Bump up your salary with these 5 cloud certifications
April 20, 2017 | By Bee Nguyen, TEKsystems Marketing Communications Strategist
“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
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
*You can read about our methodology for salary predictions and explore data for other popular IT certifications.