A Simple Guide to Top

Cloud Certifications
Get career-ready with certifications in AWS, Azure, GCP, and
role-based technologies
Table of Contents

2 A Simple Guide to Cloud Certifications

2 DevOps

4 Security

5 Amazon Web Services

7 Google Cloud Platform

8 Azure

10 A Final Look

cloudacademy.com A Simple Guide to Top Cloud Certifications 1

A Simple Guide to Cloud Certifications
Thinking about making a change in your career? Want to boost your income or add some security to your current
cloud gig?

Consider pursuing a top certification.

Getting cloud-certified can be a great way for you to advance your career in today’s digital world. With more and more
companies moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud, there’s an explosive demand for tech pros with the cloud
expertise to drive innovation forward.

By earning a cloud certification, you can show employers that you have what it takes to design, deploy, and manage
critical cloud applications and services. But it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve researched and
compiled a list of the most sought-after cloud certifications with need-to-know info, including job roles and US salary
estimates, to help make your decision-making process a little easier.

DevOps
DevOps is a set of practices that aims to bring together development and operations teams to collaborate more
effectively and deliver software faster — and with higher quality.

It involves automating and streamlining the software delivery process, from building and testing to deployment and
monitoring, to ensure that code changes are delivered quickly and reliably.

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional

About the certification The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional certification validates your
expertise in implementing and managing DevOps practices on the AWS platform.
It focuses on continuous delivery and deployment, infrastructure as code, monitoring
and logging, and security and compliance.

Job roles and salary ranges DevOps Engineer | Estimated salary: $117,008*
AWS DevOps Engineer | Estimated salary: $127,553*

Prerequisites You’ll need to have a minimum of two years of experience in a DevOps role, knowledge of
AWS services and DevOps practices, and, (ideally) the AWS Certified Developer - Associate
certification before you can take the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
certification exam.

Exam Website https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-devops-engineer-professional/

Cost $300 plus tax, where applicable

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 AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/devops-engineer-professional-certification-
preparation-for-aws-2019-427/

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

About the certification The Certified Kubernetes Administrator certification validates your knowledge of managing
Kubernetes clusters. Kubernetes is a container orchestration tool that has become the
standard for managing containerized applications.
With this certification, you'll learn how to deploy, manage, and scale Kubernetes clusters
in production environments. The Certified Kubernetes Administrator certification covers
a range of topics, including installation and configuration, networking, storage, security,
and troubleshooting.

Job roles and salary ranges Kubernetes Administrator | Estimated salary: $128,604*
Kubernetes Engineer | Estimated salary: $156,773*

Prerequisites None

Exam Website https://training.linuxfoundation.org/certification/certified-kubernetes-administrator-cka/

Cost $395 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/certified-kubernetes-administrator-exam-

preparation-242/

Docker Certified Associate (DCA)

About the certification The Docker Certified Associate certification validates your expertise in working with
Docker. Docker is a commonly used containerization platform that lets developers build,
ship, and run applications in containers.
With the Docker Certified Associate certification, you'll learn how to work with Docker at
a professional level. This certification covers container creation and management,
Dockerfile creation and management, image creation and management, and Docker
networking and volumes.

Job roles and salary ranges Software Engineer | Estimated salary: $102,735*
Cloud Engineer | Estimated salary: $126,592*

Prerequisites It’s a good idea to have six months to a year of Docker experience prior to taking the
Docker Certified Associate certification exam.

Exam Website https://prod.examity.com/docker/

Cost $195 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/docker-certified-associate-dca-exam-

preparation-1-1393/

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 Security
In cloud, cybersecurity plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive data and systems from cyber attacks. The cloud offers a
ton of benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and cost savings — but it also presents new security challenges.

With more data being stored in the cloud, the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks increases. Cybersecurity measures
must be implemented to safeguard cloud-based systems and data, including strong access controls, encryption, and
monitoring of activity and traffic.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

About the certification In today's digital age, information security is of paramount importance, and the Certified
Information Security Manager (CISM) certification equips you with the knowledge and
skills you need to secure information systems and protect against cyber threats.
The CISM certification covers risk management, access controls, network security,
cryptography, and incident response.

Job roles and salary ranges Business Analyst | Estimated salary: $80,276*
Systems Analyst | Estimated salary: $87,425*
Information Systems Security Officer | Estimated salary: $112,979*
Privacy Consultant | Estimated salary: $106,007*
Cybersecurity Manager | Estimated Salary: $125,740*

Prerequisites You’ll need to have five or more years of CISM professional work experience across at least
three of the four CISM domains before you can take the Certified Information Security
Manager certification exam.

