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10 Best Cloud Certifications of 2026
This list is for engineers and admins who want a certification that proves cloud skills to an employer. We compared ten certifications from AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, ISC2, the Linux Foundation, HashiCorp and CompTIA using what each body documents: exam length and format, recommended experience, prerequisites, validity and published U.S. fees. Scores weigh features (depth, recognition and the jobs the credential maps to) at 40 percent, and ease of access (prerequisites, experience and exam format) and value at 30 percent each. We compared documented features and published prices. Microsoft and CompTIA did not show a USD exam fee on the pages we checked, so those rows are marked pending. Fees are for one exam attempt unless noted.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 10 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate is our top pick: a $150 exam of 65 questions in 130 minutes, a three-year credential, and a focus on designing solutions that matches cloud engineer and architect job ads. If your employer runs Azure, take AZ-104 first and add AZ-305 for architecture; if it runs Google Cloud, start with Associate Cloud Engineer at $125 and move up to Professional Cloud Architect at $200. Platform and DevOps engineers get the most proof per hour from the CKA, a 2 hour command line exam. CCSP is the cloud security credential for staff with 5 years of experience. Terraform Associate at $70.50 is a cheap add-on to any provider certification, Cloud Practitioner is only for newcomers, and Cloud+ fits admins who need a vendor-neutral, NICE-mapped credential.
Top picks
Best overall
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
9.0 / 10
cloud engineers and sysadmins moving into AWS design work
Read the review →Runner-up
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
8.6 / 10
sysadmins in Microsoft and Azure shops
Read the review →Also great
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
8.5 / 10
experienced architects on Google Cloud
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate | cloud engineers and sysadmins moving into AWS design work | $150 per exam attempt | 9.0 |
| 2 | Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) | sysadmins in Microsoft and Azure shops | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.6 |
| 3 | Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect | experienced architects on Google Cloud | $200 registration fee, plus tax where applicable | 8.5 |
| 4 | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer | engineers with 6 months on Google Cloud | $125 registration fee, plus tax where applicable | 8.4 |
| 5 |  Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) | platform and DevOps engineers running Kubernetes | $445 for the exam only, including one retake | 8.3 |
| 6 |  ISC2 CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) | experienced security pros moving into cloud security | U.S. $599 standard exam registration in the Americas | 8.1 |
| 7 | Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) | Azure admins stepping up to architecture | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.0 |
| 8 |  HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (004) | cloud engineers adopting infrastructure as code | $70.50 per exam, plus local taxes and fees | 7.9 |
| 9 | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | newcomers with no IT or cloud background | $100 per exam attempt | 7.8 |
| 10 |  CompTIA Cloud+ | admins who want a vendor-neutral cloud credential | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.5 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
An associate-level AWS exam on designing cost and performance optimized solutions across the breadth of AWS services.
aws.amazon.com9.0
out of 10
Best for: cloud engineers and sysadmins moving into AWS design work
Solutions Architect Associate is the credential most engineers and admins should take first if they want to prove cloud skills to an employer. AWS describes it as focused on the design of cost and performance optimized solutions, and calls it an ideal starting point for people with AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experience. The exam is 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions in 130 minutes, taken at a Pearson VUE center or online, and it costs $150. AWS recommends a year of hands-on design work on AWS, but it also notes that candidates with 1 to 3 years of general IT experience have prepared for and passed it. Free prep is solid: AWS Skill Builder lays out a four-step plan with an official practice question set, labs and a practice exam. The credential stays active for three years. Its limit is scope: it proves AWS design knowledge, not multi-cloud or hands-on operations skill.
Standout feature
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate is the best first cloud certification for engineers because one $150, 130 minute exam covers AWS solution design end to end.
