Eight certifications for hybrid and multi-cloud professionals
As hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments proliferate and enterprises combine hosted infrastructure with private cloud and on-premises IT, networking professionals must stay current on the latest developments in hybrid cloud and multi-cloud technologies. Earning certifications is an excellent way to accomplish this.
There are numerous certifications to choose from, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
The technical environment and provider infrastructure deployed where a certification-seeker works – or hopes to work in the future – will influence the best certification to pursue. In today’s hiring environment, where cloud skills are in high demand while supply is scarce, there is significant upside for networking professionals who expand their hybrid and multi-cloud skill sets.
Consider the following eight cloud-related certifications:
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
Certification validates expertise in network architecture design and maintenance for the full range of AWS services. It is designed for individuals with five years of hands-on experience architecting and implementing network solutions who perform complex networking tasks. Individuals must pass the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam, which costs $300 and takes approximately 170 minutes to complete. The exam, which can be taken in a testing center or online, includes a mix of multiple choice and multiple response questions.
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty program validates knowledge of data and workload security in the AWS cloud environment. It’s designed for people who work in security and have at least two years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads. Candidates must also understand specialized data classifications and AWS data protection mechanisms, as well as data-encryption methods and AWS mechanisms for implementing them, and secure internet protocols and AWS mechanisms for implementing them. The exam, which costs $300 and takes 170 minutes to complete in a testing centre or online, includes multiple choice and multiple response formats.
CompTIA Cloud+
According to the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a technology professional organization, CompTIA Cloud+ is a global certification that validates the skills required to deploy and automate secure cloud environments that support the high availability of business systems and data. Regardless of platform, the certification considers cloud-based
infrastructure services in the context of broader IT system operations. The examination lasts 90 minutes and costs $348.
Google Cloud Certified Fellow: Hybrid Multicloud
According to Google, the Google Cloud Certified Fellow: Hybrid Multicloud Program is for “elite cloud architects” and technical leaders who are experts in designing enterprise solutions. Individuals with deep technical expertise who can translate business requirements into technical solutions using Anthos and Google Cloud are recognized by the program. The free program consists of an exam that includes a lab-based assessment to demonstrate cloud skills, followed by a panel interview to demonstrate various skills and competencies.
Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer
The Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam assesses a person’s ability to design, plan, and prototype a Google Cloud network, as well as implement Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) instances, configure network services, implement hybrid interconnectivity, and manage, monitor, and optimize network operations. The multiple-choice exam lasts about two hours and costs $200 to register for. Participants have the option of taking an online-proctored exam from a remote location or an onsite-proctored exam at a local testing center.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
Candidates for the certification should have subject-matter expertise in Azure networking solutions such as hybrid networking, connectivity, routing, security, and private access to Azure services. The $165 certification exam, which has no expiration date, assesses an individual’s ability to design, implement, and manage hybrid networking; design and implement core networking infrastructure; design and implement routing; secure and monitor networks; and design and implement private access to Azure Services.
NetApp Certified Hybrid Cloud Architect
NetApp Certified Hybrid Cloud Architect (NCHC) is an expert-level certification offered by NetApp. In its hybrid cloud track, the vendor also provides associate, professional, and specialist-level certifications. Candidates for NCHC certification should have 12 to 24 months of field experience designing customer solutions and architecting NetApp data fabric solutions in a hybrid cloud environment. The exam, which costs $150, has 60 test questions and a time limit of two hours. Extra time may be granted in countries where English is not the native language, as well as for candidates whose first language is not English.
VMware Cloud Management and Automation 2022
According to VMware, the VMware Cloud Management and Automation certification validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, and administer a VMware vRealize environment. The technology is intended to automate key processes within a data center in a repeatable, scalable manner, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity. The company recommends completing its Technical Associate certification before taking the certification test. The $450 VMware Cloud Management and Automation 2022 60-question exam takes about 145 minutes to complete. Individuals can take the exam online or at a local testing centre.
