Last week we talked about creating a study plan to get through your cloud certification exam in less than three months - even if you are working full time.

This post lead us to a more interesting question. Are cloud certifications worth it?

Ask this question in any DevOps forum and you'll get responses varying from "No. Not the least" to "Yes. Absolutely".

Let me tell you a secret. They all are correct.

Certifications are not worth it for some but absolutely worth it for others.

If you are a seasoned DevOps engineer with 10+ years of experience, working in a well recognized high-tech company, well paid, and have ample growth opportunities in your current workplace, cloud certifications are not worth it for you.

Stop reading this and do some other useful work.

If you do not fit into the above group, cloud certifications are absolutely worth it for you.

Still not convinced?

OK. Let me tell you how useful cloud certifications can be to you.

Are you looking for an opportunity to switch to DevOps from other IT fields

Sysadmins, Network Engineers, and even Software Engineers yearning to switch to DevOps can boost their potential to land on a DevOps role by earning a few cloud certifications.

Look, you are already working in IT. You are familiar with software development and DevOps. Of all the potential candidates other than the experienced DevOps engineers you stand the highest chance of getting hired if you can augment your skills with cloud certifications.

Are you a self-taught DevOps engineer looking for your first real DevOps job

When you don't have a college degree in computer science, cloud certifications are your ally.

But keep in mind that cloud certifications alone will not get you a job. As a self-taught DevOps engineer you need some other stuff also to land on your first job. (We will talk about those stuff in upcoming newsletters). But when you have those stuff combined with several cloud certifications you can definitely land on a DevOps job.

Are you a DevOps Engineer switching to a company that uses a different cloud provider

You are an expert in AWS.

You come across an attractive opportunity but the company is using Azure. You know pretty well that with the kind of experience you have in AWS, you can manage Azure too.

But say, the recruiters of that company got two resumes. Both have current experience with AWS. One person has several certification in Azure. The other doesn't. Who do you think they would choose?

Are you a fresh graduates looking for DevOps jobs

Some would say that DevOps roles are only for seniors. Not for freshers. That's not true.

More DevOps roles may be asking for senior candidates but there are opportunities for freshers as well. Freshers have limited displayable skills.

So cloud certifications are really valuable to showcase your competency and willingness to learn.

Are you a freelance DevOps professional

You don't like the commitment in a permanent job. So you choose to freelance!

Cloud certifications are a immensely valuable asset for you. Certifications help your clients to ascertain your skills. And clients do prefer freelancers with accredited skills.

When you are competing for opportunities with other freelancers, certifications can surely help you win.

Are you working for a cloud service partner

A cloud service partner is an organization that is recognized by a cloud service provider as having skills and competence to work as a middleman for users of the cloud service provider.

To be recognized as a cloud service partner the company needs a team of trained and certified team of engineers. So, if you are working for a cloud service partner or get the opportunity for a role in a cloud service partner, cloud certifications are a must.

Are you a DevOps engineer looking for remote work in other countries

Dreaming for a remote job in a different geographic location? That's exciting. Remote jobs offer better pay, flexible working hours, and good work culture.

Remote job market is competitive. Cloud certifications definitely add value to your resume if you intend to compete.

Are you a QA engineer or a security engineers (or working in any other tech role in DevOps)

Software development involves many roles other than the Devs and Ops.

If you are into such roles as QA, cyber security, DevRel, etc., you need to engage in tech talks with DevOps engineers on a daily basis. To handle your end in these conversations you need to have solid understanding of the cloud.

Getting one or two cloud certifications is a good method to gain that understanding.

Are you an independent tech recruiter

Tech recruiters play a big role in today's DevOps job market, matching potential candidates to vacant roles at employers.

You need to screen these potential candidates really well so that you promote only the best to your clients - the employers.

To screen the candidates you must be technically proficient with the nuances of the cloud technologies. Sure, you may have worked full time in a DevOps role sometime back. But tech stuff in DevOps tend to change fast. Cloud certifications can help you stay up to date.

Not only that. Earning some cloud certifications can help you convince more employers to work with you.

Are you a junior DevOps engineer or a DevOps engineer looking for a senior role

Are you a junior DevOps engineer or a DevOps engineer with just two years of experience? Want to switch employers with a promotion?

Cloud certifications are your stepping stones.

Taking cloud certification exams is an opportunity for you to learn. And it's an indication to potential employers that you are a committed to upskill yourself.

All right.

Now you know why cloud certifications are worth it for you.

Create your study plan and go for it.

Good luck.