Overview of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing, or storing data and services online rather than on a computer hard drive, is becoming more and more popular. Cloud adoption has been hastened by increased internet access, lower cloud usage costs, new technologies, and the digitization of numerous services due to pandemics.

Cloud Certification

According to business consultancy firm Gartner, cloud computing will account for 14% of all commercial IT investment globally by 2024, up from 9% in 2020. Cloud computing expertise is in high demand. As of March 2024, the average pay for cloud computing specialists in the US was $99,881, as per Glassdoor.

Is Cloud Certification worth it?

In the IT industry, as in many others, practical experience frequently speaks louder than a qualification. Having said that, a certification can help you fill in any experience gaps and serve as a useful indicator of your abilities to hiring managers.

An entry-level IT certification can be something to think about if you’re just getting started in the IT industry. Certification can be helpful if you have some programming or IT experience and wish to learn more about cloud computing or incorporate it into your profession.

IT Cloud Certifications

For people looking to position themselves for entry-level positions in the cloud industry, the following IT cloud certifications are frequently advised.

Cloud Certifications

1. AWS Cloud Solutions Architect

The multiple-choice exam for the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification assesses your proficiency in deploying, managing, and utilizing a range of services on AWS, the industry-leading cloud platform. The certification demonstrates your grasp of the fundamental technical principles of AWS cloud engineering, which may help you get employment in related fields.

Just getting started with Amazon? Designed for applicants with a few months of experience, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification can be used to accrue experience toward the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification.

Certification Cost: $150

The following are among the subjects being tested:
Worldwide AWS infrastructure, Network technologies in connection to AWS, Deployment and Management, basic architectural principles of constructing in AWS, computation, networking, Storage, and Database AWS services.

2. Microsoft Certified Azure Certification

Azure is the cloud platform with the second-largest market share, therefore it can be a helpful one to become familiar with. The AZ-900 test is required for the fundamental certification in Azure, which is intended for those with both non-technical and technical backgrounds. It’s a good certification to help you brush up on the essentials of Azure. It is not necessary to obtain the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate certifications after that.

Certification Cost: $99

What is being examined: The benefits of using cloud services; the distinctions between IaaS and PaaS; the understanding of Azure core solutions and management tools; the differences between cloud services, such as network security; the fundamental security, including virtual machines (VMs), containers, Kubernetes, and database services; and other topics

3. Google Associate Cloud Engineer

Demonstrating proficiency in fundamental Google Cloud functionalities is a prerequisite for earning the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification. This entails, among other things, configuring access and security, maintaining databases and storage, and building up an environment for cloud solutions.

Certification Cost: $125

What is being examined: establishing cloud solutions by designing and setting network, compute, and data storage options; running Google Kubernetes Engine apps; managing a virtual machine (VM); creating projects, managing users in Cloud Identity, and managing payment configuration plus additional.

4. IBM Certified Technical Advocate

While having a smaller market share than competitors, IBM cloud services can nevertheless be beneficial to businesses that employ IBM cloud platforms. The core qualification for IBM Cloud is the IBM Certified Technical Advocate – Cloud v3, formerly known as the IBM Certified Solution Advisor. This certification may make sense if you now work for an organisation that predominantly builds solutions based on IBM cloud, or if you intend to do so in the future. The IBM Certified Professional Architect – Cloud v5 is one of the more advanced levels of IBM cloud certifications.

Certification Cost: $200

What is being examined: Knowledge of cloud ideas, IBM Cloud components, networking and security, architectural patterns and principles, cloud native practices, and cloud deployment, among other things.

5. Cloud Security Alliance(CCSK)

The Cloud Security Alliance is a vendor-neutral certification company that issues the CCSK. This implies that you can use the knowledge you get from earning a certification on a variety of cloud platforms. The foundations of cloud security are the main emphasis of the CCSK. Other advanced certifications that demonstrate a professional degree of proficiency in cloud security include the CCSP from (ISC)2.

Certification Cost: $395

Concepts and architecture related to cloud computing, governance and enterprise risk management, contracts and legal matters, data security, virtualization and containers, and other topics are all being examined.

Conclusion

Cloud computing has quickly become a key component of modern IT infrastructure, thanks to expanded internet access, decreased costs, and the ongoing digital transformation hastened by recent global events. As cloud technology advances, its share of worldwide commercial IT expenditure is expected to increase dramatically, highlighting the growing demand for cloud computing knowledge.

AWS cloud computing, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Cloud (including Azure cloud certification) are the top participants in this wide industry, each providing distinct tools and services to meet the demands of varied organisations. Earning credentials from these platforms, such as AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, Google Associate Cloud Engineer, and Microsoft Certified Azure, will help you advance your career. These credentials authenticate your abilities and knowledge, positioning you as a more competitive candidate in the burgeoning cloud job market.

Investing in IT cloud certifications might help you bridge experience gaps and demonstrate your talents to potential employers. Whether you are just starting out in IT or want to specialise further, certifications in AWS cloud computing, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Cloud are significant assets. They not only demonstrate your ability to manage cloud technology, but also link you with the industry’s leading standards.

In conclusion, as cloud computing continues to revolutionise the IT landscape, obtaining relevant certifications is a strategic decision that can lead to career advancement and professional success. Embrace the opportunities provided by AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Cloud to put yourself at the forefront of this dynamic and quickly expanding area.