What Is Cloud Architect Certification?

A cloud architect designs, manages, and monitors the computing cloud architecture for a company or organization and reviews cloud architecture to make suggestions about how it could run more efficiently. You can also recommend plans to develop and update existing cloud architecture. Some cloud architects are responsible for security protection for cloud computing assets, identifying threats, and finding solutions for security issues.

This position offers a dynamic set of tasks and responsibilities and the potential to offer solid earnings. According to job and recruiting website Glassdoor [1], cloud architects can make an average annual base salary of $154,500.

Learn about certifications that could help you in your career as a cloud architect.

Popular cloud architect certifications

Although employers look for varying qualifications, working as a cloud architect usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree. It can also be beneficial to pursue certifications in the field as a means of demonstrating your expertise and skill set. 

It’s important to review different certificate options to determine which certificates might work for you. You may want to consider multiple certifications to improve your knowledge of multiple platforms and the various issues that cloud architects face regularly.

Explore a few popular options to begin planning your certification path. 

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect

This credential assesses and verifies your understanding of Google Cloud technologies. The exam covers topics such as how to design and plan cloud solution architecture, analyze technical and business processes, and manage cloud solution infrastructure. Requirements: Google has no prerequisites but recommends you have at least three years of experience, including a year or more specifically using Google Cloud.

Cost (US): $200 (plus tax, if applicable) [2]

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certificate will test your technical knowledge and skills across AWS services. It covers topics such as resilient architectures, performant architectures, and cost-optimized architectures. It’s helpful to have previous information technology experience. You can also obtain an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certificate to help you prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification test.

Requirements: Amazon has no requirements, but recommends that you have at least a year of experience using AWS services to design cloud solutions or one to three years of IT experience.

Cost (US): $150, but you can get a 50 percent discount if you’ve already earned an AWS certification [3].

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Earn a Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification after demonstrating your ability to use the Microsoft Azure platform for cloud and hybrid solutions in areas such as computing, networking, storage, monitoring, and security issues. The test includes topics like designing data storage solutions and infrastructure solutions.

Requirements: You need to have the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.

Cost (US): $165 [4].

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

To pass the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) exam, you’ll need extensive knowledge of cloud security and its application to not only securing data but also designing and managing it. Topics covered include cloud data security, cloud application security, and cloud security operations.

Requirements: You’ll need five or more years of cumulative IT experience, including three years in information security and one year in one of six domains outlined by ISC2.

Cost (US): $599 [5].

CompTIA Cloud+

CompTIA Cloud+ is an exam from CompTIA that tests your understanding of different cloud modes, security measures, and cloud measures, including automation and troubleshooting cloud issues. Unlike other certificates, CompTIA Cloud+ is a vendor-neutral certificate. It’s a good option for cloud architects who are beginning their careers.

Requirements: CompTIA has no requirements. However, it would help if you have around five years of IT experience, including two to three years as a systems administrator or cloud engineer.

Cost (US): $369 [6].

Who should get cloud architect certification?

Cloud architect certifications can confirm your skills with cloud services, help you stand out when starting your career, or boost your salary in your current position. Some employers may require you to have a certification or recommend a certification to prove your understanding of different cloud platforms for providers like Google, AWS, and Microsoft.

How to get a cloud architect certification

When it comes to choosing certifications, consider following these steps to help narrow down the certification that might be right for you.

1. Determine the right certification

First, it’s a good idea to assess your career goals to decide which certifications align with your interests. Additionally, consider if you have a specific platform you prefer, such as Microsoft, Google, or AWS, to help narrow down the options. You could also focus on cloud security.

2. Review certification requirements

It’s a good idea to factor in your experience in the field, as some certificates are for beginners while others are for cloud architects with more experience.

3. Enroll in preparatory courses

It’s important to prepare for certification exams by enrolling in prep courses and setting aside time to focus on studying for your upcoming test. You can find courses through specific platforms, such as those sponsored by Google, AWS, and Microsoft.

4. Register for the exam

Each provider will have different registration options, so explore each one to see what you need to do in order to register to take the exam. The registration process is likely to include payment to cover the cost of the exam, as well as information like where and when you can schedule the test.

What to expect on a cloud architect certification exam

Cloud architect certification exams usually feature multiple-choice questions and case studies to assess your response to particular scenarios. You also may have specific areas of study depending on which test you take, such as a particular topic or platform.

Some of the topics you’ll want to review include cloud architecture models, security and compliance, deployment and migration, or troubleshooting and repair.

Career opportunities with cloud architect certification

You could have the potential to boost your salary and increase your chances of getting promoted with a cloud architect certificate. Some employers prefer you to have a certification for a particular position.

Certification can help you earn additional interest from employers looking to fill competitive cloud architect-related positions. These are the average annual cloud architect salaries for some of these positions based on data from Glassdoor:

• Cloud solutions architect: $148,000 [7]

• Cloud consultant: $138,500 [8]

• Systems architect: $214,500 [9]

• Cloud security architect: $248,000 [10]

Getting started with cloud architecture on Coursera

Cloud architecture is a well-compensated career path, and certification can provide a competitive edge during your job search. If you want to start a career as a cloud architect or continue your training in the field, consider exploring a Google Cloud Architect certification with Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect Professional Certificate on Coursera. The course covers topics related to Google Cloud infrastructure, including core services, scaling, automation, and design.

You can also try the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate on Coursera, where you can learn how to design architectural solutions, organize data, create data lakes, and prepare for your certification exam.