13 High-Paying Cloud Certifications in 2023

1). Compliance

Data compliance is the cornerstone of business operations if you’re in industries like financial services and healthcare. If you operate on-premises solutions, the evolution and continuing management of compliance regulations can present a significant resource challenge.

Moving to the cloud allows you to choose the services that are already compliant. The cloud provider is responsible for any upgrades should those compliance requirements change.

2). Security Risks

In an environment where cyberattacks are increasing in severity and scale, you may find your business underprepared to defend itself.

Whether it’s a lack of tools or talent like many businesses, you will find public cloud offering you a ready-made solution to mitigate risk. Not to mention the vast resources cloud providers can offer to protect against threats.

3). Capacity Requirements

Like many businesses, you may have hardware utilization issues when experiencing rapid growth or huge seasonal capacity shifts. Costs can quickly mount if you’re unable to meet business demand or end up paying on on-premises services which are largely underutilized.

A move to the cloud will give you the flexibility to rapidly increase and decrease computation. Reducing costs via a pay-as-you-go model.

4). Cost Saving

One of the key motivations for many to move to the cloud is the associated cost savings – both direct and indirect. Depending on your business and how you use the cloud, you can make cost savings in a number of ways.

A few examples include scaling your compute to changing demands, reducing resources spent managing hardware and software, or gaining greater insight into your data.

5). Scalability

One of the key benefits of cloud services is scalability. Cloud computing gives you the ability to rapidly scale your compute and storage requirements to meet business demands. Through a pay-as-you-go model, you can better control your costs, scaling up or down to meet seasonal demand.

#1: Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

The Google Certification validates the ability of an individual to create, manage and secure scalable cloud architectures. Google Cloud Architects earn a handsome salary of $135,980 on average as per ZipRecruiter. This certification enables the professions to stand out from the crowd giving the employers a clear hint of the extraordinary aptitude in the Google Cloud Arena. 

Skills validated through the certification:

• Architecting, and planning a Google Cloud Architecture
• Manage the infrastructure of cloud solution
• The security and compliance designing
• Analyze and optimization of the business and technical process
• Configuring the network topologies
• Optimizing the process reliable
• Evaluation of the quality control steps

Exam Details
Duration of exam:	2 hours
Registration fee:	$200 (plus any tax as applicable)
Exam format:	MCQ-based

#2: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

Amazon Web Services launched the AWS certification exam in the year 2013. This certification is for those individuals who have extensive knowledge and experience in designing AWS-based systems. 

Before we move forward, do you have any knowledge about cloud computing?  If not, here is a comprehensive guide on What is Cloud Computing? Different types of cloud computing, benefits, a career path in cloud computing, and a lot more.

The examination focuses to test the understanding of the candidates regarding the architecture of the applications and securing the apps on a cloud server. It is a perfect certification for students who aspire to have a flourishing career in designing reference architectures and cloud infrastructures. 

Skills validated through the certification:

• Extensive programming knowledge in Java, Python, and C++
• Fundamentals of data storage
• Understanding of CDN, VPC, DNS, HTTP networking
• Good knowledge of the Identity and access management
• A cloud architect must be well-versed with AWS infrastructure

Exam Details
Exam duration:	130 minutes
Fees:	$150
Exam format:	Multiple choice or multiple responses

#3: CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

Risk management is a critical area these days, considering the increase in cybercrimes, especially in terms of data theft and fraud. With more of our personal and professional lives moving to the digital world, cybersecurity has become a top priority, especially for businesses. 

After all, a significant data breach could result in substantial financial losses or even bankruptcy for a company. A business that’s unable to keep its transactions secure gains a reputation for being untrustworthy and risky, which could cause irreversible damage. 

Professionals certified in CRISC create a greater understanding of information technology risks and how they impact an entire organization. Furthermore, they devise plans and strategies for mitigating those risks. 

Finally, CRISC professionals establish a common language to facilitate communication and understanding between the IT groups and stakeholders. Post-qualification, one can work as IT Auditor, Chief Information Security Officer, and various other job roles with compensation ranging between $90,000 - 176,000 yearly. For all these reasons CRISC is among the best cloud certifications at present.

