Over the past several years, no other area of IT has generated as much hype, interest and investment as cloud computing. Though the term may have differing meanings for different users, there's no doubt that the cloud is now a permanent fixture for end users and service providers, as well as global companies and organizations of all sizes. As a result, cloud computing attracts considerable coverage and attention from certification providers and companies that offer cloud-related products, such as Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and VMware.
A Forbes article on cloud computing forecasts summarizes key statistics regarding the current cloud computing landscape and also includes a look to the future. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the dominant cloud computing player and achieved an incredible 43 percent year-over-year growth. According to Wikibon predictions, AWS revenue should top $43 billion by 2022. AWS is followed closely by Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud Platform.
According to industry analyst the International Data Corporation (IDC), the cloud has grown much faster than previously predicted. New projections indicate that spending on public cloud services and infrastructure is expected to top $160 billion in 2018, which is an increase of 23.2 percent from 2017. IDC also predicts a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.9 percent by 2021 with spending for public cloud services to exceed $277 billion. Those are huge numbers, in an era when the U.S. economy is growing at less than 3 percent and global GDP is at 4.2 percent.
A close examination of what's available to IT professionals by way of cloud-related certifications shows a large and growing number of credentials. For 2019, the best cloud certifications include both vendor-neutral and vendor-specific certification options from some top players in the market. However, certification providers watch technology areas carefully, and seldom jump into any of them until clear and strong interest has been indisputably established.
Cloud professionals should expect to earn a healthy income. SimplyHired reports average salaries for cloud administrators at just under $75,000, while cloud developers average nearly $118,000 annually. Cloud architects are the big winners, with average earnings coming in at $129,469 and some salaries shown as high as $179,115.
Before you peruse our list of the best cloud certifications for 2019, check out our overview of the relative frequency at which the top five picks show up in job postings. Keep in mind that these results are a snapshot in time and actual demand for certifications could fluctuate.
Job Board Search Results (in alphabetical order, by certification)
Certification | Total | ||||
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (Amazon Web Services) | 1,770 | 2,639 | 895 | 2,199 | 7,503 |
CCNA Cloud (Cisco) | 305 | 1,948 | 612 | 729 | 3,594 |
CCNP Cloud (Cisco) | 216 | 1,098 | 528 | 554 | 2,396 |
MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (Microsoft) | 1,200 | 1,718 | 563 | 778 | 4,259 |
VMware VCP7 – CMA | 460 | 589 | 224 | 305 | 1,578 |
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Amazon Web Services launched its AWS certification program in May 2013. Currently, the program offers role-based credentials at the foundation, associate, and professional levels along with several specialty certifications. AWS certifications focus on preparing candidates for developer, operations and architect roles.
Our featured cert is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification, which targets networking professionals with two or more years of experience designing and deploying cloud environments on AWS. A person with this credential works with clients to assess needs, plan and design solutions that meet requirements; recommends an architecture for implementing and provisioning AWS applications; and provides guidance throughout the life of the projects.
A candidate for this certification should be highly familiar with topics such as high availability and business continuity, costing, deployment management, network design, data storage, security, scalability and elasticity, cloud migration, and hybrid architecture.
Other certifications in the AWS certification program include the following:
Architect
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: Identifies and gathers requirements for solution plans and provides guidance on architectural best practices throughout AWS projects. Serves as the prerequisite credential for the professional-level certification.
Developer
AWS Certified Developer – Associate: Designs, develops and implements cloud-based solutions using AWS.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: Provisions, operates and manages distributed applications using AWS; implements and manages delivery systems, security controls, governance and compliance validation; defines and deploys monitoring, metrics and logging systems; maintains operational systems. This certification is a professional-level certification for both developer and operation-based roles. When we ran the job board numbers, we found an extremely strong showing among employers seeking AWS certified devops engineers. If your career path is following devops-related roles, this is definitely a certification worth exploring.
Operations
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: Provisions systems and services on AWS, automates deployments, follows and recommends best practices, and monitors metrics on AWS.