Exam Website https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism#register

Cost $575 - $760 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/cism-foundations-1-2565/

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

About the certification The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification covers access
control, cryptography, security architecture, risk management, and more.
If you earn this certification, you’ll gain the skills you need to design, implement, and
manage a comprehensive security program to protect against cyber threats.

Job roles and salary ranges Information Assurance Analyst | Estimated salary: $93,050*
Security Systems Administrator | Estimated salary: $101,448*
Cybersecurity Engineer | Estimated salary: $121,910*

Prerequisites You’ll need five years of full-time, paid work experience; four years of experience plus a
recent university degree; or four years of experience with an approved security
certification before you can take the CISSP certification exam.

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 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Exam Website https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP#collapse2

Cost $749 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/preparation-for-the-cissp-certification-640/

AWS Certified Security - Specialty

About the certification The AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification validates your expertise in securing
applications and infrastructure on the AWS platform. With this certification, you’ll learn
best practices for securing AWS resources, protecting data, and responding to security
incidents.
The AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification covers identity and access
management, network security, encryption, compliance, incident response, and more.

Prerequisites You’ll need to have the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification or any Associate-level AWS
certification before you can take the AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification exam.

Exam Website https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-security-specialty/

Cost $300 plus taxes, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/security-specialty-certification-preparation-

for-aws-201/

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been a major player in the cloud industry since its launch in 2006. AWS provides a wide
range of cloud-based services, including computing, storage, and databases, as well as developer tools, analytics, and
security services.

AWS has had a significant impact on cloud, driving innovation and competition and expanding access to resources for
businesses and individuals.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

About the certification The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, an entry-level certification, covers the
fundamental concepts of the AWS Cloud, including its infrastructure, services, and pricing
models.
This certification is designed for individuals who have minimal experience with AWS but
who want to gain a basic understanding of the platform.

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 AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Job roles and salary ranges AWS Cloud Practitioner | Estimated salary: $85,736*

Prerequisites None

Exam Website https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-cloud-practitioner/

Cost $100 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/aws-cloud-practitioner-clf-c01-certification-

preparation-for-aws-5597/

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

About the certification Earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification demonstrates your
ability to design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS,
using a range of AWS services and technologies.

Job roles and salary ranges Solutions Architect | Estimated salary: $135,763*
AWS Solutions Architect | Estimated salary: $152,171*

Prerequisites It’s a good idea to have some basic knowledge of building cloud solutions on the AWS
platform before you take the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification
exam.

Exam Website https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-solutions-architect-associate/

Cost $150 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/aws-solutions-architect-associate-saa-c03-

certification-preparation-for-aws-1-7446/

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional

About the certification The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional certification validates your expertise in
implementing and managing DevOps practices on the AWS platform.
It focuses on continuous delivery and deployment, infrastructure as code, monitoring and
logging, and security and compliance.

Job roles and salary ranges DevOps Engineer | Estimated salary: $117,008*
AWS DevOps Engineer | Estimated salary: $127,55*

Prerequisites You’ll need to have a minimum of two years of experience in a DevOps role, knowledge of
AWS services and DevOps practices, and, (ideally) the AWS Certified Developer -
Associate certification before you can take the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer -
Professional certification exam.

Exam Website https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-devops-engineer-professional/

cloudacademy.com A Simple Guide to Top Cloud Certifications 6

 AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
Cost $300 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/devops-engineer-professional-certification-

preparation-for-aws-2019-427/

Google Cloud Platform

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a cloud platform and service offered by Google. Like AWS, it provides a range of cloud-
based services, including computing, storage, networking, databases, machine learning, and more, to help organizations
build, deploy, and manage applications and services in the cloud.

GCP is known for its flexibility, scalability, and reliability, making it an ideal platform for a variety of workloads.

Google Certified Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE)

About the certification The Google Certified Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE) certification lets you demonstrate
your ability to deploy applications, monitor operations, and manage GCP resources in a
secure and efficient manner.
This certification covers key GCP services such as computing, storage, networking, and
security, and can ensure you have the skills to work effectively with GCP tools and
technologies.

Job roles and salary ranges Cloud Engineer | Estimated salary: $126,592*

Prerequisites It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of both GCP products/services and cloud
concepts before you take the Google Certified Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE)
certification exam.

