4 Best Cloud Certifications (January 2026)

Cloud computing has been one of the most important areas of IT interest and investment over the last few years. It has become integrated into much of our lives, and organizations all around the world rely on it. Companies like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft all offer top cloud-related products.

By earning one of the top cloud certifications, IT professionals can prepare to become a leader in the field.

Here is a look at the 7 best cloud certifications available:

1. Cloud Architecture with Google Cloud Professional Certificate (Coursera)

One of the top certifications on the market, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certificate provides the skills needed for a career in cloud architecture. Through the course, you will get closer to earning the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification. 

Here are some of the main aspects of this certification:

• Deploy solution elements like networks, systems, and applications services
• Real-world experience and hands-on Qwiklabs projects
• Approach topics like Google Cloud Platform products
• Intermediate course
• Duration: 3 months, 6 hours/week

2. Introduction to Cloud Computing (Coursera)

Offered by IBM, this course covers the fundamental concepts of cloud computing. You will develop an understanding of cloud computing from a business perspective. It is a well-rounded course covering crucial definitions, cloud computing history, and business uses. 

Here are some of the main aspects of this certification: 

• Is part of a multi-program 
• Develop a fundamental understanding of cloud computing
• Cloud service (IaaS, Saas, Paas), deployment models (Public, Private, Hybrid), and infrastructure
• Cover emerging cloud trends such as Hybrid Multicloud, Microservices, Serverless, Cloud Native, and DevOps
• Beginner Course
• Duration: 12 hours

3. SRE and DevOps Engineer with Google Cloud Professional Certificate (Coursera)

This course helps you develop the crucial skills needed for the Google Cloud Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification exam. The course will demonstrate the necessary techniques for monitoring, troubleshooting, and improving infrastructure and application performance in Google Cloud.

Here is a look at the main aspects of this certification: 

• Aimed at the Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification
• Develop skills in Google Compute Engine, Google App Engine (GAE), Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Computing, and more
• Prepares you for a data engineer role
• Hands-on labs with the Qwiklabs platform
• Beginner course
• Duration: 3 months, 5 hours/week

4. AWS Fundamentals Specialization (Coursera)

Our last course on the list of best cloud certifications is the AWS Fundamentals Specialization. The specialized course is aimed at IT professionals looking to become proficient in Amazon Web Services. It covers the fundamental AWS services, AWS security concepts, migrating strategies, and how to build serverless applications with AWS. 

Here is a look at the main aspects of this certification:

• AWS fundamental concepts like Regions, Availability Zones, and Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs)
• Fundamental and basic security concepts
• Skills in Cloud Computing Security, AWS Cloud, Cloud Storage, Cloud Networking, Cloud Computing, and more
• Four interconnected courses
• Beginner level
• Duration: 5 months, 2 hours/week