ShoaibQ | January 26, 2023
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is quickly becoming one of the most widely used cloud computing platforms in the world, and the demand for professionals with expertise in GCP is on the rise. One of the best ways to demonstrate your expertise in GCP is by obtaining a Google Cloud Architect Certification.
That is to say, Google Cloud Architect Certification is a professional-level certification that validates your knowledge and skills in designing, developing, and managing applications and services on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Moreover, this certification is designed for professionals who have hands-on experience in designing and managing solutions on GCP, and it’s a key to advancing your career in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.
Above all, obtaining a Google Cloud Architect Certification can open up many job opportunities for individuals. According to a recent survey, 91% of hiring managers reported that they prefer to hire candidates with cloud computing certifications.
Additionally, Google Cloud Certified professionals earn an average salary of 15-20% more than their non-certified counterparts. The demand for Google Cloud Architect certified professionals is increasing, as more and more companies are choosing GCP as their cloud provider.
In summary, Google Cloud Architect Certification is a valuable way to demonstrate your expertise in GCP and advance your career in cloud computing.
It’s clear that it opens up many job opportunities, provides a higher salary, and it’s in high demand. However, it’s a challenging exam but with proper preparation, it can help individuals to gain real-world experience in using GCP technologies.
Who is a Google Cloud Certified Architect?
A Google Cloud Certified Architect, also known as a Google Cloud Architect – is an individual who has earned a professional-level certification from Google.
Essentially, the certification validates their knowledge and skills. As aforementioned, to obtain this certification, you must pass the Google Cloud Architect Certification exam. This exam is precisely tailored to test your hands-on experience and knowledge of GCP technologies.
In other words, Google Cloud Architects have hands-on experience in designing and managing solutions on GCP.
Moreover, as a cloud architect, you have demonstrated your expertise in using GCP technologies.
Certainly, cloud architects are well-versed in GCP services and best practices and are capable of designing and implementing GCP solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization.
Responsibilities of a Google Cloud Certified Architect
A Google Cloud Certified Architect is responsible for designing and implementing GCP solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization. Here are some of the key responsibilities of a Google Cloud Certified Architect:
1. Management
- Managing and Optimizing GCP Services: Google Cloud Architects are responsible for managing and optimizing GCP services to ensure they are running efficiently and effectively. They monitor and troubleshoot issues, and make recommendations for improvements as needed.
- Managing Security and Compliance: Google Cloud Architects are responsible for ensuring that GCP solutions comply with security and compliance requirements. They manage security and compliance settings and monitor for potential threats.
2. Design and Development
- Designing and Implementing GCP Solutions: Google Cloud Architects are responsible for designing and implementing GCP solutions that meet the specific need of an organization. They have hands-on experience in designing and managing solutions on GCP and are well-versed in GCP services and best practices.
- Designing Scalable and Reliable Solutions: Google Cloud Architects design scalable and reliable GCP solutions that can handle large amounts of data and traffic. They ensure that solutions can handle different levels of traffic, and can be scaled up or down as needed.
- Developing and Managing Automation Scripts: Google Cloud Architects develop and manage automation scripts that automate repetitive tasks and workflows. This helps to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
3. Consultation
- Advising on GCP Architecture: Google Cloud Architects advise on GCP architecture and provide guidance on how to design and implement GCP solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization.
- Helping Organizations to Leverage the Power of GCP: Google Cloud Architects play a critical role in helping organizations to leverage the power of GCP to build, deploy, and manage applications and services on the cloud. They have the knowledge and skills to help organizations to use GCP more effectively and efficiently.
4. Other Responsibilities
- Providing Guidance and Best Practices: Google Cloud Architects provide guidance and best practices for GCP implementation. They have a deep understanding of GCP services and best practices and are capable of providing guidance on how to design and implement GCP solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization.
- Providing Technical Leadership: Google Cloud Architects provide technical leadership and guidance to teams working on GCP projects. They ensure that projects are on track and that the team is following best practices and industry standards.
- Staying Up-to-Date with GCP: Google Cloud Architects stay up-to-date with the latest GCP services and features, and they share this knowledge with the team. They also keep an eye on industry trends and new technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
What is a Google Cloud Architect Certification?
As aforementioned, a Google Cloud Architect Certification is a professional-level certification offered by Google.
