The selection of cloud certification depends on a variety of variables. You need to select the certification on the basis of knowledge, skills, expertise and the field in which you plan to specialize. It also depends to a great extent on your career goals and objectives. Although many large business corporations only focus on a single cloud platform to perform their cloud operations, still many companies prefer managing their data on multiple cloud platforms.
Depending on the preferences of your organization, you can select the cloud certification for yourself. Still, opting for multiple cloud certifications will expand your skill set and help you to be able to work in different cloud environments. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the leading and fastest growing cloud computing platforms in the industry. It is continuously working on improving its services and application to improve user experience.
However, different cloud certification providers such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform are also emerging rapidly and securing their share in the market, gaining a strong foothold. To learn more about the pros and cons of each platform, it is important to first know what each platform has to offer.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon web services were first introduced in 2006, and since then it has been continuously working to improve its services including storage and data solutions. The most distinctive feature of AWS certifications is its careful attention to detail and meticulous work for significant cloud engineering posts. Through the AWS certification, you can get theoretical knowledge of the platform as well as practical training on how to work in an AWS environment and use its wide range of features and services. AWS certification is a great way to get your skills validated in the following areas:
- Management of AWS services
- Designing and management of applications
- Effective deployment and utilization of various applications in an AWS environment
If you have just stepped into the IT industry or want to perform cloud-based operations for your organization, then through AWS certification you can get your skills validated and give confidence to your employer that you possess the required skills and knowledge to design and perform AWS based operations for your organization.
Due to its immense popularity and versatility, AWS training and certifications can provide you with various opportunities for cloud computing that might not have been accessible before.
The knowledge and skills that you get while preparing for the AWS certification exams can help to improve your skills and expertise in various parts of the cloud infrastructure.
The AWS certifications are specially designed for the following roles:
- Architects
- Developers Administrators
- SysOps
Currently, AWS offers the following certifications catering to the needs of staff working at Associate and Professional levels. These certifications are believed to be of utmost importance for career advancement.
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
While evaluating and weighing the various options available, it does get somewhat challenging to make the right choice. However, to get started, professionals are suggested to go for Certified Solutions Architect. Let us take a look at this certification in detail to see what makes it an ideal choice to get started.
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is most suitable for those professionals who are engaged in devising and formulating distributed applications. Training of this certification primarily includes areas of AWS-based applications along with connection of customer interfaces to AWS, conceiving and constructing sound, genuine, dependable applications, network technologies as well as a hybrid deployment(inclusive of systems having on-premise data storage as well as AWS constituents).
In terms of formal assessment, the examination primarily comprises of several key areas such as data security exercises, AWS execution, and administration, devising a sound system in terms of scalability and availability(here awareness and know-how of AWS infrastructure is essential), troubleshooting and disaster-recovery plans and solutions.
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is considered to be a pre-requisite to take up the certification of professional level. Namely, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification. The topics covered in this certification include data storage, system security, network designing, hybrid architecture, elasticity, scalability and lastly, cloud migration. As the list suggests, to qualify for this certification course, you will need practical experience in AWS of at least two years, if not more.
Microsoft Azure
To compete in the cloud war, Microsoft launched Microsoft Azure as its cloud computing platform, along with the Azure Certification. Microsoft Azure offers various kinds of features for a vast array of users, be it gamers, architects or professionals. There is every indication that its stable progress and facilitation of customers by providing end-to-end services to manage hybrid cloud environment will inevitably result in the flourishing of Azure, generating great revenues for Microsoft. It will also help Microsoft gain solid anchorage in the fiercely competitive landscape.
However, regarding certification options, the route offered by Microsoft is not as simple and straightforward as you would desire. It is slightly more complicated than it seems. A clear overview here might make your process of selection plain sailing.
Towards the end of September 2016, Microsoft Learning decided to update its Azure Architect Certification by introducing a total of five new certification routes.
As part of the MCSE path that focuses on cloud and infrastructure certification, you can apply for an MCSA: Cloud Platform Solutions Associate qualification.
CompTIA Core Certifications
With various certifications for all levels available to choose from, some of the foundational certifications offered by CompTIA for beginners are given below:
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ is considered as the best option to get started with since it provides novice trainees with sound familiarity with basics of hardware, security threats and its preventive measures, network management and installation of software as well. It is also a preferred choice in case individuals intend to change their career tracks. You need to clear a single examination to earn this certification.
CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification is considered as the ideal choice for individuals who intend to start a career at the help desk, customer support or networking operator. This certification includes areas such as troubleshooting, basics of networking, computer hardware, installation of software, security management as well as the configuration of computer operating systems.
CompTIA Network+
In case you feel confident about your skills in CompTIA A+ certification, you can skip it and proceed with the CompTIA Network+ certification.
This certification is designed for professionals having no less than nine months’ experience in networking. To qualify for this course, you must also have knowledge of topologies, networking technologies, installation, and security. The Network+ certification is easily earned by clearing a single examination.
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