When it comes to cloud computing, this technology has been hastily adopted as the backbone of modern businesses. However, the majority of businesses lack the expertise and cloud certifications required to maximize cloud utilization. The capabilities of their IT staff are lacking, according to 75% of IT decision-makers. These gaps seem to be widening.
“Cloud computing, being today an innovator, and in the future perhaps a business disruptor, will soon turn into a necessity,” opine the experts at Gartner.
Getting a cloud certification is one of the best ways to take advantage of this trend; it will help you stand out in the job market. This is an opportunity to acquire skills, climb the ladder of one’s career, and enjoy job security for the foreseeable future.
To help you choose the best options available in the certification market and advance in the rapidly evolving field of cloud computing, the following thorough guide will cover every aspect of cloud certifications.
What is cloud certification?
The “cloud certification” is a professional credential that certifies an individual’s competence with cloud computing technologies and services. Usually, it entails knowledge assessments unique to particular hyperscale cloud platforms, like Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, or Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The cloud service provider or independent IT certification organizations offer these certifications. Certification on cloud computing can help IT workers stay informed with rapidly changing cloud technologies, boost an individual’s confidence in the eyes of employers, and lead to better career opportunities.
The advantages of cloud certification
IT is still a competitive industry, despite the growing skills gap for IT professionals. You are required to take measures to stand out from among other contenders.
This is how cloud certifications help you do that:
Career progression:
AI for business enhances the chances of getting good job opportunities since recruiters are always looking to build their team with skills that shine in a large crowd of resumes. The talent and possession of the certification indicate that you are someone who can fairly handle an advanced-level cloud environment. Such professionals easily find their way to promotions and higher-level positions.
Validation of skills:
These certifications formally validate cloud computing skills. Here, you demonstrate to a peer and potential employer that you have the technical know-how to plan, implement, and maintain cloud solutions.
Marketability:
With cloud certification, your market price goes up in the pool of applicants vying for a job. Certified professionals are considered more trusted by employers because of the standards assured by the certifying bodies. Thus, better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Networking:
Generally speaking, a cloud computing certification goes hand in hand with membership in exclusive communities, forums, and events. This gives you access to networking opportunities with other cloud computing professionals out in the industry and opens connections for job opportunities and collaborations.
Types of cloud certifications
Cloud certifications are available in different tracks and for various levels of expertise. Some examples of certification categories are:
- Vendor-specific certifications fall under cloud service providers and are specific to their given set of platforms. Well-known vendor-specific certification programs include:
Amazon Web Services (AWS): such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, AWS Certified Professional SysOps Administrator, etc.
Microsoft Azure: comprises Azure Fundamentals, Associate, and Solutions Architect Expert certifications.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Associate Cloud Engineer, Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Data Engineer.
- Role-based certifications: They include some certifications systematized for performing certain job functions in the cloud computing sector for the most part. These help individuals gain knowledge and skills in very specific areas and prepare them for other specialized roles. These include some of the most prestigious role-based certifications:
Cloud architect: Involves the designing and implementation of cloud solutions.
Cloud developers: Are involved in building applications and services for the cloud.
Cloud administrators: Encompass the managing and maintenance of cloud environments.
Specialized roles: consist of certifications for security, DevOps, and data science roles within the cloud.
General Certifications
Broadly speaking, general cloud certifications cover broader cloud computing concepts and practices. They are a superb choice for people who want the whole grab bag to the field. These provide a foundation that works from and across various cloud services and are primarily platform-neutral. Some examples would be:
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CompTIA Cloud+
Cloud Credential Council (CCC) Cloud Technology Associate.
Preparing for Cloud Certification Exams
Have you found the right certification for the cloud? Now is your time to earn it. Here are ways you can prepare to take and pass your cloud certification exam at the first attempt:
1. Understand the exam structure and syllabus
Study the structure of your exam and its contents, these vary for different certification exams, with specific topics to be tested and particular formats to expect. Check the official certification site for an in-detail view regarding the exam guides. AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or any other provider have well-defined examination blueprints detailing all the topics covered.
2. Use official training materials
Since the majority of cloud providers do not formally offer training materials for their certification exams, these are good places to start when it comes to getting ready. Use hands-on labs to practice real-world scenarios. AWS Cloud Labs, Microsoft Learn Sandbox, and Qwiklabs for Google Cloud provide interactive labs.
3. Complement these materials with resources provided by third parties
Sites such as Coursera, Udemy, and A Cloud Guru have coursework specially built for cloud certifications, wherein you are most likely to find video lectures, quizzes, and practice exams.
4. Form study groups and join online forums
Engage in forming study groups and online forums so that you can share insights, discuss topics, and support one another. Some of these forums include Reddit, Stack Overflow, and the official forums of all mainstream cloud providers.
5. Schedule your exam and create a study plan
Choose a date for your certification exam and, working back from that date, make a study plan. Designate your study times, and follow them. Shorter, more frequent study sessions will be more productive than an occasional long session.
6. Practice, review, and revise
Perform practice exams under exam conditions with a timer. Mark your answers and reflect on any mistakes. Revise the concepts and areas in which you struggled. Use flashcards, summaries, and mind maps to reinforce your understanding.
The Conclusion: Why is a Cloud Architect Course is Important?
Why should you join a cloud architect course? Cloud architects have their important roles in designing and implementing cloud solutions that are scalable, secure, and cost-effective. Businesses are moving towards cloud environments at a rapid pace. Hence, the demand for professionals who can handle such deployments is rising. Completing such a course increases the likelihood of finding employment by providing a structured learning environment, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized certifications.