Skills validated:

• Risk events (e.g., contributing conditions, loss result)
• Threat modeling and threat landscape
• Vulnerability and control deficiency analysis (e.g., root cause analysis)
• Risk scenario development

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$575 for ISACA members & $760 for non-members
Exam format:	MCQs

#4: CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam is a six-hour exam consisting of 250 questions that certify security professionals in different areas - 

• Access control systems and methodology
• Business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning
• Physical security & operations security
• Management practices
• Telecommunications
• Networking security

The other important areas of CISSP certification are security architecture application and systems development, cryptography, ethics, and law, investigation.

Many companies value the CISSP as a standard for recruiting security professionals. Certified professionals can earn an average of $116,573 per annum. 

Hence, we have recognized this certification as one of the best cloud certifications in 2022.

Skills validated: 

• Security and risk management
• Asset security
• Security engineering
• Communication and network security
• Identity and access management
• Security assessment and testing
• Security operations
• Software development security

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$749
Exam format:	MCQ-based, Computerized Adaptive Testing

#5: CISM – Certified Information Security Manager

CISM certification is an advanced certification that helps professionals gain the knowledge and expertise for developing and managing an enterprise information security (infosec) program. ISACA as a nonprofit, independent association offers this certification. 

Infosec managers, aspiring managers, or IT consultants who are supporting infosec program management can pursue CISM certification. Certified professionals can earn an average of $137,058 on an average yearly as per ZipRecruiter. That’s why we recommend taking up this certification for cloud computing.

Skills validated:

• Information Security Governance
• Information Risk Management
• Information Security Program Development and Management
• Information Security Incident Management

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$575 for ISACA members & $760 for non-members
Exam format:	MCQ-based questions for 4 hours.

#6: PMP® - Project Management Professional

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® is the best project management certification in the world. PMP helps to develop project leadership and expertise in any job role (including cloud computing) through the inclusion of predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches. This certification boosts careers for project leaders across industries and helps organizations find smarter people who will perform better.

The CIO magazine has ranked the PMP as one of the top project management certifications in North America. This certification demonstrates you possess the specific skills employers seek at the highest levels.

As per Salary.com, Project Management professionals earn between $69,069 and $253,748 annually in the US. The median salary for project management professionals in North America is 25% higher than those without it.

The PMP tutorial can help you to grasp the required knowledge and skills and qualify for the exam on the first attempt.

Skills validated:

• Technical Skills
• Communication and Leadership Skills
• Cost Control and Budget Management
• Organization and Schedule Management
• Statistics and Data Analysis
•  Risk Analysis and Risk Management
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
• Adaptability Skills

Exam Details
Exam fees:	PMI members - $405, Non-PMI members - $555
Exam format:	230 minutes in duration, Question Type: multiple-choice, multiple responses, matching, and limited fill-in-the-blanks.

#7: NCP-MCI: Nutanix Certified Professional

Nutanix Technical Certifications are designed by industry experts to recognize the skills and knowledge you've acquired to successfully deploy, manage, optimize, and scale your Enterprise Cloud. Earning this certification, you will get validated by a hiring company that you have it in you to guide a firm along to the next phase of your Enterprise Cloud journey. Also, this certification brings with it decent perks for students. One can earn $142,810 on average yearly. 

Nutanix University offers several certifications that allow you to build a career development path meeting your current and future professional goals. Also, all of the certification exams by Nutanix are remotely proctored, hence, you can get certified from anywhere!

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$199
Exam format:	120 minutes in duration, multiple-choice and multiple response questions

#8: VCP-DVC: VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization

The VCP-DCV 2022 certification validates your skills for implementing, managing, and troubleshooting vSphere infrastructure. This certification helps students to learn the best practices to build a powerful, flexible, and secure foundation for business agility that can accelerate the transformation to cloud computing. Certified professionals after successful completion of the course can end up earning $132,947 on an average per annum.

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$250
Exam format:	130 minutes with 70 questions to attempt.