Cloud
The Certified Cloud AWS Practitioner is the sole foundation-level certification offered by AWS. While not required, it is a recommended prerequisite for associate, professional and specialty certs in the AWS certification family.
Specialty
AWS offers three specialty certs that focus on security, big data and networking: the AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, and the AWS Certified Security – Specialty.
With about 40 percent market share, Amazon continues to hold the top spot in the cloud computing services market. That makes the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional credential a feather in the cap of channel partners for whom AWS is a major part of their business. The credential also distinguishes partners from their competitors, perhaps giving them an advantage in the pursuit of new clients.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Facts & Figures
Certification Name | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional |
Prerequisites & Required Courses | Required: Hands-on experience with cloud architecture design and deployment on AWS (two or more years required) Ability to evaluate cloud application requirements and make recommendations for provisioning, deployment and implementation on AWS Skilled in best practices on architectural design at the enterprise, project and application level Recommended: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Advanced Architecting on AWS training course |
Number of Exams | One, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Level (multiple choice, 170 minutes) |
Cost per Exam | $300; exam administered by Webassessor |
URL | aws.amazon.com/certification/certification-levels/certified-solutions-architect-professional |
Self-Study Materials | AWS provides links to an exam blueprint (PDF), sample questions (PDF), practice exams ($40 each), exam workshops, self-paced labs, an exam preparation resource guide, white papers and more on the certification homepage. |
CCNA Cloud: Cisco Certified Network Administrator Cloud
Cisco Systems was founded in 1984 and has become a household name in the realm of IT. Cisco maintains a strong global presence, boasting more than 74,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of $49.3 billion.
To support its products and customers, Cisco developed and maintains a strong training and certification program, offering credentials at entry, associate, professional, expert and architect levels. Cisco offers two cloud-based credentials: The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cloud and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud. The CCNA and CCNP enjoy a strong presence in the cloud and are featured in this year's top five list.
An entry-level credential, the CCNA Cloud targets IT professionals working in roles such as network or cloud engineer and cloud administrator. The CCNA Cloud credential validates a candidate's ability to support cloud-based Cisco solutions. Candidates should possess a basic knowledge of cloud infrastructure and deployment models, cloud networking and storage solutions, provisioning, preparation of reports, ongoing monitoring and other cloud administrative tasks.
Two exams are required to earn the CCNA Cloud. Training is highly recommended, but not required. The credential is valid for three years, after which the credential holder must recertify by passing one of the qualifying recertification exams. Credential holders should check Cisco's certification webpage for the current list of qualifying exams.
In addition to cloud, the CCNA credential is available for numerous other solution tracks, including Cyber Ops, Routing and Switching, Wireless, Data Center, Security, Collaboration, Industrial, and Service Provider.
CCNA Cloud Facts and Figures
Certification Name | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cloud |
Prerequisites & Required Courses | None Understanding Cisco Cloud Fundamentals (CLDFND) Introducing Cisco Cloud Administration (CLDADM) |
Number of Exams | Two: Understanding Cisco (210-451, CLDFND) Introducing Cisco Cloud Administration (210-455, CLDADM) Both exams have 55 to 65 questions and are 90 minutes in length. |
Cost per Exam | $300 each ($600 total) |
URL | |
Self-Study Materials | Cisco maintains numerous resources for credential seekers, including exam topics, blogs, study and discussion groups, training videos, seminars, self-assessment tools, Cisco Learning Network games and practice exams. Visit the certification webpage and each exam webpage for more information. Books and other training materials are available from the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore. |
CCNP Cloud: Cisco Certified Network Professional Cloud
Cisco certifications are designed to prepare IT professionals working in specific job roles for common challenges they may encounter in the normal scope of their duties. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud credential is designed to validate the skills of administrators, designers, architects, engineers and data center professionals working in a cloud-based environment. In addition to Cloud, the CCNP is available in six other solution tracks: Collaboration, Routing and Switching, Service Provider, Data Center, Security and Wireless.