Use cases
On-premises sysadmins
Show they can design workloads on AWS
Outcome: A credential that maps to cloud engineer and architect job ads
Developers moving into platform work
Learn AWS networking, storage and compute design
Outcome: A structured study plan and a three-year credential
Key features
- 130 minute exam with 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions
- Taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or as an online proctored exam
- Offered in English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish and Chinese
- AWS Skill Builder 4-step prep plan with an official practice question set and practice exam
- Certification stays active for three years
Pros
- $150 fee for a credential aimed squarely at cloud design work
- AWS says candidates with 1 to 3 years of IT experience have earned it as a first AWS certification
- Does not require deep hands-on coding experience
Cons
- AWS recommends at least 1 year of hands-on experience designing solutions on AWS
- Tests AWS only, so it says little about Azure or Google Cloud
- The Italian version of the exam retires after December 31, 2026
Rank 2 · Runner-up
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
Microsoft's intermediate certification for people who implement, manage and monitor an organization's Azure environment.
learn.microsoft.com8.6
out of 10
Best for: sysadmins in Microsoft and Azure shops
AZ-104 is the Azure certification for people who run Azure day to day. Microsoft frames the candidate as someone who implements, manages and monitors an organization's Azure environment, including virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security and governance. The exam gives you 100 minutes and assesses five areas: identities and governance, storage, compute, virtual networking, and monitoring. Microsoft expects familiarity with operating systems, networking, servers and virtualization, plus experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, the Azure portal, ARM templates or Bicep, and Microsoft Entra ID, which is a close match for Windows and infrastructure admins. Prep includes an exam sandbox, prep videos and a free practice assessment. The credential lasts 12 months, but renewal is free through an online assessment on Microsoft Learn. Microsoft prices the exam by the country where it is proctored, so we have marked the fee pending. It is also the required step before Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Standout feature
Azure Administrator Associate is the best choice for Microsoft shop admins because AZ-104 covers identity, storage, compute and networking, with free yearly renewal.
Use cases
Windows server admins
Move workloads and identity into Azure
Outcome: A credential that names the Azure admin role directly
Engineers aiming at AZ-305
Meet the Azure architect prerequisite
Outcome: The Azure Administrator Associate certification Microsoft requires
Key features
- Exam AZ-104 with 100 minutes to complete the assessment
- Covers identities and governance, storage, compute, virtual networking and monitoring
- Free renewal every 12 months by passing an online assessment on Microsoft Learn
- Exam sandbox, prep videos and a free practice assessment
- Offered in 10 languages, from English to Portuguese (Brazil)
Pros
- Renewal costs nothing: you pass an online assessment on Microsoft Learn
- Required step toward Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Matches day-to-day admin work with PowerShell, Azure CLI and Bicep
Cons
- Must be renewed every 12 months
- USD exam fee not confirmed for this list, since Microsoft prices by country
- Microsoft expects experience with PowerShell, Azure CLI, ARM templates or Bicep and Microsoft Entra ID
Rank 3 · Also great
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
Google Cloud's professional exam on designing and managing solutions on Google Cloud, with case study questions.
cloud.google.com8.5
out of 10
Best for: experienced architects on Google Cloud
Professional Cloud Architect is Google Cloud's flagship design credential and the right target for architects whose employers run on Google Cloud. The exam lasts 2 hours, has 50 to 60 multiple choice and multiple select questions, and costs $200 plus tax. What sets it apart is the case study format: every exam includes two case studies, and those questions make up 20 to 30% of the score, so you are judged on applying design choices to a realistic business situation. There are no formal prerequisites, but Google recommends 3+ years of industry experience including at least a year designing and managing solutions on Google Cloud. The credential is valid for 2 years, and you can renew it by completing designated courses or skill badges in Google Skills instead of retaking the full exam. It is offered in English and Japanese, online or at a test center. For people new to Google Cloud, Associate Cloud Engineer is the easier first step.
Standout feature
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect is the best design credential for Google Cloud architects because 20 to 30% of the exam is case study questions.
