Cloud computing has revolutionized how nearly every industry operates. By shifting from traditional infrastructure to virtual environments, organizations can scale resources, pay only for what they use, and adopt new technologies more quickly. As businesses continue to move critical systems to cloud platforms, the demand for professionals who understand how to work within these environments is on the rise. For many people looking to start a tech career, cloud certifications offer a structured way to gain essential knowledge and demonstrate capability to employers.
Why cloud certifications matter for beginners
Cloud certifications are more than just credentials. They represent a person’s commitment to learning, and they offer a clear pathway to acquiring the skills that are increasingly required in today’s job market. For beginners, they:
- Provide structure: Instead of wandering through vast documentation, certification paths break down learning into manageable parts focused on fundamental topics.
- Give direction: Entry-level certifications serve as stepping stones to more advanced, role-specific paths like architecture, development, or security.
- Offer credibility: Hiring managers often see cloud credentials as proof of understanding basic cloud concepts. They can make candidates more attractive, even in non-technical roles like sales, customer support, procurement, finance, and operations.
- Boost confidence: The study and exam process helps learners build confidence in their ability to navigate new cloud environments.
- Align with real-world skills: Many certification providers design exams based on practical tasks relevant to real job duties.
In short, a cloud certification is not just a badge—it reflects that you understand how cloud services work, how they are priced, and how they are managed at a fundamental level.
What defines a beginner-friendly cloud credential?
Not every cloud certification is created equal. Entry-level credentials share certain characteristics that make them perfect for newcomers:
- No deep technical requirements: Candidates don’t need expertise in scripting, system architecture, or deep networking.
- Core topics focus: Exams cover service models, storage, compute, security principles, cost management, governance, and support—not deep dives.
- Accessible question types: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simple scenario questions are common; there are few or no hands-on labs or coding exercises.
- Clear objectives: Study guides and learning paths are well-aligned with exam content.
- Industry value: These tools are recognized by employers and appear on many job descriptions.
Choosing the right beginner cloud credential involves matching the certification with your background, your goals, and the ecosystem you care about.
Key cloud platforms and their beginner credentials
Three major platforms stand out for cloud certifications aimed at beginners:
- Amazon Web Services
The AWS foundational credential is ideal for those who want to gain a general understanding of cloud computing through the lens of the largest cloud provider. It introduces core services (compute, storage, databases), global infrastructure, security posture, support models, cost estimation, and account management. The content is conceptual, making it accessible to people from non-technical backgrounds as well. - Microsoft Azure
Microsoft’s basic certification serves as an entry point into its cloud ecosystem. It covers similar concepts—service models, region-based deployments, governance, identity, price management, and compliance. This credential is especially useful for people working in Windows-centric environments or in enterprises that use Microsoft productivity tools extensively. - Google Cloud Platform
The beginner-level credential from Google offers a more hands-on experience. In addition to covering key cloud concepts, it requires the candidate to deploy and manage simple cloud solutions using Google’s console or command-line tools. It’s a good fit for learners who prefer getting practical experience early in their studies.
There are also vendor-neutral credentials that provide broad coverage of cloud fundamentals. These certifications emphasize architecture, service models, governance, security, and common use cases across platforms. While they may not open the same doors as provider-branded certifications, they show adaptability and cross-platform knowledge.
Things to consider when choosing your first certification
When starting with cloud certification, consider the following questions to guide your choice:
- Which platform do you want to work with? If your current employer or school uses AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, it makes sense to go with that provider first.
- How do you prefer to learn? If you like reading and conceptual learning, the AWS and Azure exams are great. If you learn best with hands-on work, Google’s credentials may be a better fit.
- Where do you see yourself going? If you intend to pursue a specialty like cloud architecture or security, choose a credential that leads naturally into those fields.
- What do employers in your region look for? Job boards and listings can reveal which certifications are in demand locally. AWS is often prominent in tech startups, Azure in large enterprises, and Google Cloud in analytics and data-focused environments.
- What is your time frame and budget? Examine exam costs, study resources, and how much time you can realistically dedicate to preparation.
Also, remember that cloud professionals often work across multiple platforms. Learning one first is a logical approach, but you can expand later.
