Can You Retake AZ-104 After Failing? Retake Rules Explained (2026)

Failing the AZ-104 exam hurts. I get it. You’ve spent weeks studying, maybe months, and that “unsuccessful” result feels like a punch to the gut. But here’s what happens next: you can retake it, and many successful Azure administrators failed their first attempt. The key is understanding Microsoft’s retake rules and using your next attempt strategically.

Direct answer

Yes, you can retake the AZ-104 exam after failing, but you’ll need to wait before scheduling your next attempt. Microsoft has specific policies about retake timing and costs that you need to understand before diving back in. The exact waiting period depends on which attempt this was for you, and there are limits on how many times you can retake within a certain timeframe.

What happens if I fail AZ-104? You receive a detailed score report showing your performance across all exam domains, you can schedule a retake after the mandatory waiting period, and you keep any partial credit or learning from your first attempt. Most importantly, you get valuable insight into exactly where you fell short.

Check Microsoft’s official exam page for the most current retake policy as rules can change. Policies can shift with little notice, and you don’t want outdated information affecting your retake timeline.

AZ-104 retake rules: the official policy

Microsoft’s AZ-104 retake policy follows their standard certification exam rules, but let me break down what this means for your specific situation. After your first failed attempt, you typically need to wait at least 24 hours before you can retake the exam. This isn’t negotiable – the system won’t let you schedule immediately.

For subsequent failures, the waiting period increases. Usually, after your second failed attempt, you’re looking at a 14-day waiting period before attempt number three. This escalating timeline is intentional – Microsoft wants candidates to actually study and improve, not just keep throwing money at the problem.

Here’s the reality about AZ-104 specifically: this exam covers six distinct domains with varying weights, and many candidates fail because they underestimated particular areas. The retake policy gives you time to address these gaps properly rather than hoping luck will carry you through on attempt two.

The AZ-104 retake policy also includes a limit on total attempts within a 12-month period. Typically, you can take the exam up to five times in a 12-month window, but this can vary. After hitting this limit, you’d need to wait a full year before attempting again.

Your retake follows the same format as your original exam – same number of questions, same time limit, same passing score. Don’t expect any shortcuts or easier questions just because you’re retaking.

How long do you have to wait before retaking AZ-104?

The waiting period depends entirely on which attempt this represents for you. For your first retake (second overall attempt), you typically wait 24 hours. This might seem short, but resist the urge to jump right back in without proper preparation.

After a second failure (before your third attempt), the waiting period usually extends to 14 days. This longer period is actually beneficial for AZ-104 preparation because this exam requires hands-on practice with Azure services, which takes time to develop.

If you’ve failed multiple times, subsequent waiting periods may be longer – sometimes 30 days or more. Again, check Microsoft’s official exam page for the most current retake policy as rules can change, but these timeframes are typical.

For AZ-104 specifically, use even the 24-hour waiting period productively. This exam tests practical Azure administration skills, not just memorization. Twenty-four hours gives you time to set up an Azure subscription (if you haven’t already) and practice the specific tasks you struggled with.

The hardest topics in AZ-104 exam often require hands-on practice that you can’t rush. Virtual networking configurations, storage account policies, and Azure Active Directory management all benefit from extended practice time.

How much does a AZ-104 retake cost?

A AZ-104 retake costs the same as your original exam attempt – typically $165 USD, though pricing can vary by region. Microsoft doesn’t offer discounts for retakes, so budget accordingly.

This cost adds up quickly if you’re not strategic about your retake preparation. Five attempts at $165 each means $825 total – enough to buy several high-quality training courses or practice platforms.

Some candidates qualify for exam vouchers through Microsoft events or partner programs, which can cover retake costs. If you failed your first attempt, check if any upcoming Microsoft events in your area offer exam vouchers before paying full price for a retake.

Third-party training providers sometimes bundle exam vouchers with their courses, potentially saving money if you need comprehensive retake preparation. However, make sure any training covers the current AZ-104 exam objectives, not outdated versions.

Consider the cost of retakes when planning your initial preparation budget. Investing more in quality preparation upfront often costs less than multiple retake attempts.

How many times can you retake AZ-104?

Microsoft typically allows up to five exam attempts within a 12-month period for AZ-104. After five failed attempts, you must wait a full year before attempting again. This policy applies specifically to the AZ-104 exam code – if Microsoft updates the exam and assigns a new code, the counter may reset.

Here’s what most candidates don’t realize: if you’re approaching your fourth or fifth attempt, you need to fundamentally change your preparation approach. The most challenging sections in AZ-104 exam – particularly “Implement and Manage Virtual Networking” (25% of the exam) and “Manage Azure Identities and Governance” (20%) – require deep understanding, not surface-level memorization.

Five attempts might sound generous, but AZ-104 tests practical skills that improve gradually with experience. Rushing through multiple attempts without addressing core knowledge gaps wastes both money and time.

Some candidates attempt to circumvent limits by taking related exams first (like AZ-900), but this doesn’t reset your AZ-104 attempt counter. The limits are specific to each exam code.

If you’re on your third or fourth attempt, seriously consider whether you have enough real-world Azure experience to support the theoretical knowledge this exam tests. Sometimes stepping back to gain practical experience serves you better than immediate retakes.

What changes between your first and second attempt

Absolutely nothing changes with the exam itself – same content, same format, same passing requirements. However, what should change dramatically is your preparation approach and understanding of your weak areas.

Your score report from the failed attempt provides crucial intelligence for your retake. AZ-104 score reports break down your performance by domain:

• Manage Azure Identities and Governance (20%)
• Implement and Manage Storage (15%)
• Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (20%)
• Implement and Manage Virtual Networking (25%)
• Monitor and Maintain Azure Resources (10%)
• Configure and Manage Azure Security (10%)

Pay special attention to domains where you scored below 70%. These typically indicate fundamental knowledge gaps rather than minor study oversights.

The question pool for AZ-104 is large enough that you’ll likely see different questions on your retake, but covering the same learning objectives. Don’t expect to memorize your way through based on remembering questions from attempt one.

Your confidence level should change too – but in the right direction. Use the failed attempt as data about your actual readiness level, not as a reason to doubt your ability to pass. Many successful Azure administrators failed AZ-104 on their first try.

Between attempts, your hands-on experience with Azure should increase significantly. The hardest topics in AZ-104 exam become much clearer when you’ve actually configured virtual networks, managed storage accounts, and worked with Azure Active Directory in real scenarios.

How to use the waiting period strategically

The mandatory waiting period isn’t punishment – it’s opportunity. For AZ-104, even 24 hours can make a meaningful difference if you use it correctly.

Start with your score report analysis. Identify which of the six exam domains caused your failure. “Implement and Manage Virtual Networking” represents 25% of the exam and trips up many candidates because it requires understanding complex networking concepts within Azure’s specific implementation.

If virtual networking was your weak spot, spend your waiting period building actual virtual networks in Azure. Don’t just read about subnets and network security groups – create them, configure them, break them, and fix them. The Azure free tier provides enough resources for extensive networking practice.

For “Manage Azure Identities and Governance” issues, focus on hands-on practice with Azure Active Directory, role-based access control, and Azure Policy. These aren’t concepts you can memorize effectively – you need to understand how they work in practice.

Create a focused AZ-104 study plan for beginners if you’re new to Azure, or adapt a best AZ-104 study plan to address your specific weak areas. Generic study plans often miss the nuances that cause retake failures.

Use the waiting period to take practice exams that simulate the real testing experience. Many candidates fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they’re unprepared for the exam format, time pressure, or question styles.

Most importantly, address any test anxiety or time management issues from your first attempt. If you ran out of time or second-guessed yourself extensively, practice techniques to improve these areas.

The biggest retake mistake AZ-104 candidates make

The biggest mistake? Assuming their failed attempt was just bad luck or a few unlucky questions. This leads to minimal changes in preparation approach, virtually guaranteeing another failure.

AZ-104 tests practical Azure administration skills across six domains. If you failed, it’s almost certainly because you have genuine knowledge gaps in at least one domain, not because you were unlucky with question selection.

I see candidates focus obsessively on memorizing dumps or question banks from their failed attempt. This is counterproductive for AZ-104 because the exam emphasizes understanding concepts well enough to apply them in varied scenarios, not recalling specific question wordings.

Another common mistake is rushing the retake. Even with a 24-hour waiting period, many candidates schedule their retake immediately and use the intervening time for light review instead of addressing fundamental gaps. This works for some exams but rarely for AZ-104 due to its practical nature.

Candidates also underestimate how much hands-on practice they need. Reading about Azure services isn’t sufficient for AZ-104 – you need experience actually using them. Virtual networking, storage management, and identity governance all require practical familiarity that takes time to develop.

The worst mistake is not adjusting study methods based on score report feedback. If you scored poorly on “Implement and Manage Virtual Networking,” you can’t fix that gap with the same study approach that failed the first time. You need hands-on networking practice, not more reading about networking concepts.

Finally, many retake candidates skip fundamentals review, assuming they’ll remember everything from their first study period. Memory fades, and Azure services update regularly. Always refresh your foundational knowledge before diving into weak area remediation.

How Certsqill helps you prepare smarter for your retake

Generic study materials

often miss the practical skills emphasis that makes AZ-104 challenging. Certsqill’s approach differs because we focus specifically on the scenario-based thinking that AZ-104 demands.

Our platform identifies your weak domains from your score report and creates targeted practice sessions that mirror the exam’s practical focus. Instead of generic multiple-choice questions, you get realistic scenarios that test your ability to solve actual Azure administration problems.

The AI Tutor explains not just correct answers, but why incorrect options fail in real Azure environments. This approach directly addresses the application-level thinking that separates passing from failing candidates on AZ-104.

For retake preparation, Certsqill tracks your improvement across all six exam domains, ensuring you don’t neglect areas where you previously performed well while focusing on weak spots. Many candidates fail their retake because they over-focus on one domain and let others slip.

Building confidence for your AZ-104 retake

Your mindset approaching a retake significantly impacts your performance. Failed attempts often create test anxiety that compounds actual knowledge gaps, creating a cycle where capable candidates continue failing despite adequate preparation.

The reality about AZ-104 retakes: approximately 60-70% of candidates who fail their first attempt pass on the second try, but this statistic includes only those who adequately address their preparation gaps. Simply retaking without strategic changes yields much lower success rates.

Start building confidence by acknowledging what you already know. Your score report shows domains where you performed adequately – these represent significant Azure knowledge that you shouldn’t discount. AZ-104 covers complex material, and partial success on your first attempt demonstrates real understanding in several areas.

Focus on competence over confidence. Real confidence comes from demonstrated ability to solve Azure administration problems, not positive thinking or motivational techniques. Practice realistic AZ-104 scenario questions on Certsqill — with AI Tutor explanations that show exactly why each answer is right or wrong.

Address test-taking mechanics that may have hurt your first attempt. Many candidates know the material but struggle with time management, question interpretation, or decision-making under pressure. These skills improve with targeted practice, not just content review.

Create realistic testing conditions during your retake preparation. Practice with the same time constraints, question formats, and decision-making pressure you’ll face on exam day. This builds procedural confidence alongside content knowledge.

Document your improvement throughout retake preparation. Keep notes about concepts that click, successful practice sessions, and hands-on tasks you complete successfully. This tangible evidence of progress combats the doubt that often follows failed attempts.

