Should You Do a Cloud Certification? The Four Reasons I Tell People Not to Collect Them, What the Exams Cost in 2026, and the One Case Where a Certificate Is Worth the Money

Cloud certifications can be beneficial, but pursuing many of them can be counterproductive. Instead of collecting badges, focus on practical experience relevant to your job. In 2026, certification costs vary widely and should align with your career needs. Real-world experience—like contributing to open-source projects or building secure systems—is more valuable than certifications alone.