As the certification name implies, this is a professional-level credential for experienced cloud practitioners. Candidates should be well-versed in cloud-related technologies, such as Cisco Intercloud and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and cloud models (hybrid, private, public). The CCNP Cloud isn't all about theory. Successful candidates should also possess the skills necessary to design and implement network, storage and cloud infrastructure solutions and security policies, troubleshoot and resolve issues, automate design processes, design and manage virtual networks and virtualization, provision applications and IaaS, and perform life cycle management tasks. Candidates must also understand Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) architecture and related concepts.
The requirements to earn the CCNP Cloud credential are rigorous. Candidates must first obtain either the CCNA Cloud or any Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. In addition, candidates must pass four additional exams covering cloud design, implementing and troubleshooting, automation, and building applications using ACI. Training is highly recommended as the best way to prepare for CCNP Cloud exams.
The CCNP Cloud is valid for three years. There are several paths to recertification; most involve passing either a written or practical exam. However, candidates may also recertify by passing the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview and board review.
CCNP Cloud Facts and Figures
Certification Name | Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud |
Prerequisites & Required Courses | CCNA Cloud or any CCIE certification Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification Implementing and Troubleshooting the Cisco Cloud Infrastructure (CLDINF) Designing the Cisco Cloud (CLDDES) Automating the Cisco Enterprise Cloud (CLDAUT) Building the Cisco Cloud with Application Centric Infrastructure (CLDACI) |
Number of Exams | Four: Implementing and Troubleshooting the Cisco Cloud Infrastructure (300-460, ) Designing the Cisco Cloud (300-465, CLDDES) Automating the Cisco Enterprise Cloud (300-470, CLDAUT) Building the Cisco Cloud with Application Centric Infrastructure (300-475, CLDACI) All exams have 55-65 questions and are 90 minutes in length. |
Cost per Exam | $300 each ($1,200 total) |
URL | |
Self-Study Materials | Cisco maintains numerous resources for credential seekers, including exam topics, blogs, study and discussion groups, training videos, seminars, self-assessment tools, Cisco Learning Network games and practice exams. Visit the certification webpage and each exam webpage for more information. Books and other training materials are available from the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore. |
MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure cert (replaced the MCSE: Private Cloud cert in 2017) recognizes a candidate's ability to manage data centers and validates skills in networking virtualization, systems and identity management, storage and related cloud technologies.
The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure credential requires candidates to first obtain one of the following Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA) certifications:
Each MCSA requires two or three exams depending on the path chosen. The MCSA: Linux on Azure credential requires both a Microsoft exam and the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) exam.
Candidates must also pass an MCSE exam. These exams include topics such as developing, implementing and architecting Azure-related solutions; configuring and operating hybrid cloud using Azure stack designing and implementing solutions for cloud data platforms; designing and implementing big data analytics solutions; and implementing server infrastructures.
Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers free courses and training materials on many topics relevant to the cloud development. Microsoft Learning occasionally offers Exam Replay, a program that allows candidates to purchase a discounted exam with a retake (and a practice exam, for a small added cost).
As more and more Microsoft technologies are delivered and consumed in the cloud rather than on premises, Microsoft continues to beef up its cloud-related certifications. It does so by offering new credentials or sprinkling cloud topics into existing credentials. If you click the Cloud tab, you can see all the cloud-related certifications on the Microsoft Certification webpage.
MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Facts and Figures
Certification Name | MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure |
Prerequisites & Required Courses | One of the following MCSA credentials: MCSA: Windows Server 2016 (three exams) or MCSA: Cloud Platform (two exams) or MCSA: Linux on Azure (two exams, one Microsoft and the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator - LFCS) or MCSA: Windows Server 2012 (three exams) One required exam from the following: |
Number of Exams | One MCSE, plus two or three prerequisite exams |
Cost per Exam | MCSE exam: $165 |
URL | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcse-cloud-platform-infrastructure.aspx |
Self-Study Materials | The Microsoft Learning page includes links to online and in-person training options, study groups, forums, blogs, the Microsoft Evaluation Center and more. Microsoft Press offers free downloadable e-books and exam prep books for purchase. The MVA offers free training courses on a variety of topics. |
VCP7-CMA: VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation
If there's a contributing technology that enables the cloud, it must be virtualization, and nobody has done virtualization longer or from as many angles as VMware. The company's newest cloud credential is the VCP7 – Cloud Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA) certification, based on vSphere 6.5 and vRealize, which recognizes IT professionals who can extend data virtualization throughout the cloud.