Exam Website https://cloud.google.com/certification/cloud-engineer

Cost $125 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/google-associate-cloud-engineer-exam-

preparation-844/

Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

About the certification The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification validates your
understanding of designing and implementing cloud solutions on GCP.
If you earn this certification, you'll have the skills to design and develop solutions using
GCP services like computing, storage, networking, and security, and you’ll be able to use
industry best practices to optimize GCP resources for maximum efficiency.

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 Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
Job roles and salary ranges Cloud Architect | Estimated salary: $155,449*

Prerequisites It’s a good idea to have general knowledge of IT concepts before you take the Google
Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification exam.

Exam Website https://cloud.google.com/certification/cloud-architect

Cost $200 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/cloud-architect-professional-certification-

preparation-for-google-35/

Google Certified Professional Data Engineer

About the certification Earning the Google Certified Professional Data Engineer certification shows that you have
a deep understanding of designing and managing data processing systems on GCP.
With this certification, you’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to design and build data
processing systems that are secure, scalable, and highly available.

Job roles and salary ranges Data Engineer | Estimated salary: $108,816*

Prerequisites It’s a good idea to have basic database knowledge before you take the Google Certified
Professional Data Engineer certification exam.

Exam Website https://cloud.google.com/certification/data-engineer

Cost $200 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/data-engineer-professional-certification-

preparation-for-google-83/

Azure
Azure is another major player in the cloud industry, offering cloud-based services like computing, storage, databases,
networking, and developer tools. Its strengths lie in its integration with other Microsoft products and its ability to support
hybrid cloud deployments, making it a popular choice for businesses that want to move to the cloud gradually.

Azure also offers a breadth of security and compliance features, making it a top choice for businesses that require strict
security measures.

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 AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator
About the certification The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator certification exam validates your ability to
manage Azure identities and governance, implement and manage storage, configure and
manage virtual networking, monitor and back up Azure resources, and more.
If you earn this certification, you’ll learn a wide range of Azure topics, including Azure AD,
Azure storage, Azure virtual machines, and Azure networking.

Job roles and salary ranges Microsoft Azure Administrator | Estimated salary: $104,993*
Cloud Software Engineer | Estimated salary: $136,354*

Prerequisites You’ll need a general knowledge of IT architecture before you can take the AZ-104:
Microsoft Azure Administrator certification exam.

Exam Website https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/az-104/

Cost $165 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/az-104-exam-preparation-microsoft-azure-

administrator-1-1332/

AZ-204: Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate

About the certification The AZ-204: Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate certification confirms your
ability to develop and deploy cloud-based applications and services on Azure.
To earn this certification, you'll have to learn how to use Azure tools and services to design
and develop scalable, secure, and highly available applications — and more.

Job roles and salary ranges Microsoft Azure Developer | Estimated salary: $133,202*

Prerequisites It’s a good idea to have some software development and Azure experience prior to taking
the AZ-204: Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate certification exam.

Exam Website https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/az-204

Cost $165 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/az-204-exam-preparation-developing-

solutions-for-microsoft-azure-1208/

AZ-500: Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate

About the certification The AZ-500: Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate certification validates
your ability to implement and manage security controls, secure data and applications,
manage access and identity, and protect Azure resources from potential threats.
To earn this certification, you'll need to become well-versed in using Azure security tools
and services such as Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, Azure AD, and more.

Job roles and salary ranges Microsoft Azure Security Engineer | Estimated salary: $138,904*

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 AZ-500: Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate
Prerequisites You’ll need a moderate to strong understanding of Azure offerings and knowledge of
basic IT security principles before you can take the AZ-500: Microsoft Certified Azure
Security Engineer Associate certification exam.

Exam Website https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-security-engineer/

Cost $165 plus tax, where applicable

Learning Path https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/az-500-exam-preparation-microsoft-azure-

security-technologies-650/

*All salaries listed are national estimates courtesy of ZipRecruiter.com and Glassdoor.com.

A Final Look
With the right cloud certification, you can learn the skills you need to take your career to the next level — regardless of the
economic climate.

Begin by using this guide to choose the certification you want to pursue. Then, start a Cloud Academy Learning Path
to gain skills that’ll help you pass the exam.

cloudacademy.com A Simple Guide to Top Cloud Certifications 10

Ready to start your journey?
Show employers that you have what it takes to design, deploy, and manage critical cloud applications and services.

Move your career forward with Cloud Academy.

cloudacademy.com

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