If you are looking to have a rewarding cloud computing career, earning a cloud computing certification is necessary. These in-demand IT certifications help developers validate their skills in building scalable cloud applications. With a wide range of options from different providers, you might need some help choosing the best certifications for cloud computing.
This article lists the best cloud computing certifications you should consider getting, some of which are considered top-paying IT certifications. You will also find information on the benefits of a cloud computing certification and what you can earn as a cloud professional.
What Is a Cloud Computing Certification?
A cloud computing certification validates the skills of IT professionals in cloud design, the development of cloud-native applications, and other in-demand skills in cloud computing. The demand for cloud skills is rising, and individuals with in-depth understanding and professional experience in cloud computing have limitless career opportunities.
How Much Can You Earn With a Cloud Computing Certification?
You can earn $117,014 with a cloud computing certification, according to ZipRecruiter. The salary across cloud jobs varies according to the job specifics and the company you are working for. IT practitioners with cloud computing certification improve business processes by helping companies secure data via the cloud. So, it is only normal for them to have a desirable annual salary.
Why Is Cloud Computing Certification Important?
Cloud certification is important because it can help you display competence and gain a competitive advantage in the job market. Like other fields, your skills are your most valuable asset as a cloud technician. For example, a cybersecurity engineer should be able to handle threats whether certified or not.
A cloud computing certification will highlight your skills and expertise. It indicates that you have an in-depth understanding of cloud services. Here are the reasons you should get cloud computing certification.
Highlights Your Skills
You might possess excellent cloud computing skills, but hiring managers have no way of knowing that when they first meet you. A cloud computing certification helps point out the unique abilities and practical experiences you possess and increases your chances of getting hired exponentially.
Higher Average Salaries
According to PayScale, professionals with cloud computing expertise earn an average annual salary of $129,000 per year. This is higher than the average yearly salary across the IT industry, at only $83,000 per year. By having a cloud computing certification, you can vastly increase your earning potential.
Job Opportunities
Since cloud computing skills are in high demand, finding a job as a professional cloud computing practitioner will not be a problem. Whether you choose to be a network systems specialist or cloud systems architect, a cloud career means you will always find a role.
Best Certifications for Cloud Computing at a Glance
| Certification | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Developer | $150 | Candidates must know one programming language and have experience in cloud development |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | $150 | Months of experience in AWS systems, practical experience in enterprise solutions, and knowledge of cloud concepts |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | $300 | Knowledge of AWS APIs, the AWS Billing Console, AWS CloudFormation, AWS CLI templates, the AWS Management Console |
| Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | $599 | Candidates must have at least five years experience in IT and computing |
| CompTIA Cloud+ | $348 | Experience in CompTIA Cloud+, Server+, and system administration |
| Google Professional Cloud Architect Certification | $200 | Candidates must possess more than average cloud computing skills |
| Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer Certification | $200 | Candidates must have 3+ years of industry experience plus 1+ years experience with Google Cloud |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate | $165 | Six years or more experience in Azure implementation; experience in Azure CLI, PowerShell, and knowledge of Azure workloads |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals | $99 | Complete understanding of core data skills, study of self-paced content on the cloud computing platform |
| Salesforces Certified Technical Architect | $6,000 | Over eight years of experience as a systems architect |
Top Cloud Computing Certifications: A Closer Look
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
If you have filled an Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud practitioner role and have some experience developing cloud applications via AWS, then this certification at the associate level is a great fit. Offered by Amazon, this cloud certification ranks as one of the top certifications for any cloud practitioner. Candidates can find online courses for cloud computing to help.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions – Associate certification exam tests the skills of cloud professionals with experience of one year or more in using AWS technology to build distributed systems and AWS-based applications. Systems administrators in particular will enjoy this certification in cloud computing services offered by Amazon. Candidates can take a practice exam to prepare for the exam.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional is another cloud computing certification by Amazon. However, this certification is tailored to cloud technicians with two or more years of experience in designing and implementing cloud infrastructure using AWS. Learning AWS best practices will further prove helpful in your career in cloud computing.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional is one of the top cloud certifications for showcasing your expertise in cloud environments and cloud services. This IT certification is a great fit if you are a cloud architect, cloud administrator, cloud consultant, or cloud security analyst.
CompTIA Cloud+
The CompTIA Cloud+ cloud computing certification is a global certification for any cloud engineer looking for job roles in cloud technologies. This professional certification exam tests the relevant technical skills needed to secure data and assets during cloud migration.
Google Professional Cloud Architect Certification
The Google Professional Cloud Architect Certification provides the skills and knowledge for cloud architects to design and implement scalable cloud solutions using expert-level skills in cloud infrastructure. Candidates can use the provided exam guides to study the required topics for the exam and can work as a Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect after passing.
Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer Certification
Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer Certification is a perfect fit for cloud engineers looking to work as specialists on the Google Cloud platform. Eligible candidates should have hands-on experience employing Google Cloud to optimize site performance and implement service delivery pipelines.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
The Azure Administrator Associate certification is offered by Microsoft. An Azure administrator is often responsible for managing and implementing a firm’s Azure cloud infrastructure. Cloud computing professionals looking to take gain this certification should have at least six years in Azure implementation. Microsoft provides free and paid methods to prepare for the exam.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
If you are looking for cloud certifications for beginners, Microsoft Certified: Azura Data Fundamentals is an excellent choice. This certification tests your basic understanding of fundamental data concepts and how to apply them using Azure Cloud. You will find free study guides and paid instructors to help you with your preparation.
Salesforce Certified Technical Architect
Salesforce architects are regarded as the top cloud developers in the industry. The certification is a testament to a professional’s ability to provide scalable solutions to complex business challenges. Candidates who pass the certification exam will be able to build meaningful solutions on the Salesforce architecture.
Free Cloud Computing Certifications Worth Your Time
- Google Cloud Training. Google Cloud Training offers the fundamentals of cloud computing. The program provides hands-on training without you having to pay a dime. Students get a certificate on completion.
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials. Amazon Web Services offer the AWS Practitioner Essentials. You become eligible to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam when you complete this course.
- Introduction to Computing. Introduction to Computing is a free cloud computing certification offered by IBM. While the program is free, the certificate comes with a fee.
Are Cloud Computing Certifications Worth It?
Yes, cloud computing certifications are worth it. Having the best certifications for cloud computing shows that you have the right skills and experience to fit the role. With a high salary and an excellent job outlook, becoming a cloud computing professional sets you up for a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Best Certifications for Cloud Computing FAQ
The best cloud computing certifications are Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer Certification, CompTIA Cloud+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP). These certifications are provided by top tech companies such as Google and Microsoft which means you’re receiving a high-quality credential.
Yes, a cloud certification is worth it. Some of the reasons you should get a cloud computing certification include higher salaries and more job opportunities. With these certifications, you will stand out among other IT candidates to hiring managers at companies including cloud companies.
Yes, you can earn more money as a cloud computing professional, as being specialized in this field positions you for higher average salaries than other IT positions. However, your unique expertise, level of experience, and certifications can influence the salary amount earned in a particular role or at a particular company.
Google Cloud Certification allows you to demonstrate your skills in using Google Cloud technology. You can choose from three options, including foundational certification, associate certification, and professional certification. All of these test your expertise with the Google Cloud Platform.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
