As cloud adoption continues to grow, the demand for skilled professionals who can leverage the benefits of the cloud is also increasing. One way to distinguish yourself in this field is by earning the Professional Cloud Architect certification. This certification showcases your abilities in designing, developing, and managing secure, scalable, and dynamic cloud solutions to drive business objectives.
To help you prepare for the Professional Cloud Architect Certification exam, Google Cloud recently held a live session covering various topics, including the benefits of certification, recommended resources, tips from certified professionals, and a live Q&A session. In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview of the session, key takeaways, and links to supporting resources to help you feel prepared and ready to pass the exam.
Why become a certified Professional Cloud Architect?
Earning a Professional Cloud Architect certification is not only a testament to your skills but also a smart career move. Google Cloud certifications consistently rank among the highest paid IT certifications in the industry, with the Professional Cloud Architect Certification being in the top three. In addition to better pay, certifications can lead to promotions, raises, and increased confidence in your cloud skills and professional future.
According to the Google Cloud Certification impact report, 85% of certified individuals reported feeling more confident in their cloud skills, while 78% reported feeling more confident in their professional future. Furthermore, over a quarter of certified individuals took on more responsibilities or leadership roles, and almost one in five received a raise.
Other benefits of earning your Professional Cloud Architect certification include:
- Exclusive Google Cloud Certified merchandise and digital toolkit
- Network and exchange ideas in the Google Cloud Certified Community
- Special recognition at select events
- Opportunity to join the Google Cloud Certified Directory
Who should take the Professional Cloud Architect Certification exam?
The Professional Cloud Architect Certification is recommended for experienced technical professionals who design, plan, optimize, and ensure the reliability of cloud solutions. These individuals have hands-on experience with deploying and configuring solutions. It is recommended to have at least 3 years of industry experience, including 1 year of designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud.
Information about the exam
Here are some details about the Professional Cloud Architect Certification exam:
- Length: 2 hours
- Registration fee: $200 (plus tax where applicable)
- Languages: English, Japanese
- Format: 50-60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions
- Exam delivery methods:
- Online-proctored exam from a remote location
- Onsite-proctored exam at a testing center
- Case studies: The exam includes 2 case studies that describe fictitious business and solution concepts. Case study questions make up 20-30% of the exam and assess your ability to apply your knowledge to realistic business situations.
- Certification Renewal/Recertification: The certification is valid for two years from the date of certification. Recertification is accomplished by retaking the exam during the recertification eligibility time period and achieving a passing score.
Recommended steps and resources to prepare for the Professional Cloud Architect Certification exam
To prepare for the Professional Cloud Architect Certification exam, follow these steps:
- Set your exam date well in advance and plan your study/preparation time accordingly.
- Register for the exam and choose whether to take it remotely or at a testing center.
- Complete the Professional Cloud Architect Learning Path, which includes hands-on labs, quests, and courses. The learning path is available at no cost for 30 days for new users.
- Review the sample questions to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam.
- Take and pass the exam, and celebrate your certification!
The Professional Cloud Architect Learning Path is a comprehensive resource that covers all the topics you need to know for the exam. It includes a preparatory course that touches on each section of the exam guide, helping you identify any knowledge gaps. Completing the learning path will earn you Completion Badges and Skill Badges, which validate your skills and can be shared on your professional profile.
It is also recommended to review the exam guide for a detailed breakdown of the topics covered in the exam.
Cloud Architect Certification FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Professional Cloud Architect Certification exam:
- How often are the exam questions refreshed? The material is refreshed yearly, and the question bank is continually evolving, so you can expect a variety of questions over time.
- Do you need to pass the Associate Cloud Engineer exam beforehand? It is not necessary but can be helpful.
- Where can you find credits, discounts, vouchers, or no-cost options to take the exam for free? Learn more about vouchers and discounts here.
- What happens if you don’t pass the certification exam? You can retake the exam after 14 days. If you fail a second time, you must wait 60 days before attempting it again. If you fail on the third attempt, you must wait 365 days before retaking it. Note that all attempts count toward the total permissible attempts. More information about the retake policy can be found here.
- Is the exam open book? No, the exam is “closed book,” meaning you cannot have any resources or access anything online during the exam.
For more FAQs and answers, refer to the Help Center here.
With proper preparation and the right resources, you can confidently take the Professional Cloud Architect Certification exam and enhance your career prospects in the field of cloud architecture. So start your journey today and earn this valuable certification!
Conclusion
Becoming a certified Professional Cloud Architect can open up new opportunities and validate your cloud skills. By demonstrating your expertise in designing and managing secure, scalable, and dynamic solutions, you can differentiate yourself in a rapidly growing field. Follow the recommended steps and resources mentioned in this article to prepare for the exam and increase your chances of success. Remember, consistent learning and hands-on experience are key to becoming a proficient cloud architect. Good luck on your certification journey!