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For those just starting their careers in cloud storage or for experienced experts looking to set themselves apart from their peers, there’s an entire landscape of certifications to pursue. Some will be better investments of your time and money than others, so which should you choose?
Part of the answer depends on your circumstances. If you’re happy with your employer but looking for a pay raise or a job higher on the ladder, then the right certifications are the ones that serve your company’s current needs and ecosystem. Your management will likely be the best source of advice on which certifications they desire.
On the other hand, if you’re changing jobs or are new to the cloud storage field, search job openings and see the desired qualifications. Cloud recruiters are also good sources of market information.
Let’s take a look at 10 of the top cloud storage certifications, so you can decide which ones are right for you:
See more: Data Storage Job Market Trends
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Associate
Skills Demonstrated: Candidates completing this certificate will demonstrate skills in the four domains of designing resilient architectures, designing high-performing architectures, designing secure applications and architectures, and designing cost-optimized architectures.
Requirements: AWS recommends prior hands-on experience with their storage services and an understanding of their technical requirements, global infrastructure, and security features.
Duration: 130 minutes to complete, 65 questions
Medium: Testing centers or online proctored exam
Cost: $150
2. Professional Cloud Architect—Google
Skills Demonstrated: The exam assesses your skills in designing cloud solution architecture, managing infrastructure, designing for security and compliance, and building for operations reliability.
Requirements: Google recommends three or more years of industry experience, including one year or more of Google Cloud management.
Duration: 120 minutes to complete
Medium: Taken remotely or at a local test center
Cost: $200
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Skills Demonstrated: Candidates completing this certificate will possess subject matter expertise in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Azure environment.
Requirements: Microsoft recommends at least six months of hands-on experience as an Azure administrator and a strong understanding of its services, workloads, and security. Test takers should be experienced with PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal, and Azure Resource Manager templates.
Duration: 120 minutes to complete, 40–60 questions
Medium: Pearson VUE
Cost: $165
4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator—Associate
Skills Demonstrated: Test passers will exemplify talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives within the AWS environment.
Requirements: AWS suggests a minimum one year of hands-on experience with AWS technology as well as additional experience in managing, deploying, and operating workloads on AWS along with implementing security controls and managing compliance.
Duration: 180 minutes to complete, 65 questions
Medium: Taken remotely or at a local test center
Cost: $150
5. CompTIA Cloud+
Skills Demonstrated: The test validates the skills for deploying and automating secure cloud environments. Areas of focus include cloud architecture and design, operations and support, cloud security, troubleshooting, and cloud deployment. Unlike many other certifications, CompTIA is vendor neutral and applicable across the board.
Requirements: CompTIA recommends two to three years of experience in systems administration or networking.
Duration: 90 minutes to complete, 90 questions
Medium: Taken remotely or at a local test center
Cost: $348
See more: 10 Top Cybersecurity Certifications
6. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Skills Demonstrated: The test demonstrates cloud fluency and knowledge of AWS infrastructure.
Requirements: AWS recommends six months prior experience with AWS Cloud; basic understanding of IT in the AWS Cloud context; and knowledge of billing, pricing, security concepts, and other business practices that relate to AWS services. This is a foundational level certification.
Duration: 90 minutes to complete, 65 questions
Medium: Taken remotely or at a local test center
Cost: $100
7. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Skills Demonstrated: Focuses include core solutions and management tools on Azure; general security and network security features; identity, governance, privacy, and compliance features; and Azure const management and service-level agreements. This is an entry-level certification.
Requirements: Microsoft recommends knowledge of cloud service fundamentals.
Duration: 85 minutes to complete, 40–60 questions
Medium: Pearson VUE or Certiport
Cost: $99
8. CCSP—Certified Cloud Security Professional
Skills Demonstrated: Those who pass demonstrate advanced technical skills in the design and management of secure data.
Requirements: It is recommended that test takers have a minimum five years of experience in IT and three in information security.
Duration: Three hours, 125 questions
Medium: Pearson VUE
Cost: $599
9. Google Certified Professional Data Engineer
Skills Demonstrated: The test demonstrates ability to design, build, operationalize, secure, and monitor data processing systems.
Requirements: Google recommends three or more years of industry experience, one of which should be with managing Google Cloud services.
Duration: 120 minutes to complete, 50 questions
Medium: Taken remotely or at a local test center
Cost: $200
10. VMWare Cloud Management and Automation 2022—Professional
Skills Demonstrated: The test demonstrates ability to administer VMWare vRealize to automate key data center processes.
Requirements: VMWare recommends completion of its prior Technical Associate certification.
Duration: 145 minutes, 60 questions
Medium: Taken remotely or at a local test center
Cost: $450
See more: Top 5 Cloud Storage Companies Hiring