Common topics in beginner cloud certifications
While each certification has its flavor and emphasis, the shared content foundation often includes:
- Core cloud concepts: Public, private, and hybrid cloud models; differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
- Fundamental services and infrastructure: Virtual machines, object storage, relational databases, serverless functions.
- Global infrastructure: Regions, availability zones, edge networks.
- Security and identity: Shared responsibility model, access control, encryption basics.
- Cost optimization: Billing models, cost calculators, reserved vs. on-demand instances.
- Governance and compliance: Service limits, auditing, policy frameworks.
- Support systems: Service level agreements, support tiers, troubleshooting.
- Common use cases: Web hosting, disaster recovery, big data pipelines, content delivery networks.
These topics form the backbone of initial cloud understanding and appear consistently across beginner-level exams.
What to expect on the exam
Entry-level cloud exams are user-friendly:
- Most questions are multiple-choice or multiple-response.
- Some platforms add drag-and-drop or matching items.
- There are case-study questions or scenario-driven prompts, but they are straightforward.
- No live labs or coding exercises; exams are not timed to simulate deep thinking.
- Exams usually last 60 to 120 minutes and have a passing threshold of around 700 out of 1,000 points.
Each certification has a digital badge or certificate issued upon passing, which can be shared on professional profiles or resumes.
Why starting with one platform matters
Going deep on one platform helps in several ways:
- Build confidence: Mastering a specific platform helps you build a mental framework for cloud services.
- Structured learning: Provider-branded documentation, courses, and tutorials align closely with certification requirements.
- Job relevance: Having credentials on the same platform used by employers gives you an edge.
- Foundation for deeper knowledge: After a foundational cert, you can move into associate and expert-level tracks more easily.
Once you’ve passed one foundational exam, switching to another platform’s basic credential is faster because the core concepts overlap.
The broader impact of these certifications
Beyond job readiness, earning a foundational cloud certification helps you:
- Understand digital transformation and how businesses use the cloud for innovation.
- Speak the language of cloud in meetings, reports, and projects.
- Know what questions to ask when migrating systems or choosing technical solutions.
- Position yourself as a valuable contributor to cloud teams, even if you’re not in a technical role.
- Show initiative, learning ability, and technical curiosity to hiring managers.
These are qualities that companies look for in future cloud practitioners. Certification is only one part of the story, but it signals that you’ve already taken steps to understand the cloud.
Exploring Top Cloud Certifications for Beginners
In this part, we take a deeper look at the top entry-level cloud certifications available for beginners. These certifications are offered by the three most dominant cloud platforms today: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each certification serves as an introduction to its respective cloud ecosystem, giving newcomers the chance to build a strong foundation.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is one of the most well-known entry points into cloud computing. It is specifically designed for people who are new to cloud technology and want to understand the core concepts of AWS. This certification does not require any prior technical experience, making it a great option for students, career changers, and professionals in non-technical roles.
The purpose of the exam is to help individuals gain a basic understanding of how AWS services work, what cloud computing means in practical terms, and how cloud solutions can benefit businesses. Candidates are tested on their understanding of the AWS global infrastructure, core services like EC2 and S3, billing models, pricing, security best practices, and the shared responsibility model.
You are not expected to configure services or write any code. Instead, the exam focuses on high-level concepts and decision-making knowledge that would be useful to project managers, executives, and entry-level IT professionals. Although the exam is not technically difficult, it requires a strong grasp of AWS terminology and an understanding of the cloud ecosystem.
After passing this certification, individuals can consider progressing to associate-level AWS certifications like Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, or Developer, depending on their career goals. The Cloud Practitioner certification sets the stage for understanding more advanced AWS topics by giving a broad overview of its platform capabilities.
This certification is especially useful for people working in business roles, such as sales, finance, and marketing, who want to communicate effectively with technical teams. It’s also helpful for technical professionals preparing to dive into AWS infrastructure more deeply, but they need a well-rounded understanding first.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
The Azure Fundamentals certification, known by its exam code AZ-900, is Microsoft’s entry-level cloud credential. This certification provides a general understanding of cloud services and how they are implemented in Microsoft Azure. It is designed for people with little or no experience in cloud computing and is considered one of the most accessible certifications for newcomers.
The content of this certification covers a range of foundational topics. Candidates are introduced to cloud models such as public, private, and hybrid. They also learn about service models like Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Software as a Service. Additionally, the certification explains the core services available in Azure, including computing, networking, storage, and databases.
Another important area of focus is Azure’s approach to governance, compliance, and cost management. The exam also includes information about security tools, identity services, and monitoring solutions within the Azure ecosystem.
Unlike AWS Cloud Practitioner, which is largely conceptual, the AZ-900 exam includes more technical detail. It is still approachable for beginners, but some familiarity with Microsoft services can be helpful. Azure Fundamentals is ideal for professionals planning to work in Microsoft-based environments or anyone who wants to explore cloud computing without committing to more technical certifications right away.
Passing AZ-900 is a great way to gain confidence in using Azure terminology, understanding how its tools fit together, and preparing for more advanced certifications such as Azure Administrator (AZ-104) or Azure Developer (AZ-204). It’s suitable for IT personnel, non-technical roles, and students.
Microsoft Azure has a strong presence in corporate and enterprise environments, which makes this certification a good investment if you are seeking jobs in organizations that already use Microsoft technology stacks.
Google Associate Cloud Engineer
Google Cloud’s Associate Cloud Engineer certification is a slightly more technical option than the AWS or Azure entry-level certifications. While it is still designed for individuals new to Google Cloud Platform, this certification assumes that candidates have some hands-on experience with cloud services and are comfortable with deploying and managing simple applications.
The certification validates a candidate’s ability to use the Google Cloud Console and command-line interface to perform basic cloud tasks. These include setting up cloud environments, managing Google Compute Engine instances, configuring networking, and using Google Cloud storage solutions. It also covers identity and access management, billing tools, and service monitoring practices.
This certification is well-suited for IT professionals who want to develop skills related to deploying and maintaining cloud solutions. It is particularly helpful for junior system administrators, DevOps engineers, or developers who want to learn how to interact with Google Cloud products and services.
Unlike the AWS and Azure fundamental-level certifications, the Google Associate Cloud Engineer exam is more technical. It requires a deeper understanding of the platform and some hands-on practice to pass successfully. The exam scenarios are built around real-world tasks that engineers might perform in the field, making this certification especially valuable for people who want practical experience.
To prepare for this exam, candidates often use sandbox environments or free trial accounts to experiment with Google Cloud services. It is recommended to have at least six months of experience using Google Cloud tools, either through work or personal projects.
Earning this certification can open up job opportunities in roles such as cloud support engineer, cloud operations specialist, or junior DevOps engineer. It also serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications like Professional Cloud Architect or Professional DevOps Engineer.
Summary of Certification Paths Without Using Tables
Each cloud provider offers its approach to beginner certifications. The AWS Cloud Practitioner exam is the most conceptual and easiest for complete newcomers. It’s best suited for individuals who want to understand cloud computing at a high level without diving into complex tasks.
Microsoft’s Azure Fundamentals balances both conceptual and technical content. It is beginner-friendly while still providing enough depth to help candidates build a strong cloud foundation. It’s perfect for those working or planning to work in environments that rely heavily on Microsoft products.
Google’s Associate Cloud Engineer is more hands-on and technical than the other two. While it is still a beginner-level certification, it is better suited for those with some technical knowledge or those who are willing to get hands-on experience by working through labs and exercises. This certification will appeal more to engineers and technical professionals who want to actively manage cloud infrastructure.
When choosing between these certifications, your decision should be based on the cloud platform your organization uses, your comfort level with technical concepts, and your long-term career goals. If you’re not sure where to start, consider the kind of job roles you’re aiming for. Business and support roles might benefit most from AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals. Technical roles with a desire to gain hands-on experience might be better served by pursuing the Google Cloud Associate Engineer certification.
Preparing for Your First Cloud Certification
Once you’ve chosen which cloud certification to pursue, the next step is preparing for the exam. Although these beginner certifications are designed for those new to cloud computing, proper preparation is essential. Each certification has its structure and style, so understanding how to approach your studies can make a big difference in your success.
Study Approaches Based on Certification
Each certification provider offers recommended learning paths, free documentation, and sometimes interactive labs. Depending on your learning style, you may prefer reading guides, watching videos, taking practice exams, or doing hands-on labs. Let’s look at the preparation approach for each certification.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
If you’re preparing for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, it’s helpful to start with foundational cloud computing concepts. Learn how cloud services differ from traditional IT models and understand terms like elasticity, scalability, and pay-as-you-go pricing.
After getting comfortable with general cloud terms, dive into the structure of the AWS ecosystem. Study the core services such as EC2 for computing, S3 for storage, RDS for databases, and IAM for user management. You don’t need to master how to configure these services, but you do need to know what they are used for and how they interact.
AWS provides free digital training resources that break down the exam content into manageable sections. These include short video lectures, quizzes, and scenario-based learning exercises. You should review topics like cloud security, pricing calculators, support plans, and the AWS shared responsibility model.
Use practice exams as part of your study routine. These will help you get used to the type of questions that appear on the real test and show you where your understanding may be lacking. When reviewing incorrect answers, focus on why the right option is correct instead of simply memorizing it.
Aim to study consistently over several weeks rather than trying to learn everything in a short burst. Short, focused sessions are more effective for retaining new information, especially if you’re new to IT concepts.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Preparing for the AZ-900 exam involves a similar approach but with a slightly more technical angle. The key topics include cloud concepts, Azure core services, cost and pricing models, and security features.
Start by learning the basic ideas behind cloud computing and Azure’s service models. Understand the difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Then move into specific Azure services like virtual machines, virtual networks, blob storage, Azure SQL, and identity and access management.
Microsoft provides structured learning paths that align directly with the exam objectives. These modules include guided text, diagrams, knowledge checks, and optional sandbox environments where you can try tasks without needing a separate Azure subscription.
The AZ-900 exam places more emphasis on technical terminology and feature recognition, so be sure to get familiar with service names and their functions. This exam also tests your understanding of governance and compliance tools such as Azure Policy, Blueprints, and Resource Manager.
Using flashcards or digital notes can help memorize terminology and understand what each Azure service does. Watching video tutorials that explain Azure visually and practically is also beneficial for visual learners.
While labs are not required for the exam, setting up a free Azure account and experimenting with the portal can greatly improve your understanding of how the services connect and function.
Google Associate Cloud Engineer
Preparing for this certification involves a more hands-on and task-oriented approach. The exam focuses on how well you can use the Google Cloud Console and command-line tools to deploy and manage resources. This certification is a better fit for those who want to build real technical skills while studying.
Start by learning how to navigate the Google Cloud Console and perform basic tasks like launching virtual machines, setting up cloud storage, configuring firewall rules, and assigning permissions using IAM.
Google’s learning resources often include interactive labs. These are extremely valuable for getting the hands-on experience needed to understand the platform. Try to complete as many of these labs as possible before taking the exam.
In addition to hands-on tasks, you need to understand how services like Compute Engine, App Engine, Cloud Functions, and Kubernetes Engine are used in cloud deployments. Be prepared to read through deployment YAML files and understand what each configuration setting does.
The exam will also test your ability to monitor resources, manage cost and billing, and use automation tools like gcloud and Cloud Deployment Manager. Spend time learning how to interpret error messages and logs, which is a big part of managing cloud systems in real-world scenarios.
Use practice tests not just to check your readiness, but to simulate the real testing experience. Pay attention to multi-step questions and those that require troubleshooting a deployment. These reflect the types of challenges you’ll face on the exam and in a real cloud job.
Creating a Personalized Study Plan
When studying for any of these certifications, it’s useful to break your preparation into phases. Start with a review of cloud basics and terminology, then focus on provider-specific services, and finally use practice exams and flashcards to reinforce your learning.
Here’s a simple way to divide your time over a four-week schedule:
Week 1: Focus on understanding basic cloud concepts like scalability, elasticity, shared responsibility, and types of cloud models. Compare service providers at a high level.
Week 2: Study the services and features specific to your chosen provider. For AWS, review EC2, S3, and IAM. For Azure, look into Virtual Machines, Blob Storage, and Azure AD. For GCP, explore Compute Engine, VPC, and IAM.
Week 3: Dive into security and pricing topics. Learn about how cost is calculated, the types of support plans available, and what tools are offered for monitoring and compliance.
Week 4: Practice with mock exams, flashcards, and review sessions. Revisit difficult topics and focus on applying knowledge instead of memorizing.
Stick to a study plan that fits your daily routine. If you can dedicate one hour a day to focused learning, that adds up quickly over a month. Use a combination of reading, watching videos, taking notes, and completing exercises.
Leveraging Free and Low-Cost Resources
Each cloud provider offers a variety of free resources. Make use of learning paths, videos, labs, and documentation available directly through their learning platforms. Many of the best beginner training materials don’t require any payment.
You can also find community resources, discussion forums, study groups, and blogs created by professionals who have already taken the exam. These can offer helpful tips, common pitfalls, and suggestions for the best order to study topics.
For a more guided experience, consider joining online study groups or taking short courses that offer structured lessons and include assignments. These often include real-world examples that can help you remember how services work and when to use them.
Some people find value in writing down explanations of what they’ve learned, creating simple diagrams, or teaching the concepts to someone else. Explaining something out loud can help reinforce the information and reveal any gaps in understanding.
Career Benefits and Real-World Value of Cloud Certifications
Once you choose and earn your first cloud certification, the next logical step is understanding what it can do for your career. Many people wonder if entry-level cloud certifications truly help in getting a job or if they are just another line on a resume. The good news is that certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals, and GCP Associate Cloud Engineer are designed to open real doors in the tech industry.
Cloud certifications validate your understanding of modern cloud platforms and services. In an industry that increasingly relies on cloud technology, this validation carries weight. Even if you are new to IT, cloud certifications show potential employers that you are serious about learning and growing in the field.
Hiring potential with cloud certifications
Many companies have adopted cloud computing, but there is still a shortage of professionals with cloud expertise. This is especially true in small to medium-sized businesses and startups, where technical teams wear many hats. Having a certification demonstrates that you have enough knowledge to support or even lead basic cloud operations.
Employers use certifications as a filtering tool. It’s common for recruiters to search resumes for specific certification names when shortlisting candidates. When you apply for a job, your certification helps your application stand out in a competitive field.
Certifications can also improve your chances of being hired for non-technical roles. For example, if you are in sales or marketing at a technology company, understanding cloud fundamentals can help you communicate more effectively with engineers or technical clients. Business analysts, project managers, and even customer service teams benefit from cloud awareness.
Jobs you can apply for after certification.
A single cloud certification will not qualify you for senior-level roles, but it is enough to qualify you for many entry-level and junior positions. These positions allow you to gain experience and build on your certification with more advanced learning.
Common roles for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner holders include cloud support associate, junior solutions architect, IT operations analyst, and cloud account executive. For Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, you might qualify for positions such as cloud administrator trainee, Azure support technician, or project assistant for Azure migration projects. With the GCP Associate Cloud Engineer certification, entry-level roles often include junior cloud engineer, systems support analyst, and DevOps assistant.
While each role differs in responsibilities, what unites them is a foundational requirement: knowledge of cloud platforms and a willingness to continue learning.
Expected salary ranges
Salaries for certified cloud professionals vary based on geography, industry, experience, and company size. However, entry-level roles associated with these certifications typically offer competitive pay.
In the United States, an AWS Cloud Practitioner may earn between $65,000 and $90,000 per year. Azure Fundamentals holders generally earn between $60,000 and $85,000. GCP Associate Cloud Engineers often start at around $70,000 and can go up to $95,000 in some companies.
In other countries, salaries adjust to local economies. In India, for example, cloud certification holders in entry-level jobs may earn ₹4 to ₹7 lakhs annually. In the UK, salaries may range between £28,000 and £38,000. These numbers increase as you gain experience or stack additional certifications.
These figures are general estimates. Individuals who combine certifications with relevant experience or additional technical skills often see significantly higher earnings in just a few years.
Career progression and advanced certifications
Cloud certifications are often structured in levels, making it easier for beginners to progress to more technical roles. After earning an entry-level certification, you can move on to associate, professional, or specialist-level certifications.
For AWS, next steps might include certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, AWS Certified Developer Associate, or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate. Each of these tracks focuses on a different area of cloud expertise.
In Azure, you might pursue Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Developer Associate, or Azure Security Engineer Associate. These build on the knowledge you gained in Azure Fundamentals and allow you to specialize in managing, developing, or securing cloud environments.
