4/6/2023
Cloud computing is a rapidly growing field that has become a critical part of modern technology. With cloud computing, businesses can access computing resources such as servers, storage, databases, and software over the internet, rather than having to build and maintain their own infrastructure. As cloud computing continues to grow, the demand for professionals with cloud skills and certifications is increasing rapidly.
In this blog, we'll discuss the following top cloud certifications that can benefit both professionals seeking to improve their career in cloud computing and businesses looking to ensure their employees possess the necessary skills and expertise to effectively design, deploy, and manage cloud solutions.
Blog Contents
- Microsoft Azure Certifications
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certifications
- (ISC)² and CompTIA Cloud Certifications
- Benefits of Cloud Certifications
- Conclusion
Microsoft Azure Certifications
Microsoft Azure is a popular cloud computing platform that offers a range of services and solutions for businesses and individuals. As one of the leading cloud platforms in the industry, Microsoft Azure provides various certifications to validate professionals' expertise in designing and implementing solutions on the platform. To help you navigate through the options, here are the top Microsoft Azure certifications:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is best suited for professionals who specialize in designing and implementing solutions on Microsoft Azure. This certification validates their expertise in translating complex business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions that meet the needs of their organizations.
To earn this certification, candidates must pass the AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Architect Design exam. This exam covers a wide range of topics, such as designing and deploying Azure infrastructure, securing Azure solutions, designing data storage solutions, and more. By passing this exam and earning the certification, professionals can demonstrate their mastery of Azure architecture and design principles, as well as their ability to manage and optimize Azure resources to achieve business goals.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification is best suited for professionals with experience in developing and deploying cloud applications on Microsoft Azure.
To earn this certification, candidates must pass the AZ-204 exam, which covers topics such as developing Azure compute and storage solutions, implementing Azure security, and monitoring and optimizing Azure solutions.
The certification validates skills and knowledge in building and integrating cloud applications with other Azure services, configuring and monitoring Azure resources, and is particularly relevant for developers interested in building and deploying cloud-based applications and services.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification validates skills and knowledge in managing and monitoring Azure resources and services, making it a valuable certification for businesses that use the Azure platform. It demonstrates the ability to manage Azure subscriptions, configure virtual networks, and secure identities, enabling professionals to effectively manage Azure resources and services.
To earn this certification, candidates must pass the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator exam, which covers a broad range of topics such as managing Azure identities and governance, compute resources, and storage.
Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
The Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification is best suited for professionals who have experience in software development, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and infrastructure as code. This certification helps individuals demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing DevOps practices for Azure and can open up new career opportunities in the cloud computing industry.
To earn this certification, candidates must pass two exams: AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions and either AZ-204 or AZ-104. These exams cover topics such as implementing DevOps development processes, implementing continuous integration and delivery, and monitoring and optimizing Azure solutions.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certifications
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a highly utilized cloud computing platform that offers businesses flexibility and scalability to build, deploy, and manage their applications and infrastructure in the cloud. With cost savings, high availability, and reliability, AWS provides businesses with the ability to scale up or down as required, as well as a wide range of security and compliance features. Additionally, AWS provides various certifications for professionals to verify their expertise in developing and deploying solutions on the platform. The following AWS certifications are highly recognized in the industry:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is ideal for professionals seeking to validate their proficiency in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. This certification demonstrates the ability to design and deploy systems that meet business and technical requirements.
In order to obtain this certification, candidates must pass the SAA-C02: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam, which covers a variety of topics including designing resilient architectures, secure applications, and cost-optimized architectures.
AWS Certified Developer - Associate
The AWS Certified Developer - Associate certification is best suited for professionals who are involved in the development and deployment of cloud-based applications using AWS services. This certification validates expertise in designing, developing, and deploying applications on AWS, and demonstrates the ability to utilize AWS services to develop highly scalable, fault-tolerant, and cost-effective applications.
To earn this certification, candidates must pass the DVA-C01: AWS Certified Developer - Associate exam. This exam covers topics such as AWS core services, developing and maintaining AWS-based applications, and debugging AWS applications.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate certification is ideal for individuals who specialize in managing and monitoring AWS resources and services. This certification validates the ability to deploy, manage, and operate scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
To obtain this certification, candidates must pass the SOA-C02: AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate exam, which covers various topics such as deploying, managing, and operating scalable systems, monitoring and logging AWS resources, and implementing and managing security and compliance.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional certification is best suited for professionals who have expertise in designing and implementing DevOps practices for AWS. This certification demonstrates the ability to design and manage continuous delivery systems, automate deployment processes, and monitor and optimize AWS environments.
