What are cloud certifications?
Cloud certifications are official exams run by AWS, Microsoft, and Google. Passing one makes you a "publicly recognised cloud technician" with a skill credential that is respected worldwide.
Unlike Japanese national qualifications, these exams were developed in English, though Japanese-language versions are available for some of them. Exam format, age requirements, parental consent rules, and exam fees can change, so always check the official site before registering.
Comparing the entry-level certifications from the big three
These are all beginner certifications you can pass in a matter of weeks. The content focuses on "cloud basic concepts," "pricing models," and "an overview of core services." No programming is required, so even non-STEM students are passing them in growing numbers.
Entry-level certifications show that you can "read cloud terminology" and "explain pricing and shared responsibility" — not that you can run a production server. Don't stop at exam prep. Use the free tiers or learning accounts to actually touch storage, virtual servers, and IAM permissions. The hands-on time is what makes the knowledge stick.
Major cloud certifications overview
Best way for teens to get started
Your first certification should probably be either "AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF)" or "Azure AZ-900." AWS has the most study materials and Japanese-language resources; Azure is easy to understand if you already use school or home Microsoft 365 services. If your school or club uses Google services, starting with Cloud Digital Leader is a natural fit.
Mix your study time with hands-on practice. For example: put a file in cloud storage, read a virtual machine pricing page, confirm user permissions, or check IAM role settings. Building exam knowledge and the sense of how to use cloud safely and correctly goes together.
When keeping study records, write down "what can I explain now" rather than "how many hours did I study." Can you explain the difference between cloud and on-premises? The shared responsibility model? Why a bill might increase? Why permissions should be split with IAM? Being able to articulate these things in your own words will make your certification relevant in interviews and research projects alike.
Watch out for these pitfalls
- Minors may need parental/guardian consent to register for an exam. Check the official site in advance.
- "Having the cert = guaranteed job" is not how it works. Certifications are evaluated together with hands-on experience and a portfolio of things you've built.
- Exam fees can be high. Factor in study materials and possible retake fees, and plan with your parents/guardians.
How will this help you later?
Cloud certifications function as objective evidence of your learning scope during job hunting and career changes. The higher-level certifications (AWS SAA, AZ-104, etc.) in particular give you a structured reason to study networking, servers, security, and cost design all together. As a working adult, they also widen the range of projects you can take on.
Start today
- Visit the official AWS CLF exam page and look at the exam topics.
- Read the free-tier or learning-environment terms carefully, set up a billing alert, then start exploring with small experiments.
- Buy one study guide and work through it 30 minutes a day over 3 months.