How do I Prepare for a Cloud Computing Certification?
Cloud computing is one of the most commonly used technologies in today’s IT landscape. It has emerged as one of the most revolutionary technologies after the internet. Today, businesses are taking a digital-first approach to stay afloat in the market, which is driving the accelerated growth of cloud computing. By using this technology, businesses are able to gain access to resources faster, reduce costs, meet their storage and computing needs, become more agile, and innovate faster. Moreover, cloud computing is paving the way for further technological advancements.
Simply put, cloud computing refers to data and computing resources that can be accessed over the internet. It offers on-demand services to organizations like data storage, servers, databases, and networking. Primarily, cloud computing aims at providing multiple consumers with access to data centers. Today, many renowned firms have stepped into the cloud computing space and started to offer best-in-class cloud services. Some of the most popular cloud platforms include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud, SAP, and Oracle. In light of this trend, cloud computing has become one of the most sought-after professions, and many individuals are trying to start a career in this domain. They are seeking a cloud computing certification in Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and other Indian cities.
This article discusses what the top cloud computing certifications are and how you can prepare to achieve them.
Top Cloud Computing Certifications
As mentioned above, many firms have stepped into the cloud space and created their cloud services platforms. Now, companies need trained professionals who can work on these platforms comfortably and help them achieve the various benefits associated with cloud computing. This is the reason cloud platforms have introduced a number of certifications to validate a candidate’s skills in using their cloud services. Here, it is important to note that one doesn’t need to become an expert in using the entire cloud platform. Cloud certifications are often role-based, and one needs to learn about only those services and functionality that are related to a specific job role.
Here are some of the popular vendor-specific cloud certifications that will enhance your cloud skills.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
- AWS Certified Developer Associate
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
- Google Certified Professional Data Engineer
- Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate
There is an exam associated with all the above certifications, and one needs to clear them to achieve the certification. You can check the eligibility requirements or prerequisites if any, for these certifications on the official websites and accordingly decide your way ahead.
Apart from the above certifications, one can also consider pursuing a vendor-neutral certification like:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- CompTIA Cloud+
- Certified Integrator Secure Cloud Services
With these certifications as well, you will have to pass a rigorous exam and clear it successfully. However, the perks that come with achieving a cloud computing certification are worth the time and effort you have to invest in preparing for such exams.
Preparation for Cloud Computing Certifications
Irrespective of what cloud certification you have decided to pursue, here are some of the preparation steps that can help you.
Be thorough with the syllabus – Every certification exam has a detailed syllabus defined on their websites. Make sure you have gone through the syllabus and understood what concepts or domains the exam would cover. Usually, the percentage of questions asked from each domain is also mentioned in the Exam Content Outline.
Create a study plan – Now that you are aware of the syllabus, design a study plan that suits your schedule. Based on the weightings of each domain, you can allot a certain time to complete studying it accordingly. Calculate how much time you can take out each day and follow the plan strictly. This will help you cover all the important topics and not miss any sections.
Be ready with the study material – After chalking out a plan, you need to collect the study materials. When you go through the details of any certification, the information regarding the recommended books, resources, whitepapers, or guides is also mentioned. Collect them and start your preparation.
Take up a training course – If the previous step doesn’t seem feasible for you, then consider taking up a reputed cloud certification training course. A number of online training providers have started offering preparatory courses related to cloud certifications. Find out a course related to the certification you have chosen and enroll in it. Here, the benefit is that you don’t need to look for any study materials and go to a physical location to attend the classes. All the exam preparation materials are provided by the training provider itself and you just need to follow what the instructor teaches in the video lectures.
Go through mock tests – When you have completed your preparation either through self-study or through a training course, it’s time to test your knowledge by appearing for mock tests. Going through an exam-like environment will help you understand how to answer the questions accurately in a limited time frame. Moreover, you will get an idea regarding the domains in which you are strong and which areas need improvement.
Follow these steps, and you will be able to achieve a cloud computing certification with ease. Start your journey today!