Google Cloud certifications (also known as gcp certifications) offer professionals an excellent opportunity to increase their income and explore new careers in an in-demand industry. Around 87% of Google gcp certified professionals say they’re more confident in their cloud skills, and more than 1 in 4 have gone on to work in leadership roles or take on more responsibility at work.
Google Cloud certifications are considered one of the highest-paying certification options for professionals in 2023, particularly as the cloud computing landscape continues to grow.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll be looking at the best Google cloud certification options for those looking to develop their knowledge and skills in the Google cloud space.
10 Top Google Cloud Certificates
- Google Workspace Administrator
- Google Cloud Engineer
- Google Cloud Architect
- Google Cloud Database Engineer
- Google Cloud Developer
- Google Cloud Data Engineer
- Google Cloud DevOps Engineer
- Google Cloud Security Engineer
- Google Cloud Network Engineer
- Google Machine Learning Engineer
1. Google Workspace Administrator
The Google Professional Workspace administrator certificate helps professionals to understand the basics of building and managing Google Workspace within an organization. You’ll learn how to provision solutions to different team members, manage users, and leverage organizational structures relevant to Google’s core services. No previous experience is required.
Why Take This Certification?
Google Workspace is growing as a valuable tool for managing productivity in the current business landscape. With this certification, you’ll learn the best practices to protect users and data. You’ll also examine user and application security methods, leverage single sign-in options, and configure email compliance measures to mitigate spoofing, phishing, and spam attacks.
Throughout the 5 courses in the professional certificate, students learn everything they need to know to plan for an effective Google Workspace deployment, leveraging everything from mail management techniques to advanced user access controls.
Jobs You Can Do
Upon completing this course, students will have the skills required to complete various administrative tasks within the G-Suite admin console. You’ll be able to pursue a career in cloud management, IT provisioning, and IT administration. Students can also explore roles related to security, such as risk monitoring and data protection positions.
Google system administrators make an average of $83,470 annually in the US.
Time Investment and Cost
This course can be completed within 1 month with approximately 10 hours of study per week, or 2 months if you commit 5 hours to study each week. A subscription to Coursera to complete the courses will cost $39 per month after a 7-day free trial. Alongside the Coursera lessons, you will also need to complete the Professional Google Workspace Administrator examination.
The exam has a $200 registration fee and consists of 50-60 multiple-choice questions. Google recommends having around 3 years of industry experience and 1 year of Google Workspace administration experience before taking the exam. Candidates must also recertify every 2 years to preserve their accreditation.
2. Google Cloud Engineer
The Google Cloud Engineer professional certification prepares students for a career in cloud engineering. You’ll learn about the infrastructure and platform services within the Google cloud platform and identify the purpose of each solution.
Why Take This Certification?
A cloud engineer certification will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to deploy applications, manage enterprise solutions, and monitor operations in a cloud environment. You’ll be able to use the Google Cloud Console, as well as command-line interfaces, to set up a comprehensive cloud environment for modern businesses.
The certification will provide a complete behind-the-scenes insight into Google Cloud infrastructure, services, and tools. Plus, you’ll learn about architecting with the Kubernetes engine, scaling, and leveraging automation capabilities. You should have background knowledge in virtual machines, web services, and IP networking before you get started.
Jobs You Can Do
With a Google Cloud Engineer certificate, you can apply for roles that require you to ensure the successful operation of a cloud solution, architect your own cloud environments, and configure access and security requirements for companies.
Cloud Engineers make approximately $131,264 per year on average in the US.
Time Investment and Cost
The preparation program available from Coursera will take approximately 6 months to complete at a rate of 2 hours of study per week. However, you can consume the content at your own pace. The resources are broken down into 6 courses. If you study for around 5 hours per week, you can finish the preparation work within 2 months. Coursera will cost $39 per month for a subscription.
The Google Associate Cloud Engineer exam must also be taken separately to achieve your Google cloud certification. This 2-hour exam costs $125 and consists of 50-60 multiple-choice questions. You should have 6 months of hands-on experience with Google cloud before taking the exam. You will also need to renew your certificate once every 3 years.
3. Google Cloud Architect
The Google Cloud Architect certification prepares professionals for roles that involve leveraging Google Cloud technologies to create robust, scalable, and secure business environments. With this certification, you’ll be able to design and plan a comprehensive cloud architecture for businesses, provide tools to users, and maintain security and compliance in a cloud ecosystem.
Why Take This Certification?
Demand for cloud environments is growing as companies search for more scalability and agility in the age of digital transformation. The Professional Cloud Architect certification will ensure you can manage the tasks associated with building a cloud environment. You’ll be able to work with leading Google technologies and accelerate your skills in working with networks, systems, and applications.
The course connected with this certification also provides access to a range of transferable job skills, including case analysis, proposals, and activity tracking. You will need a basic knowledge of Linux operating systems, command-line, and systems operations before taking the certification.
