The cloud computing industry is constantly evolving, much like the ever-changing weather. With a rapid influx of innovative technologies, tools, and services, the global public cloud end-user spending is projected by Gartner® to soar to nearly $600 billion in 2023. This dynamic landscape presents both exciting opportunities and the occasional challenge, making it a promising yet occasionally overwhelming space to navigate.
Companies of different sizes, ranging from small enterprises to big businesses, have embraced cloud computing as a game-changer. By leveraging the cloud, these businesses can effectively reduce costs, eliminate the need for extensive physical infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity measures, and ensure seamless data backups. As a result of this exponential growth, businesses operating in diverse industries are actively seeking certified cloud experts to effectively manage and optimize their cloud systems.
In this blog, we will explore the three most sought-after cloud certifications to pursue in 2023, along with the wide range of job opportunities available for certified cloud computing engineers.
Table of Contents
- What are the Compelling reasons to pursue a Cloud Certification in 2023?
- Advantages of Obtaining a Cloud Certification
- Cloud Computing Jobs: Exploring Opportunities and Average Salaries
- Highly Demanding Cloud Certifications for 2023: Your Path to Success
- Cloud Certifications: Getting started on Microtek Learning
What are the Compelling reasons to pursue a Cloud Certification in 2023?
As successful companies strive to learn, adapt, and innovate in the cloud, it becomes evident that the most intelligent individuals are those who prioritize lifelong learning. By constantly expanding their expertise, these persons stay ahead of the curve and make valued contributions in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Earning the appropriate certifications in cloud computing is highly valued by organizations as it demonstrates not only theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise in real-world scenarios. Obtaining these certifications showcases an individual’s ability to effectively apply their comprehensive understanding of cloud computing, making them highly sought-after in the industry.
Cloud computing professionals in the United States earned an average salary of $118,669, surpassing the industry average of $115,906, as reported by ZipRecruiter. Obtaining a certification from renowned platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google can prove to be highly advantageous in showcasing their proficiency and expertise.
If you have some background in IT or computer programming and aim to gain expertise in cloud computing or incorporate it into your career, pursuing certification can be advantageous. Those who are new to the field of IT, it is recommended to start with an entry-level IT certification (serve as a solid foundation) for further exploration and growth in the industry.
Also Read: Cloud Computing: Key Skills Your Organization Needs for 2023 and Beyond
Advantages of Obtaining a Cloud Certification
Instead of relying solely on new recruits, it is crucial to empower and upskill existing employees. Certifications offer a valuable opportunity for current staff to bridge any skills gaps and acquire the knowledge and resources necessary for their roles, eliminating the need for new hires. Ultimately, empowering and upskilling existing employees through certifications leads to a more agile and competitive organization. The advantages of obtaining a cloud certification mainly include:
- Enhance your earning prospects
- Enhance job security
- Industry Recognition
- Confidence and Credibility
- Validate your expertise and improve the credibility of your CV
- Attract the interest of prospective employers
- Facilitate entry into the rapidly growing cloud computing sector
- Future-Proofing Your Career
Cloud Computing Jobs: Exploring Opportunities and Average Salaries
In the IT sector, cloud technology has given rise to numerous job opportunities, each with specific roles and responsibilities. The salaries for these jobs can vary based on factors such as job nature and type. Listed below is a list of popular cloud computing roles along with their standard salaries sourced from Payscale and Firebrand. It’s vital to note that rewards and benefits may differ contingent on location and other sources.
Let’s gain some insights into standard salaries for cloud computing jobs.
- Solutions Architect: USD 127,412
- Software Engineer: USD 101,452
- Senior Solutions Architect: USD 142,625
- Development Operations (DevOps) Engineer: USD 100,812
- Cloud Solutions Architect: USD 127,122
- Information Technology (IT) Architect: USD 123,077
- Enterprise Architect, IT: USD 140,154
3 Highly Demanding Cloud Certifications for 2023: Your Path to Success
In this section, we will explore the top three cloud certifications to pursue in 2023, highlighting their costs, areas of focus, and assessment methods. These certifications are highly regarded as they are offered by the three leading and extensively utilized cloud vendors in the industry.
