Cloud Academy

What Is Cloud Academy?

Cloud Academy – now QA Learning Platform - is an LMS that equips teams to master various cloud platforms. It offers a tailored learning experience, blending organizational content with its resources. Acquired by QA, the software supports career growth with learning paths to bridge skill gaps and allows employers to assess tech skills of potential hires accurately. With numerous solutions, certifications, and an extensive training library, Cloud Academy serves as a comprehensive resource for cloud learning.  

Cloud Academy operates globally, serving individuals and enterprise organizations in 150 countries worldwide through a fully cloud-based platform accessible via any internet browser.

What Is Cloud Academy Best For?

The software is known for providing a customizable and comprehensive learning experience. It's best for organizations looking to empower their teams with knowledge and skills in multi-cloud platforms. The platform's ability to combine an organization's unique content with its own makes it a powerful tool for personalized learning. Beyond cloud-specific training, Cloud Academy also offers AI, cybersecurity, business, and leadership courses, making it suitable for organizations looking for a unified platform to address various technical skill gaps across departments.

How Much Does Cloud Academy Cost?

Investment in Cloud Academy begins at $25/user/year for the Discovery plan of Small Teams, which is billed annually. A 7-day free trial is also offered for the Personal plan. The vendor offers the following plans:

Individuals

• All Tech - $39/month

Small Teams

• Pick Your Portfolio - Starting from $29.99/user/month
• Everything - $49.99/user/month

Enterprise

• Discovery – Custom pricing
• Pick Your Portfolio - Custom pricing
• Everything - Custom pricing

Organizations implementing Cloud Academy at scale may encounter additional expenses associated with integrations, training, and ongoing support, such as:

• Implementation And Onboarding: Typically ranges from $2,500–$100,000+, depending on deployment size, integrations, and organizational complexity
• SSO And HRIS Integrations: Generally cost $2,000–$30,000, based on identity provider configuration and connections with other systems
• Content Migration And Custom Reporting: Usually falls between $2,000–$50,000, depending on the volume of existing learning content and reporting requirements
• Premium Support And Success Services: Commonly range from $2,500–$25,000/year for enhanced support and dedicated customer success resources
• Custom Course Development And Learning Design: Often costs $3,000–$25,000/course, based on the level of customization and instructional design required
• Instructor-Led Training And Private Workshops: Typically range from $3,000–$50,000, depending on class size and delivery requirements

Users generally view Cloud Academy's pricing as reasonable for the depth of training and hands-on labs provided. While many consider it a good value for certification preparation, some users feel the subscription cost can be high, particularly for individual learners and international customers.

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

Cloud Academy Integrations

Cloud Academy platform integrates with third-party applications, including:

• Okta
• Microsoft Azure AD
• OneLogin
• Degreed LMS
• SurveyMonkey
• Learning Pool
• Cornerstone LMS

How Does Cloud Academy Work?

To start using Cloud Academy, follow these steps after installation:

• Log into the software using the credentials
• Navigate to the dashboard for an overview of the available courses and resources
• Choose a course or certification path that aligns with your team's learning objectives
• Assign the selected courses to your team members
• Monitor progress through the platform's tracking features
• Utilize the Skills Assessment feature to gauge the tech skills of your team
• Continue to customize and update your learning paths as your organization's needs evolve
• Connect your existing tools — SSO providers, LMS platforms, or systems like Degreed and Cornerstone OnDemand — via the Settings & Integrations screen to centralize training without platform-switching
• Use Content Engine to build or clone custom labs, upload internal materials, and mix proprietary content with Cloud Academy's managed library
• Pull learning activity and completion data into external dashboards using the Reports API for real-time, organization-wide skills visibility 

Who Is Cloud Academy For?

Cloud Academy is suitable for businesses of all sizes. Particularly, it's beneficial for industries, such as:

• Information technology
• Education
• Construction
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Public sector
• Consulting

Cloud Academy Use Cases

The following scenarios highlight where Cloud Academy is typically a strong fit, based on user feedback and the platform’s capabilities.

Distributed Enterprises With Standardized Cloud Training Needs

Large organizations with teams spread across regions often face inconsistencies in cloud knowledge and technical skill levels. Cloud Academy helps centralize learning programs so all employees follow aligned training paths regardless of location or department. This ensures a consistent baseline of cloud competency across engineering, IT, and operations teams. It also supports better coordination in organizations working on shared cloud infrastructure or multi-cloud environments.

IT Organizations Focused On Cloud Certification Programs

IT departments that prioritize certifications for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud use structured learning platforms for preparation efforts. Cloud Academy provides guided certification pathways that help teams organize study plans around exam requirements. This reduces dependency on scattered learning resources and supports more predictable certification outcomes. Managers can also monitor progress to understand readiness levels across teams.

Enterprises Running Internal Upskilling And Workforce Transition Programs

Organizations undergoing digital transformation often need to reskill existing employees rather than rely solely on external hiring. Cloud Academy supports structured learning programs that map skills to job roles and internal career paths. HR and L&D teams can assign targeted training based on identified skill gaps across the workforce. This makes it easier to transition employees into cloud-related or technical roles over time.

Technical Recruitment Teams Assessing Candidate Skills

Recruitment teams hiring for cloud and technical roles often require more reliable validation methods beyond interviews and resumes. Cloud Academy enables structured assessments that evaluate practical cloud skills before hiring decisions are made. These assessments help hiring managers better understand candidate readiness for real-world technical tasks. This approach is especially useful for roles requiring hands-on cloud platform experience.

Is Cloud Academy Right For You?

Cloud Academy could be an excellent choice if your business wants to empower your teams with multi-cloud knowledge and skills. It provides a comprehensive learning platform that can be customized to your organization's unique needs. Furthermore, it aids in career progression and enables accurate assessment of tech skills. Concerning security and compliance, Cloud Academy LMS software adheres to strict protocols to ensure the safety and privacy of its users.

Following the QA acquisition, the platform's client roster includes some of the world's most recognized enterprises. Apple partnered with QA/Cloud Academy to upskill teams in generative AI, AWS storage optimization, and containerized application deployment. Other clients include Walmart and NHS England.  

Under the QA umbrella, Cloud Academy’s parent company holds security certificates like ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, and 45001 ISO. Cloud Academy’s impeccable functionality is recognized by major industry bodies, including Red Hat, Microsoft, and PECB.

Read Cloud Academy reviews for more insight into the software's benefits. Contact Software Finder at (661) 384-7070 for more information.