Use cases
Senior engineers at Google Cloud customers
Prove they can design production solutions
Outcome: A professional-level credential with case study scoring
Consultants
Qualify for Google Cloud architecture projects
Outcome: A two-year credential renewable through Google Skills
Key features
- 2 hour exam with 50 to 60 multiple choice and multiple select questions
- Each exam includes 2 case studies, worth 20 to 30% of the exam
- Online proctored or at a testing center
- Valid for 2 years, renewable through designated courses or skill badges in Google Skills
- Offered in English and Japanese
Pros
- Case study questions test design judgment, not only recall
- No formal prerequisites
- Renewal through Google Skills courses or skill badges instead of a full retake
Cons
- Google recommends 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ years on Google Cloud
- Valid for only 2 years
- Only English and Japanese
Rank 4
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Google Cloud's associate exam for engineers who deploy and operate workloads on Google Cloud.
cloud.google.com8.4
out of 10
Best for: engineers with 6 months on Google Cloud
Associate Cloud Engineer is the practical entry point to Google Cloud certification. The exam runs 2 hours with 50 to 60 multiple choice and multiple select questions and costs $125 plus tax, which is less than the AWS or Google professional exams on this list. Google recommends just 6+ months of hands-on experience with Google Cloud and lists no prerequisites, so admins who have spent a few months deploying and running projects there are the target audience. It is offered in English, Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese, online or at a testing center, and it stays valid for 3 years, a year longer than Google's professional certifications. Preparation follows Google's Cloud Engineer Learning Path. The trade-off is level: hiring managers looking for architects will ask for Professional Cloud Architect, so check that your target employers run Google Cloud before you choose this over AWS Solutions Architect Associate.
Standout feature
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer is the cheapest cloud provider associate exam here at $125, with 3 year validity.
Use cases
Junior cloud engineers
Prove they can deploy and run Google Cloud projects
Outcome: A three-year associate credential for $125
Admins at Google Workspace or Google Cloud companies
Add cloud operations skills
Outcome: A first step before Professional Cloud Architect
Key features
- 2 hour exam with 50 to 60 multiple choice and multiple select questions
- Offered in English, Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese
- Online proctored or at a testing center
- Valid for 3 years
- Cloud Engineer Learning Path for preparation
Pros
- $125 fee is the lowest of the cloud provider associate exams on this list
- Recommended experience is only 6+ months hands-on with Google Cloud
- Three-year validity, longer than Google's professional exams
Cons
- Less senior than Professional Cloud Architect
- Tests Google Cloud only
- Check that your target employers run Google Cloud before choosing it over AWS or Azure
Rank 5
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
A Linux Foundation and CNCF performance-based exam where you solve Kubernetes administration tasks from a command line.
training.linuxfoundation.org8.3
out of 10
Best for: platform and DevOps engineers running Kubernetes
The CKA is the most hands-on credential on this list. Created by the Linux Foundation and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, it is an online, proctored, performance-based exam in which you solve tasks from a command line running Kubernetes, with 2 hours on the clock. The current exam is based on Kubernetes v1.37, and the Linux Foundation says the environment follows the latest minor release within about 4 to 8 weeks. The $445 exam-only price includes two exam attempts and two Killer.sh simulator sessions, and you have 12 months to sit it. Bundles add the THRIVE-ONE subscription for $625 or the LFS258 Kubernetes Fundamentals course for $645. There are no prerequisites, but the format punishes anyone without daily Linux and kubectl practice. Because Kubernetes runs on every major cloud, the CKA travels across employers in a way a single provider certification does not. It is valid for 2 years.
Standout feature
The Certified Kubernetes Administrator is the best hands-on cloud credential because candidates solve live Kubernetes tasks from a command line instead of answering multiple choice.
