How to Become a Cloud Engineer in 2026
Become a cloud engineer by learning Linux, networking, and one cloud platform (AWS or Azure), earning an associate certification, and automating real deployments.
Quick answer
To become a cloud engineer in 2026, learn Linux and networking fundamentals, go deep on one cloud platform (AWS or Azure), earn an associate-level certification, and practice automating real deployments with infrastructure-as-code and CI/CD. No degree is required — associate certs and hands-on project work carry the most weight. With focused part-time study you can be job-ready in roughly five to eight months.
Cloud engineering is one of the most in-demand and well-compensated tech tracks, and it has a clear, certification-backed path that career switchers can follow. If you enjoy infrastructure, automation, and solving how systems fit together, it is one of the strongest choices available in 2026.
What a cloud engineer does
Cloud engineers design, deploy, and maintain the infrastructure that applications run on. That means provisioning compute and storage, configuring networking and security, automating deployments, and keeping systems reliable and cost-effective. The role overlaps heavily with DevOps and increasingly emphasizes automation over manual configuration.
The skill stack to build
| Skill | What it covers | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Linux | Command line, file systems, permissions | Essential — learn early |
| Networking | IP, DNS, load balancing, VPCs | Essential |
| One cloud platform | AWS or Azure core services | Essential — pick one and go deep |
| Infrastructure-as-code | Terraform or platform-native IaC | High — defines modern cloud work |
| Scripting | Python or Bash for automation | High |
| CI/CD | Pipelines, containers, deployment automation | Important as you grow |
A step-by-step roadmap
- Learn Linux and networking fundamentals until the command line feels comfortable.
- Pick one cloud platform (AWS or Azure) and study its core compute, storage, networking, and identity services.
- Earn an associate certification (AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure AZ-104).
- Learn infrastructure-as-code with Terraform and automate a deployment end to end.
- Build portfolio projects: a multi-tier app, a secured network, an automated pipeline.
- Target cloud, DevOps, or platform engineer roles and prepare for hands-on interviews.
The modern cloud engineer is measured less by what they can click in a console and more by what they can define in code and deploy repeatedly without breaking things.
Breaking in from an adjacent role
Many cloud engineers start in IT support or system administration and grow into the role. If you are already in IT, you have a head start on Linux and networking; layering a cloud platform and infrastructure-as-code on top can move you into a cloud role faster than starting from zero. If you are switching from outside IT, focus hard on hands-on labs and an associate certification to prove capability.
Training with MITS Edge
Programs like MITS Edge's live online cloud cohorts guide you through Linux, networking, AWS or Azure, and infrastructure-as-code with instructor-led sessions and real deployment projects rather than exam memorization. Delivered live on evenings and weekends across US and Canada time zones and recorded for catch-up, with mentorship and interview preparation, the track is built to take you from fundamentals to a cloud engineering role while you keep your current job.
Follow a guided cloud engineering track built on real deployments.
Explore cloud engineeringFrequently asked questions
What skills do I need to become a cloud engineer?
Core skills are Linux, networking fundamentals, one cloud platform (AWS or Azure), infrastructure-as-code (Terraform), scripting (Python or Bash), and CI/CD basics. An associate-level cloud certification anchors your resume.
Do I need a degree to become a cloud engineer?
No. Many cloud engineers come from IT support, sysadmin, or self-taught backgrounds. Certifications and demonstrated project work carry more weight with employers than a specific degree.
How long does it take to become a cloud engineer?
With focused part-time study, roughly five to eight months to build the fundamentals, earn an associate certification, and complete hands-on deployment projects.
Which cloud should I learn first, AWS or Azure?
AWS for the widest range of jobs and a vendor-neutral foundation; Azure if you are targeting Microsoft-heavy enterprises. Learn one deeply first — the concepts transfer to the other.
Can I become a cloud engineer with no experience?
Yes, though many enter via IT support or a sysadmin role first. Strong hands-on projects and an associate certification can get you interviews even without prior cloud experience.
Related courses at MITS Edge
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