Both the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional and the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect certifications are valuable for experienced cloud professionals. The choice depends on the cloud platform you want to specialize in. AWS is more expensive and requires more frequent recertification, but both are well-regarded in the industry.
| Attribute | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Name | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect |
| Target Audience (Experience Level) | Individuals with 2+ years of hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS. | Aimed at individuals with 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud. Intended for those in leadership/management roles making decisions based on Google Cloud products/services. For experienced technical individuals with hands-on experience configuring Google Cloud environments and deploying solutions. |
| Exam Difficulty | Considered one of the most challenging IT certifications. Requires in-depth knowledge of a wide range of AWS services. | Considered a challenging exam. Requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with Google Cloud technologies. Comparable in difficulty to other top cloud certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Azure Solutions Architect Expert. |
| Exam Cost | $300 USD | $200 USD |
| Exam Format (e.g., multiple choice, scenario-based) | Multiple choice and multiple response questions. 75 questions, with 10 unscored. | Multiple choice and multiple select questions. Includes case studies. 50-60 questions. |
| Exam Duration | 180 minutes | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Domains Covered | Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity, Design for New Solutions, Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions, Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization. | Designing and planning a cloud solution architecture. Managing and provisioning a cloud solution infrastructure. Designing for security and compliance. Analyzing and optimizing technology and business processes. Managing implementation. Ensuring solution and operations reliability. |
| Hands-on Experience Required | Yes, at least two years of hands-on experience building and deploying cloud architecture on AWS is recommended. | Yes, practical experience is a must. Candidates should be proficient in enterprise cloud strategy, solution design, and architectural best practices. |
| Prerequisites | Two or more years of hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS. Familiarity with AWS CLI, AWS APIs, AWS Management Console, scripting languages, and Windows and Linux environments. Ability to assess cloud application requirements and provide architectural recommendations. Thorough understanding of developing hybrid architectures using key AWS technologies like VPN and AWS Direct Connect. Experience with integrating continuous integration and deployment procedures. | None. However, Google recommends having at least three years of industry experience, including one year of Google Cloud experience. |
| Renewal Requirements | Recertification requires taking the full exam every three years. | Valid for two years. Recertification is required to maintain certification status. Renewal can be done by taking either a shorter renewal exam or the standard certification exam. A 50% discount code is offered for renewal. Renewal eligibility begins 60 days before expiration. |
| Job Role Alignment | Aligned with roles such as Solutions Architect, Solution Design Engineer, and DevOps Engineer. | Prepares for roles such as Cloud Architect, Solutions Engineer, or IT Project Manager. Validates expertise in designing, developing, and managing cloud solutions. |
| Community Support & Resources | AWS provides training courses, whitepapers, and an architecture center. Also, AWS Certified Global Community is available for collaboration. | Google Cloud Skills Boost. Online curriculum, instructor-led training, and self-study materials. |
| Employer Recognition | Highly respected in the cloud industry. Helps organizations identify talent for cloud initiatives. | Highly sought after, signifying a deep understanding of the Google Cloud platform. Can significantly boost earning potential. A Google Professional Cloud Architect is a certified expert in leveraging Google Cloud technologies for organizations and companies of any size. |
| Price | $300 USD | $200 USD |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |