AZ-104 Retake Rules: Waiting Periods, Costs & What to Expect
What are the AZ-104 retake rules and waiting period?
You must wait 24 hours after failing before retaking AZ-104. There is no limit on attempts, but each retake costs the full exam fee (~$165 USD). After a second failure, the waiting period increases to 14 days. Microsoft does not offer discounted retakes.
So you didn’t pass AZ-104. First question on your mind is probably “okay, what now?” Before you do anything else, let’s get the logistics sorted. The good news: Microsoft’s retake policy is straightforward, and knowing exactly what you’re dealing with takes a lot of the anxiety out of planning your next attempt.
Yes, You Can Retake AZ-104
Let’s start with the obvious: failing once doesn’t lock you out of anything. Microsoft allows retakes, and plenty of certified Azure Administrators got there on attempt two or three. There’s no permanent mark on your record, no scarlet letter. Only passed certifications show up on your public profile. The rest is between you and your exam history.
The Waiting Period: What You’re Actually Looking At
Microsoft enforces a waiting period before you can sit for the exam again. This isn’t arbitrary—it’s meant to give you time to actually prepare rather than just hope for different questions. If you’re trying to figure out what went wrong, understanding your score report is where to start.
After Your First Failed Attempt
24 hours. That’s the minimum wait after failing for the first time. Technically you could schedule for the next day, though whether that’s wise is a different question.
After a Second (or Third, or Fourth) Failed Attempt
Here’s where it gets longer: 14 days minimum between each subsequent attempt within the same year. Miss it twice, and you’re looking at two weeks before you can try again. Same rule applies to attempts three, four, and five.
A Common Misunderstanding
Some people think the 14-day rule kicks in immediately after the first failure. It doesn’t. Your first retake only requires 24 hours. The longer waiting period starts after the second failed attempt.
How Many Attempts Do You Get?
Five per year. If you fail five times within 12 months, you’ll need to wait until a full year has passed from your first attempt before trying again. In practice, most people who prepare properly don’t get anywhere near that limit. One failure is a setback; five failures in a year suggests something fundamental in the preparation approach needs to change.
Worth noting: failing AZ-104 doesn’t prevent you from taking other Azure exams. If AZ-104 isn’t clicking but AZ-900 or AZ-204 makes more sense for your role, you can pursue those while you regroup.
What Does a Retake Actually Cost?
Same as the original exam: around $165 USD in the United States (pricing varies slightly by country). There’s no discount for retakes, no “sorry you failed” pricing. Each attempt is full price.
This is worth keeping in mind when deciding how quickly to rebook. Rushing back before you’re ready means risking another $165 on top of what you’ve already spent. That adds up fast if you’re not strategic about it.
Some testing centers tack on small scheduling fees, but the core exam cost stays consistent.
What About Vouchers or Free Retakes?
Microsoft does occasionally offer promotional deals, but they’re not something you can count on. Here’s what might be available:
- Exam vouchers for Microsoft Ignite or Build conference attendees
- Microsoft Learn challenges that include free exam attempts
- Enterprise training packages with bundled retakes
- Some third-party training providers offer “pass guarantee” retakes
That said, waiting around for a promotion to appear is usually not practical. These offers are time-limited, region-specific, and often require completing other activities first. If certification matters for your job or career timeline, it’s generally better to just pay for the retake and move forward.
Can You Schedule Immediately After Failing?
You can start the scheduling process right away, but the exam date itself has to respect the waiting period. After a first failure, that means 24+ hours out. After subsequent failures, 14+ days.
Booking your retake date early can actually be helpful—it creates a deadline that focuses your preparation. Just make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to actually address your weak areas, not just enough time to satisfy the policy.
Should You Retake Quickly or Wait Longer?
The minimum waiting period is a floor, not a recommendation. What actually makes sense depends on your situation.
If You Were Close
Failed by a small margin and feel solid on most of the content? A shorter prep window might work. If you know exactly what tripped you up and can address it in a week or two, there’s no need to wait months. Figuring out what went wrong is the key first step.
If It Wasn’t Close
Struggled across multiple domains? Take more time. Rebuilding understanding across several areas isn’t a one-week project, and rushing back without doing the work usually just means another disappointing result.
How You’re Feeling Matters Too
If you’re still frustrated or anxious from the first attempt, give yourself a few extra days to reset. Exam performance suffers when you’re not in the right headspace. A calmer version of you will make better decisions under time pressure.
Using the Waiting Period Well
The candidates who pass on their second attempt usually have one thing in common: they used the waiting period differently than they used their original study time. Instead of rewatching videos or re-reading docs, they focus on exam-style scenarios that force decision-making under constraints.
That’s what Certsqill is built for. Rather than reviewing content you already know, you practice with questions that mirror the actual exam format—and every answer comes with a detailed explanation of why each option is right or wrong. It’s the kind of targeted practice that actually moves the needle between attempts.
If you want structure, a 7–14–30 day study plan can help you organize the time you have.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
How long do I have to wait before retaking AZ-104?
24 hours after your first failure. 14 days after your second failure and any subsequent ones.
Do I have to pay again?
Yes. Around $165 USD per attempt, no retake discount.
Is there a limit to how many times I can retake?
Five attempts within a 12-month period. After that, you wait a full year from your first attempt before trying again.
Are there free retakes available?
Sometimes, through promotions, conferences, or enterprise programs. But they’re not guaranteed, and most candidates shouldn’t count on them.
Bottom Line
The retake rules are designed to give you a fair shot, not to punish you for failing. Your first attempt doesn’t block you from anything or show up anywhere public. The waiting period is there to encourage real preparation, not to drag things out.
Now that you know what you’re dealing with—timing, cost, limits—you can stop worrying about logistics and focus on what actually matters: preparing properly so your next attempt is your last.