The increasing demand for certified cloud computing professionals has shown tremendous growth in the cloud job sector. This as a result has increased the value of those holding cloud certifications. With ruling the market for the last few years, cloud computing has grown exponentially by helping many top organizations using its services. However, Cloud services are a pathway for reducing costs and enhancing data storage capability. Services include are:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Related to the cloud certifications, in this blog we will be talking about the top certifications that are ruling the market. With this, we will also understand their criteria and exam details to help you in deciding which one is right for you.
Before that, just take a look at the importance of cloud computing and why it is worth getting certified in this.
Why Cloud Computing?
You must know that, according to a report, the cloud infrastructure market will grow more in the coming years. And, the demand for the cloud has already increased amongst individuals and organizations. This has opened new doors of opportunities for people by getting certified with cloud and land on their dream job using the skills.
Value of getting Certified:
Skills and experience are all that matter nowadays. Having the right skills and knowledge can result in pay increases. And, for achieving this, nowadays getting a good certification is all that is necessary. However, earning a certification will not only help in gaining skills but also in:
- Firstly, validation of knowledge and increasing marketability
- Secondly, increasing earning power and enhancing academic performance
- Thirdly, improved market reputation and enhancing credibility
- Lastly, increasing level of confidence
Moving on, now we will talk about some of the trending cloud certifications available in the market. This will be the key that will open doors for a good career.
All About Cloud Certifications
Cloud Certification helps in providing advantages to both professionals and job candidates by enhancing their skills. This not only helps them to stand out in the market but also provides them the confidence to showcase the level of skills they achieved.
However, moving on to the cloud certification exam, below you will find various cloud certifications with exam details to help you understand them better. Starting with AWS!
List of Top-Rated Cloud Certifications
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam is good for individuals performing a solutions architect role. They must have knowledge and experience of one or more years in designing cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS. Further, this exam measures candidates’ skills and abilities.
Abilities Validated by the Certification:
- Firstly, illustrating knowledge for architecting and deploying secure applications on AWS technologies.
- Secondly, defining a solution using architectural design principles based on customer requirements.
- Lastly, providing implementation guidance based on best practices to the organization throughout the life cycle of the project.
Knowledge and Experience
- Firstly, the experience in using compute, networking, storage, and database AWS services
- Secondly, knowledge and experience with AWS deployment and management services
- Thirdly, skills in identifying and defining technical requirements for an AWS-based application.
- Then, the ability to identify which AWS services meet a given technical requirement.
- After that, understanding of the basic architectural principles of building on the AWS Cloud and AWS global infrastructure.
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will be 65 questions that can be of either multiple-choice or multiple response types.
- Secondly, the exam can be taken at the testing center or online.
- Thirdly, the time duration to complete the exam is 130 minutes.
- Next, the exam cost is 150 USD.
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese language.
Salary:
The salary of an Entry-level AWS Architect is around ₹4,80,000 per annum. However, for those with experience in this field, their salary can range from ₹1,800,000 to ₹3,000,000 per annum.
2. AWS Certified Developer Associate
The AWS Certified Developer Associate exam is best for individuals who are performing a development role. They must also be required to have experience of one or more years in developing and maintaining an AWS-based application.
Abilities Validated by the Certification
- Firstly, illustrating an understanding of core AWS services and basic AWS architecture best practices
- Secondly, demonstrating proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS
Knowledge and Experience
- Firstly, there is a need for in-depth knowledge of at least one high-level programming language.
- Secondly, understanding of core AWS services and getting familiarity in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS.
- Thirdly, skills for using the AWS service APIs, AWS CLI, and SDKs to write applications.
- Then, understanding and knowledge of the AWS shared responsibility model and application lifecycle management.
- Next, the ability in:
- Using CI/CD pipeline to deploy applications on AWS
- Using AWS services
- Applying a basic understanding of cloud-native applications for writing code
- Lastly, proficiency in writing code for serverless applications
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will be 65 questions that can be of either multiple-choice or multiple response types.
