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Bump up your salary with these 5 cloud certifications

April 20, 2017 | By Bee Nguyen, TEKsystems Marketing Communications Strategist

man in a navy stiped suit smiling

“Moving to the cloud” has become one of the most used phrases as IT departments and businesses invest in cloud computing and services. With cloud technology becoming more critical, the need for skilled professionals has steadily grown, as well as the legitimacy of cloud certification programs.

Cloud credentials are a tangible way to prove your skills, market yourself in a competitive job landscape and show that your skillset is current. They can help professionals across a broad array of IT disciplines or people who want to specialize in specific cloud computing architectures. If you’re chasing a career in cloud computing, you can choose to certify within a specific cloud provider or select a vendor-neutral certification.

5 cloud certifications worth the investment

Cloud certs seem to be popping up everywhere, so to help you match the right one to your talents, we did your research for you! Take a look at our top five cloud certification roundup to quickly learn which certifications can benefit your career—and your salary*.

MCSE – Private Cloud

(Microsoft Certified Solution Expert)

This certification will soon be replaced by the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification

Career level: Mid

Prerequisites: MCSA certification

Exam: $330

How long the certification lasts: 3 years

Annual potential salary increase: $17,271 for cloud or systems administrators; $5,190 for IT managers

Notes: Microsoft offers an optional five-day instructor-led class

Learn more about the MSCE

AWS – CSA

(Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate)

Career level: Mid

Prerequisites: 1 year of experience designing distributed systems on AWS

Exam: $150

How long the certification lasts: 2 years

Annual potential salary increase: We have insufficient data to make an accurate prediction but anecdotal evidence suggests the AWS – CSA can add a substantial salary boost

Notes: This certification is offered at several levels, from associate to professional

Learn more about the AWS – CSA

CompTIA Cloud+

Career level: Mid

Prerequisites: None; 2-3 years of cloud experience recommended

Exam: $285

How long the certification lasts: 3 years

Annual potential salary increase: $12,700 for tech support roles; $3,100 for InfoSec roles

Notes: Vendor-neutral certification there’s a $50 yearly maintenance fee plus continuing education requirements, or you can take a recertification test

Learn more about the CompTIA Cloud+

CompTIA Cloud Essentials

Career level: Entry

Exam: $285

How long the certification lasts: 3 years

Annual potential salary increase: $8,500 for end user support roles; $4,278 for InfoSec roles

Notes: Vendor-neutral certification

Learn more about the CompTIA Cloud Essentials

CCSK (Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge)

Career level: Mid

Prerequisites: None

Exam: $345

How long the certification lasts: Varies, but additional testing to upgrade the certification is offered free of charge

Annual potential salary increase: $24,379

Notes: Vendor-neutral

Learn more about the CCSK

*You can read about our methodology for salary predictions and explore data for other popular IT certifications.