How much does it really cost to get a cloud certification in System Administration?

2 Training courses

Another cost of getting a cloud certification is the training course. Although some cloud providers offer free online courses and resources, many candidates opt for paid courses that provide more comprehensive and structured learning. Training courses can be delivered online or in-person, and can vary in length, quality, and price. For example, a Udemy course on AWS SysOps Administration can cost as low as $10, while a Coursera specialization on Google Cloud Platform can cost up to $400. The cost of training courses also depends on whether you need to renew your certification or not, as some cloud providers require you to take a refresher course every two or three years.

4 Time and opportunity costs

Finally, one of the hidden costs of getting a cloud certification is the time and opportunity costs. Time costs refer to the amount of time you need to spend studying, practicing, and taking the exam. Opportunity costs refer to the amount of money you could have earned or saved if you had spent your time on something else. For example, if you spend 100 hours studying for a cloud certification exam that costs $150, and your hourly wage is $25, your time cost is $2,500 and your opportunity cost is $2,350. The time and opportunity costs of getting a cloud certification depend on your personal and professional goals, and how much value you expect to get from the certification.

As you can see, the cost of getting a cloud certification in system administration is not just the exam fee. It also includes the cost of training courses, study materials, time, and opportunity. Depending on your situation, the total cost can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. However, this does not mean that getting a cloud certification is not worth it. On the contrary, getting a cloud certification can boost your resume, increase your salary, and expand your career opportunities. The key is to choose the right certification for your needs, budget, and skills, and to prepare smartly and efficiently.