Course Spotlight: Microsoft Cloud Support Associate Professional Certificate on CourseraOur verdict: Ideal for transitioning from novice to job-ready This certification covers essential knowledge about cloud computing and imparts valuable professional skills in Microsoft Azure, a highly popular cloud platform. It consists of 12 courses designed to bring learners up to speed on IT and cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, cloud management, and professional cloud administration. The course list includes:
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Cloud computing certificates can enhance your expertise and guide you through major cloud service providers like Google Cloud or AWS. Specializing in specific cloud providers can establish strong bases for specialized careers, while almost all companies utilize some type of cloud offering.
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A Comparison of Top Cloud Certifications
| Certificate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Cloud Support Professional Certificate (Coursera) | |||
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (AWS) | |||
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (AWS) | |||
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (Microsoft Azure) | |||
| CompTIA Cloud+ (CompTIA) | |||
| ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (ISC2) |
Microsoft Cloud Support Professional Certificate: Ideal for transitioning from novice to job-ready
Conducted by Microsoft experts, this course series leads to a professional certification verifying your competency. It imparts knowledge on managing cloud support within Microsoft Azure solutions and services, and how to apply technology diagnostic capabilities specifically for IT and cloud issues.You will acquire knowledge on managing data backups and overseeing mobile device management in relation to Microsoft’s cloud solutions and services.
Cost
To access this certification, you can subscribe to Coursera at a fee of $49 per month following a 7-day trial period.
Duration
Completion of these courses usually takes around four months with a commitment of 10 hours per week.
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Requirements
This certification does not have any prerequisites.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: Ideal for initiating your journey with AWS cloud
If you aspire to pursue a career in administering or governing AWS cloud solutions, this or a similar official certification from AWS may be requested by potential employers. AWS stands out as one of the leading cloud providers globally. Specializing in this area could be advantageous for a profession in cloud computing. This certification validates a level of experience in utilizing AWS Cloud in scenarios relevant to on-premise IT work.
Cost
The examination, a prerequisite for the certification, is priced at $150. Refer to AWS for pricing in other currencies.
Duration
The duration is dependent on the individual’s preparation time for the exam. AWS offers guidance on the exam structure, digital courses on AWS products (recommended are AWS Builder Labs, AWS Cloud Quest, and AWS Jam), and preparatory courses. The exam itself has a duration of 130 minutes.
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Requirements
In addition to the listed courses beneficial for exam preparation, individuals pursuing this certification should possess “AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experience,” according to the provided information. While coding expertise is not mandatory, familiarity with fundamental programming concepts would be advantageous, as stated by AWS. Individuals lacking IT experience are advised to prepare for and pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam if they intend to pursue the AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification.
SEE: Cloud and Hybrid Cloud: Differences and Use Cases (TechRepublic Premium)
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: Perfect for professionals in the AWS cloud domain
Attaining the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification demonstrates extensive professional familiarity with AWS products. This certification showcases proficiency in “delivering intricate solutions to challenging problems, optimizingsafety, expenditure, and efficiency, and streamlining manual processes” with cloud structure on AWS. The assessment assesses practical skills for scenarios such as devising AWS deployment tactics to fulfill corporate needs.
Pricing
The test comes with a price tag of $300.
Duration
You will have a total of 180 minutes to complete the exam. Complimentary practice questions and courses can be accessed through an AWS Skill Builder subscription. The duration may vary: The exam preparation for this course requires 10 hours and 30 minutes.
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Prerequisites
Professionals embarking on this certification should already possess the ability to assess cloud application needs and suggest suitable deployments on AWS to their organizations. They should be adept in architectural planning across multiple applications and projects within complex organizations.
Microsoft Certified – Azure Fundamentals: Optimal for Microsoft Azure
Azure competes with AWS as the most widely used cloud service provider. Attaining this certification will exhibit your proficiency with Azure, along with an endorsement from Microsoft. This certification is the initial step in Microsoft’s official Azure training programs. Successfully passing the exam and achieving the certification necessitates detailing and managing Azure compute, networking, and storage capabilities.
Pricing
The examination fee is $99.
Duration
You will have 45 minutes to complete the exam.
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Prerequisites
Individuals considering this certification should be tech professionals with experience in managing infrastructure, databases, and/or software development.
CompTIA Cloud+: Ideal for experienced IT professionals
CompTIA certifications carry significant weight in IT and information security domains. While not mandatory for career progression in these fields, a CompTIA certification signifies a commitment to excellence in this line of work. The relevant certification will educate you on how to manage, optimize, and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure in real-world scenarios.
Pricing
The cost of the CompTIA Cloud+ exam is $369.
Duration
You will be given 90 minutes to complete the exam.
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Prerequisites
Applicants should be seasoned IT professionals with around five years of experience, including 2–3 years in roles such as systems administrator or cloud engineer.
ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional: Optimal for cloud security
Similar to CompTIA, ISC2 has a reputation as a well-established industry association concentrating on cybersecurity. The examination for cloud security assesses skills in designing, managing, and safeguarding data, applications, and infrastructure within the cloud, all of which are validated by this certification.
Pricing
To undertake both the exam and training costs $1,519, with the exam not being available individually.
Duration
The examination lasts for a duration of 3 hours.
There are two training options to choose from: self-paced or instructor-led. The instructor-led training courses vary in duration, lasting anywhere between one week and three months, based on the schedule.
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Prerequisites
Individuals seeking the CCSP certification should possess five years of IT experience. Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields may substitute for one year of experience towards the CCSP certification. Out of the five years, three should be in information security, and one year must be within one of the following domains:
- Cloud concepts, architecture, and design.
- Cloud data security.
- Security of cloud platform and infrastructure.
- Cloud application security.
- Cloud security operations.
- Legal matters, risks, and compliance.
Methodology
In selecting these certifications, I examined genuine job listings targeting positions such as cloud administrator, systems administrator, and cloud security administrator. Listings that focused on AWS or Azure as their cloud service providers frequently requested certifications specific to those services. The selection of other certifications was based on the established professional reputation and extensive adoption of industry standards from these organizations.
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