2024 is the perfect time to soar to new heights in the world of cloud computing. With the demand for cloud professionals at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that earning a cloud computing certification can open doors to lucrative opportunities.
But why choose cloud computing? Well, apart from the attractive salaries that certified professionals can earn, the accelerated digital transformation brought about by the pandemic has made cloud skills more valuable than ever before. Companies are actively seeking skilled professionals who can maximize the potential of cloud-based technologies.
To secure a cloud computing job, employers are looking for candidates with expertise in cloud architecture, design, concepts, solutions, security, automation, virtualization, and more. So, how can you acquire these in-demand skills and launch your cloud computing career? Through cloud certifications, of course!
What Are the Best Cloud Computing Certifications of 2024?
There are numerous cloud computing certifications that can help you enhance your career prospects and develop essential cloud skills. Among them, CompTIA Cloud+ stands out as an excellent choice.
CompTIA Cloud+
CompTIA Cloud+ is a vendor-neutral certification that provides a solid foundation in cloud concepts applicable across various platforms. It covers cloud architecture and design, security, deployment, operations and support, and troubleshooting.
This certification is highly regarded by DataCamp and is recommended for beginners due to its broad understanding of cloud concepts. It pairs well with vendor-specific certifications and ensures that certification holders possess the necessary hands-on experience to secure cloud environments.
While there are no official prerequisites, it is recommended that candidates have two to three years of experience in system administration or networking. Prior certifications, such as CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Server+, can set candidates up for success.
Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
Another top cloud computing certification to consider is the Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer. This certification equips individuals with the skills to excel in a cloud DevOps engineer role. Professionals with this certification excel in building software delivery pipelines, managing incidents, and deploying and monitoring services.
Specializing in Google Cloud Platform (GCP), this certification covers various topics, including service performance optimization, service monitoring strategies, and site reliability engineering principles.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
For those interested in cloud security, the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is highly recommended. This global credential ensures that technicians are at the forefront of cloud computing security and information security. Candidates for this certification must have at least five years of cumulative, paid, full-time experience in IT, which can be waived with other relevant certifications.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
If you aspire to become a successful Microsoft cloud administrator, the Azure Administrator Associate certification is worth pursuing. This certification validates your ability to implement, monitor, and maintain Microsoft Azure solutions. It covers various services related to computing, storage, networking, and security.
To earn this certification, at least six months of on-the-job experience in the subject matter is required. It serves as an excellent starting point for beginners looking to work with Microsoft equipment.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (CSAA)
For professionals experienced with AWS cloud, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (CSAA) certification is a top choice. It is designed for individuals working in solutions architect roles, with at least one year of experience designing distributed systems for AWS.
This certification enables candidates to build and deploy secure applications on AWS technologies, define cloud solutions based on customer requirements, offer implementation guidance throughout project lifecycles, and manage SaaS applications.
Which Cloud Certification Pays the Most?
Cloud computing offers excellent earning potential, making it an attractive career choice. The average salary for CompTIA Cloud+ certified professionals in the United States is around $85,000, with the potential to earn over $100,000 annually.
Here are the average salaries for other cloud certifications:
- Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer: $128,000
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): $124,000
- Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate: $88,000
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: $183,000
Keep in mind that these numbers may vary based on factors such as experience, specialization, and location.
Which Cloud Computing Certification Should Beginners Start With?
For beginners in the field of cloud computing, starting with a vendor-neutral certification like CompTIA Cloud+ is highly recommended. This provides a broad foundation of cloud skills that can be applied across various platforms and sets a solid groundwork for future certifications.
Building a strong skill set that covers all aspects of cloud computing is crucial for beginners. It not only instills confidence but also makes it easier to learn vendor-specific concepts later on.
Why CompTIA Cloud+ is the Best Cloud Computing Certification for You
Among the best cloud computing certifications, CompTIA Cloud+ stands out for several reasons. It is vendor-neutral, allowing you to work with any cloud provider or in a multi-cloud environment. It is also highly recognized by staffing firms, colleges, and IT publications.
Earning CompTIA Cloud+ can lead to expert-level roles such as security administrators, cloud systems administrators, directors, network engineers, network security analysts, and network technicians. It is the only vendor-neutral, performance-based certification that covers more than a specific vendor or function.
CompTIA provides all the resources you need to study for the exam, including self-paced online training courses, interactive labs, exam prep, and study guides. Additionally, they offer voucher discounts and financing options to help you save money on certification and provide online testing options for convenience.
Start your cloud computing career with CompTIA Cloud+ and gain the skills that are in high demand across various cloud platforms.
To find out more about the best cloud certifications and to explore your options, visit News Explorer Today for the full article.
Ready to make your mark in the cloud? Download the exam objectives for the new CompTIA Cloud+ certification and begin your journey towards a successful cloud computing career.