The Five Best Cloud Computing Certifications to Have
Find out which certifications will get you the most pay in 2017!
Cloud Computing, which was in its infancy only a few years ago, has now grown up in both popularity as well as in usage. Today, it’s the most in demand hosted network in the IT world. As the usage of cloud computing continues it’s upward adoption within companies, jobs with new cloud skills are also emerging. It has become more and more necessary (if not mandatory) that IT professionals need to obtain cloud computing certifications to sharpen their skills in order to become or stay competitive. Obtaining cloud computing certification is probably the best way to get that leg-up on your competition.
Today, there are many organizations, technical education institutions, universities, and leading IT companies offering certifications in cloud computing. But the question arises: What are the best cloud computing certifications. And perhaps the most important question: What certifications will get me the most pay?
Here are 5 of the highest paying Cloud Computing certifications (salary data from Certification Magazine) that — on average —can pay over $100,000 per year depending on your specific level of experience, based on CultureFit placements over recent months:
#1. CCC Professional Cloud Developer (PCD)
Salary: $75,000 to $135,000
This vendor-neutral credential from the Cloud Credential Council (CCC) tests knowledge of topics such as cloud architecture patterns, development and monetization techniques, testing in the cloud, scalable coding, and cloud security and compliance fundamentals, among other topics. As with other CCC certifications, there’s a complete training package associated, but not strictly required. If you’re looking for a certification to use as a blueprint for learning cloud development, however, this could be a good way to go.
#2. Salesforce.com Certified Force.com Developer / Advanced Developer
Salary: $70,000 to $140,000 or more for senior developers and consultants
This is a go-to credential for IT Pros who work (or want to work) as a consultant or developer building custom applications that work with the Salesforce1 cloud platform. Salesforce1 is in wide use in a variety of industries ranging from financial services to retail to healthcare. The certification program is well respected and employers seeking expertise on this platform frequently seek out IT Pros with Salesforce.com certifications. Just take a gander at any IT job board and see for yourself.
#3. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect
Salary: $100,000 or more
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most widely used cloud platforms, so having an AWS credential in hand will really give you an edge when applying for many cloud positions. Available at both Associate and Professional levels, this is for individuals who design and deploy distributed systems on AWS. To achieve this, you’ll have to be well-versed in at least one high-level programming language, plus have the in-depth expertise needed to design and deploy a secure AWS platform implementation. This is a prime credential for individuals seeking a Cloud Architect position.
#4. Salesforce.com Certified Administrator/Advanced Administrator
Salary: $60,000 for basic admins, up to $120,000 or more for consultants
If you haven’t heard of Salesforce.com before, look it up now and prepare to be impressed with the size of its market footprint and hiring demand. If you have some Salesforce.com administration experience under your belt, then earning the basic or advanced administrator credential can help you upgrade your career. You’ll find it specifically requested in job postings, and certification requires just one exam per level — so you may be just one exam away from certification. You’ll need to know how to manage users, data and security, as well as how to finesse reports, dashboards and workflow.
#5. Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator (RHCVA)
Salary: $55,000 to $110,000
Linux is an enterprise favorite due to its renowned stability and flexibility, and with Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager, it now incorporates the key cloud technology of virtualization, supporting both Linux and Windows servers. The RHCVA is for IT pros who know how to use the virtualization manager to create, deploy, and manage virtual machines. To earn it, you’ll have to pass a hands-on practical exam to prove you really know your stuff.
Deciding which certification is best for you depends on your interest, knowledge, skills, and the amount of time you have available to invest in your career. As you can see, by just getting certified you will be far ahead of those individuals who do not get certified. For more information about this growing field, or if you are a currently an expert in Cloud Computing and looking for a new place to call home, talk to one of our IT Staffing Professionals here at CultureFit.
CultureFit Technology Staffing is a full-service Chicago IT recruiting firm for corporate cultures and IT professionals that value organizational fit, employee satisfaction, and an extremely high level of technical IT skill.
