Associate AZ-204
Azure cert for developers building cloud apps with Azure Functions, App Service, Cosmos DB, API Management, and Azure Key Vault. Retiring July 2026.
The Microsoft Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) validates the skills required to design, build, test, and maintain cloud applications on Microsoft Azure. It targets software developers who use Azure PaaS services, integrate with Azure APIs, and implement authentication and secure access within their applications.
The exam covers five domains: Develop Azure Compute Solutions (25–30%), Develop for Azure Storage (15–20%), Implement Azure Security (20–25%), Monitor, Troubleshoot, and Optimize Azure Solutions (15–20%), and Connect to and Consume Azure Services and Third-Party Services (15–20%). Key services include Azure App Service, Azure Functions, Azure Container Apps, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Blob Storage, Azure Cache for Redis, Azure API Management, Azure Event Hub, Azure Service Bus, Azure Key Vault, and Microsoft Entra ID.
Microsoft has announced the AZ-204 exam is scheduled to retire on July 31, 2026. Azure developer skills are expected to consolidate into updated certification paths. Candidates pursuing a developer-focused Azure credential should monitor Microsoft's official certification announcements for the replacement exam.
Software developers and full-stack engineers building cloud-native applications on Azure.
Prerequisites: AZ-900 recommended. 1–2 years of professional development experience and familiarity with Azure services.