Cloud computing is rapidly expanding, so knowing the best cloud certifications available is critical as employers seek such certification qualifications in their applicants.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for cloud computing specialists in the United States was $120,520, or $57.94 per hour in 2021. This is expected to grow at roughly the same rate as the overall average from 2021 to 2031.
Best Cloud Certifications For 2023
Without a doubt, one of the IT industries with the most demand at the moment is cloud computing, so how can you stand out with your resume? Cloud certification can open the door to a variety of higher-paying job prospects in the field of employment, whether you’re a network professional trying to advance your career or a student just starting.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

If you are new to cloud computing or you are a professional wanting to dive into cloud computing, then the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification is a great start. According to Amazon, the certification is a foundational level test created for candidates who can successfully demonstrate a general understanding of the AWS Cloud.
Who needs this exam?
The certification is for someone who:
- Have no prior experience with IT and considering a career in the AWS Cloud
- Is looking to engage with stakeholders and customers about the AWS Cloud more effectively in sales, marketing, or business analyst positions
- Want to be in cloud IT roles, but new to AWS Cloud and require a primer before diving into role-based AWS Certification
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect can be taken next after the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam. AWS Associate exhibits expertise in AWS technology and a range of AWS services. This certification demonstrates a solid understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework while focusing on the design of cost- and performance-optimized solutions.
Who needs this exam?
The certification is for someone who:
- Have experience with AWS technology
- Have solid IT experience and understanding of mapping on-premises to cloud
- Understands cloud services
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Microsoft certificates are one of the finest options if you want to expand out and get other cloud certifications. The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification verifies your fundamental understanding of cloud services and how Azure is used to deliver those services. Candidates must be able to show a basic understanding of cloud concepts, as well as Azure services, workloads, security, privacy, pricing, and support.
Who needs this exam?
The certification is for someone who:
- Want to demonstrate their knowledge of how Azure promotes trust, compliance, security, and privacy.
- Want cloud computing concepts, models, and services like public, private, and hybrid
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

If you are thinking of branching into the depth of Azure Cloud certifications, getting the Administrator Associate exam is a good step. An Azure administrator is frequently part of a larger team tasked with setting up a company’s cloud infrastructure. Azure administrators also collaborate with other roles to offer customers Azure networking, security, databases, application development, and DevOps.
Who needs this exam?
The certification is for someone who:
- Should have a working knowledge of operating systems, networking, servers, and virtualization
- Should be familiar with Microsoft Entra’sAzure AD, PowerShell, the Azure interface, Azure ARM templates, and Azure CLI.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Looking forward to expanding your Azure cloud knowledge? Then getting this certification next to Azure Associate is a good option. Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is the best cloud certification for skilled programmers, developers, and DevOps engineers who want to work for Azure.
Who needs this exam?
The certification is for someone who:
- Have advanced skills and expertise in managing IT operations, including governance, data platforms, virtualization, networking, identification, and security.
- Possess knowledge of DevOps methodologies and Azure administration and development.
Google Associate Cloud Engineer

Google offers cloud certifications including Google Associate Cloud Engineer. Associate Cloud Engineers are in charge of managing corporate solutions, monitoring operations, and application deployment. They maintain one or more deployed solutions on Google Cloud that make use of Google-managed or self-managed services using the Google Cloud Console and the command-line interface.
Google Cloud certifications are among the best cloud certifications and one of the highest-paid certifications.
Who needs this exam?
The certification is for someone who:
- Wants to expand their knowledge with google cloud services.
- Has prior knowledge with 6+ months of hands-on experience with Google Cloud
- Understands basic Google cloud products and services
AWS Solutions Architect Professional

AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification allows certified individuals to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in providing complex answers to complex questions, optimizing security, cost, and performance, and automating manual processes.
Who needs this exam?
- Have the ability to design hybrid architecture using key AWS technologies e.g., VPN, AWS Direct Connect
- Years of experience with AWS cloud products and technologies
- Have expertise with Windows and Linux systems, a programming language, the AWS CLI, AWS APIs, AWS CloudFormation templates, and the AWS Billing and Management Consoles.
FAQs
Which are the best cloud certifications?
The best cloud certifications available would be AWS and Google cloud certifications because they are in high demand, although the answer to this issue is still up for debate.
What is the Average Salary of a Cloud Engineer?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for cloud computing specialists in the United States was $120,520, or $57.94 per hour in 2021. This is expected to grow at roughly the same rate as the overall average from 2021 to 2031.