Top 3 Cloud Certifications to Start Your Cloud Career

Cloud computing isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s how modern businesses run. From startups to Fortune 500s, companies rely on the cloud to cut costs, boost cybersecurity, and easily back up data. And with that shift comes huge demand for cloud pros who actually know what they’re doing.

If you’re thinking about breaking into cloud computing or leveling up your career, earning a certification is one of the smartest moves you can make. Certifications from major providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud prove you can design, deploy, and manage real-world cloud environments—not just talk about them.

In this article, we’ll break down the top three cloud certifications worth earning right now, including what each one covers, how long it takes to prepare, and the types of roles they can help you land. 

Why You Should Earn a Cloud Certification

When it comes to landing a cloud computing job, experience is your golden ticket, no question. But certifications are what open the door in the first place. Cloud certifications prove that you don’t just understand the theory; you know how to apply it. They show employers that you can build, secure, and manage real cloud environments using tools from AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

In a competitive field, that credibility matters. Certifications validate your skills, keep you current with rapidly evolving tech, and may help you negotiate a higher salary or move into more advanced roles.

And with the global demand for cloud experts skyrocketing (and an average salary around $138,000), there’s never been a better time to specialize in the cloud. Whether you’re an IT pro looking to level up or a software developer ready for a new challenge, earning a top cloud certification can be a major career booster.

Cloud training offered by CBT Nuggets can help you learn cloud computing skills, expand your existing cloud computing knowledge, and help you apply this knowledge to real-life scenarios, giving you a great platform to begin a career as a cloud computing professional.

The Benefits of Earning a Cloud Certification

A cloud certification doesn’t just look good on your resume; it can change your career trajectory. Whether you’re chasing a promotion, pivoting into a new role, or just proving what you already know, certification gives you a measurable edge.

Here’s what earning a cloud cert can do: 

• Boost Your Earning Potential: Cloud pros are among the highest-paid in IT, with salaries that often climb well into six figures.

• Increase Job Security: Cloud computing isn’t slowing down. Certified professionals are in constant demand as more companies migrate their systems to the cloud.

• Validate Your Skills: Certification proves you know your stuff, from managing infrastructure to optimizing performance.

• Stand Out To Employers: Hiring managers love verifiable credentials, especially for specialized cloud roles.

• Open New Career Doors: Even entry-level cloud certifications can help you move into system admin, DevOps, or cloud engineering roles faster.

Getting certified doesn’t just help you keep up in the cloud field—it helps you get ahead.

Top 3 Cloud Certifications to Start Your Cloud Journey 

If you’re new to cloud computing or looking to specialize in one of the big three platforms—AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud—these certifications are the perfect place to start. They’re well-recognized across the IT industry, cover the most widely used cloud technologies, and give you a strong foundation to grow.

Each of these certs validates your ability to work with real-world cloud environments from managing virtual machines to deploying applications and securing data. You’ll also get hands-on experience with the same tools used by top employers, helping you move from beginner to job-ready faster.

In this section, we’ll break down what each certification costs, what’s covered on the exam, and the types of cloud roles they can help you land.

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect - Associate

Cost: $150. 

Average Completion Time: Many candidates budget 2 to 4 months for preparation

Format: Multiple-choice exam

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification tests an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and maintain robust AWS cloud solutions, using the full portfolio of AWS services such as compute, storage, networking, databases and identity/access. Earning this certification signals to employers that an individual can apply architectural best practices in the AWS cloud.

The AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification tests an individual’s ability to deploy, manage, and make changes to a range of Amazon Web Services, which is currently the leading cloud platform. The certification is achieved by passing a multiple-choice exam after about four months of study.

Individuals are tested on the following:

• Deployment and management (AWS Management Console)

• Computation, networking, storage, and database processes of AWS services

• The basic architectural principles of building in AWS

• Global AWS infrastructure

• AWS Identity and Access

• Related network technology

• Data lakes

There is no specific prerequisite for this certification. However, it is considered the next step after completing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, which is designed for individuals new to the platform. Many candidates have around a year of AWS experience, though motivated learners may attempt it sooner with intensive preparation.

2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Cost: $99

Average Completion Time: Many candidates spend between a few weeks and 5 months preparing

Format: 45-minute exam consisting of various question types

Microsoft Azure is the second-largest cloud platform, after AWS, in terms of market share, making it a valuable platform to be familiar with. The AZ-900 exam, used for this foundational certification, features technical and non-technical questions designed for professionals working in various roles. This certification is ideal for gaining a solid understanding of the fundamentals of Azure.

Individuals will be tested on the following:

• Using standard cloud tools

• The benefits of cloud services

• The differences between various cloud services (IaaS vs. PaaS, for example)

• Core cloud concepts, solutions, and management

• Containerization (Kubernetes and database services)

• Basic cloud and network security

The next step after obtaining the Azure Fundamentals certification would be to pursue the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate certification, should an individual wish to expand their knowledge base and apply for more technical roles.

3. Google Associate Cloud Engineer

Cost: $125

Average Completion Time: 6+ months

Format: Multiple-choice exam, 2 hours, 50-60 questions 

The third biggest cloud platform is Google Cloud, and the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification shows an understanding of basic Google Cloud competencies. These competencies can range from setting up a cloud environment and managing storage and database systems to configuring user access and implementing security measures.

The test covers: 

• Setting up a cloud solution and creating a new project

• Managing users in Cloud Identity

• Planning and configuring compute resources

• Managing data storage and network resources

• Managing billing configuration

• Managing a Virtual Machine (VM)

• Deploying the Google Kubernetes engine and related applications

In addition to advancing cloud engineering skills, IT professionals are also exploring the machine learning market as a potential career choice, which is expected to grow by 23% between now and 2032.

Cloud Security Jobs for Certified Engineers

Earning a cloud certification doesn’t just prove you know the tech—it can open the door to a wide range of roles across IT. As more companies migrate their data, applications, and services to the cloud, demand for skilled cloud professionals continues to skyrocket.  

Here are six of the most in-demand cloud computing jobs right now: 

• Cloud Administrator: Cloud admins handle configuration, performance monitoring, and routine maintenance to make sure systems stay available and secure.

• Cloud Support Engineer: Support engineers bridge the gap between users and the cloud, diagnosing errors, optimizing performance, and ensuring service uptime.

• Cloud Security Analyst: Protects cloud systems from threats by monitoring for vulnerabilities, enforcing security policies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. (If security’s your focus, combining a cloud cert with a cybersecurity certification can give you a serious edge.)

• Cloud Network Engineer: Designs and manages the networking side of the cloud from virtual private clouds (VPCs) to load balancers and WAN/LAN integration. They keep data moving securely and efficiently between systems.

• Cloud Software Engineer: Builds and maintains the applications that run in the cloud, often working closely with DevOps teams to automate deployment and improve scalability.

• Cloud Automation Engineer: Uses scripting and tools like Terraform or Ansible to streamline infrastructure deployment. Automation engineers are all about speed, reliability, and reducing manual errors in complex cloud environments.

With cloud computing evolving fast, these roles often overlap, and earning a respected certification is one of the best ways to show you’ve got the skills to adapt.  

Final Thoughts

The cloud market is growing at an astonishing rate, and an increasing number of IT professionals are seeking to develop their skills in leading cloud platforms. This is why top cloud certifications, such as AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Fundamentals, and Google Associate Cloud Engineer, are in high demand. 

If you’re ready to start learning, CBT Nuggets cloud training can help you build practical, real-world cloud skills and get certified faster.