Written by Jack Heath, Information Security Engineer, 2023
It can seem that working in Information Technology is
prohibitively expensive, requiring significant financial investment in training
and certifications. It also sometimes appears to demand too much time, with
constant learning and adaptation to new technologies. The field can seem hard,
with complex problems to solve and a steep learning curve or IT professionals
who have been in the industry for a while might feel omitted from new
opportunities, perceiving a barrier to entry for cutting-edge roles. There are
a lot of excuses.
But this really doesn't have to be the case. Many affordable and accessible learning resources are available online, including free courses and inexpensive certifications that allow professionals to upskill at their own pace. With the right approach, anyone can navigate the complexities of IT, stay current with industry advancements, and seize new opportunities without feeling left behind.
Here’s a top 10 list of the fastest and cheapest cloud certifications to help you make the switch:
1. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Why: Azure is widely used in enterprises, making this a valuable certification.
- Cost: Around $99.
- Preparation Time: 1-2 weeks if you have a basic IT background.
- Resources: Free online courses on Microsoft Learn, Azure documentation, and free YouTube tutorials.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
2. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Why: AWS is one of the most popular cloud platforms.
- Cost: $100.
- Preparation Time: 1-2 weeks if you have a basic IT background.
- Resources: Free online courses on AWS Training, AWS documentation, and free YouTube tutorials.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
3. Google Associate Cloud Engineer
- Why: Google Cloud Platform is growing in popularity.
- Cost: $125.
- Preparation Time: 2-4 weeks if you have a basic IT background.
- Resources: Free online courses on Google Cloud Training, Google Cloud documentation, and free YouTube tutorials.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
4. CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
- Why: Provides a vendor-neutral overview of cloud computing.
- Cost: Around $126.
- Preparation Time: 2-3 weeks.
- Resources: Free study guides and practice tests available online.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
5. IBM Certified Solution Advisor - IBM Cloud Foundations V2
- Why: Good for understanding IBM Cloud.
- Cost: $200.
- Preparation Time: 2-3 weeks.
- Resources: IBM Cloud documentation and free online courses.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
6. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
- Why: Deepens your Azure knowledge beyond the fundamentals.
- Cost: $165.
- Preparation Time: 4-6 weeks.
- Resources: Free online courses on Microsoft Learn, Azure documentation, and free YouTube tutorials.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
7. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Why: Builds on foundational AWS knowledge with more technical depth.
- Cost: $150.
- Preparation Time: 4-6 weeks.
- Resources: Free online courses on AWS Training, AWS documentation, and free YouTube tutorials.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
8. Google Professional Cloud Architect
- Why: Advanced certification for those with some cloud experience.
- Cost: $200.
- Preparation Time: 6-8 weeks.
- Resources: Free online courses on Google Cloud Training, Google Cloud documentation, and free YouTube tutorials.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
9. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations Associate
- Why: Oracle Cloud is used in many enterprises.
- Cost: $95.
- Preparation Time: 2-3 weeks.
- Resources: Free training on Oracle University and free documentation.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Why: Though not cloud-specific, it covers essential networking concepts useful in cloud environments.
- Cost: $300.
- Preparation Time: 6-8 weeks.
- Resources: Free study guides and practice tests available online.
- Testing Availability: Online and onsite
Suggested Certification Path:
1. Start with Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900):
- Quick and affordable introduction to cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure.
2. Move to AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:
- Broad understanding of AWS services and cloud principles.
3. Consider Google Associate Cloud Engineer:
- Comprehensive knowledge of Google Cloud Platform.
Additional Tips:
- Leverage Free Resources: Utilize free training resources, documentation, and community forums provided by the cloud providers.
- Hands-On Practice: Set up free-tier accounts with Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud to gain practical experience.
- Study Groups: Join online study groups and forums to collaborate and learn with others preparing for the same certifications.