To qualify for the certification exam and get a job, you do not need to hassle a lot, just pick the right Azure Cloud Course, work on your skills, and you are all set to fly.

#9: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Candidates for the Azure Administrator Associate certification should have subject matter expertise in implementing, managing and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment.

An Azure Administrator is responsible for managing, implementing, and monitoring identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in a cloud environment. They provision, size, monitor, and adjust resources, whenever needed.

Azure administrators are known to earn $117,000 on average yearly. So, we have rated Azure Administrator Associate as one of the best cloud certifications going around at this moment.

Skills Validated: 

• A strong understanding of core Azure services.
• Knowledge of Azure workloads, security, and governance. 
• Knowledge of using PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal, and Azure Resource Manager templates.

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$165 (varies with country).
Exam format:	120 minutes in duration for 40 - 60 questions to attempts

If you are looking for an additional resource to prepare for the Azure Administrator Associate certification, you should not miss this Microsoft Azure Guide, it provides a complete overview of the Azure Platform.

#10: AWS Certified SysOps Administrator

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator certification is intended for system administrators in cloud operations roles to validate their technical skills. Mentioned below are the skills validated by this exam. AWS certified sysops administrators earn between $67,000 - $151,000 on average yearly. This is why we have rated AWS Certified SysOps Administrator as a top certification for cloud computing at this moment.

Skills validated:

• Experience in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS. 
• Implement security controls and compliance requirements. 
• Must be able to operate AWS Management Console and the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI).
• Have a good understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework 
• Must possess knowledge about AWS networking and security services.

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$150
Exam format:	Multiple choice and multiple responses

#11: Microsoft Certified: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, mastering the basics in Microsoft Azure can help you jump-start your career. The certification will prepare you to dive deeper into the many technical opportunities Azure offers.

The certification validates your basic knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Azure. Candidates will be able to learn the fundamentals of cloud concepts, along with various Azure services, security, privacy, pricing, workloads, and support. 

Candidates on successful completion can earn between $97,000 to $135,500 per year. So, we have recognized Microsoft Azure Fundamentals as one of the best cloud certifications at this moment.

Skills validated:

• Knowledge about cloud computing models, concepts, and services, such as public, private, and hybrid cloud. 
• Knowledge about infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
• Show your expertise on how Azure supports security, privacy, compliance, and trust.
• Familiarity with concepts of networking, storage, compute, application support, and application development.
•  Azure Fundamentals certification to reinforce your basics for other Azure role-based or specialty certifications, but it isn’t a prerequisite for any of them.

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$99 (variable)
Exam format:	85 minutes and 40 to 60 questions to attempt

#12: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Microsoft Azure is a Cloud Computing service to test, build, deploy, and manage services and applications by using the data centers that are managed by Microsoft. It is the fastest-growing cloud service provider in the current market scenario. No doubt, Azure Solutions Architects are in high demand these days earning salaries around $155,500 yearly as per Talent.com. 

Skills validated:

• Understanding of the needs of IT professionals in different Azure roles.
• Development, Administration, DevOps Engineering, Architecture.

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$165 (Varies with country)
Exam format:	150 minutes long with 40 - 60 questions to attempt.

So, we have recognized Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect as one of the best cloud certifications at this moment. Prepare for the exam and crack it in the first attempt. To help you in the journey, here is a complete guide on Azure Solutions Architect Certification.

#13: Google Certified Professional Data Engineer

Professional Data Engineers enable data-driven decision-making by collecting, transforming, and publishing data. A Data Engineer should be able to design, build, operationalize, secure, and monitor data processing systems with a particular emphasis on - 

• Security and compliance
• Scalability and efficiency
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• And portability

Data Engineers must possess the skills to leverage, deploy, and continuously train pre-existing machine learning models. Such engineers can earn $136,500 per year on average. 

Exam Details
Exam fees:	$200 (plus taxes)
Exam format:	2 hours in duration, MCQ-based

Aside from certification, having the required skill set is also mandatory to grow in the field. Know about the in-demand skills required to become a successful cloud engineer, here is the guide to cloud computing to learn the skills and gain expertise.