In addition, there’s a lot more to it than being proof of your knowledge and skills in designing, developing, and managing applications and services on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
That is to say, this certification is evidence that you are now a professional. An exceptional individual who has hands-on experience in designing and managing solutions on GCP.
Therefore, it is a key to advancing your career in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.
Nevertheless, the exam is equally difficult. Since it is a professional-level certification, you might want to give yourself more prep time before you attempt the exam.
The following table provides an overview of the exam details:
| Exam Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Time Allowed | 2 hours |
| Number of Questions | 60 |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice and hands-on |
| Exam Difficulty | Challenging |
| Exam Cost | $200 USD |
| Retake Policy | $99 USD |
| Recertification | Every 2 years |
1. Cost of Google Cloud Architect Certification Exam
The cost of the Google Cloud Architect Certification exam is $200 USD. However, pricing may vary depending on various factors.
For instance, the location you picked for the exam, currency, and other factors. Check the official Google Cloud website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Additionally, you can also compare the cost of Google Cloud Architect Certification with other cloud provider certifications. Here’s a comparison table for some of the popular cloud provider certifications:
Here’s an up-to-date comparison table to give you an idea.
| Certification | Provider | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Google Cloud Architect | $200 USD | |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | Amazon | $150 USD |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Microsoft | $99 USD |
| Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect | $200 USD | |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional | Amazon | $600 USD |
2. Retake Policy for Google Cloud Architect Certification Exam
Google has strict retake policies in comparison to Amazon AWS and Azure. The retake policy for Google certification exams varies depending on the specific certification and exam.
However, in general, if you fail a Google certification exam. You will need to wait at least 14 days before you can retake the exam. Additionally, you will be required to pay a retake fee, which is typically lower than the original exam fee.
For example, the retake policy for the Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect certification exam is as follows:
- If you fail the exam, you will need to wait at least 14 days before you can retake the exam
- The retake fee for the Professional Cloud Architect exam is $99 USD
- Candidates who do not pass an exam on their first attempt will have the option to retake the exam at a discounted price.
It’s also worth noting that if you fail an exam multiple times, you may be required to wait longer before you can retake the exam and you may also be required to take additional training or pass a prerequisite exam before you can retake the exam.
It’s always best to check the official Google Cloud certification website for the most up-to-date retake policy information and requirements.
Why is a Google Cloud Architect Certification Important?
Google Cloud Architect Certifications are becoming increasingly important in the field of cloud computing. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Validated Knowledge and Skills
A Google Cloud Architect Certification validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in designing, developing, and managing applications and services on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
It demonstrates that the individual has the hands-on experience and knowledge of GCP technologies required to design and implement GCP solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization.
2. Career Advancement
Google Cloud Architect Certifications are a valuable way to advance your career in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.
As aforementioned, recent surveys show, 91% of hiring managers reported that they prefer to hire candidates with cloud computing certifications.
Additionally, Google Cloud Certified professionals earn an average salary of 15-20% more than their non-certified counterparts.
3. In High Demand
The demand for Google Cloud Architect certified professionals is increasing, as more and more companies are choosing GCP as their cloud provider.
That is to say, with the increasing adoption of GCP, the demand for Google Cloud Architects is expected to continue growing.
4. Hands-on Experience:
Preparing for the Google Cloud Architect Certification exam requires hands-on experience and knowledge of GCP technologies. This helps individuals to gain real-world experience in using GCP technologies and can give them a competitive advantage in the job market.
5. Recognition
Google Cloud Architect Certifications are recognized globally as a standard for cloud computing expertise.
In addition, as of October 2021, there are more than 200,000 Google Cloud Certified professionals worldwide, and the numbers are increasing at a rate of 20% every year.
6. Competitive Advantage
Most importantly, organizations with Google Cloud Architect certified professionals can leverage the skills and knowledge of their workforce to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
To clarify, Google Cloud Architect Certifications can help organizations build, deploy, and manage applications and services on the cloud more effectively and efficiently.
7. Continuous Learning
Google Cloud Architect Certifications are not a one-time achievement, but rather a continuous learning journey. Google Cloud Certified professionals are required to recertify every two years to maintain their certification, which helps to ensure that they stay up-to-date with the latest GCP technologies and best practices.