Remember that AZ-104 tests practical skills that improve with experience. Even if your retake happens quickly, the mental processing of your failed attempt often clarifies concepts that seemed unclear during initial preparation. Many candidates report that previously confusing topics make more sense during retake preparation.

When to consider postponing your retake

Sometimes the best strategy is waiting longer than the minimum required period. While Microsoft allows retakes after 24 hours for first failures, rushing back isn’t always wise for AZ-104.

Consider postponing if your score report shows fundamental gaps across multiple domains. AZ-104 covers six distinct areas, and weakness in three or more domains suggests you need comprehensive review, not targeted remediation. This level of preparation takes weeks, not days.

Postpone if you lack hands-on Azure experience. AZ-104 heavily emphasizes practical application, and reading about Azure services differs significantly from configuring them. If your failed attempt revealed gaps in understanding how Azure services actually work together, you need time for hands-on practice.

Your work situation matters too. If you’re currently overwhelmed with projects or responsibilities that prevent focused study time, waiting until you can dedicate proper attention often yields better results than attempting a half-prepared retake.

Consider your learning style and retention patterns. Some people absorb technical information quickly but need processing time for deep understanding. If you’re this type of learner, the minimum 24-hour window probably isn’t sufficient for meaningful improvement.

Financial considerations also matter. If multiple retakes would strain your budget, waiting to ensure better preparation for your next attempt makes fiscal sense. Quality preparation materials and adequate study time often cost less than repeated exam fees.

However, don’t postpone indefinitely out of fear or perfectionism. AZ-104 covers current Azure services and features that evolve regularly. Waiting too long means your initial preparation becomes outdated, requiring more comprehensive review.

The optimal postponement period for AZ-104 retakes typically ranges from one to four weeks, depending on your specific gaps and available study time. Use this period for targeted remediation, not complete re-learning.

FAQ

Q: Can I see my exact AZ-104 questions after failing?

No, Microsoft doesn’t provide access to specific questions from your failed attempt. However, your score report shows performance by domain, which is more valuable for retake preparation. Focus on understanding why you struggled with particular domains rather than trying to remember specific questions. The question pool is large enough that you’ll likely see different questions testing the same concepts on your retake.

Q: Does my AZ-104 failure appear on my Microsoft Learn transcript?

Failed attempts don’t appear on your public Microsoft certification transcript. Only successful certifications are displayed. However, Microsoft maintains internal records of all attempts for policy enforcement (like retake limits). Your failed attempt won’t hurt your professional reputation or appear in background checks, but it does count toward your attempt limits.

Q: Can I take AZ-104 at a different testing center for my retake?

Yes, you can take your AZ-104 retake at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center or through online proctoring, regardless of where you took your first attempt. Some candidates find that changing testing environments helps reduce test anxiety. However, ensure you’re familiar with the new location’s setup if you choose a different center to avoid additional stress on exam day.

Q: Will my retake have the same difficulty level as my first AZ-104 attempt?

Yes, all AZ-104 exams maintain the same difficulty level and passing requirements regardless of attempt number. Microsoft doesn’t make retakes easier or harder. However, your improved preparation should make the retake feel easier. The exam draws from the same question pool and tests identical learning objectives, so your success depends on better preparation, not exam variations.

Q: How long do I need to study before retaking AZ-104?

This depends entirely on your score report results and current Azure experience. If you failed by a small margin with weaknesses in 1-2 domains, focused study for 1-2 weeks might suffice. However, if you scored poorly across multiple domains or lack hands-on Azure experience, plan for 4-6 weeks of comprehensive preparation. The key is addressing actual knowledge gaps rather than following arbitrary timelines.

Related Articles

• I Failed Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104): What Should I Do Next?
• AZ-104 Score Report Explained: What Your Result Really Means
• How to Study After Failing AZ-104: Your Recovery Plan for the Retake
• Why Do People Fail AZ-104? 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Does Failing AZ-104 Hurt Your Career? The Honest Answer