IT Specialist – Cloud Computing

Candidates for this certification have a foundational knowledge the characteristics of cloud solutions,
including the advantages they offer to stakeholders and their cost structure. Candidates are able to
distinguish between various cloud offerings and architectures, including virtual machines, containers,
data storage options, and identify when each is appropriate to meet a business need. Candidates
understand the phases in the cloud development lifecycle. Candidates understand the importance
and of governance and security when developing and deploying a cloud solution. The exam is vendor-
neutral, although candidates should understand, at least at a fundamental level, the terminology used
by both Azure and AWS. Candidates at least 150 hours of instruction or hands-on experience developing
and deploying cloud solutions.

1. Cloud Concepts

1.1 Explain cloud advantages to stakeholders

1.2 Explain cost to stakeholders

1.3 Explain performance to stakeholders

1.4 Explain reliability to stakeholders

1.5 Explain availability to stakeholders

1.6 Explain scalability to stakeholders

1.7 Recommend off-the-shelf (OTS) or custom solutions as needed

2. Developing cloud architecture

2.1 Choose between public, private, and hybrid cloud implementations

2.2 Draw an architectural diagram (show data flows)

2.3 Define requirements

2.4 Identify how services communicate through application
programming interfaces (APIs)

2.5 Create virtual machines

2.6 Identify data storage requirements

3. Implementing the cloud development life cycle

3.1 Create content in virtual environments

3.2 Perform testing

3.3 Structure the overall cloud-based solution

3.4 Deploy application

4. Deploy the application

4.1 Manage operational costs

4.2 Develop business continuity and disaster recovery policy

4.3 Provide support to users

4.4 Monitor cloud systems

5. Understanding cloud governance

5.1 Comply with privacy and regulatory requirements

5.2 Comply with ethical guidelines