Use cases
DevOps engineers
Prove they can operate production Kubernetes
Outcome: A performance-based credential recognized across clouds
Sysadmins moving to platform teams
Learn cluster setup, troubleshooting and networking
Outcome: Two simulator sessions and a retake to prepare with
Key features
- Online, proctored, performance-based exam solved from a command line in 2 hours
- Based on Kubernetes v1.37
- Two exam attempts and two Killer.sh simulator sessions included
- 12 month exam eligibility, certification valid for 2 years
- Bundles with the THRIVE-ONE subscription ($625) or the LFS258 course ($645)
Pros
- Hands-on tasks prove real cluster skills, not multiple choice recall
- Kubernetes skills are not tied to one cloud provider
- Includes a retake and two exam simulations
Cons
- $445 is the second most expensive exam on this list
- Valid for only 2 years
- Assumes strong Linux command line skills
Rank 6
ISC2 CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
ISC2's vendor-neutral certification for designing, managing and securing data, applications and infrastructure in the cloud.
isc2.org8.1
out of 10
Best for: experienced security pros moving into cloud security
CCSP is the answer for anyone whose cloud work is really security work. ISC2 positions it as proof of the advanced skills needed to design, manage and secure data, applications and infrastructure in the cloud, and the exam covers six domains: cloud concepts and architecture, data security, platform and infrastructure security, application security, security operations, and legal, risk and compliance. It is vendor neutral, so it applies whether your employer runs AWS, Azure or Google Cloud. The credential is ANAB accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and approved under U.S. DoDM 8140.03, which matters for government and contractor roles. The barrier is experience: ISC2 requires 5 years of work experience. Standard registration is U.S. $599 in the Americas, the highest fee on this list. ISC2 lists cloud architects, engineers, administrators, security analysts and auditors among the people who earn it, so it suits senior staff rather than newcomers.
Standout feature
ISC2 CCSP is the best cloud security certification because it is vendor neutral, ANAB accredited and approved under U.S. DoDM 8140.03.
Use cases
Security engineers
Move into cloud security architecture
Outcome: A vendor-neutral credential that covers all six cloud security domains
Defense contractor staff
Meet DoD cloud security role requirements
Outcome: A DoDM 8140.03 approved certification
Key features
- Six domains from cloud architecture and data security to legal, risk and compliance
- Vendor neutral, covering any cloud provider
- ANAB accredited under ISO/IEC 17024
- Approved under U.S. DoDM 8140.03
- Aimed at roles from cloud architect to auditor of cloud computing services
Pros
- The cloud security credential with the strongest accreditation on this list
- Vendor neutral, so it applies to AWS, Azure and Google Cloud work
- Meets U.S. Department of Defense DoDM 8140.03 requirements
Cons
- Requires 5 years of work experience
- U.S. $599 exam fee is the highest on this list
- Tests policy and design knowledge more than hands-on configuration
Rank 7
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Microsoft's expert-level certification for designing cloud and hybrid solutions on Azure.
learn.microsoft.com8.0
out of 10
Best for: Azure admins stepping up to architecture
AZ-305 is the Azure architect credential, and it is a second step rather than a first one. To hold the Azure Solutions Architect Expert title you must first earn Azure Administrator Associate, then pass AZ-305, Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions. The exam covers four design areas: identity, governance and monitoring; data storage; business continuity; and infrastructure. Microsoft describes the role as advising stakeholders and turning business requirements into designs that follow the Azure Well-Architected Framework and Cloud Adoption Framework, and it expects advanced experience across networking, virtualization, identity, security, disaster recovery, data platforms and governance, plus Azure administration, development and DevOps. The English version was updated on April 17, 2026, so check that study material matches. Like other Microsoft role-based certifications, it renews for free through an online assessment on Microsoft Learn. Microsoft prices the exam by country, so the fee is marked pending here.
Standout feature
Azure Solutions Architect Expert is the best Azure architecture credential because it requires AZ-104 plus a design exam covering four infrastructure areas.
Use cases
Senior Azure administrators
Move into a solution architect role
Outcome: Microsoft's expert-level Azure architecture credential
Consultants at Microsoft partners
Lead Azure design engagements
Outcome: A certification aligned to the Well-Architected Framework
Key features
- Exam AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
- Requires the Azure Administrator Associate certification first
- Covers identity, governance and monitoring, data storage, business continuity and infrastructure design
- Aligned with the Azure Well-Architected Framework and Cloud Adoption Framework
- English version updated on April 17, 2026
Pros
- Expert-level title for Azure architecture roles
- Free renewal through an online assessment on Microsoft Learn
- Builds directly on AZ-104
Cons
- You must earn Azure Administrator Associate first
- Microsoft expects advanced experience across networking, identity, security, disaster recovery and governance
- USD exam fee not confirmed for this list
Rank 8
HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (004)
HashiCorp's foundational exam on Terraform infrastructure as code, which works across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and other providers.
