7 Popular Cloud Security Certifications for 2025

As more and more businesses move to the cloud, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming cloud security. Cloud computing is among the top drivers of job creation in the United Kingdom, according to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Survey [1]. This means more job opportunities for those with the right combination of cloud and cybersecurity skills.

If you’re interested in starting or advancing your career in the information security industry, earning a cloud security certification can help you learn critical skills and validate those skills to recruiters and hiring managers. Read on to learn about seven cloud security certifications companies are hiring for, with tips on how to choose the right certification for you.

7 Cloud security certifications companies are hiring for

Whilst a bachelor’s degree is no longer required as a minimum qualification for IT roles, many employers do look for an industry certification to demonstrate specific technical skills. You’ll find a huge range of certifications out there, each with its own appeal. 

Companies are looking to hire candidates with popular credentials, such as the ones below, which may make them worth considering as part of your career development. The following list includes technology-specific certifications before moving on to vendor-neutral ones. 

1. Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer

Earning this certification from Google demonstrates your ability to design, configure, and implement secure infrastructures on the Google Cloud Platform. This includes:

• Configuring identity and access management

• Defining security 

• Implementing network security

• Enforcing regulatory controls

• Protecting data with Google Cloud technologies

Target job titles: Cloud security engineers, solutions engineer, and cloud architect

Requirements: The exam has no prerequisites. However, Google recommends that you have at least three years of experience, including at least one year of managing and designing with the Google Cloud Platform.

Cost: 200 USD [2]

Where to start:

Learn the skills needed to be a cloud security engineer and prepare for Google Cloud Certification in Google Cloud's Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Security Engineer Professional Certificate.

2. Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate

Passing the AZ-500 exam for this Microsoft Azure credential demonstrates your skills in scripting, automation, networking, virtualisation, and cloud architecture and capabilities. Skills tested include:

• Configuring and managing secure access 

• Implementing platform protection and remediating vulnerabilities

• Performing threat modelling

• Securing data and applications

Target job titles: Cybersecurity engineer, cloud DevOps engineer, Cloud Azure security specialist, and integration architect

Requirements: None

Cost: 165 USD [3]

Where to start:

Consider starting with the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification. Prepare for the exam and get 50 per cent off your exam voucher with the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialisation on Coursera.

3. AWS Certified Security

If you’re looking for a security job at a company using Amazon Web Services (AWS), the AWS Certified Security - Specialty could be a good option. By earning this credential, you can show employers your proficiency in:

• Encrypting and classifying data in AWS

• Implementing secure internet protocols

• Creating and implementing security solutions in the AWS Cloud

Target job titles: Security architect, cloud security engineer, information security analyst, IT security engineer

Requirements: The exam has no prerequisites to take the exam. AWS recommends that you have at least two years of experience securing AWS workloads and five years of general IT security experience.

Cost: 300 USD [4]

Where to start:

In Amazon Web Service's Start Your Career with AWS Cloud Specialisation, you'll get an overview of cloud fundamentals, explore cloud computing roles, and identify the skills necessary to perform tasks in cloud computing roles.

4. CompTIA Cloud+

The CompTIA Cloud+ validates your ability to plan, deploy, and automate secure cloud environments. The new version of the CV0-003 exam, which launched in June 2021, covers topics like:

• High availability and disaster recovery

• Automation 

• Cloud architecture

• DevOps fundamentals, such as source control

• Securing networks in a cloud environment

• OS and application security controls

The CV0-004 version of the exam launches in September 2024.

Target job titles: Cloud specialist, cloud architect, information security manager, and cybersecurity cloud specialist

Requirements: CompTIA sets no prerequisites for this certification. It recommends that you have two to three years in systems administration or networking, as well as the CompTIA Network+ and Server+ certifications.

Cost: 218 GBP; 348 USD [5]

Where to start:

CompTIA's CompTIA a+ Cyber course distills essential cybersecurity concepts from the comprehensive CompTIA A+ curriculum so that you'll have a solid understanding of how to maintain secure network environments and provide expert cybersecurity support.

5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

As you advance your career in cloud security, the CCSP from the security membership organisation (ISC)² validates your more advanced technical skills in the industry. The exam tests skills across six different domains:

• Cloud architecture and design

• Cloud data security

• Cloud platform and infrastructure security

• Cloud application security

• Legal, risk, and compliance

• Cloud security operations

Target job titles: cybersecurity specialist or senior security analyst, 

Requirements: To become a CCSP, you have to pass an exam and have at least five years of paid work experience in IT. Three of those years must be in information security, and one needs to be in one or more of six (ISC)² CCSP Common Body of Knowledge domains.

