Demonstrating Expertise in Cloud And Security Pays Off

Solution providers who aren't afraid of rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty should pursue certifications in security and cloud, according to Cary, N.C.-based business training and certification company Global Knowledge.

Five of the 18 certifications Global Knowledge said it's worth having fall under the domain of security, with skills ranging from managing IT risk to developing an information security program to complex digital forensics.

An additional three certifications touch upon cloud, with competencies spanning the gamut from Amazon Web Service to Microsoft's private cloud to VMware's multicloud infrastructure management.

The following 18 certifications aren't easy to obtain, but provide lots of opportunities for pay raises and career advancement.