Both the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Google Career Certificates are valuable for individuals looking to enhance their skills and career prospects. The AWS certification is ideal for those seeking a foundational understanding of AWS cloud services, while Google Career Certificates offer a broader range of skills in various tech-related fields. The choice depends on the individual's specific career goals and interests.
| Attribute | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Google Career Certificates |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Level | Foundational (Beginner) | Beginner. Some certificates like the Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate are advanced. |
| Target Audience | Individuals with basic IT and cloud knowledge; Those in technical, managerial, sales, purchasing, or financial roles working with the AWS Cloud; Career changers and those in non-IT backgrounds; Those in the early stages of pursuing an AWS Cloud career. | Career changers, Individuals new to the job market, Experienced individuals looking to add new skills, Those without a computer science or tech background, Students. |
| Course Duration | Approximately 20-40 hours | Typically 3-6 months. Some can take anywhere from 5 weeks to 6 months. |
| Cost | Exam fee: $100 USD. Additional costs may include training courses, practice exams, and study materials. | $49 per month (USD) after a 7-day trial period. Total cost can average around $294 if completed in 6 months. Financial aid is available. |
| Learning Format | Digital courses, AWS Builder Labs, AWS Cloud Quest, and AWS Jam | 100% online and self-paced. |
| Prerequisites | Basic cloud and general IT technical knowledge recommended; Six months of fundamental AWS Cloud experience recommended. | Generally, no prior experience or degree is required. Some may recommend prior experience. |
| Exam Difficulty | Considered the easiest AWS certification; Moderately difficult, especially for beginners without a technical background; Requires understanding cloud computing basics and core AWS services. | Not specified, but the courses include numerous assessments. |
| Industry Recognition | Globally recognized by employers; Validates knowledge of AWS Cloud and improves career prospects. | Recognized by over 150 employers in the U.S., including Deloitte and Verizon. Google has an Employer Consortium of companies that recognize the certificates. |
| Job Role Alignment | Entry point to a cloud career; Ideal for various roles, including sales, product management, and project management. | Prepares for entry-level roles in IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, UX Design, Digital Marketing & E-commerce, Cybersecurity. |
| Hands-on Labs/Projects | AWS Builder Labs, AWS Cloud Quest, and AWS Jam | Yes, includes hands-on projects using industry-specific tools. |
| Community Support | Active participation in online communities and forums. | Career Forward program offers individual support and opportunities to engage with fellow learners and professionals. |
| Renewal Requirements | Certifications are valid for three years. Recertification options include retaking the exam, passing a higher-level exam, or completing AWS Cloud Quest: Recertify Cloud Practitioner. | Not specified |
| Price | $100 USD (exam fee) | $49 per month (USD) |
| Ratings | Not available | Overall: Positive career impact reported by 75% of graduates within six months of completion. |