Cost: 479 GBP; 599 USD [6] 

Where to start:

Consider enrolling in ISC2's (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) Professional Certificate to build the IT security foundation needed to defend against cyber attacks, including cloud and wireless security.

6. Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)

This cloud security credential from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) covers a range of key cloud security issues that can empower you to tailor security solutions in a cloud environment. Topics covered include:

• Cloud architecture

• Governance, risk management, legal issues

• Infrastructure security

• Data security and encryption

• Incident response

• Application security and security as a service

Target job titles: Threat analyst, cybersecurity architect, security trainee, security analyst, and IT security engineer

Requirements: The CCSK has no experience requirements.

Cost: 445 USD [7]

Where to start:

In Google Cloud's Security in Google Cloud Specialisation, you'll study security controls, best practices, and techniques on Google Cloud.

7. GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA)

If you’re interested in building and deploying secure systems and applications, you might consider the GCSA. Whilst the GCSA isn’t affiliated with a particular cloud platform, the materials do cover open-source tools like AWS and Azure. Topics covered include:

• Cloud security fundamentals

• Cloud security monitoring

• Compliance

• Container and microservice security

• Data protection

• DevOps and DevSecOps fundamentals and controls

Target job titles: Security consultant, application security analyst, security engineer, cloud security developer, Dev SecOps engineer

Requirements: There are no prerequisites for the GCSA certification exam.

Cost: 1,299 USD [8]

Where to start:

In Amazon Web Service's AWS Cloud Technical Essentials course, you'll learn how to make informed decisions about when and how to apply core AWS services for computing, storage, and databases. You’ll also learn about cloud security with a review of AWS' shared responsibility model and an introduction to AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).

Are cloud security certifications worth it?

Earning a cloud security certification often requires investing both time and money into preparing for and taking the exam. Whether that investment is worth it depends on your career goals. The right certification can help give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. 

How to choose a cloud security certification

Once you’ve decided to earn a cloud security certification, it’s important to choose the proper one for your professional goals. Consider these factors when deciding which credential is the best fit:

• Cost: Certification exams and prep courses can cost hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of pounds. Consider it an investment in higher-paying job opportunities. Do your research and invest wisely.

• Vendor-specific vs. vendor-neutral: Do you want to specialise in a specific cloud platform, or would you prefer to keep your options open?

• Experience level: Start with a certification you currently qualify for, then progress to more advanced certifications as you gain work experience. 

• Area of focus: Many of the certifications on this list cover general cloud security practices, though options like the GCSA are more specialised. Think about whether you’re interested in cloud security architecture, engineering, incident response, development, or something else; there might be a certification that addresses that specialty.

• Potential employers: Search some job listings for positions and organisations you’d like to apply for. Make a list of what certifications show up most often as those could be beneficial to pursue.

Top cloud services to get certified in

AWS ranks as the largest cloud infrastructure provider, followed by Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

How to get into cloud security: First steps

Many of the top cloud security certifications require or recommend previous experience in information security or IT. If you’re considering a career securing cloud environments, some tips for getting started include:

1. Develop technical skills through courses, bootcamps, or a degree. 

Before shifting your focus to cloud security, establish a base of IT and computer science skills and knowledge. You don’t necessarily need a degree to get a job in cybersecurity. But by completing a degree programme, online course, or bootcamp, you can build a strong foundation to set yourself up for future success. Some certifications will waive a portion of the work experience requirement if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field.

2. Start with an entry-level IT job.

Many security professionals start out in an entry-level IT role before making the switch to security. Working as an IT support specialist, systems administrator, or cybersecurity analyst can often give you hands-on experience in cloud environments.

3. Earn an entry-level IT or cloud certification.

After gaining some experience in IT, consider earning your first certification in IT. You’ll find a range of entry-level IT certifications that you can use to build your knowledge, enhance your resume, and possibly qualify for new roles.

4. Build your cloud and security skills.

As you gain experience on the job, look for opportunities to work on your cloud and security skills. Some essential skills for cloud security engineers include:

• Experience with cloud service providers

• Mitigation and best practices

• Communication skills

• Programming languages like Python and KQL

• Network and applications

Get started in cybersecurity

Cloud cybersecurity is a growing, in-demand field within IT and computing. Gaining certification in cloud computing can help you advance your careern. Additionally, even if you don’t have a degree, you can start building job-ready skills in IT or cybersecurity with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. 

For example, you can learn from industry leaders with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate to begin building your knowledge base and skills. Or, if you want to focus on a career in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. The courses cover topics such as security models, tools that are used to access and address threats, networks, and more. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)