/microsoft-azure-block-blob-storage-backup/
Create Recovery Services Vault
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-create-rs-vault
Create and configure a backup policy
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/backup/policy?view=azure-cli-latest
Perform a restore operation
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sql-database/sql-database-recovery-using-backups
Amazon link (affiliate)
Deploy and Manage Virtual Machines (VMs) (15-20%)
Create and Configure a VM for Windows and Linux
Check out this course on Azure VM
Configure high availability
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/tutorial-availability-sets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tXoWN6Ucuw
Configure monitoring, networking, storage, and virtual machine size
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/tutorial-monitoring
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/tutorial-virtual-network
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/managed-disks-overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/sizes
Deploy and configure scale sets
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machine-scale-sets/quick-create-portal
Automate Deployment of VMs
Modify Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template
Configure location of new VMs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/azure-to-azure-tutorial-migrate
Configure VHD template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/create-vm-specialized
Deploy from template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/ps-template
Save a deployment as an ARM template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/download-template
Deploy Windows and Linux VMs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/ps-template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/create-ssh-secured-vm-from-template
Manage Azure VM
Add data discs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/attach-disk-ps
Add network interfaces
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-network-interface-vm
Automate configuration management by using PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC) and VM Agent by using custom script extensions
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-getting-started
Manage VM sizes
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/sizes
Move VMs from one resource group to another
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/move-vm
Redeploy VMs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/troubleshooting/redeploy-to-new-node-windows
Soft delete for Azure VMs
https://docs.microsoft.com/bs-latn-ba/azure/backup/backup-azure-security-feature-cloud#soft-delete
Manage VM Backups
Configure VM backup
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/quick-backup-vm-portal
Define backup policies
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-encryption
Implement backup policies
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-vms-prepare
Perform VM restore
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-restore-vms
Azure Site Recovery
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/azure-to-azure-quickstart
Amazon link (affiliate)
Configure and Manage Virtual Networks (30-35%)
Create Connectivity between Virtual Networks
Create and configure VNET peering
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKGsf6J4IVI
Create and configure VNET to VNET connections
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-vnet-vnet-rm-ps
Verify virtual network connectivity
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-verify-connection-resource-manager
Create a virtual network gateway
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/create-routebased-vpn-gateway-portal
Implement and Manage Virtual Networking
Configure private and public IP addresses
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-public-ip-address
Configure network routes
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/tutorial-create-route-table-portal
Configure network interface
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-network-interface
Configure subnets
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-manage-subnet
Configure virtual network
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/manage-virtual-network
Configure Name Resolution
Configure Azure DNS
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/dns/dns-getstarted-portal
Configure custom DNS settings
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/dns/dns-custom-domain
Configure private and public DNS zones
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/dns/private-dns-getstarted-powershell
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/dns/dns-delegate-domain-azure-dns
Create and Configure a Network Security Group (NSG)
Create security rules
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/manage-network-security-group
Associate NSG to a subnet or network interface
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/manage-network-security-group
Identify required ports
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/security-overview
Evaluate effective security rules
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-network-interface
Implement Application Security Groups
Implement Azure Load Balancer
Configure the internal load balancer
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/load-balancer/tutorial-load-balancer-basic-internal-portal
Configure load balancing rules
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/load-balancer/configure-load-balancer-outbound-cli
Configure a public load balancer
Troubleshoot load balancing
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/load-balancer/load-balancer-troubleshoot
Monitor and Troubleshoot Virtual Networking
Monitor on-premises connectivity
Use Network resource monitoring
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/insights/network-performance-monitor
Use Network Watcher
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/network-watcher/network-watcher-create
Troubleshoot external networking
Troubleshoot virtual network connectivity
Integrate On premises Network with Azure Virtual Network
Create and configure Azure VPN Gateway
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-tutorial-create-gateway-powershell
Create and configure site to site VPN
Configure Express Route
Verify on premises connectivity
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-verify-connection-resource-manager
Troubleshoot on premises connectivity with Azure
Use Azure network adapter
https://www.thomasmaurer.ch/2018/09/windows-server-azure-network-adapter/
Check the FAQs on Azure Certification
Manage Identities (15-20%)
Manage Azure Active Directory (AD)
Add custom domains
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/fundamentals/add-custom-domain
Azure AD Join
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/user-help/user-help-join-device-on-network
Configure self-service password reset
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/quickstart-sspr
Manage multiple directories
Manage Azure AD Objects (Users, Groups, and Devices)
Create users and groups
Manage user and group properties
Manage device settings
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/devices/device-management-azure-portal
Perform bulk user updates
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/active-directory/bulk-user-modification/
Manage guest accounts
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/b2b/b2b-quickstart-add-guest-users-portal
Implement and Manage Hybrid Identities
Install Azure AD Connect, including password hash and pass-through synchronization
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/how-to-connect-install-express
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/how-to-connect-pta-quick-start
Use Azure AD Connect to configure federation with on-premises Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
Manage Azure AD Connect
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/how-to-connect-post-installation
Manage password sync and password writeback
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/tutorial-enable-writeback
Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Configure user accounts for MFA
Enable MFA by using bulk update
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-userstates/bulk
Configure fraud alerts
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-mfasettings/fraud
Configure bypass options
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-mfasettings/bypass
Configure Trusted IPs
Configure verification methods
This brings us to the end of AZ-103 Study Guide
What do you think? Let me know in the Comments section if I have missed out on anything. Also, I love to hear from you how your preparation is going on!
