Top 10 Infrastructure Architect Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for an infrastructure architect in the job market. Certifications demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value, and they can help differentiate a potential candidate from other applicants. They also show employers that the individual has taken the initiative to further their education and is committed to staying up to date on the latest industry trends and technologies. Additionally, certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions, more career advancement opportunities, and better job stability.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Infrastructure Architects, discussing how they can help to enhance an infrastructure architect's career.

What are Infrastructure Architect Certifications?

Infrastructure Architect Certification is a professional certification that validates the knowledge and skills of an IT professional in designing, building, and managing large-scale IT infrastructure. This certification enables professionals to demonstrate their expertise in designing, building, and maintaining complex IT infrastructures while ensuring they are secure, reliable, and cost-effective.

By obtaining this certification, professionals can show employers that they have the necessary skills to build and maintain complex IT systems. The certification also helps employers identify qualified candidates for job openings in the field of infrastructure architecture. Furthermore, it provides individuals with a competitive edge when applying for jobs as it demonstrates their technical capabilities and commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends.

Finally, Infrastructure Architect Certification helps professionals stay current with technology advancements in the field and develop skills that are necessary for successful implementation of new technologies. With this certification, individuals can be sure that they possess the latest knowledge and skills needed to design effective solutions for business needs.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing an infrastructure architect certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and determine which one best fits your professional goals. Additionally, be sure to stay up-to-date on any changes in the certification requirements, as these can change over time.

Related: What does an Infrastructure Architect do?

Top 10 Infrastructure Architect Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Infrastructure Architects today.

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional is an advanced certification from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates a professional’s ability to design and deploy applications on the AWS platform. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the AWS services and how to use them to build secure, reliable, and highly available applications. The certification is designed for individuals who have experience designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

To get this certification, you must first pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam. This exam tests your knowledge of core AWS services, such as EC2, S3, VPC, ELB, RDS, IAM, CloudWatch, Auto Scaling and more. Once you have passed the associate level exam, you can then move on to the professional level exam. The professional level exam focuses more on architecture best practices and requires a deeper understanding of the different services offered by AWS.

It usually takes about one month to prepare for the professional level exam. During this time it is important to review all of the topics covered in both exams and become familiar with all of the services offered by AWS. You should also practice using these services in real-world scenarios so that you are comfortable working with them when taking the exam.

The cost for taking either of these exams is $300 USD per attempt. You can purchase vouchers from Amazon or other third-party vendors which will allow you to take either exam at a discounted rate.

2. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, building, and managing complex cloud solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. It is the highest level of certification offered by Microsoft for Azure solutions architects.

The certification requires a combination of knowledge and experience in designing and implementing cloud solutions on the Azure platform. To obtain this certification, you must pass two exams: AZ-300 (Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies) and AZ-301 (Microsoft Azure Architect Design).

These exams typically take 8-10 hours to complete, depending on your level of experience with Azure. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but is usually around $165 USD. You can also purchase practice tests or study materials to help prepare for the exams.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded the Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification and will be able to demonstrate your expertise in designing, building, and managing complex cloud solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform.

3. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center is a professional-level certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot complex data center solutions. The CCNP Data Center certification is designed for IT professionals who have at least three years of experience in network engineering and are responsible for the implementation of data center technologies.

It typically takes about six months to complete the required training and pass the four exams needed to earn the CCNP Data Center certification. To get started on your path to becoming a CCNP Data Center certified professional, you will need to register for the appropriate Cisco courses and exams.

The cost of obtaining the CCNP Data Center certification varies depending on which courses and exams you choose. The cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more depending on your choice of materials and exams.

4. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in virtualizing data centers. It demonstrates the ability to install, configure, manage and deploy VMware vSphere environments.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the VCP-DCV exam. To get certified, you must first attend a VMware authorized training course and pass the VCP-DCV exam. The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider but can range from $2,500 to $4,000 USD. The exam itself costs $250 USD.

5. CompTIA Cloud+ Certification

CompTIA Cloud+ is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in cloud computing. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to implement, maintain, and deliver cloud technologies. The CompTIA Cloud+ certification covers topics such as virtualization, security, infrastructure, resource management, and business continuity.

In order to obtain the CompTIA Cloud+ certification, individuals must first pass the CompTIA Cloud+ exam. This exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam fee is $319 USD.

Once individuals have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CompTIA Cloud+ certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking a new version of the exam or completing continuing education credits (CEUs).

6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification offered by Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source software solutions. The RHCSA certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It demonstrates that the individual has the ability to perform essential system administration tasks such as installing and configuring systems, managing users and groups, deploying services, and troubleshooting system issues.

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions based on real-world scenarios. Candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of core system administration tasks such as installation and configuration, user management, service deployment, security, storage management, networking, and troubleshooting. To pass the exam candidates must score 70% or higher.