Salary Trends: Google Cloud Architect Certification
Google Cloud Architect salary is 332,992 USD at Google and is by far the highest salary in the cloud industry. Here’s everything you need to know about an AWS Solution Architect Associate salary:
| Type | Estimate Salary | Common Range | Ratio to Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| (USD / Year) | (USD / Year) | (%) | |
| Base | 168,158 | 112,000 – 253,000 | 50.49 |
| Bonus | 35,747 | 27,000 – 50,000 | 10.73 |
| Comission | 48,945 | 37,000 – 69,000 | 14.69 |
| Stock | 80,142 | 60,000 – 112,000 | 24.06 |
Nothing can be perfectly precise but if we do the math – the average salary for a Google Cloud Architect is $198,221 per year in the United States.
Analysis of Google Cloud Architect Salary
Google Cloud Architect is a highly sought-after role in the technology industry, as companies increasingly move their operations to the cloud.
To clarify, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Google Cloud Architect is around $130,000 per year in the United States.
However, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, and company size.
Furthermore, in recent years, salaries for Google Cloud Architects have been on the rise. The average salary for a Google Cloud Architect was around $120,000 in 2019, and it has increased by about 8% in the past two years.
This trend is expected to continue in the coming years as the demand for cloud architects continues to grow.
Nevertheless, when compared to cloud architects from other platforms, Google Cloud Architects generally have a higher salary than AWS and Azure cloud architects.
That is to say, the average salary for an AWS Cloud Architect is around $125,000 per year and Azure Cloud Architect is around $120,000 per year.
This can be attributed to the fact that Google Cloud is a newer platform and has a lesser number of certified professionals available in the market, hence the demand is higher and so are the salaries.
It is worth noting that, the salary of a cloud architect also depends on the industry they work in, as some industries may have a higher demand for cloud architecture expertise than others.
For example, a Google Cloud Architect working in the healthcare industry may have a higher salary than one working in the retail industry.
To sum it up, Google Cloud Architect is a highly sought-after role in the technology industry, and the salary trends for this role have been rising. The demand for cloud architects is expected to continue growing in the coming years, and as a result, salaries for Google Cloud Architects are likely to continue increasing.
Skills Required to Get a Google Cloud Architect Certification
In this Google Cloud Architect certification article, we’ll only overview the skills. However, if you want to dive deeper, then check the complete guide on Google Cloud Certifications.
Your certification as a Google Cloud Architect will have a major role to play at the time of the interview. However, there are other skills that you need to be aware of, as they will determine your first impression.
1. Cloud Architecture Knowledge:
To become a Google Cloud Architect, it is essential to have a deep understanding of cloud architecture principles and best practices.
This includes knowledge of different cloud computing models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), as well as experience with different cloud providers, such as Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different providers and being able to make informed decisions is critical.
2. Technical Expertise
Google Cloud Architects need to have a wide range of technical skills, including proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, and SQL, as well as experience with technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker and Terraform.
Additionally, they should have a good understanding of network architecture, security, and data storage. The ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues is also a must-have.
3. Communication Skills
As a Google Cloud Architect, you will be working with stakeholders across the organization, from developers to executives.
It’s essential to be able to communicate effectively and clearly with people from different backgrounds and technical levels. The ability to explain complex technical concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand way is crucial.
4. Business Acumen
To be a successful Google Cloud Architect, you need to understand how your technical solutions align with the business goals of the organization.
For instance, understanding the financial aspects of cloud computing and the return on investment (ROI) of different solutions. Additionally, it is important to have experience in project management, budgeting, and vendor management.
5. Continuous Learning
The technology industry is constantly evolving, and Google Cloud Architects need to be able to keep up with the latest trends and developments.
That is to say, staying up to date with new products and services, as well as participating in training and certification programs. Additionally, they should be open to learning new technologies and should be comfortable with experimenting with new ideas and approaches.
How Do I Obtain a Google Cloud Architect Certification?
Even if you are the master of your craft, it’s not so simple to just get the Google cloud architect certification. Since this certification is so highly valued, there must be a lot more to it than what meets the eye.
Here’s a defined roadmap to acquire the Google cloud architect certification.
Step 1: Learn Everything You Can About Google Cloud Architect Certification
The first step involves learning everything you can about a Google Cloud Architect certification. However, this also includes knowing which Google Cloud certification is right for you.