developer.hashicorp.com7.9
out of 10
Best for: cloud engineers adopting infrastructure as code
Terraform Associate is the cheapest way to show an employer you can manage cloud infrastructure as code. HashiCorp aims the exam at cloud engineers with foundational Terraform knowledge who can tell Terraform Enterprise features apart from the Community edition. It is a 1 hour, online proctored, multiple choice exam in English that tests Terraform 1.12, and it costs $70.50 plus local taxes and fees, with no free retake. HashiCorp lists basic terminal skills and an understanding of on-premises and cloud architecture as prerequisites, and says you can prepare by practicing if you lack professional experience. Because Terraform provisions resources on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and many other platforms, it pairs well with any provider certification. It is a foundational credential, though, and expires after 2 years. Engineers who want more depth can move on to the Terraform Infrastructure Engineer Professional or the lab-based Terraform Authoring and Operations Advanced exam.
Standout feature
HashiCorp Terraform Associate is the cheapest certification on this list at $70.50 and proves infrastructure as code skills on any cloud.
Use cases
Cloud engineers
Show infrastructure as code skills next to a provider certification
Outcome: A multi-cloud credential for $70.50
Sysadmins automating provisioning
Learn Terraform workflow and state basics
Outcome: A foundation for HashiCorp's professional Terraform exams
Key features
- 1 hour, online proctored, multiple choice exam
- Tests Terraform 1.12
- Covers distinguishing Terraform Enterprise features from Community edition
- Credential expires after 2 years
- Path to Terraform Infrastructure Engineer Professional and Authoring and Operations Advanced
Pros
- $70.50 is the lowest fee on this list
- Terraform skills apply to every major cloud provider
- Prerequisites are basic terminal skills and an understanding of cloud architecture
Cons
- Free retake not included
- Foundational level only
- Expires after 2 years
Rank 9
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS's foundational exam on AWS Cloud concepts, services and terminology.
aws.amazon.com7.8
out of 10
Best for: newcomers with no IT or cloud background
Cloud Practitioner is AWS's foundational exam, and it is the right start only if you are new to cloud. AWS designed it for candidates without an IT background, including line-of-business roles such as sales, marketing, product and project management, and says up to 6 months of exposure to AWS is helpful but not required. The exam has 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions in 90 minutes and costs $100, taken at a Pearson VUE center or online in languages from Arabic to Traditional Chinese. AWS suggests Solutions Architect Associate, Developer Associate or SysOps Administrator Associate as the next step. For working engineers and admins, that next step is where the value is: Cloud Practitioner tests vocabulary and high-level service knowledge, not design or operations skill, so it rarely sets a candidate apart in a technical hiring process. Skip it if you already have IT experience and go straight to Solutions Architect Associate.
Standout feature
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the best starting point for cloud newcomers because AWS designed the $100 exam for people without an IT background.
Use cases
Career changers
Learn AWS basics before a technical certification
Outcome: A $100 foundational credential valid for three years
Help desk staff
Get a first look at cloud services
Outcome: A stepping stone to an associate exam
Key features
- 90 minute exam with 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions
- Designed for candidates new to cloud without an IT background
- Offered in Arabic, English, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and more
- Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam
- Certification stays active for three years
Pros
- No IT or AWS experience required
- $100 fee
- Leads into Solutions Architect, Developer or SysOps Administrator Associate
Cons
- Foundational only, so it carries little weight for engineering roles
- AWS aims it partly at line-of-business staff such as sales and marketing
- Italian and German versions retire after December 31, 2026
Rank 10
CompTIA Cloud+
A vendor-neutral exam on cloud architecture, deployment, operations, security, DevOps and troubleshooting across multi-cloud environments.