- Secondly, the exam can be taken at the testing center or online.
- Thirdly, the time duration to complete the exam is 130 minutes.
- Next, the exam cost is 150 USD.
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese language.
Salary:
According to a job survey, the average salary of an AWS Certified Developer Associate is ₹853,000 per annum.
3. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam is for those with knowledge and skills in AWS Cloud.
Abilities Validated by the Certification
- Firstly, defining what the AWS Cloud is and the basic global infrastructure
- Secondly, explaining basic AWS Cloud architectural principles
- Thirdly, explaining the AWS Cloud value proposition
- Then, describing key services on the AWS platform
- After that, explaining basic security and compliance aspects of the AWS platform and the shared security model
- Lastly, defining the billing, account management, and pricing models
Knowledge and Experience
- Firstly, there is a need to have experience of at least six months with the AWS Cloud in any role, including technical, managerial, sales, purchasing, or financial
- Secondly, a basic understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS Cloud platform
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will be 65 questions that can be of either multiple-choice or multiple response types.
- Secondly, the exam can be taken at the testing center or online.
- Thirdly, the time duration to complete the exam is 90 minutes.
- Next, the exam cost is 100 USD.
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Indonesian (Bahasa), Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese language.
Salary:
As per a job survey, the salary of an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner can range up to $1,48,623 per annum.
4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate (SOA-C02) exam is a new version that is designed for system administrators in a cloud operations role. Moreover, they must also have knowledge and experience of at least one year in deploying, managing, networking, and security on AWS.
However, the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate exam validates an examinee’s ability in:
- Firstly, maintaining AWS workloads as per the AWS Well-Architected Framework
- Thirdly, executing operations using the AWS Management Console and the AWS CLI. And, implementing security controls for meeting compliance requirements.
- Next, monitoring, log, and troubleshooting systems
- Then, applying networking concepts (for example, DNS, TCP/IP, firewalls) and implementing architectural requirements like high availability, performance, capacity
- Lastly, performing business continuity and disaster recovery procedures as well as identifying and classifying incidents
Knowledge and Experience
- Firstly, a minimum of one year of hands-on experience with AWS technology and experience in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS
- Secondly, knowledge and understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework
- Thirdly, hands-on experience of performing operations with the AWS Management Console and the AWS CLI
- Next, knowledge of AWS networking and security services
- Lastly, hands-on experience in implementing security controls and compliance requirements
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will be 65 questions that can be of either multiple-choice or multiple response types.
- Secondly, the exam can be taken at the testing center or online.
- Thirdly, the time duration to complete the exam is 130 minutes.
- Next, the exam cost is 150 USD.
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese language.
Salary:
According to a job survey, the average salary of an AWS SysOps Administrator salary can range from ₹711,000 per year to ₹1,170,000 depending upon the experience.
5. Google Associate Cloud Engineer
An Associate Cloud Engineer has the ability for:
- deploying applications
- monitorings operations
- managing enterprise solutions
Further, the individual must know how to use Google Cloud Console and the command-line interface for performing common platform tasks to maintain one or more deployed solutions that support Google-managed or self-managed services on Google Cloud.
Next, the Associate Cloud Engineer exam assesses your ability in:
- Firstly, setting up a cloud solution environment
- Secondly, planning and configuring a cloud solution
- Thirdly, deploying and implementing a cloud solution
- Lastly, ensuring the successful operation of a cloud solution
Recommended experience
- Have a six months or more years of hands-on experience with Google Cloud before applying for the exam.
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will be 50 questions that can be of either multiple-choice or multiple select types.
- Secondly, the exam can be taken at the testing center or online.
- Thirdly, the time duration to complete the exam is 2 hours.
- Next, the exam cost is $125.
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Japanese, and Spanish language.
