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Introduction:
Becoming a Cloud Architect is a rewarding career choice, but to succeed, gaining the right certifications is crucial. Certifications not only validate your skills but also open doors to high-paying roles in top companies. With many cloud providers offering certifications, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this blog, we’ll explore the most recognized cloud architect certifications, their costs, question patterns, and exam details, so you can make an informed decision about which path to follow.
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Certification Overview:
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification is designed for individuals who have hands-on experience with AWS services and can design complex cloud architectures. This certification validates your ability to build and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
Certification Name: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Certification Code: SAP-C02
Cost: $300 USD
Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Question Pattern: The exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. These questions are scenario-based, requiring you to solve complex problems using AWS services.
Recommended Experience: It is recommended to have at least two years of experience in AWS architecture and best practices before attempting this certification.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Certification Overview:
The Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is targeted at IT professionals who design cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure. It requires deep knowledge of cloud infrastructure, security, storage, and networking on the Azure platform.
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Certification Code: AZ-305
Cost: $165 USD per exam (usually requires passing two exams: AZ-104 and AZ-305)
Duration: 120 minutes per exam
Question Pattern: The exam consists of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and case study-based questions. You will be asked to design and implement various Azure solutions based on real-world business requirements.
Recommended Experience: At least one year of experience designing solutions that run on Azure and knowledge of network, security, and compute solutions.
3. Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect
Certification Overview:
The Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect certification is one of the most recognized credentials for architects working on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It assesses your ability to design, develop, and manage secure, scalable, and dynamic solutions on Google Cloud.
Certification Name: Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect
Certification Code: None (only titled as Professional Cloud Architect)
Cost: $200 USD
Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Question Pattern: The exam includes multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. Questions are scenario-based, requiring candidates to analyze real-world business cases and recommend solutions using Google Cloud products.
Recommended Experience: Experience with Google Cloud solutions, and familiarity with hybrid and multi-cloud strategies.
4. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
Certification Overview:
While not strictly a "cloud architect" certification, the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) is highly valuable for Cloud Architects working with containerized applications. Kubernetes is a key technology for deploying, scaling, and managing cloud-native applications.
Certification Name: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
Certification Code: None
Cost: $395 USD (includes two exam attempts)
Duration: 2 hours
Question Pattern: This is a hands-on, performance-based exam where you’ll need to complete real-world tasks in a live Kubernetes environment. The exam tests your ability to perform installation, configuration, and management of Kubernetes clusters.
Recommended Experience: Knowledge of Kubernetes and practical experience managing Kubernetes clusters in production environments.
5. IBM Certified Solution Architect – Cloud Pak for Data v4.x
Certification Overview:
The IBM Certified Solution Architect – Cloud Pak for Data v4.x certification is designed for architects who work with IBM Cloud Pak solutions. This certification is tailored for professionals designing hybrid cloud solutions using IBM’s AI-infused data management platform.
Certification Name: IBM Certified Solution Architect – Cloud Pak for Data v4.x
Certification Code: C1000-129
Cost: $200 USD
Duration: 90 minutes
Question Pattern: Multiple-choice questions with scenario-based problems. Candidates are tested on their ability to design, plan, and manage solutions using Cloud Pak for Data services.
Recommended Experience: Experience with Cloud Pak for Data and knowledge of data analytics, machine learning, and cloud architecture.
6. Alibaba Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
Certification Overview:
The Alibaba Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification is ideal for professionals working in regions where Alibaba Cloud services are popular. It certifies your ability to design, manage, and secure cloud infrastructure on the Alibaba Cloud platform.
Certification Name: Alibaba Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
Certification Code: ACP Cloud Architect
Cost: $120 USD
Duration: 90 minutes
Question Pattern: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions with a focus on designing solutions using Alibaba Cloud’s extensive product suite. The questions also test your knowledge of cloud security and best practices.
Recommended Experience: Practical experience with Alibaba Cloud products, particularly in compute, storage, and networking solutions.
7. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) in Cloud
Certification Overview:
The Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) in Cloud is aimed at professionals who work with Red Hat cloud solutions and hybrid cloud infrastructures. This certification demonstrates your ability to manage cloud environments using Red Hat’s open-source technologies.
Certification Name: Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) in Cloud
Certification Code: Varies based on exam track
Cost: $400 USD per exam (multiple exams required for RHCA designation)
Duration: 4 hours per exam
Question Pattern: Hands-on, practical exam where candidates are required to complete real-world tasks related to cloud infrastructure, hybrid cloud solutions, and automation.
Recommended Experience: Extensive hands-on experience with Red Hat technologies and managing hybrid cloud architectures.
Conclusion:
Whether you're just starting your journey into cloud architecture or looking to enhance your existing skills, obtaining a certification is an essential step toward career advancement. The certification you choose should align with your career goals, the platforms you work with, and the level of expertise you want to demonstrate. Each certification comes with its own costs, duration, and question patterns, so it’s essential to choose wisely based on your current skills and future ambitions
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