7 Cloud Security Certifications Worth Getting in 2026

As more businesses run their work in the cloud, cybersecurity is increasingly cloud security. Employers in 2026 look for people who can secure AWS, Azure and Google Cloud environments, and a cloud security certification is one of the clearest ways to show those skills. Below are seven certifications employers ask for, who each one suits, and what it takes to earn one.

7 cloud security certifications companies are hiring for

While a bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level qualification for computer and IT jobs, many employers also look for an industry certification to demonstrate specific technical skills. This is especially true in cybersecurity, where 60 percent of all cybersecurity positions request at least one certification. You’ll find a huge range of certifications out there, and not all of them are created equal. We searched three top job listing sites, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Simply Hired, to find the certifications that show up most frequently on job listings. Companies are looking to hire candidates with these credentials, which may make them worth considering as part of your own career development.

Cloud computing technology is evolving very quickly. The depth and extensiveness of product and service offerings across cloud vendors is widespread and continues to grow! In addition, many cloud providers are beginning to offer remarkably similar products, creating more questions and the need for clarification. If you are a company or vendor offering cloud expertise or doing cloud development, having employees that are “cloud certified” signifies not only a commitment to knowledge excellence, but a deeper understand of cloud offerings as compared to their non-certified peers. Often, employees whose job responsibilities are cloud related, will become quite knowledgeable on specific aspects of particular cloud services. Some of these job titles may include but are not limited to: Cloud Architect, DevOps Practitioners, Data Engineers, SysAdmins, Network Ops, App Developers and more! They may use it regularly and have adapted the cloud service offering to meet their needs. The training and certification process can help expand their knowledge and improve how they develop using the cloud service. Within certification training environments, students are introduced to a broader scope of a particular cloud’s offering. Often, they learn that the previous architectural or programmatic method they were employing may not be the most effective way of using specific cloud services. Certification training teaches employees’ new tactics for working with specific cloud services while making the employee a more valuable asset to the company. It also allows the company to benefit from the knowledge gained that comes with adding certified engineers, developers and architects to their bench of resources. In a level playing field where companies are looking to hire engineers or cloud architects, companies will choose the candidate with the certification if they have two potential candidates with the same technical experience otherwise. This is driven by the fact that certification represents a deeper understanding of complex concepts as well as commitment to learning. This is especially true in the world of ever-changing abilities and features of cloud providers.

1. Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer

Earning this certification from the 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 policy

·         Implementing network security

·         Analyzing logs and managing incident response

·         Protecting data with Google Cloud technologies

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

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

2. Microsoft Certified: Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate (formerly Azure Security Engineer Associate)

Passing the SC-500 exam (which replaced AZ-500 on August 31, 2026) for this Microsoft Azure credential demonstrates your skills in scripting, automation, networking, virtualization, and cloud architecture and capabilities. Skills tested include:

·         Configuring and managing secure access with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory)

·         Implementing platform protection

·         Managing security operations with Azure Monitor, Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel

·         Securing data and applications

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

Requirements: None

3. AWS Certified Security - Specialty

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. Its current exam version, SCS-C03, launched in December 2025. By earning this credential, you can show employers your proficiency in:

·         Encrypting and classifying data in AWS

·         Implementing secure internet protocols

·         Providing a secure production environment with AWS security services

·         Understanding security operations and risk management

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

Requirements: There are 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.

4. CompTIA Cloud+

The CompTIA Cloud+ validates your ability to plan, deploy, and automate secure cloud environments. The current version, CV0-004, launched in September 2024 and covers topics like:

·         High availability and disaster recovery

·         Automation and virtualization

·         Cloud architecture

·         Identity and access management

·         Securing networks in a cloud environment

·         OS and application security controls

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

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

5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

As you advance your career in cloud security, the CCSP from security membership organization ISC2 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: Cyber integration engineer, information security auditor, incident response specialist, senior security analyst, cloud application security consultant

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 ISC2 CCSP Common Body of Knowledge domains. 

6. Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)

This cloud security credential from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), now in its fifth version (CCSK v5, released in 2024), 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, ethical hacker, security analyst, IT security engineer

Requirements: The CCSK has no experience requirements.

7. GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA)

If you’re interested in building and deploying secure systems and applications, you might consider the GCSA. While 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.

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. According to a survey by ISC2, earning a cybersecurity certification can come with an average salary increase of $18,000 in the US.

How to choose a cloud security certification

Once you’ve decided to earn a cloud security certification, it’s important to choose the right one for your professional goals. Here are some things to think about when deciding which credential is the best fit.

Cost: Certification exams and prep courses can cost hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars. Think about your certification as an investment in higher-paying job opportunities. Do your research and invest wisely.

Vendor-specific vs. vendor-neutral: Do you want to specialize 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 specialized. 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 organizations you’d like to apply for. Make a list of what certifications show up most often. Those could be beneficial to pursue.

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, here are some tips for getting started.

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 program, 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. Even if you don’t have a degree, start building job-ready skills in IT or cybersecurity with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn from industry leaders with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate or the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate.

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.

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.

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

Information security

DevOps

Programming languages like Python and Ruby

Network and application security