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28 Comments
Thank you for your notes. Your in-depth notes was quite helpful in passing 103. Appreciate it.
Welcome, Kiran
hi ravi,
would the udemy course from Alan Rodrgigues listed in your enough to pass the exam along with some practice tests from WL?
At the moment I am going thru pluralsight but as you said it takes long hours and attention is small.:)
Regards
It should be sufficient. They are exam-oriented but make sure to check if any of the objectives are not missed
May i know if the question will be multiple choice questions& multiple answer questions only or lab will be there during the exam(AZ-103)
Please check the Exam tips section in this blog
Hi, I am a test automation engineer. I don’t have any experience with administration activities. I thought of shifting my career to Azure devops. I have completed Azure fundamentals and started preparing AZ-103(a prerequisite for AZ-203), through udemy skylineacademy 8hr udemy course, but I feel they are not covering the required deep content needed for the exam. Which learning path should I follow to successfully complete the exam? I checked some sample plural sight videos,some videos are not up to date with the current azure portal.
Hello Gopi, you can try the Exam ref book, which walks you through all the PowerShell commands.
But since Azure receives rapid updates, you may feel even the book might be outdated. So, if you want to be 100% sure that the content is not outdated, the best solution is to follow the Microsoft documentation links in the study guide (that’s the first place to receive updated information)
Thanks Ravi for quick update. Please let me know which learning path should i follow(videos, labs, documentation etc) . Where should I start first? Sorry, I am just trying to find the best learning path(order)
Hello Gopi,
There are no prerequisites for az-203 that I am aware of (you mentioned that in the last comment)
And a better strategy would be to take more than 1 path.
First, take 1 module.
Start with the docs (links in this post). Also have free trials of Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning or Linux Academy. Cross-refer them. The content is too exhaustive, so do a switch between them. Learning the same concepts from different people will give you different perspectives and help you in understanding the concepts better.
It is similar to 5 blind men who never knew about the elephant, trying to conceptualize an elephant. If you only learn from a single source, then you touch an elephant’s tail and think the elephant is like a snake
Go through the labs Microsoft has provided and do them with a free Azure subscription.
Repeat for other modules
Once done, verify your understanding with practice tests
This will be the perfect strategy. Honestly I wanted to follow this way but am rarely able to do, but still manage to pass.
So follow this strategy. Even if you are not able to follow meticulously, since the process is there, you will do well
All the best
Hey Ravi
Thanks for all the resources you provide .
please where can I practice the exams and labs test ?
Check out these role IQs for Microsoft Azure Administrator
If you still want more practice, this one is good too
test
Thanks a lot Ravi for the great learning plan. My bad, I mentioned wrong certificate name (AZ-203) for Devops(AZ-400).
Hi
Which one of the twp will you recommend Pluralsight or the linkedin ?
Pluralsight’s content is more in-depth, so chances are every aspect of the exam is covered. But focussing on long hours will be a challenge. If you can get the Azure subscription, and follow along, it will be much more enjoying.
I recommend Pluralsight as they also have Role IQs for the Azure administrator role, so you can validate what you know. I don’t think I saw any of them in Lynda. Check the below link
AZ-103 assessments
Thanks you
Hello,
I have taken the instructor-led AZ-103cource. I am going to prepare for the exam. Do you recommend reading the book? What about mock exams?
Thanks
Reading the book should always be the first option, along with practice. To fill your gaps, use video courses. Mock exams, you can do after your preparation, if you have time
Hi Ravi
i am looking for all the powershell commands and how to use it , if you have those can you share.
I have seen them in the exam ref book. Check below link
Exam Ref-103
Hi ravikirans,
I needed the full course. Labs and presentation. can you provide me that information. If you have it that will be great.
Let me know i just need full course material.
The entire AZ-103 content is available in Pluralsight and LinkedIn.
Hi Ravikirans,
I need soft copy labs and power point material. Where can i get those?
Sorry, I missed your message. The powerpoint material will be available to download if you can login to Pluralsight
Vice nice and helpful. Awesome Work Ravikirans.
Thanks Anand
Hi Ravi,
Great content and lots of link.
I was planning to start with the certification preparation. Will the pluralsite certification content be sufficient for the preparation?
Pluralsight content will be able to fill gaps in your understanding. Or to get started with concepts. Or in-depth explanations that give a different perspective. On top of that, I really suggest you take a free azure subscription and practice the labs