comptia.org7.5
out of 10
Best for: admins who want a vendor-neutral cloud credential
Cloud+ is CompTIA's vendor-neutral cloud certification, built for admins who manage infrastructure across more than one platform. The V4 exam, CV0-004, launched September 24, 2024 and has up to 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 750 on a 100 to 900 scale. Objectives cover cloud architecture, deployment, operations, security, DevOps tooling and troubleshooting, including workload migration and infrastructure as code. CompTIA recommends 2 to 3 years of hands-on experience as a systems administrator or cloud engineer and maps the credential to NICE and DCWF work roles such as systems administrator, enterprise architect and security architect, which helps for U.S. government work. Prep is sold as CertMaster bundles that include a retake voucher. The weakness is focus: it does not prove skill on a specific provider, so Cloud+ works best as a complement to AWS, Azure or Google Cloud credentials. CompTIA's page did not show a USD fee here, so pricing is pending.
Standout feature
CompTIA Cloud+ is the vendor-neutral pick because CV0-004 mixes performance-based tasks with multi-cloud architecture and operations topics.
Use cases
Government IT staff
Meet NICE or DCWF role mappings
Outcome: A vendor-neutral cloud credential with performance-based questions
Admins in multi-cloud companies
Prove general cloud operations and troubleshooting skills
Outcome: A credential not tied to one provider
Key features
- Exam CV0-004 (V4): up to 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes
- Passing score of 750 on a 100 to 900 scale
- Mapped to NICE and DCWF work roles such as systems administrator and security architect
- Covers cloud architecture, deployment, operations, security, DevOps and troubleshooting
- CertMaster Learn, Practice and Perform bundles with a retake voucher
Pros
- Vendor neutral, so it covers concepts used on every provider
- Performance-based questions reward hands-on admin work
- Mapped to U.S. NICE and DCWF work roles
Cons
- Recommends 2 to 3 years as a sysadmin or cloud engineer
- USD exam fee not confirmed for this list
- Provider certifications from AWS, Microsoft and Google are more specific to the platforms employers run
Frequently asked questions
+Which certification is best for cloud computing?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate is the best cloud computing certification for most engineers and admins. It is one exam of 65 questions in 130 minutes, costs $150 and stays active for three years. Pick Azure AZ-104 instead if your employer runs Azure.
+Which certification is best for cloud beginners?
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the best cloud certification for beginners with no IT background. AWS designed the $100, 90 minute exam for people new to cloud. If you already work in IT, go straight to AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer, which recommends only 6+ months on Google Cloud.
+Which certification is best for cloud security?
ISC2 CCSP is the best cloud security certification for experienced staff. It is vendor neutral, ANAB accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and approved under U.S. DoDM 8140.03, but it requires 5 years of work experience and costs U.S. $599. For security on one platform, Google Cloud's Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam costs $200.
+Which certification is best for a cloud architect?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate is the best first certification for a cloud architect, at $150. Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect ($200, 2 hours, two case studies) suits architects on Google Cloud, and Azure Solutions Architect Expert requires AZ-104 plus the AZ-305 design exam.
+Is AWS or Azure certification better?
Neither is better in general: choose the cloud your employer or target employers use. AWS Solutions Architect Associate costs $150 and lasts three years. Azure AZ-104 must be renewed every 12 months, but Microsoft renews it for free through an online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
+How much do cloud certifications cost?
Cloud certification exams on this list cost $70.50 to U.S. $599 per attempt. HashiCorp Terraform Associate is $70.50, AWS Cloud Practitioner $100, Google Associate Cloud Engineer $125, AWS Solutions Architect Associate $150, Google Professional Cloud Architect $200, the CKA $445 with a retake, and ISC2 CCSP U.S. $599.
+Do cloud certifications expire?
Yes, every cloud certification on this list expires. AWS certifications stay active for three years, Google Associate Cloud Engineer for 3 years, Google Professional Cloud Architect, the CKA and Terraform Associate for 2 years, and Microsoft role-based certifications for 12 months with free online renewal.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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