Candidates must pass the DOP-C01: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional exam, which covers topics such as designing and managing continuous delivery systems, implementing and managing infrastructure as code, and monitoring and logging AWS environments.
Other Cloud Certifications
Besides Microsoft Azure and AWS certifications, there are various other cloud certifications that professionals can obtain to enhance their career prospects in cloud computing. Two sought-after certifications are:
(ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The (ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is an advanced-level certification that demonstrates the holder's expertise in cloud security. This certification is ideal for professionals who want to showcase their knowledge and skills in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and compliance. By earning this certification, professionals can demonstrate their ability to design and implement secure cloud environments and manage cloud security risks effectively.
To be eligible for the (ISC)² CCSP certification exam, candidates must have a minimum of five years of cumulative paid full-time information technology experience, with at least three years of experience in information security and at least one year of experience in one or more of the six CCSP domains. These domains include cloud data security, cloud platform and infrastructure security, cloud application security, operations, legal and compliance, and risk management and governance.
The (ISC)² CCSP certification is an industry-recognized credential that can help professionals stand out in the competitive cloud security job market. For businesses, having employees who hold the CCSP certification can provide peace of mind that their cloud environments are secure and compliant with industry standards. Additionally, certified professionals can help businesses develop and maintain robust cloud security policies and procedures to protect against data breaches and other security threats.
BONUS: Passing the CCSP Certification Exam meets U.S. DoD Directive 8140/8570.01 Technical (IAT) Level-III, and I Information Assurance Security Architect/Engineer (IASAE) Level-III
CompTIA Cloud+
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification is ideal for professionals seeking to validate their knowledge of cloud technologies and improve their career prospects in cloud computing. This certification demonstrates expertise in implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting cloud technologies, including infrastructure, security, and deployment. It covers topics such as cloud architecture and design, security and compliance, and deployment and automation.
To earn the CompTIA Cloud+ certification, candidates must pass the CV0-003 exam, which is designed to assess their understanding of cloud technologies and their ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. This certification is best suited for IT professionals, including network administrators, system administrators, and cloud developers, who are responsible for implementing and managing cloud solutions for their organizations. It is also suitable for those who are interested in pursuing a career in cloud computing and want to demonstrate their expertise in the field.
BONUS: Passing the Cloud+ Certification Exam meets U.S. DoD Directive 8140/8570.01 Management (IAM) Level-I, CSSP Analyst, and CSSP Infrastructure Support
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A report by IDC predicts that by 2025, the world's data will grow to 175 zettabytes, and more than 49% of that data will be stored in public cloud environments, increasing the demand for cloud-certified professionals. |
Benefits of Cloud Certifications
Earning cloud certifications not only benefits professionals in the field of cloud computing but also provides advantages to businesses. Here are some benefits of having certified employees:
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Validation of skills and expertise
Having certified employees ensures that they have the knowledge and skills needed to design, deploy, and manage cloud solutions, which translates to better quality of work and improved productivity. -
Increased credibility
A team of certified professionals adds credibility to a business and demonstrates its commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies and best practices. -
Improved customer satisfaction
Employing certified professionals assures customers that their cloud solutions are in capable hands, leading to increased satisfaction and trust in the business. -
Competitive advantage
With certified employees, a business has a competitive edge over others in the industry, demonstrating its expertise and ability to provide quality cloud solutions to clients. -
Continuous learning
Cloud certifications require professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies, which benefits businesses by promoting continuous learning and enabling them to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving cloud computing industry.
Conclusion
Cloud computing has become an essential component of modern technology, and the demand for professionals with cloud skills and certifications is rapidly increasing. Leading cloud computing platforms, Microsoft Azure and AWS offer various certifications to validate expertise in deploying and designing cloud solutions. Other widely recognized certifications in the field of cloud computing include the (ISC)², CCSP, and CompTIA Cloud+.
Certified professionals can reap numerous benefits, including validating their skills and expertise, gaining increased credibility, experiencing career advancement, industry recognition, and continued learning opportunities. Businesses can also benefit from having certified employees with advanced knowledge and expertise in cloud computing, enabling them to design and implement more efficient and secure cloud solutions. Therefore, pursuing cloud certifications is crucial for professionals interested in advancing their careers in cloud computing while providing businesses with skilled and certified employees.
Not sure where to start or still wondering which cloud certification training is best for you and your team? Contact us today to schedule a discussion with a personalized Training Advisor.
