Best Cloud Computing Certification Paths 2023

Cloud computing has revolutionized the IT industry, offering organizations scalable and flexible computing resources. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud technology, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. Obtaining a cloud computing certification can open doors to exciting career opportunities and help you stay ahead in this competitive field.

A cloud computing certification not only validates your expertise but also demonstrates your commitment to staying updated with the latest industry trends. Whether you are an experienced professional looking to enhance your skills or someone new to the field, investing in a cloud computing certification can provide significant returns.

With the projected growth of cloud technology in enterprise IT spending, it’s clear that having the right skills and certifications is crucial for career advancement. According to Gartner, cloud technology is predicted to comprise 14 percent of global enterprise IT spending in 2024.

Furthermore, the average salary for cloud computing professionals in the United States is an impressive $118,669, higher than the overall industry average, according to ZipRecruiter. Earning a cloud computing certification can position you for higher-paying roles and provide job stability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

If you’re considering a career in cloud computing or looking to expand your expertise in the field, it’s essential to choose the right certification path. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cloud computing certifications available in 2023, their benefits, and what you can expect from each certification program.

Should You Get a Cloud Certification?

While hands-on experience is valuable in the IT industry, a cloud computing certification can indicate your abilities and help you stand out to hiring managers. It can also be beneficial if you want to gain experience in cloud computing or integrate cloud into your career. Cloud computing professionals are in high demand, and obtaining a cloud computing certification can significantly increase your job prospects and earning potential.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for cloud computing professionals is $118,669, which is higher than the overall industry average. This demonstrates that having a cloud computing certification can lead to a lucrative career in the field. Employers recognize the value of certified professionals and are willing to offer competitive salaries to attract top talent.

Furthermore, with the increasing shift towards cloud-based technologies, obtaining a cloud computing certification can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and leverage these technologies effectively. It showcases your commitment to staying updated with industry advancements and your ability to adapt to new technologies.

Moreover, having a cloud computing certification can give you a competitive edge over other candidates during the hiring process. It demonstrates that you have the essential skills and expertise required to excel in cloud-related roles. Employers often use certifications as a benchmark to assess candidates’ capabilities, and having a cloud computing certification can make your resume stand out.

Whether you are a recent graduate looking to enter the IT industry or an experienced professional aiming to enhance your skill set, considering a cloud computing certification can be a worthwhile investment in your career. It not only validates your competence in cloud computing but also opens doors to exciting job opportunities and career growth.

In the next section, we will explore some of the top cloud computing certification programs available that are recognized and respected in the industry.

Cloud Certifications to Consider

If you’re looking to enhance your skills and knowledge in cloud computing, there are several reputable cloud certifications that professionals can consider. These certifications provide a valuable credential and can open up new career opportunities in the field.

Here are some of the top cloud computing certification programs and courses:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect – Associate: This certification validates your expertise in deploying and managing applications on the AWS platform. It covers a wide range of AWS services and architectural principles. The cost of the certification exam is approximately $150.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: This entry-level certification is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their understanding of Azure cloud services. It covers Azure core services, Azure solutions, and network security. The cost of the certification exam is approximately $99.
3. Google Associate Cloud Engineer: This certification focuses on deploying applications, managing storage and databases, and configuring access and security in the Google Cloud environment. It is ideal for individuals who want to work with Google Cloud. The cost of the certification exam is approximately $200.
4. IBM Certified Technical Advocate – Cloud v3: This certification is designed for technical professionals who work as advocates for IBM Cloud solutions. It covers various cloud technologies and solutions offered by IBM. The cost of the certification exam is approximately $150.

These cloud computing certification programs and courses provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in cloud technologies. They can help you advance your career and stay competitive in the rapidly growing cloud computing industry.

AWS Solutions Architect – Associate

The AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification is a valuable credential for individuals looking to showcase their expertise in deploying, managing, and utilizing various services in Amazon Web Services (AWS) – the leading cloud platform in the industry. This certification is highly sought after by employers and can open doors to exciting career opportunities in cloud engineering.

As an AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, you will demonstrate proficiency in cloud engineering skills, enabling you to design and implement robust and scalable AWS solutions that meet the unique requirements of businesses. By obtaining this certification, you validate your ability to architect and deploy applications on AWS, making you a valuable asset to organizations leveraging cloud technology.

The certification exam for the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate assesses your knowledge and understanding of compute, networking, storage, and database services offered by AWS. It also evaluates your understanding of architectural principles and global infrastructure, ensuring that you can design effective and efficient solutions on the AWS platform.

Upon successful completion of the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to:

1. Design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS
2. Choose appropriate AWS services based on specific requirements
3. Migrate complex, multi-tier applications to AWS
4. Design and implement secure applications and architectures on AWS
5. Optimize AWS infrastructure for cost-effectiveness and performance

The AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification is recognized and respected in the industry, serving as a testament to your expertise in cloud engineering using AWS. It holds significant value for individuals looking to advance their careers in cloud computing and offers opportunities to work with reputable organizations that rely on AWS to power their operations.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification is a foundational certification that provides a comprehensive overview of Azure cloud services. This certification is suitable for both technical and non-technical professionals who want to gain a solid understanding of Azure and cloud services.

The certification exam for Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals covers essential topics such as cloud service differences, core Azure services, Azure solutions, and network security. By earning this certification, professionals can demonstrate their knowledge and competence in working with Azure, one of the leading cloud platforms in the industry.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification serves as a prerequisite for more advanced Azure certifications, making it an important first step for professionals looking to specialize in Azure cloud services.

Here’s an overview of the key areas covered in the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification:

1. Cloud service differences: Understanding the difference between Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) and when to use each.
2. Core Azure services: Getting familiar with core Azure services such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure App Service, and Azure Functions.
3. Azure solutions: Exploring different Azure solutions like Azure IoT, Azure AI, and Azure Analytics.
4. Network security: Understanding the basics of network security in Azure, including Azure Virtual Network, Azure Firewall, and Azure DDoS Protection.

By obtaining the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification, professionals can enhance their understanding of Azure and cloud services, opening up new career opportunities in the ever-growing cloud industry.

Next, we’ll explore another reputable cloud certification: Google Associate Cloud Engineer.

Google Associate Cloud Engineer

The Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification is a prestigious qualification that showcases your expertise in working with Google Cloud. This certification focuses on assessing your capabilities in setting up a cloud solution environment, managing storage and databases, configuring access and security, and deploying applications.

Obtaining the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification is highly beneficial for individuals interested in working with Google Cloud or industries that primarily utilize Google cloud platforms. With the increasing popularity of cloud computing, proficiency in Google Cloud is becoming a sought-after skill that can open up a wide range of career opportunities.

As a Google Associate Cloud Engineer, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in cloud solution environments. This certification not only validates your understanding of Google Cloud services and applications but also demonstrates your ability to implement cloud solutions effectively.