The Benefits of Cloud Certification: Why You Should Get Certified

Are you interested in cloud computing and want to take your career to the next level? Then getting cloud certified is the way to go! Cloud certification is becoming increasingly important in the industry, and for good reason. Employers are looking for professionals that have the skills and knowledge to work with cloud computing technologies, and what better way to demonstrate that than by getting certified?

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of cloud certification, the different types of certifications, and how you can get certified. We'll also discuss how cloud certification can help you in different domains, including infrastructure, networking, and cloud architecture, with specific examples from Azure, GCP, and AWS.

Benefits of Cloud Certification

Before we dive deep into different certification paths, it's important to understand why cloud certification is worth the investment. Here are some of the benefits of cloud certification:

Demonstrates your expertise

Getting cloud certified is a great way to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the expertise and knowledge to work with cloud computing technologies. Certification programs are designed to test your understanding of cloud services, infrastructure, security, compliance, and other topics.

Enhances your credibility

Cloud certification is a third-party validation of your skills and knowledge. Certification providers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft have strict requirements for their exams and only award certifications to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. When you have a cloud certification, you will be recognized as a credible and competent professional in the industry.

Increases your earning potential

Certification can also be a pathway to higher salaries. According to a survey by Global Knowledge, certified professionals in the US earn an average of 14% more than those without certification. Similarly, a study by Microsoft and IDC found that certified professionals earn an average of $15,000 more than their non-certified peers.

Provides a competitive advantage

With the rise of cloud computing, more and more professionals are seeking certification to stay competitive in the job market. By getting certified, you'll set yourself apart from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Types of Cloud Certifications

There are a number of cloud certification programs available from different providers, each with their own unique curriculum, requirements, and benefits. Here are some of the most popular certification programs from Azure, GCP, and AWS.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft offers a number of certifications for professionals interested in Azure, ranging from fundamental-level to expert-level certifications. Here are some of the popular Azure certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: This certification is designed for individuals who are new to Azure and want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: This certification is designed for Azure Administrators who manage cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute cloud capabilities.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: This certification is designed for professionals who design and implement solutions that run on Azure, including aspects like compute, storage, networking and security.

Google Cloud Platform

Google also offers a range of certifications for professionals interested in GCP, including Associate and Professional-level certifications. Here are some of the popular GCP certifications:

• Associate Cloud Engineer: This certification is designed for individuals who have hands-on experience with GCP services and want to demonstrate their ability to deploy, monitor, and maintain GCP projects.
• Professional Cloud Architect: This certification is designed for professionals who design and manage cloud solutions that are reliable, scalable, and secure.
• Professional Cloud Security Engineer: This certification is designed for professionals who can design and implement secure infrastructure and operations on GCP.

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services, or AWS, is one of the most popular cloud service providers and offers a range of certifications for professionals interested in AWS. Here are some of the popular AWS certifications:

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: This certification is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of AWS Cloud services and want to demonstrate their understanding of core Amazon services and their uses.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: This certification is designed for professionals who design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: This certification is designed for professionals who can design, manage, and operate highly available and scalable systems on AWS.

How to Get Cloud Certified

Now that you know some of the benefits and certification options, how can you get started with cloud certification? Here are some steps to take:

Choose your certification path

The first step is to choose a certification path that aligns with your skills and career goals. Research each certification and read the exam objectives to understand what is expected of you. Don't forget to consider the certification cost, study time, and prerequisites.

Study

Once you've chosen a certification, it's time to start studying. Here are some resources for Azure, GCP, and AWS:

• Azure: Microsoft offers a number of training resources, including instructor-led courses, online courses, and documentation. You can also check out third-party resources such as Pluralsight or Udemy.
• GCP: Google offers free training via its Cloud OnAir program, as well as paid instructor-led courses. You can also check out courses on Coursera or Udacity.
• AWS: Amazon offers a range of study resources, including self-paced labs, online courses, and instructor-led training. You can also check out third-party resources such as A Cloud Guru or Linux Academy.

Practice

In addition to studying, you should also practice using the cloud services you'll be tested on. Sign up for a free account and try deploying and managing sample projects. This hands-on experience will help you understand the topics better and feel more confident on exam day.

Take the Exam

When you're ready, schedule your exam through the certification provider's website. Make sure to review the exam policies and procedures beforehand, and arrive at the exam center early. Don't forget to bring two forms of ID and any additional exam-specific materials.

Conclusion

Cloud certification is a valuable investment in your career. It demonstrates your expertise, enhances your credibility, and provides a competitive advantage. With cloud certification, you can pursue different domains including infrastructure, networking, and cloud architecture. Azure, GCP, and AWS offer different certification paths that cater to different roles and skill levels. By choosing the right certification and investing time and effort into studying and practice, you can set yourself up for success in the cloud computing industry.

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