Since certifications are expensive, it is better to decide which road you want to take. Ask yourself, do you have the patience and can put in the required effort to land the job you want?
Here’s a quick overview of the exam:
| Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | GCP-Cloud-Architect |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice |
| Exam Language | English |
| Exam Length | 120 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 60 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | 200 USD |
The exam covers the following learning outcomes:
- Designing and planning a cloud solution architecture,
- Managing and provisioning resources,
- Designing for security and compliance,
- Analyzing and optimizing technology and business processes,
- Managing operations and infrastructure,
Furthermore, it is recommended to have a solid understanding of other cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
Above all, the Google Cloud Architect certification is a valuable asset for IT professionals, especially those who work in cloud architecture and operations.
Step 2: Enroll in A Good Google Cloud Architect Certification Course
Enrolling in a Google Cloud Architect certification course is a great way to ace the exam!
A certification course will give you a comprehensive understanding of Google Cloud Platform, including how to design, develop, and manage scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on the platform.
You’ll learn from experienced instructors who will guide you through the material and provide hands-on experience through labs and exercises.
In addition to the technical skills, a certification course will also help you prepare for the Google Cloud Architect certification exam. The course will cover the exam objectives and provide test-taking tips and strategies to help you succeed.
Not only will a certification course help you pass the exam, but it will also give you the skills and knowledge to excel in your job as a cloud architect.
Moreover, it will help you implement and manage solutions on the Google Cloud Platform in a way that aligns with business goals and drive success for your organization.
So, it is in your best interest to enroll in a Google Cloud Architect certification course today and take the first step towards becoming a certified professional in cloud architecture.
With the right training, you will be able to design and build efficient and cost-effective solutions on the Google Cloud Platform, which will increase your job opportunity and career growth.
Step 3: Review Your Skills Using an Accurate Practice Exam
Taking a Google Cloud Architect practice exam is a great way to test your knowledge and identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
That is to say, practice exams provide an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will encounter on the actual exam.
In addition, they also help you gauge your level of preparedness and identify any gaps in your knowledge. By taking a practice exam, you can identify which areas you need to study more and also understand the time management required to complete the exam.
Moreover, practice exams can help you build confidence and reduce anxiety on the day of the actual exam. By simulating the testing environment, you will have a better idea of what to expect and be more prepared to tackle the exam with confidence.
Above all, it’s important to note that practice exams are not just for beginners, but also for those who have hands-on experience with the Google Cloud Platform.
It’s always good to have a fresh perspective and a reminder of the key concepts and best practices.
So, don’t leave your exam success to chance. Take a practice exam and gain the added advantage of being fully prepared for the Google Cloud Architect certification exam.
Finally, with the right practice, you will be able to pass the certification with flying colors and have the confidence to implement and manage solutions on the Google Cloud Platform.
Step 4: Register for the Google Cloud Architect Certification Exam
Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a Google Cloud Architect! Here are a few steps you need to take to register for the certification exam.
- Create a Google Cloud account. If you don’t already have one, go to cloud.google.com and create an account.
- Go to the Google Cloud certification website. You can find it by searching for “Google Cloud certification” on Google.
- Sign in to your Google Cloud account.
- Search for the “Google Cloud Architect” certification exam.
- Click on the “Register” button next to the exam listing.
- Review the exam details and click “Proceed to Checkout” to complete your registration.
- Choose the date and location of your exam and make the payment.
- Once your registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details of your exam including the date, time, and location.
That’s it! You’re all set to take the Google Cloud Architect certification exam. Remember to study hard and stay focused, and you’ll be a certified Google Cloud Architect in no time!
Step 5: Complete Solutions Architect Projects
One of the best ways to gain hands-on experience and boost your career as a Google Cloud architect is by working on Google Cloud-related projects.
To clarify, real-world projects allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to solving actual problems. They also give you the opportunity to work with different components of the Google Cloud Platform and see how they all fit together.
Moreover, working on projects will give you a better understanding of how to design, develop and manage scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on the Google Cloud Platform.
In addition, taking on Google Cloud-related projects also demonstrates your commitment to the field and can be a great way to showcase your skills to potential employers.
Having a portfolio of projects that you have built on the Google Cloud Platform can be a valuable asset when you are looking for a job in cloud architecture.
Furthermore, working on projects will also give you a chance to practice and apply the concepts you learned through your courses and exam. This will make you more confident and ready to tackle real-world problems.
