Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS runs a single foundational exam up through associate, professional, and specialty tiers. Beginners start at Cloud Practitioner or jump straight to an associate; there are no required prerequisites.
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft is role-based: start with a Fundamentals exam, move to an Associate aligned to your job, and finish with an Expert credential. Security (SC) and Data (DP) tracks sit alongside the core Azure path.
Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a foundational leader exam, one associate engineer exam, and a set of role-based professional exams. Most engineers start with Associate Cloud Engineer, then specialize.
Cisco
Cisco progresses from entry-level CCST, to the associate-level CCNA, to professional CCNP tracks. Pick a CCNP concentration (enterprise, security) once you have the CCNA foundation.
CompTIA
CompTIA is vendor-neutral. The classic core sequence is A+ then Network+ then Security+, after which you branch into cybersecurity analyst, pen-test, and advanced practitioner exams.
Kubernetes & Cloud Native (CNCF)
CNCF certifications start with the entry-level KCNA and KCSA, move to the hands-on CKA and CKAD, and top out with the CKS security exam. Ecosystem exams cover Prometheus and Istio.
Cybersecurity & Governance ((ISC)2 / ISACA)
For security leadership and governance, (ISC)2 runs from the entry-level CC up to CISSP and CCSP, while ISACA CISA and CISM target audit and security management roles.
Not sure where to start?
Pick your target exam and take a few practice questions to see a readiness score before you commit to a date.