To earn the VCP7-CMA, candidates need to follow one of these paths:
VMware offers additional credentials with strong cloud connections, such as these:
VMware regularly updates and replaces certifications in its program to reflect new technologies, so check the VMware Cloud Management and Automation webpage and the certification roadmap for the latest information.
VCP7-CMA Facts & Figures
Certification Name | VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA) |
Prerequisites & Required Courses | Possess a minimum of six months' experience on vSphere 6 and vRealize Cloud Orchestration and Extensibility [V7.1] zRealize Automation: Orchestration and Extensibility [V7.x] vRealize Automation: Install, Configure, Manage [V7.0], [v7.0] On Demand, [V7.3], or [V7.3] On Demand Those already possessing a valid VCP credential are not required to take the recommended training. |
Number of Exams | One to three, depending on current VCP certifications held:2V0-620: vSphere 6 Foundations (65 questions, 110 minutes, passing score 300) 2V0-602: VSphere 6.5 Foundations (70 questions, 105 minutes, passing score 300) 2V0-731: VMware Certified Professional Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA) (85 questions, 110 minutes, passing score of 300) |
Cost per Exam | $125 2V0-620 and 2V0-602 |
URL | https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=98713&ui=www_cert |
Self-Study Materials | Links to courses, communities, exam blueprint, instructional videos, study guides and more are available on the certification page. |
Beyond the Top 5: More Cloud Certifications
There's no overall shortage of cloud-related certifications (nor certificate programs that also attest to cloud competencies).
Although it didn't make the top five list this year, the CompTIA Cloud+ is still an excellent entry-level credential for those looking for a foundation-level credential. More experienced practitioners should check out Dell's EMC’s Proven Professional Cloud Architect Specialist (DECE-CA).
You'll find vendor-specific cloud certifications from companies such as Google, IBM (search for "cloud"), Oracle, Red Hat, Rackspace (CloudU), CA AppLogic and Salesforce. On the vendor-neutral side, the Cloud Certified Professional (CCP) is a comprehensive program aimed at those who aren't tied to any specific platform. Mirantis offers performed-based OpenStack and Kubernetes certifications at the associate and professional levels. And while it's a relative newcomer, the vendor-neutral National Cloud Technologists Association (NCTA) CloudMASTER certification is also worth your attention. Candidates must achieve three prerequisite certifications or pass a challenge exam to earn the CloudMASTER.
- MCSA: Windows Server 2016
- MCSA: Cloud Platform
- MCSA: Linux on Azure
- MCSA: Windows Server 2012
Path 1 (for current VCP-Cloud or VCP6-CMA credential holders): Candidates who already possess a valid VCP-Cloud or VCP6-CMA certification need to obtain experience working with vSphere 6.x and vRealize and complete the VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA) Exam 2V0-731 to earn the certification.
Path 2 (for current VCP6, 6.5, or 7 credential holders in a different track): Candidates who already possess a valid VCP6, 6.5 or 7 credential in a different track should gain experience working with vSphere 6.x and vRealize and then pass Exam 2V0-731: VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation.
Path 3 (for expired VCP-CMA credential holders): Candidates who hold an expired VCP-CMA certifications must obtain six months of experience on vSphere 6 and vRealize, take a training course and pass Exam 2V0-620: vSphere 6 Foundations Exam or Exam 2V0-602 vSphere 6.5 Foundations Exam, plus complete Exam 2V0-731: VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation.
Path 4 (for non-VCP credential holders): Candidates who are just starting with VCP7-CMA must gain six months of experience with vSphere 6.x and vRealize, take one of the required training courses, and pass the required exams mentioned in Path 3 above.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation Design (VCAP7-CMA Design)
VMware Certified Advanced Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation Deployment (VCAP7-CMA Deploy)
VMware Certified Design Expert 7 — Cloud Management and Automation (VCDX7-CMA)