So, these are all the best 14 high-paying best cloud certifications to pursue at this moment.

Now, let us share some of the benefits of certification for cloud computing!

#1. High Remuneration:

The IT sector embraces newer, cost-effective, and versatile technologies faster than any industry. Owing to these changes, there are tremendous opportunities for IT professionals to expand their professional portfolios by adding up new skills. Cloud computing is one such technology that is going to stay in years to come.

Backed by the tremendous usability of cloud computing, professionals who are experts in this field are going for the best cloud certifications for earning decent money these days. Also, many budding professionals are shifting towards cloud computing job roles through such certifications and learning the skills required in this trade. Here, are some of the average compensation details of various job roles in this domain as per Statista:

• Solutions Architect: $126,000
• Information Technology Architect: $123,000
• Enterprise Architect: $140,100

Also, the global cloud backup market size is going to increase by 23.4% in 2025. This means there will be no dearth of opportunities for cloud-computing engineers. Hence, certification for cloud computing can be your key to that dream career ahead!

#2. Opportunity to Work with Tech Giants:

Cloud computing is the future with more and more businesses adopting this technology. Hence, if you are planning to build a career as a cloud engineer, stay assured that your job will remain safe in the days to come. Due to growing adaptation of cloud computing by various top MNCs, there is a reasonable demand to hire qualified professionals for such companies. Hence, you career will not stagnate and will not be always in demand!

#3. Cloud is the Future:

Over the years cloud has become the commodity for every type of business because everyone wants to use this economical, fast, and easy technology to grow their business and earn the maximum profit. Cloud technology is going to be the most demanding technology in the future so everybody is looking to transform their business to cloud technology.

Tip #1: Plan Your Goals & Study Accordingly

Before diving into taking online cloud certification courses or reading technical whitepapers, identify your career goals first. Then we suggest you work backward to understand the required steps needed to achieve your goals. 

Identify your areas of interest in cloud computing, and align them to the most popular cloud computing job roles. Now that you are done identifying your career goals and the jobs that you want to pursue, deciding on a certification becomes easier. You can zero in on that chosen certification and aim to complete it with flying colors to validate the skills that will allow you to stand out during interviews.

Let’s explain with an example:

If you are interested in building various cloud-based applications & architectures:

• In-demand cloud computing job roles: cloud designer or cloud architect
• Relevant certification required: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

Tip #2: Take Help from Self-paced Study Materials

After identifying your goal and certification, you can simply use a computer and internet to access quality training materials, live lessons, and practice online tests. Digital training allows learners to learn skills and knowledge for any cloud domain like - machine learning, networking, security, and much more from the safety of your home. These self-paced, short, and often free courses help to develop the specific skills fast at your own convenience. You can also look up to various YouTube videos to learn cloud computing.

Tip #3: Join Community

You’re not alone! In addition to online learning resources, there are various cloud learning communities where you can join. By joining these communities, you can connect with peers and cloud experts who can guide you to learn specific skills. 

These communities can also provide you with insider information on many important updates related to cloud computing. You can gain access to many authentic guides and hacks related to certain problems in cloud computing. You can leverage your LinkedIn account to log in and search for such communities on that platform. Else, you can join Reddit to search for such communities. 

Tip #4: Be Consistent With Your Study Habits

The time required for completing the courses and gaining practical experience will vary according to the certification. A good rule of thumb is to allow you 15-20 hours to study and prepare for the basic exams and increase that time duration by 5x times for an associate-level exam. 

For a professional or specialty level exam, allow 5x more time than you have set aside for an associated level exam. Success on exam day is directly correlated with not only the hours set aside for the study but also the approach.

Tip #5: Get Practical Experience Before Exam Day

Deepen your education by gaining practical experience in technology. Choose lab training (possibly available online at this time with a live instructor) to familiarize yourself with the technology required in real-world situations. 

There are also some tutorials that help you learn step-by-step. Finally, you can approach a friend or mentor who is already working in the technology of your interest. Such people can guide you by sharing the practical usage of technology, how it behaves in real-life situations, and its Pros & Cons.