Both the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional certifications are valuable for experienced cloud professionals. The choice depends on the specific cloud platform you want to specialize in and your career goals. The AWS certification is more expensive but lasts longer, while the Google Cloud certification focuses on GCP-specific skills and knowledge.
| Attribute | Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional |
| Target Audience (Experience Level) | IT professionals with experience in cloud architecture, software engineering, and Google Cloud. Aimed at individuals who design, develop, and manage robust cloud solutions. Google recommends 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ year designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud. DevOps Engineers and Cloud Solutions Architects are also considered target audience. | Designed for individuals with 2+ 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 is recommended. |
| Exam Difficulty | Considered a challenging exam. Comparable in difficulty to AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional and Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. Requires strong understanding of GCP and real-world application. | Widely regarded as one of the most challenging cloud certifications. The questions are worded carefully and subtly to test your understanding. |
| Exam Cost | $200 USD, plus tax where applicable. Retaking the exam for renewal also costs $200. | 300 USD |
| Prerequisites | None formally. Recommended: Thorough understanding of cloud architecture, Google Cloud Platform, and experience in software development methodologies. | Recommended to have the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification. |
| Exam Format (e.g., multiple choice, case studies) | Multiple choice and multiple select questions. Includes case studies. 50-60 questions. Case studies comprise 20-30% of the exam. | Multiple choice (one correct response) and multiple response (two or more correct responses) questions. |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours. | 180 minutes |
| Domains Covered (Specific Technologies) | Designing and planning a cloud solution architecture; Managing and provisioning a solution infrastructure; Designing for security and compliance; Analyzing and optimizing technical and business processes; Managing implementation; Ensuring solution and operations reliability. Focus on Google Kubernetes Engine, VPC, BigQuery, and Cloud Logging. Emphasis on serverless concepts like Cloud Run, Anthos, and BigQuery. | Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity, Design for New Solutions, Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions, Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization |
| Hands-on Experience Required | Crucial for passing the exam. Recommended to have hands-on experience with Google Cloud Platform. | At least two years of hands-on experience building and deploying cloud architecture on AWS is recommended. |
| Recertification Requirements | Valid for two years. Can renew by taking either a shorter renewal exam or the standard exam within the eligibility period. Renewal eligibility starts 60 days before expiration. A 50% discount code is offered for renewal. | Certifications are valid for 3 years. You can recertify by passing the latest version of the exam or by passing another AWS certification exam at the same or higher level. |
| Job Role Alignment | Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Security Architect, Cloud Consultant. | Aligns with roles such as Solutions Architect, Cloud Architect, Technical Architect, and IT Professional with AWS experience. |
| Community Support & Resources | Google Cloud Skills Boost, Coursera courses, Qwiklabs, A Cloud Guru, Google Cloud documentation. | AWS provides resources such as exam guides, sample questions, practice question sets, and technical documentation. |
| Employer Recognition | Highly regarded in the industry. Demonstrates skills and knowledge to design, develop, and manage cloud solutions using GCP. Can provide a competitive edge in the job market. | The certification validates advanced knowledge and skills in providing complex solutions, optimizing security, cost, and performance. It is a means for organizations to identify and develop talent for cloud initiatives. |
| Price | $200 USD | 300 USD |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |