Cloud computing powers everything from banking apps to streaming services, and skilled cloud professionals are in demand worldwide. Certifications from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are among the most recognised credentials in tech. This guide explains the main paths and how to prepare.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing means renting computing resources, such as servers, storage, databases and AI services, over the internet instead of owning physical hardware. Organisations pay for what they use and can scale up or down quickly. Major providers have opened data centre regions in Africa, including in South Africa, and demand for local cloud skills is rising.
How certifications are structured
All three providers use similar levels:
- Foundational: cloud concepts, services and pricing; suitable for beginners and non-technical roles
- Associate: hands-on skills for building and managing cloud solutions
- Professional or expert: advanced architecture and operations
- Specialty: focused areas such as security, networking, data and machine learning
Entry points by provider
| Provider | Foundational | Popular associate-level next step |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate |
| Microsoft Azure | Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) |
| Google Cloud | Cloud Digital Leader | Associate Cloud Engineer |
Certification names and exam codes change from time to time, so check the provider’s official certification page before you start.
Which provider should you choose?
- AWS: the largest market share globally and widely used by startups
- Azure: strong in enterprises, banks and governments that already use Microsoft products
- Google Cloud: strong in data analytics, AI and companies using Google Workspace
Look at job adverts in your target market and pick the provider that appears most often. Skills transfer well between platforms.
How to prepare on a budget
- Use each provider’s free official training and learning paths
- Practise in free tier accounts; set billing alerts to avoid unexpected charges
- Look for free exam vouchers through big tech skills programmes, student programmes and community challenges
- Join study groups at local tech hubs and online communities
- Take practice exams to identify weak areas
Exam fees are usually charged in US dollars, so voucher programmes can save a lot.
Skills to learn alongside certifications
- Linux command line
- Networking basics: IP addresses, DNS, firewalls
- A scripting language such as Python or Bash; see learn coding for free
- Infrastructure as code and containers, for DevOps roles
- Security fundamentals; see our cybersecurity guide
Do certifications get you a job?
Certifications help you get past CV filters and prove baseline knowledge, but employers also want evidence you can do the work. Combine certifications with hands-on projects, such as deploying a website, building a serverless app or automating backups, and document them in a portfolio.
Plan your path with our digital skills roadmap, and find international roles in Remote Work from Africa.
