☁️4 – Intermediate Cloud Security Certifications

Cloud security is a rapidly growing field as organizations increasingly migrate infrastructure, applications, and data to cloud platforms. Intermediate-level cloud security certifications focus on equipping professionals with the practical skills needed to secure cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

These certifications are designed for IT and security professionals who already have a foundational understanding of cloud platforms and now want to apply cloud-specific security controls, identity and access management, data protection, and threat detection strategies. They often cover topics like secure cloud architecture, compliance mapping, and integration of cloud-native security tools.

While they don’t go as deep as expert-level certifications like AWS Certified Security – Advanced or CCSK Expert, they provide essential, job-ready knowledge for roles such as Cloud Security Analyst, IAM Administrator, or Cloud Infrastructure Engineer.

CertificationOrganization
🟢 AWS Certified Security – SpecialtyAmazon Web Services
🟢 Microsoft SC-300 – Identity & Access AdministratorMicrosoft
🟢 Google Professional Cloud Security EngineerGoogle Cloud
🟢 GIAC GCLD – Cloud Security EssentialsGIAC / SANS
🟢 ISC2 CCSP – Certified Cloud Security ProfessionalISC2
🟢 CompTIA Cloud+CompTIA
🟢 Fortinet NSE 5 – Cloud SecurityFortinet

💡 Tip: These certifications are best pursued after gaining hands-on experience with cloud environments or completing entry-level cloud fundamentals courses like AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals, or Google Cloud Digital Leader.

Certification Duration Cost Prerequisites Avg. Salary (USD) Europe Salary Range USA Salary Range
AWS Certified Security – Specialty 170 minutes (exam) $300 2–5 years in AWS; one associate-level AWS cert recommended $140,000 $80,000–$110,000 $110,000–$160,000
Microsoft SC-300: Identity and Access Admin 120 minutes (exam) $165 Experience with Azure AD, hybrid identity, and IAM $98,000 $55,000–$85,000 $75,000–$110,000
Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer 120 minutes (exam) $200 Experience with GCP and security best practices $135,000 $70,000–$105,000 $100,000–$145,000
GIAC GCLD – Cloud Security Essentials 4 hours (exam) $2,499 Basic cloud and security knowledge $118,000 $65,000–$100,000 $90,000–$135,000
ISC2 CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional 180 minutes (exam) $599 5 years IT + 3 years security experience recommended $150,000 $75,000–$120,000 $125,000–$175,000
CompTIA Cloud+ 90 minutes (exam) $358 2–3 years in systems/network/cloud admin $95,000 $55,000–$85,000 $70,000–$110,000
Fortinet NSE 5 – Cloud Security 2–3 days (training + exam) $500–$1,000 Familiarity with Fortinet solutions and cloud infra $90,000 $50,000–$80,000 $70,000–$100,000