From IT Support to Cloud
This is a natural next step for IT support professionals — your existing troubleshooting and systems background gives the associate-level material real context a true beginner wouldn't have yet.
PrerequisitesCurrent or recent hands-on IT experience is a genuine advantage, though the foundational exam itself has none.
Estimated costCommonly cited around $250 total across both exams (roughly $100 foundational, $150 associate-level).
Estimated timelineRoughly 2–4 months combined, depending on how much hands-on lab practice you build in alongside study.
Skills you'll actually need
- Hands-on lab practice, not just exam content — actually deploying and tearing down resources in a free-tier account matters more here than for foundational-only paths
- Existing systems and troubleshooting background from IT support, which transfers directly
Recommended steps
- 1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (or Azure Fundamentals AZ-900)
Quick to clear given your existing systems background — treat it as a stepping stone rather than the destination.
- 2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (or Azure equivalent)
The credential that actually opens cloud-specific roles, versus the foundational cert which mainly proves familiarity.
Bootcamp is optional here. Worth considering only if you're specifically targeting Solutions Architect or DevOps-adjacent roles fast — some bootcamps run dedicated cloud tracks. For a general move into cloud support, self-paced certification is cheaper and just as effective.
Roles this typically opens
- Cloud administrator
- DevOps-adjacent support engineer
- Cloud infrastructure technician
What salary progression actually looks like
This is where the associate-level certification pays off — the jump from IT support to a genuine cloud administrator role is one of the larger increases available on this page, but it requires the second certification, not just the foundational one.
The biggest obstacles people underestimate
- Many people stop at the foundational certification and wonder why job offers don't materialize — the associate-level cert plus a portfolio of small hands-on projects is really the minimum bar for a title change
Who should not choose this pathway
- If you're only willing to complete the foundational-level cert and stop there — be honest that this likely won't change your job title on its own; it's a stepping stone, not a destination
Explore this pathway further
Career context
Certifications
Bootcamps & how to decide
- Certification vs. Bootcamp: a real ROI comparison
- Simplilearn review
- Browse the full bootcamp directory
Tools
- Take the 2-minute bootcamp-vs-certification quiz
- Explore a different background or goal in the Pathway Finder
Before you decide Cost and timeline figures above are commonly cited ranges, not live-verified pricing. Confirm current exam fees and program costs directly with the certifying body or provider before paying for anything.
TechPathU Editorial Team
Independent research on bootcamps, certifications, and tech career transitions. See our Transparency page for how we're compensated. This page is general information, not professional advice — see our full Disclaimer.
Independent research on bootcamps, certifications, and tech career transitions. See our Transparency page for how we're compensated. This page is general information, not professional advice — see our full Disclaimer.