On the GCP side, popular advanced certifications include Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Data Engineer, and Professional Cloud Developer. These are targeted toward individuals who already have hands-on experience and want to deepen their expertise.
Advanced certifications come with greater responsibility and much higher earning potential. They are ideal for professionals aiming to move into roles such as solutions architect, DevOps engineer, cloud consultant, or cloud security expert.
Cloud certifications as career insurance
In a constantly changing job market, having a foundational cloud certification gives you more than just a job title. It gives you flexibility and adaptability. These certifications are recognized worldwide, so your skills are portable whether you work remotely or relocate.
Cloud knowledge also serves as a career hedge. Even if you change roles or industries, understanding cloud computing gives you an edge in almost every tech-related job. Many roles now require at least basic knowledge of cloud systems, even if the job is not directly technical.
As your career grows, you can also expand into other areas connected to cloud computing, such as machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, or software development. Cloud platforms often integrate with these technologies, and having a cloud foundation allows you to pivot or expand into them more easily.
Enhancing your certification with practical skills
To make the most of your certification, it helps to pair it with hands-on experience. You can use free tools and labs provided by cloud vendors to experiment with setting up servers, creating storage buckets, or launching basic apps. This kind of practical experience makes interviewers more confident in your ability to perform on the job.
It also helps to learn supporting tools and technologies. For example, knowledge of version control systems like Git, basic scripting in Python or Bash, and familiarity with Linux can go a long way in increasing your value as a job candidate. These skills complement what you learn in certification courses and make you a more well-rounded cloud professional.
If you’re aiming for roles in operations or DevOps, learning about containers, CI/CD pipelines, or monitoring tools can be especially helpful. If you’re more focused on data, try learning SQL or a data visualization platform. Combining these with your cloud foundation sets you up for long-term success.
Building your professional network
Cloud certifications also give you access to communities. Many cloud providers host local events, webinars, forums, and online groups where certified professionals connect. These communities are great for finding job leads, learning new trends, or getting support as you study for advanced certifications.
If you’re on a career journey, connecting with others at a similar level helps you stay motivated. These communities are also a place to ask questions, share resources, and celebrate your wins.
Participating in these events, joining cloud-related social media groups, or attending virtual meetups can expose you to job opportunities you might not find through traditional job boards.
Cloud certifications for beginners are more than just a credential. They are a first step into a fast-growing, high-paying industry. They help you get noticed by employers, improve your confidence, and set a foundation for future learning. Whether you go on to become a cloud architect, a data engineer, or a DevOps specialist, your first certification is your entry pass to the world of cloud computing.
Start with one that matches your interest and your learning style, build hands-on experience, and stay curious. With dedication and smart preparation, your certification can become the starting point of a successful and rewarding tech career.
Final Thoughts
Starting your cloud journey can feel overwhelming, especially with so many platforms and certifications available. But the good news is that the industry offers clear, beginner-friendly paths to help you build a strong foundation. Whether you choose AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer, each certification gives you a structured way to understand cloud computing and gain practical skills.
These entry-level certifications are more than just study materials or exams. They open the door to real job opportunities, help you transition into cloud-focused roles, and validate your ability to work with modern cloud environments. They also build your confidence and demonstrate to employers that you’re serious about growing in the field.
When choosing your first cloud certification, consider your current background, interests, and long-term goals. AWS might be the right choice if you’re looking to work with the most widely adopted cloud platform. Azure is a strong option if you’re in a Microsoft-heavy environment. GCP is ideal for those interested in data, AI, and development within Google’s ecosystem. And if you want to avoid vendor lock-in, certifications like CompTIA Cloud+ offer a vendor-neutral foundation.
No matter which you choose, the most important thing is to start. Get familiar with the basics, gain hands-on experience where possible, and explore the rich ecosystem of tools and services that come with each platform. As cloud technology continues to evolve, your willingness to learn and adapt will be your greatest asset.
Certifications are just the beginning. Use them to step into real-world projects, collaborate with others in the tech community, and continue building your expertise over time. A strong start in cloud computing can lead to an exciting, flexible, and rewarding career—one that will stay in demand for years to come.