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
With its substantial market share, Microsoft Azure stands as the second largest cloud platform after AWS, making it a highly valuable platform to acquire proficiency in. The AZ-900 exam, which forms the basis of this foundational certification, encompasses both technical and non-technical questions, catering to professionals from various roles. This certification serves as an excellent starting point for gaining a complete understanding of the basic aspects of Azure:
- Utilizing standard cloud technologies and tools
- The advantages of cloud services
- The dissimilarities between several cloud services (PaaS vs. IaaS, for instance)
- Core cloud management, concepts, and solutions,
- Containerization (Kubernetes & database solutions)
- Fundamental cloud and network security
Format: 85-minute examination comprises multiple question types
To further expand one’s knowledge and pursue more technical roles, individuals can progress from the Fundamentals certification to the MS Azure Developer Associate or MS Azure Administrator Associate certifications. These advanced certifications provide an opportunity to deepen expertise and gain specialized skills in Azure administration or development, opening doors to a wider range of career opportunities in the cloud computing domain.
Target job designations: Security and integration architect Cybersecurity engineer, Azure security engineer, cloud DevOps engineer, etc.
Consider starting with the Azure Fundamentals certification. Prepare for the exam with the MS Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Training on Microtek Learning.
2. CompTIA Cloud+
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification assesses your skills in effectively planning, deploying, and automating secure cloud environments. The updated CV0-003 exam, introduced in June 2021, covers essential topics such as:
- Cloud architecture
- Automation & virtualization
- OS and app security controls
- Highest accessibility and disaster recovery
- Access management
- Securing networks in cloud surroundings
Format: 90-minute examination. The examination is shaped to assess your know-how of cloud concepts, deployment models, security, troubleshooting, and other relevant topics. Successful completion of the exam demonstrates your proficiency in cloud technologies and qualifies you for the CompTIA Cloud+ certification.
By continuously learning, gaining hands-on experience, pursuing advanced certifications, receiving specialized training, and networking with experts, you can further expand your knowledge and expertise in cloud computing beyond the CompTIA Cloud+ certification.
Target job designations: Cybersecurity cloud specialist, Information security manager, cloud architect, Cloud specialist, vulnerability tester, etc.
Consider starting with the CompTIA Cloud+ Training with Microtek Learning allows aspirants to prepare for the relevant examination and obtain its certification.
3. AWS Solutions Architect – Professional
It is a prestigious certification in the realm of cloud platforms. It represents an advanced level of expertise in architecting cloud services using Amazon Web Services. Amazon Web Services (AWS), a Amazon’s subsidiary, provides an extensive portfolio of cloud-based products and services.
By obtaining this accreditation, you validate your capability to align technical skills with business requirements using AWS technologies. If you have obtained the Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification, it becomes smoother to transition into the role of an AWS Cloud Architect. Professionals holding this certification can expect an average salary of around USD 135,000.
It covers essential topics such as:
- Global Amazon Web Services infrastructure
- Networking, Computation, Storage, and Database processes of Amazon Web Services
- Amazon Web Services Identity and Access
- Deployment & Mgmt. (Amazon Web Services Mgmt. Console)
- Data lakes
- Related network technology
- The basic architectural principles of building in Amazon Web Services
Format: 65 questions. The examination for this certification comprises a blend of 2 question formats: multiple choice & response. Detailed information, including the exam content outline and passing score, can be found in the comprehensive exam guide.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect serves as an excellent entry point for individuals who possess any of the following qualifications:
- Proficiency in AWS technology
- Extensive on-premises IT experience and the ability to navigate the transition from on-premises to cloud environments
- Previous experience working with other cloud service providers
By acquiring this certification, candidates can validate their know-how in designing and set up scalable, safe, and fault-tolerant applications on the AWS platform. It gives a robust foundation for further progression along the AWS Certification path.
Target job designations: AWS Cloud Architect
Consider starting with the AWS-ARC: Architecting on AWS Training with Microtek Learning allows aspirants to prepare for the relevant examination and obtain its certification.
Also Read: Cloud Computing Salary: Key Predictions for 2023
Cloud Certifications: Getting started on Microtek Learning
Microtek Learning is a renowned platform that offers a wide range of cloud certification courses to help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge in this thriving field. Our comprehensive training courses for each of these certifications, providing you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills required to excel in cloud computing. Such courses are designed by business experts, ensuring high-quality training and a valuable learning experience.
By pursuing cloud certifications through Microtek Learning, you can enhance your career prospects, stay updated with the latest industry trends, and gain the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving cloud computing landscape.
Final Thoughts
Staying updated with the latest certification updates and actively engaging in community discussion forums or networking with peers who have obtained certifications can provide valuable insights.
Among the top global cloud leaders, AWS, Azure, and Google dominate the market, each offering a range of comprehensive services and products. However, it is important to note that other cloud providers also offer robust solutions that deliver equivalent value. When selecting the most suitable cloud certification for yourself, consider various factors, including salary prospects and career opportunities. With the exclusive list of top-paying three cloud certifications in 2023, you have ample options to select from based on your specific interests and goals.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity for a thriving career? Take the first step towards success today!