Nearly every industry maintains its information in the cloud today, yet there is a significant skills gap in the IT job market; companies are failing to fill their cloud-specific positions with qualified individuals. A recent survey found that 32 per cent of companies consider a lack of cloud knowledge to be their biggest hiring challenge.
Below are the five most in-demand cloud certifications guaranteed to enhance your IT career.
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification is an entry-level credential designed for individuals starting their journey in cloud computing. It validates your foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. This certification is ideal for students, business users, or professionals looking to understand cloud concepts without prior technical experience. It covers core topics like cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Azure architecture, pricing, SLAs, and compliance.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
This widely acclaimed Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification demonstrates the candidate’s key skills to configure, manage, secure, and administer key professional functions in Microsoft Azure. The intensive course you will take to prepare for this exam will equip you with subject matter expertise in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Azure environment that will enhance your fluency in this rapidly evolving, cloud-adapting world.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
The Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert is an expert-level Microsoft certification designed for individuals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft cloud-related technologies. It enables them to reduce IT costs and deliver greater value to modern businesses, and equips candidates with the skills necessary for cloud administrator and architect positions.
4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is focused on the design of cost and performance-optimized solutions. This is an ideal starting point for candidates with AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experience. This exam does not require deep hands-on coding experience, although familiarity with basic programming concepts would be an advantage.
5. Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer
This entry-level certification from Google Cloud demonstrates your ability to deploy applications, monitor operations, and manage enterprise solutions on the Google Cloud Platform. It’s designed for individuals who want to begin their cloud journey with GCP and gain hands-on experience with core Google Cloud services.
If you want to advance in the IT field, obtaining a cloud certification will take you to higher levels. Numerous types of cloud certifications and courses are available on the market today, making it difficult to choose one. Reach out to a NetSoft College of Technology counselor to discuss whether enrolling in one of the programs might be the right step for your career.