Step 6: Learn More About Skill Matrix for Google Cloud Certified Architect
Certainly, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the skills required for the role. Google Cloud Architects are responsible for designing, developing, and managing scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on the Google Cloud Platform.
In addition to Google Cloud, it’s recommended to have a solid understanding of other cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
That is to say, having a good understanding of cloud architecture will help you to design and implement systems that are secure, efficient, and cost-effective. Understanding best practices for cloud architecture will also help you to make decisions that align with industry standards and guidelines.
Furthermore, as a Google Cloud Architect, you will be working with a variety of different technologies and tools. Having experience with these tools and technologies will help you to be more productive and efficient in your work.
In summary, having a solid understanding of the skills required to become a Google Cloud Architect is critical to success in the role.
Step 7: Review Google Cloud Certified Architect Interview Questions and Answers
Learning about Google Cloud architect interview questions and answers has more significance than you might think.
In other words, if you already know what will be asked by the best hiring companies, you’ll already be a step ahead and prepared enough to easily ace all the questions.
Moreover, interview questions and answers also help you revise what you have learned. Therefore, not only do you gain confidence but you also have an easy, concise, and free way of revising what you have learned.
Free Google Cloud Certification Exams
As promised, this article on Google Cloud Architect Certification will offer you everything you need and a lot more to become a high-earning cloud professional.
Here are some free Google Cloud Certification exams:
1. Google Cloud Digital Leader Assessment
Unlock your true potential as a digital leader! Take our free Google Cloud Digital Leader exam today and see where your skills stand.
With no risk or commitment, this is the perfect opportunity to test your knowledge and gain valuable insights. Start your journey to success now!
Free Google Cloud Digital Leader Assessment Test [2023]
Q1: Users can upload images and text to your company’s website to make memes of their choice. You’ve seen some…
2. Google Cloud Data Engineer Assessment
Take the first step towards becoming a Google certified Data Engineer with our free exam! Test your knowledge and skills in data management, data processing, and data analysis.
Again, with no risk or commitment, this is the perfect opportunity to see where you stand and gain valuable insights.
Free Google Data Engineer Assessment Test [2022]
Assessment Test (25 Questions)Q1: You want to use managed services when you move your machine learning operations to the Google…
3. Google Associate Cloud Engineer Assessment
Become a Google Data Engineer with our free assessment exam! Evaluate your skills and knowledge in data management, data processing, and data analysis.
This is the perfect opportunity to assess your strengths and weaknesses and gain valuable insights. Take the first step towards your certification now, risk-free!
Free Google Associate Cloud Engineer Assessment Test [2022]
An associate cloud engineer builds and secures infrastructure and apps, keeps track of the progress of numerous projects, and maintains…
Final Thoughts – Google Cloud Architect Certification
Investing in your career and becoming a Google Cloud Architect certified professional is a smart move that will not only increase your earning potential but also give you the edge to excel in the field of cloud computing.
It’s a lifetime investment that will keep you updated with the latest technologies and trends in the field of cloud computing, and set you apart from other professionals in the field.
It’s safe to say that Google Cloud Architect Certification is a must-have for professionals in the field of cloud computing.
That is to say, it is the perfect way to demonstrate expertise in designing, developing, and managing Google Cloud-based solutions.
Therefore, the certification is in high demand, and holders can expect to earn top salaries in the industry.
Invest in your career and become a Google Cloud Architect certified professional today. Rest assured, it will open the doors of opportunities, and give you the edge to excel in the field of cloud computing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Google cloud architect certification exam is classified as challenging in terms of difficulty level. That is mainly because it is a professional-level certification. Therefore, the certification exam will thoroughly test your knowledge and hands-on experience of the cloud.
Yes, 100%, the Google cloud architect certification is worth it. Compared to AWS and Azure, Google is relatively new and there aren’t many professional certification holders available. The demand is significantly high and the salary is incredible.
The best way to get a Google cloud architect certification is by following a proper roadmap. Since the exam is rather difficult, it is highly recommended that you take a good course and/or practice exam to prepare yourself for the Google Cloud architect certification exam.
The average salary for a Google Cloud Architect is $198,221 per year in the United States. However, this may vary between $130,000 – $332,992 based on multiple factors. For instance, location, company, and your experience.
