[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n recent years, a large number of business organizations have adopted cloud technology to manage their IT infrastructure effectively and save time and cost. There are several platforms that offer cloud-based services and certification.
Some of the leading cloud platforms are:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud Platform
- CompTIA
- Cisco
Due to the continuous development in the IT industry, cloud technology has developed more quickly than estimated earlier. Whatever career path you choose, cloud certifications can help you to grow and validate your skills and expertise. Since cloud technology is flexible and versatile, it can be used for various business operations and activities in an organization.
There are a lot of organizations that require you to clear certain cloud certifications to qualify for the job. Since these certifications are globally recognized, your chances of a better job offer also become high. Cloud certifications can be either vendor-neutral or vendor specific. While both are popular among employers, it mainly depends on the nature of your job and your organization’s IT infrastructure.
Cloud administrators, developers, technicians, and architects are in high demand due to lack of qualified and skilled cloud professionals. Based on the salary figure you can secure as well as the popularity of the course, the following are the top 6 cloud certifications that you can opt for in 2019.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification
Amazon Web Services introduced its cloud certifications in the year 2013. Presently, AWS certification can be divided into the following levels:
- Foundation level certifications
- Associate level certifications
- Professional level certifications
- Specialty Certifications
All of these certifications are specially designed to help professionals develop skills for cloud architecture, development, and its operations. The most popular AWS certification for cloud professionals is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification. This is a mid-level certification and is designed for professionals who have some years of professional experience of working in an AWS cloud environment. With the help of this certification, you will learn how to develop solutions to deal with customer requests.
You will also learn how to plan and develop your cloud infrastructure using AWS tools and services. When attempting this exam, you need to have a good level of familiarity with relevant concepts like service availability, succession planning, financial planning, resource allocation, design and storage, operational scalability, cloud data migration, and so on.
CCNA Cloud: Cisco Certified Network Administrator Cloud
Cisco is one of the leading providers of cloud services and certifications. Cisco keeps on developing new products and services according to the needs of its clients.
Cisco offers one of the largest certification and training programs. These certifications are classified into the following levels.
- Entry level
- Associate level
- Professional level
- Expert level
- Architect levels
Presently, Cisco has two cloud-based certifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cloud
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cloud
The Cisco Certified Network Associate is an elementary level certification.
This certification is specially designed for professionals responsible for performing cloud-based administration and engineering. Since this is an elementary level certification, you will be able to obtain fundamental knowledge of cloud infrastructure, network management and designing of storage solutions.
To obtain the Cisco CCNA cloud certification, you are required to clear a total of two exams. You can clear the exams through self- study or by taking classes. Like other certifications provided by Cisco, you need to recertify the certification after some time. For this particular certification, you are required to update it after every three years.
CCNP Cloud: Cisco Certified Network Professional Cloud
The CCNP Cloud: Cisco Certified Network Professional Cloud is specially designed for the following roles:
- Network administrators
- Architects
- Engineers
- Designers
This certification is an advanced level certification for cloud professional who have some years of professional experience in cloud computing. By the end of the certification, you will be able to conduct network operations, perform cloud storage activities, and develop various management strategies, detect and fix security issues, creation, and management of your organization’s virtual networks.
To qualify for this certification, you are required to clear the CCNA Cloud certification or any Cisco CCIE certification as a prerequisite.
Azure Administrator Associate Certification by Microsoft
For a career role as an Azure Administrator, Microsoft’s Administrator Associate certification is a relevant choice. The Azure administrator training gives you awareness of topics like resource allocation, supervision, and management of the Azure platform. You will understand every aspect of the infrastructure and the changes that are required to make it a sustainable platform for the organization’s network assets.
Issues like networking, storage and capacity are addressed in the Azure certification training. Once you complete this course, you will have learned how to maintain infrastructure, control access, and ensure that service delivery is equal to what is required by the business. Managing such an infrastructure is a constant challenge of deploying and moving resources to where they are needed. It is also about scaling the services according to the business needs to increase efficiency.
The relevant exam is called AZ-100, and the Azure administrator training allows you to learn at your own pace. Some of the functions that a holder of this certification is expected to perform are:
- Set up alerts and maintain the activity log for the Azure infrastructure
- Maintain data storage and access by using the delivery systems and export/export functions
- Ensure security of the data storage resources by distributing network access keys, ensuring regular backup and synchronization of data transfer and availability
- Create virtual machines using Azure systems and tools
- Become fluent in the use of Azure zones, domains, and other network related issues.
CompTIA Cloud+
CompTIA Cloud+ certification is a vendor-neutral certification. You can opt for this certification to prove your skills in the management of cloud infrastructure, data security and asset management. If you want to opt for this certification, it is advised that you have a few years of experience working in a cloud environment.
