The Comprehensive Guide to Top Cloud Computing Certifications in 2023
The realm of cloud computing has experienced a massive surge in demand, particularly in light of the shift toward remote work induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the need for certified cloud professionals has skyrocketed. Holding a cloud certification can significantly elevate your career trajectory, boost your salary, and make you stand out in a rapidly growing industry.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top cloud computing certifications for 2023, offered by prominent companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Whether you're a beginner in the cloud domain or an experienced professional looking to hone your skills or validate your expertise, there's a certification tailored for you.
Understanding Cloud Computing Certifications
Cloud certifications validate a professional's competency in specific cloud services or solutions. They are designed for various experience levels, from foundational and associate to professional and specialty levels. They cover diverse aspects of cloud technology, including the fundamental use of cloud services, the design, operation, implementation, and troubleshooting of cloud infrastructures, and specialized areas such as networking, database, data analytics, security, and machine learning.
Amazon Cloud Computing Certifications
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud service provider that offers a range of cloud computing certifications. Let’s delve into some of the most popular ones:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
This certification is designed for professionals capable of solution architecture, including deploying and securing web applications. It is targeted at individuals with at least one year of experience with AWS services. The examination for this certification is vast and requires an in-depth understanding of AWS services. The average salary with this credential is approximately $159,033 per annum.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
This is a foundational level certification ideal for anyone starting with cloud computing and the AWS cloud platform. It provides a comprehensive overview of AWS cloud services, including security, account management, and more. The average payout for this certification is around $113,000 per annum on average.
AWS Certified Developer - Associate
Ideal for developers who have the skills to build and develop apps using AWS solutions, this certification is highly valued in the cloud domain. With the growing demand for developers for AWS, the average salary of AWS developers with this credential is about $102,000 per annum.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
This associate certification is designed for individuals with at least one year of experience in deployment, management, and operations on AWS. The holder of this certificate will have the responsibility of deploying web applications in the cloud as well as monitoring operations and managing the whole enterprise solutions and configuring access and security.
Google Cloud Computing Certifications
Google is another giant in the cloud computing domain offering a variety of cloud certifications. Here are some of the top ones:
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
This certification aids cloud professionals in designing, developing, and managing solutions that are secure, robust, scalable, dynamic, and highly available to meet business goals on GCP. It gives an average salary of around $169,029, making it one of the highest paying credentials today.
Google Associate Cloud Engineer
This certification is recommended for those with more than six months of experience with Google Cloud. It covers skills like setting up a cloud solution environment, deploying applications, and monitoring operations, among others.
Microsoft Cloud Computing Certifications
Microsoft Azure is another major player in the cloud computing space, offering a suite of cloud certifications. Some of the key ones include:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
This certification is ideal for individuals wanting to understand the basics of cloud computing, Azure solutions, and core Azure services. It pays one of the highest salaries, averaging out at $126,000 per annum.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect - Expert
This is an advanced-level credential designed for professionals who can design and implement solutions in Microsoft Azure. The estimated average salary after earning this certification is around $135,000 per annum.
CompTIA Cloud Computing Certifications
CompTIA is a well-known non-profit trade association offering several professional certifications in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data and analytics. Two of its top cloud computing certifications are:
CompTIA Cloud+
This certification validates experience in security, operations, architecture, troubleshooting, and deployment. It is designed to enhance the skills of cloud engineers and administrators and guide network engineers into the cloud.
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
This certification validates knowledge of fundamental cloud operations, concepts, and principles. It is ideal for individuals who are just starting their journey in the cloud domain.
Other Cloud Computing Certifications
Apart from the certifications offered by Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, there are other valuable cloud computing certifications provided by Cisco and (ISC)². Cisco offers the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cloud and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud certifications. (ISC)², on the other hand, offers the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification.
Career Prospects for Cloud Certified Professionals
The Final Word
In conclusion, the importance of cloud certifications in boosting your career prospects in the tech industry is undeniable. While the learning path might differ based on the platform, AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure, the benefits are universally acknowledged. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, acquiring a cloud certification can open new doors of opportunities, enhance your practical and technical skills, and keep you updated with trending technology.