Prepare for a Cloud Computing Certification in Atlanta

So you have decided to pursue a career in cloud computing. You must be impressed with how the technology is being adopted by companies worldwide to get better scalability, reduce costs, enhance productivity, security, and innovate faster. Moreover, you must be aware of the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has further boosted the utilization of cloud services. With remote working still prevalent and expected to stay longer, there has never been more need for cloud services.

The cloud computing market is dominated by some of the renowned platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Oracle, IBM, and VMware. Gaining expertise in any of these platforms can help you start a promising career in cloud computing. You would be surprised to know that there is a well-established way to demonstrate your cloud skills, i.e., cloud computing certifications. There are some vendor-specific and vendor-neutral certifications that you can pursue and become a successful cloud practitioner.

Cloud Computing Certification in Atlanta
Cloud Computing

This article will help you understand what steps you can take to achieve a cloud computing certification, irrespective of whether you are preparing for an AWS certification in Atlanta or Microsoft Azure certification in San Francisco. But first, let us make you familiar with the top cloud computing certifications available in the market.

Top Cloud Computing Certifications

Whether it is AWS, Azure, or GCP, every cloud platform has designated cloud certifications to help professionals establish their knowledge in using the cloud. Here are some of the top vendor-specific cloud computing certifications you can achieve:

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
  • AWS Certified Developer Associate
  • Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies AZ-300
  • Microsoft Azure Architect Design AZ-301
  • Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

If you are looking for a vendor-neutral certification, then CompTIA Cloud+ and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) are your top options.

Professionals who can add such industry-recognized credentials to their resumes are more likely to grab the attention of hiring managers. As usually observed, candidates with valuable certifications are preferred against the non-certified ones during the recruitment process. Moreover, these certifications can help you command high salaries and promotions.

In a survey conducted by Global Knowledge regarding 15 Top Paying IT Certifications for 2021, there were two cloud certifications making it to the top three:

  • Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect – this certification is associated with an average annual salary of $169,029 in the US.
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate – this certification is associated with an average annual salary of $159,033 in the US.

Evidently, achieving a cloud certification comes with lucrative career benefits.

Cloud Computing Certification in Atlanta
Cloud Computing Certification in Atlanta

How to Prepare for a Cloud Computing Certification?

As mentioned earlier, no one path is ideal for everyone to follow when it comes to achieving a cloud certification. However, some of the common steps you can take to prepare for such certifications are mentioned below.

Be thorough with the exam content outline

Every cloud certification usually has an associated exam to pass. There is an Exam Content Outline document that contains the detailed exam syllabus and important points to note. So, candidates should first check out this document and read it thoroughly to understand what is expected from the exam.

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Chalk out a study plan

Now when you know about the exam syllabus, create a study plan and dedicate time to each section depending on your total preparation time. When you study according to a plan daily, you are likely to cover most of the exam sections on time and are free from the hassle of last-minute preparation. Try to stick to the study plan and continue your preparation.

Take up a training course

If you are a working professional with a hectic routine, then consider taking up an online training course. These days, you can find courses related to each of the cloud certifications and can enroll in them easily. Such courses are usually mentored by industry experts and they can give you useful tips and tricks to crack the exam in a single try.

Attempt mock tests

Whether you have opted for self-study or a training course, the next step after completing your preparation is to take up mock tests. These exams are quite similar to the actual exams and help you analyze whether your preparation is enough or not. You can also identify which sections you are good at and which of them need more attention.

Give the exam

The final step is to appear for the exam with a calm mind. Ensure that you manage time for each section of the exam. Do not waste time on the questions you do not know the answer to and move on to the next ones. This way, you will not be left out with any section in the limited exam time given.

Bottom Line

To sum up, cloud computing is one of the most sought-after career domains these days, and adding a cloud computing certification to your resume can help you land your dream job. The cloud computing market is expected to be worth USD 832 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 17.5% from 2020 to 2025. So, you can think of the number of career opportunities that will be available in the cloud computing space in the time to come. Now, achieve a cloud certification and take your career to new heights.