Azure certifications open doors at enterprises that run Microsoft shops, and the exam landscape keeps shifting. AZ-900 (Fundamentals) validates cloud concepts. AZ-104 (Administrator) proves you can manage subscriptions, storage, virtual networks, and identity in Azure. Both exams have been updated recently, and study guides from even 2022 may not cover the current objectives fully.
These books target the current exam versions and come from publishers (Sybex, Microsoft Press) that consistently produce the best pass-rate study materials. For AWS and Google Cloud certs, see our AWS certification books and Google Cloud certification books posts.
Last reviewed: March 2026. All links and availability verified.
AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
MC Azure Fundamentals Study Guide: Exam AZ-900, 2nd Edition
Jim Boyce’s Sybex guide (November 2025) is the most current AZ-900 study resource. It covers 100% of the exam objectives including cloud concepts, Azure architecture, core services, security, identity, governance, pricing, and SLAs. The online companion includes practice exams, electronic flashcards, and a searchable glossary. If you are new to Azure and need the fundamentals certification, this is the straightforward path.
- Author: Jim Boyce
- Published: November 2025 (Sybex/Wiley, 2nd Edition)
- Exam: AZ-900
- Best for: First Azure certification, cloud fundamentals
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
AZ-104: Azure Administrator
Exam Ref AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator, 2nd Edition
Charles Pluta’s Microsoft Press guide (June 2024, 384 pages) is the official exam reference from Microsoft’s own publishing arm. It maps directly to AZ-104 objectives covering Azure subscriptions, resource management, virtual machines, storage accounts, virtual networking, and identity management (Azure AD/Entra ID). Microsoft Press Exam Refs assume you already have hands-on experience and focus on validating that knowledge rather than teaching from scratch. If you work with Azure daily and need to formalize your skills, this is efficient exam prep.
- Author: Charles Pluta
- Published: June 2024 (Microsoft Press, 2nd Edition)
- Pages: 384
- Exam: AZ-104
- Best for: Experienced Azure users preparing for the administrator exam
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
MCA Azure Administrator Study Guide: Exam AZ-104
Rithin Skaria’s Sybex guide provides an alternative to the Microsoft Press title with Sybex’s signature online test bank, flashcards, and practice exams. If you prefer the Sybex learning ecosystem (consistent with how their CISSP, Security+, and AWS guides are structured), this covers the same AZ-104 objectives with a slightly different teaching approach that includes more explanatory context alongside the exam prep.
- Author: Rithin Skaria
- Published: 2021 (Sybex/Wiley)
- Exam: AZ-104
- Best for: Learners who prefer Sybex format with online practice tools
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
Which path should you take?
| Your situation | Recommended book |
|---|---|
| New to cloud, need fundamentals | Boyce AZ-900 Study Guide, 2nd Ed |
| Already use Azure, want the admin cert | Pluta Exam Ref AZ-104 (Microsoft Press) |
| Prefer Sybex format with online tools | Skaria MCA AZ-104 Study Guide |
Most people start with AZ-900 to validate fundamentals, then move to AZ-104 within 3-6 months. If you already have significant Azure experience, skip AZ-900 entirely and go straight to AZ-104. The Pluta Exam Ref is the most efficient choice for experienced administrators because it focuses on what the exam tests rather than teaching basic concepts.
i am trying to change my roll in to cloud technology. how can i proceed please guide me
Hi. Any specifics on areas of focus for you?