To get the RHCSA certification candidates must first register for the exam with Red Hat. Once registered they can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through proctored exams. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Once the exam is completed candidates will receive their results within 48 hours. If successful they will be awarded their RHCSA certification which is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

7. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of professionals who are responsible for managing Oracle databases. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Oracle Database 12c environments.

It typically takes around three months of preparation to get the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional certification. To get this certification, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration and 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration.

The cost of the exams varies depending on your location. Generally speaking, the cost for each exam is around $245 USD.

8. Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N)

Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N) is a certification program offered by Citrix Systems, Inc. that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of networking, virtualization, and application delivery. The CCP-N certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the installation, configuration, and management of Citrix Networking products such as NetScaler and XenServer.

It typically takes up to 6 months to complete the CCP-N certification process. To get certified, you must pass both a written exam and a hands-on lab exam. The written exam covers topics such as network architecture, security, performance optimization, high availability, disaster recovery planning and more. The hands-on lab exam requires you to configure various components of the Citrix Networking product suite in order to complete various tasks.

The cost for obtaining the CCP-N certification varies depending on your geographical location but generally ranges from $300-$500 USD for both exams combined.

9. HP ASE – Server Solutions Architect V2

HP ASE – Server Solutions Architect V2 is an advanced certification program from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that validates the expertise of IT professionals in designing, deploying, and managing HPE server solutions. It demonstrates a candidate’s ability to design, deploy, and manage HPE server solutions for complex customer requirements.

The HP ASE – Server Solutions Architect V2 certification requires passing one exam: HPE0-S54 Designing HPE Server Solutions. The exam covers topics such as server architecture, storage solutions, networking technologies, virtualization technologies, and system management.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The cost of the exam is $150 USD. To get certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that candidates take an authorized course or self-study using official course materials from HPE. Additionally, there are several practice tests available online that can help candidates prepare for the actual exam.

10. Juniper Networks Certified Design Specialist Enterprise Routing and Switching (JNCDS-ENT)

Juniper Networks Certified Design Specialist Enterprise Routing and Switching (JNCDS-ENT) is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting Juniper Networks enterprise routing and switching solutions. This certification is designed for professionals who design, implement, maintain, or troubleshoot medium to large scale enterprise networks.

The JNCDS-ENT certification requires the successful completion of the JN0-648: Enterprise Routing & Switching Professional (ERSP) exam. This exam covers topics such as network design principles, IP addressing and routing protocols, security technologies, virtualization and automation technologies, high availability technologies, multicast technologies, quality of service (QoS), IPv6 routing protocols, and more.

It typically takes between two to four months to prepare for the JN0-648 exam depending on your experience level. The best way to prepare for the exam is by taking a Juniper Networks authorized training course such as the Junos Enterprise Routing & Switching Bootcamp (JERB). The cost of this training course varies depending on vendor but typically ranges from $2,500 - $4,000 USD.

The cost of the JN0-648 exam itself is $400 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam you will be awarded the JNCDS-ENT certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Infrastructure Architect Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking for a job as an infrastructure architect, having a certificate may give you an advantage over other candidates. A certificate can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the role. It can also show potential employers that you are serious about your career and committed to learning more about the industry.

However, if you already have experience in the field or if you are just starting out, having a certificate may not be necessary. You may be able to get by with your existing knowledge and skills or learn what is needed on the job. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not it is worth investing time and money into obtaining an infrastructure architect certificate.

Related: Infrastructure Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About Infrastructure Architect Certifications

1. What is an Infrastructure Architect Certification?

Answer: An Infrastructure Architect Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in designing, deploying, and managing IT infrastructure. It certifies a person's knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices for designing, building, and maintaining data centers, networks, storage systems, cloud computing environments, and other IT systems.

2. What are the benefits of having an Infrastructure Architect Certification?

Answer: Benefits of having an Infrastructure Architect Certification include improved job opportunities, higher salary potentials, greater ability to make decisions related to the design and operation of IT infrastructure systems, better understanding of current trends in technology and architecture design principles. Additionally, certified professionals can gain access to exclusive resources such as industry conferences and webinars on topics related to infrastructure architectures.

3. How do I get certified as an Infrastructure Architect?

Answer: To become certified as an Infrastructure Architect you must pass a certification exam administered by a reputable organization such as Microsoft or Cisco. The exact requirements vary depending on the type of certification you are pursuing but typically involve passing one or more exams covering topics such as network architecture design principles, system security protocols, cloud computing fundamentals, storage system management strategies, data center operations best practices etc.

4. How much does it cost to become certified as an Infrastructure Architect?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as an Infrastructure Architect depends on which certification you pursue and what organization administers it. Generally speaking however most certifications will require some form of fee in order to take the exam(s). Fees can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the specific certification program chosen.

5. Is it worth getting an Infrastructure Architect Certification?

Answer: Yes! Having an Infrastructure Architect Certification can open up many doors for individuals looking to advance their career in IT infrastructure management or architecture design roles. Additionally it demonstrates both proficiency and commitment to your profession which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or negotiating salaries with employers.