Salary:
As per a job survey, the average salary of a Cloud Engineer is ₹ 6,00,000 per annum.
6. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
A Professional Cloud Architect enables organizations for leveraging Google Cloud technologies. They must have the ability in designing, developing, and managing, secure, scalable, and dynamic solutions for driving business objectives. And, an understanding of cloud architecture and Google Cloud Platform.
This exam assesses your ability in:
- Firstly, designing and planning a cloud solution architecture
- Secondly, managing and provisioning the cloud solution infrastructure
- Then, designing for security and compliance
- Next, analyzing and optimizing technology and business processes
- Lastly, managing implementations of cloud architecture
Recommended experience:
- There is a recommendation of having three or more years of industry experience including one plus years of experience in designing and managing solutions using GCP.
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will be multiple-choice or multiple select types of questions.
- Secondly, the exam can be taken at the testing center or online.
- Thirdly, the time duration to complete the exam is 2 hours.
- Next, the exam cost is $200.
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English and Japanese language.
Salary:
The salary of a cloud architect can range from Rs 1,000,000 per annum to Rs 5,000,000 per annum depending on the experience.
7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP cloud security certification can help you in building a career and get recognition globally. This will help you validate your advanced technical skills and knowledge for designing, managing, and securing data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud using best practices by the cybersecurity experts at (ISC)².
Intended Audience
The CCSP is suitable for IT and information security leaders having the ability to apply best practices to cloud security architecture. And, for those in the role of:
- Firstly, Enterprise Architect
- Security Administrator
- Then, Systems Engineer
- Security Architect
- Next. Security Consultant
- Security Engineer
- Lastly, Security Manager
Experience Requirements
- Firstly, you must have experience of a minimum of 5 years in information technology. Out of which, three years must be in information security and one year in 1 or more of the 6 domains of the CCSP CBK.
- Secondly, Earning CSA’s CCSK certificate can be substituted for one year of experience in 1 or more of the 6 domains of the CCSP CBK. Further, earning (ISC)²’s CISSP certification can be substituted for the entire CCSP experience requirement.
- Lastly, a candidate with no experience to become a CCSP may become an Associate of (ISC)² by successfully passing the CCSP examination. However, the Associate of (ISC)² will then have 6 years to earn the 5 years required experience.
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will 125 questions that will be multiple-choice types.
- Secondly, the exam can be taken at the Pearson VUE testing center.
- Thirdly, the time duration to complete the exam is 3 hours.
- Next, the exam cost is $599.
- The passing score for the exam is 700 out of 1000 points.
- Lastly, this exam can be given in the English language.
Salary:
As per a job survey, (ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) can earn up to ₹1,350,000 and more depending on the experience.
8. CompTIA Cloud+
CompTIA Cloud+ validates your skills for maintaining and optimizing cloud infrastructure services. This helps in getting the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of system administrators for validating what is necessary to perform effectively in data center jobs.
Further, the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam will verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to:
- Firstly, understanding cloud architecture and design
- Secondly, deploying cloud services and solutions
- Thirdly, maintaining, securing, and optimizing a cloud environment
- Lastly, troubleshooting common issues related to cloud management
Recommended experience
- Firstly, at least two or three years of work experience in IT systems administration or IT networking
- Secondly, CompTIA Network+ and Server+ or equivalent knowledge
- Thirdly, familiarity with any major hypervisor technology for server virtualization and knowledge of cloud service models
- Lastly, knowledge of IT service management and hands-on experience with at least one public or private cloud IaaS platform
Major Job Roles
Passing the exam can help you get one of the following job role:
- Firstly, System Administrator
- Secondly, Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Then, Network Engineer
- Cloud Developer
- Next, Cloud Specialist
- Project Manager
- Cloud Engineer
- Lastly, Business Analyst
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will 90 questions that will be multiple-choice and performance-based types.
- Secondly, the time duration to complete the exam is 90 minutes.
- Next, the exam cost is $338 USD.
