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The Ultimate Guide to Cloud Certification in 2024

Cloud computing has quickly become the backbone of modern businesses, but most businesses lack the skills and cloud certifications to capitalize on the cloud. Nearly 75% of IT decision-makers report gaps in IT staff skills, and the gap is only growing wider.

“Over the next few years, cloud computing will continue to evolve from being an innovation facilitator to a business disruptor and, ultimately, a business necessity,” say the experts at Gartner.

One of the best ways to jump on this trend is by securing a cloud certification—it’s essentially a badge that validates your skills and helps you stand out in the job market. This is a chance to learn valuable skills, advance your career, and set yourself up with job security for the foreseeable future.

Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cloud certifications to find the best options on the market and help you climb the career ladder in the fast-evolving world of cloud computing.

What is cloud certification?

A cloud certification is a professional credential that validates an individual’s expertise and skills in cloud computing technologies and services. It typically involves passing an exam that tests knowledge of specific hyperscaler cloud platforms, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

These certifications are often offered by the cloud service providers themselves or by independent organizations specializing in IT certification. Cloud certifications can enhance career prospects, demonstrate proficiency to employers, and help professionals stay current with rapidly evolving cloud technologies.

Benefits of cloud certification

While there’s a growing IT-skills gap, that doesn’t mean the industry isn’t competitive. You’ll still need to do your part to stand out from other candidates.

Here’s how cloud certifications help you do that:

Career advancement: Cloud computing certifications boost your career prospects by making your resume stand out to potential employers. They prove you have the skills to handle complex cloud environments. Certified professionals often find it easier to secure promotions and higher-level positions.
Skill validation: These certifications formally acknowledge your cloud computing skills. They demonstrate to employers and peers that you have the technical competencies to design, deploy, and manage cloud solutions.
Increased marketability: Holding a cloud certification increases your value in the job market. Employers are more likely to hire certified professionals because they trust the standards set by reputable certifying bodies. This trust translates to better job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.
Networking opportunities: A cloud computing certification often grants access to exclusive communities, forums, and events. These networking opportunities can connect you with other cloud computing professionals in the field, opening doors to collaborations and job opportunities.

Types of cloud certifications

You’ll find cloud certifications for varying roles and expertise levels. Here are a few of the main categories:

Vendor-specific certifications

These certifications are offered by cloud service providers and focus on their specific platforms. Some of the most popular vendor-specific certifications include:

Amazon Web Services (AWS): Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator.
Microsoft Azure: Certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Azure Administrator Associate, and Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Options include Google Associate Cloud Engineer, Professional Cloud Architect, and Professional Data Engineer.

Role-based certifications

Role-based certifications meet specific job functions within cloud computing. They help individuals specialize in particular areas by providing the skills needed for more specific roles. Common role-based certifications include:

Cloud architect: Focuses on designing and implementing cloud solutions.
Cloud developer: Concentrates on developing applications and services for the cloud.
Cloud administrator: Emphasizes managing and maintaining cloud environments.
Specialized roles: Includes certifications for security, DevOps, and data science roles within the cloud.

General certifications

General cloud certifications cover broader cloud computing concepts and practices. They’re an excellent option for individuals looking for a comprehensive understanding of the field. These certifications are often platform-agnostic and provide foundational knowledge that applies across different cloud services. Examples include:

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CompTIA Cloud+
Cloud Credential Council (CCC) Cloud Technology Associate

5 best cloud certification providers

A quick search for cloud certifications will lead you down an endless rabbit hole that provides more questions than answers:

What courses are legitimate?
Which certifications offer the most value?
Do companies and hiring managers prefer certain providers?
What are the prerequisites for each certification?
Which certification aligns best with my career goals?
Are all certifications created equally?

We’ll help you navigate these questions. We’ve narrowed down the leading cloud certification providers based on their industry recognition, comprehensive training programs, and overall value.

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS certifications validate the expertise of cloud professionals in using AWS services. Employers who build their products on AWS like to see candidates with these types of certifications.