In this highly interconnected world and an increasing shift toward globalization and digitalization in the corporate sector, the need for cutting edge technological solutions has increased greatly. After the advent of technologies such as cloud computing, the convenience, cost and time savings they provide to businesses has become indispensable.

In 2021, for any enterprise to grow and be competitive, it is imperative that they employ some sort of cloud solutions, to increase productivity and facilitate all the stakeholders. Several different organizations have long been following this technology, and have become pioneers of cloud computing, such as Amazon Web Service, Microsoft Azure, IBM, etc.

All these companies provide cutting edge solutions for their corporate clients’ cloud needs. With the cloud industry expected to grow to $206.2 billion in 2021, the scope of cloud computing is increasing on an upwards trajectory.

To enable businesses to employ and run these services, cloud services providers have released a series of certifications. These certifications are offered by the likes of Microsoft Azure (i.e. Azure training forAzure Architect certification) and its competitors. These certifications are key for IT professionals keen on working with cloud platforms offered by the Likes of Microsoft and Amazon.

This Article will focus on the best cloud certifications individuals can receive in 2021, considering the future prospects, rewards, and long-term value of respective certifications. Following are our top picks for IT certifications that professionals should consider in 2021.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

Amazon Web service is the industry leader in cloud computing and capture a huge chunk of the cloud market. In fact, the market share of Amazon is 35%, which is more than the combined share of its closest four competitors next in line. This shows that the scope of AWS is vast, and a majority of businesses have deployed AWS cloud services. AWS training and certifications are on par with the likes of Azure training and certifications such as Azure Architect certification.

This certification is targeted towards professionals with two or more years of experience in designing and running cloud platforms using AWS. A certification associated with the largest cloud service provider is sure to garner a lot of demand, and the huge demand for Azure certifications is only expected to rise as the scope of cloud computing industry expands.

MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification is the most advanced certification offered by Microsoft Azure. This certification requires intermediate and foundational level Azure training and certifications such as Azure Architect certification. Since it is the most advanced certification offered by Microsoft Azure, it is highly valued by enterprises using Azure cloud services. MCSE certification allows individuals to expand their knowledge and further enhance their skills.

The insights they gain about emerging trends, best industry practices, and implications of new technology, coupled with their years of experience as cloud professionals make these individuals highly valuable. Enterprises are willing to pay a lot for these individuals, and from the recent market trends and Microsoft Azures measures to penetrate the cloud market, the demand for Azure training and certifications such as Azure Architect certifications as well as more advanced ones such as MCSE is only expected to rise.

Google cloud Platform certification – Cloud Architect (GCP)

When it comes to technology, perhaps one of the biggest names in the industry is Google. There is nobody who uses the internet and is not familiar with Google. Being one of the biggest names in the technology industry, the credibility of Google as a cloud service provider is unquestionable. Enterprises regard Google as one of the leading names in the cloud service providers, and so there is considerable demand for Google certified cloud professionals in the corporate world.

Being one of the leading cloud service providers, the implementation of Google cloud is practiced all over the world, which means that the scope of Google certifications, similar to Azure architect certification and competing certifications is worldwide. Google is gradually moving to become a bigger player in the industry and is able to compete with its competition. The caliber of Google Cloud training is on par with AWS and Azure training.

Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) Cloud

Cisco has long been operating as a Network services provider for generations. Cisco cloud is another prominent name in the industry and is one of the top cloud certification providers in the industry. Not only does Cisco provide cloud certifications, but it has a plethora of other certifications as well. Cisco offers a multi-tiered Cisco Career certification Program that offers certifications for IT practitioners of all levels.

It has created a whole ecosystem and offers very specialized certifications for IT practitioners in every field. Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) Cloud is an associate level certification intended to provide individuals with the foundational knowledge that enables them to perform basic tasks and provisioning in network monitoring and troubleshooting. It instills the basic knowledge of cloud infrastructure and deployment methods, cloud storage, and networking solutions and other cloud administrative tasks.

Which certification is best in 2021?

There is no easy answer to this, as there are a lot of variables to consider when deciding which cloud certification is best. Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM are competing with each other over the market share.

In the recent years Amazon Web Services has been a clear-cut winner, but now Microsoft Azure is picking up the pace and is expected to increase its cloud market share considerably. In the long term, no one can claim with certainty which cloud service provider will win, or if they will become more competitive.

Looking at the prevailing trends, Microsoft Azure’s new penetration strategies, the best certification to get would surely be Azure Solutions Architect certification. As Microsoft’s share increases, there will be accelerated demand for Microsoft certified cloud practitioners with proficiency in the Azure cloud environment.