- The passing score for the exam is 750 (on a scale of 100-900).
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English and Japanese language.
Salary:
As per a job survey, the average salary of CompTIA Cloud+ certified professionals will range up to $73K per annum. It can increase depending upon the experience.
9. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Candidates for the Azure Fundamentals certification should have basic knowledge of cloud services. This certification is good for those who are just starting their career with cloud-based solutions and services. To earn this certification, candidates have to pass the Microsoft AZ-900 exam.
Azure Fundamentals certification provides knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and privacy in Azure including Azure pricing and support. For this, candidates should have familiarity with the general technology concepts, including concepts of networking, storage, compute, application support, and application development.
Further, the exam measures your ability to explain the concept of cloud, core Azure services, core solutions, and management tools on Azure and general security and network security features.
Target Audience:
- Administrator
- Business User
- Developer
- Student
- Technology Manager
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will 40-60 questions in the exam.
- Secondly, the exam cost is $99 USD.
- The passing score is 700 (on a scale of 100-900).
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Chinese (simplified), Korean, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese language.
Salary:
As per a job survey, the Azure Fundamentals certification will help in getting a job in which salary can range up to $126,653 and more depending on the experience.
10. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Candidates who want to earn Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate will have to pass the AZ-104 exam. However, for this exam, candidates must have skills in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment. Further, the exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks:
Microsoft AZ-104 Exam has been updated in the course outline as on July 28, 2022.
- Manage Azure identities and governance (15—20%)
- Implement and manage storage (15—20%)
- Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20—25%)
- Configure and manage virtual networking (20—25%)
- Monitor and maintain Azure resources (10—15%)
Knowledge and Experience
- Firstly, the candidate must have experience of at least six months of hands-on experience administering Azure.
- Secondly, they should have a strong understanding of core Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and governance.
- Lastly, they should have experience using PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal, and Azure Resource Manager templates.
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will 40-60 questions in the exam.
- Secondly, the exam cost is $165 USD.
- The passing score 700 (on a scale of 100-900).
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Chinese (simplified), Korean, and Japanese language.
Salary:
As per a job survey, an Azure Administrator Associate’s average salary can range up to $125,993 per annum. This can increase depending upon the experience.
11. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Candidates for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification should have knowledge of designing and implementing solutions running on Microsoft Azure. They must have knowledge and skills for administering Azure.
Further, to earn this certification, candidates have to pass two exams, Microsoft AZ-303 and AZ-304.
- Firstly, Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies
- Secondly, Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design
However, candidates for this exam should have skills in designing and implementing solutions including aspects like compute, network, storage, and security. They should be able to understand Azure development and DevOps processes.
Further, the responsibilities for an Azure Solution Architect include:
- Firstly, advising stakeholders
- Secondly, the ability to translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions.
Knowledge and Experience
- Firstly, the candidate should have advanced experience and knowledge of IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platform, budgeting, and governance.
- Secondly, they should have expert-level skills in Azure administration and have experience with Azure development and DevOps processes.
Exam Format
In this exam,
- Firstly, there will 40-60 questions in the exam.
- Secondly, the exam cost is $165 USD.
- The passing score is 700 (on a scale of 100-900).
- Lastly, this exam can be given in English, Chinese (simplified), and Korean language.
Salary:
As per a job survey, a mid-career Solutions Architect with 5-9 years of experience can have an average salary of ₹1,440,000 per annum. Further, those with 10-19 years of experience can have an average salary of ₹2,125,000 per annum.
Final Words
We are well aware of the growing popularity of the Cloud computing sector and how it is ruling the job market. With the world going digital, the demand for cloud computing certification has even taken a more advanced level. Every organizations and business are more towards the cloud. And, this has opened new opportunities for individuals with cloud skills in various sector. So, I cannot say which certification exam is right as this decision is yours to make, depending on your skills. Go through the listed exam, match your skills, and get yourself prepare for the exam.