Jobs You Can Do
This Google Cloud certification will prepare students for a role in the cloud architecture space. You’ll be able to seek out roles as a Cloud Architect, Manager, or Administrator. With this certification, you’ll show you have the skills required to create cloud environments built for security and compliance, as well as ongoing reliability.
Cloud architects earn around $150,005 per year in the US.
Time Investment and Cost
The Coursera program designed to prepare you for this examination can be completed within 2 months at a study pace of approximately 5 hours per week. You will need to pay $39 per month for your Coursera subscription, following a 7-day free trial.
The Google exam for this certification takes 2 hours to complete and consists of 50-60 multiple-choice questions. Case study questions make up 20-30% of the exam. To complete the examination, you’ll need to pay a registration fee of $200, and it’s recommended you have at least 1 year of experience with Google Cloud and 3 years of industry experience. Recertification is also necessary every 2 years.
4. Google Cloud Database Engineer
The Google Cloud Database Engineer Certification is targeted at budding database engineers. You’ll be able to design and configure highly scalable cloud database solutions for the growing data-driven landscape. Successful graduates will also have the skills to deploy databases in Google cloud, migrate data securely, and manage solutions that span multiple requirements.
Why Take This Certification?
Demand for database engineers is growing in an environment where companies consistently collect more data they need to leverage, protect, and store effectively. With the Cloud Database engineer certification, you’ll learn how to plan, execute and test migrations, leverage powerful cloud platforms, and manage cloud spanner, Bigtable, and Cloud SQL databases.
This industry-recognized certification will prepare you for effectively managing and using data in a cloud-driven environment. If you already have experience working with databases, you’ll be able to translate your knowledge into the Google Cloud. Experience in SQL, general programming skills, and database design is recommended for this course.
Jobs You Can Do
This certification will prepare you for a role as a cloud database engineer with a focus on Google cloud environments. You’ll be able to pursue roles as a data migration expert, database designer, and cloud management professional.
Cloud database engineers make approximately $117,806 annually in the US.
Time Investment and Cost
To complete this certification, you will need to prepare for the exam with a Coursera program which is split into 17 courses. It takes approximately 3 months to complete the course at a rate of 5 hours of study per week, with a subscription fee of $39 per month.
Following your classes, you’ll be able to register for the Cloud Database Engineer certification exam with Google for a price of $200. The exam consists of 50-60 multiple-choice questions. 5 years of database and IT experience is recommended, as well as 2 years of experience working with Google database solutions.
5. Google Cloud Developer
The Google Cloud Developer certification prepares students for a role in creating their own cloud applications, products, and services. It demonstrates your knowledge of application environments within Google, such as App Engine, Compute Engine, and Kubernetes. It will also develop your troubleshooting, monitoring, and app optimization skills.
Why Take This Certification?
As a certified cloud developer, you’ll be able to build, design, analyze, and maintain cloud-native applications. You’ll know how to integrate Google Cloud services into existing systems, as well as how to build and test new applications.
This industry-recognized certification will enhance your resume for up to 2 years after you complete the examination before requiring recertification. It’s recommended you have a knowledge of Google Cloud Platform fundamentals and Node.JS before getting started.
Jobs You Can Do
Successful graduates can apply for roles as cloud developers or start their own businesses developing applications for the cloud. Cloud developers make an average of $112,368 per year.
Time Investment and Cost
To prepare for this Google Cloud Certification, you’ll need to begin with a Coursera program, which includes 6 courses covering all the basics of cloud development. The courses should take approximately 2 months to complete, at a rate of 5 hours of study per week. Subscriptions to Coursera cost $39 per month after a 7-day free trial.
Upon completing the preparation course, you can apply for the Google exam, which costs $200 and takes 2 hours to complete, with 50-60 multiple-choice questions. You should have 3 years of industry experience and 1 year of experience with Google Cloud tools. You will need to retake your certification once every 2 years.
6. Google Cloud Data Engineer
With a Data Engineer Google Cloud Certification, students can prepare for a career in the data engineering landscape. This qualification will demonstrate your ability to use leading technologies to collect, transform, publish, and showcase data. You’ll also be able to build and secure data processing systems, with a focus on compliance, and leverage machine learning tools.
Why Take This Certification?
Demand for data engineers has grown significantly in recent years. Companies are looking for professionals capable of identifying the purpose and value of big data and machine learning solutions. With the Google cloud data engineer certification, you’ll showcase your knowledge of everything from BigQuery to Cloud SQL and DataProc, making you a valuable investment for business leaders.
The Data Engineer certificate from Google was ranked as number one on the list of top-paying certifications for the past years.
Jobs You Can Do
With a Data Engineer certificate from Google, you’ll be able to apply for jobs that involve the successful use and analysis of data. You’ll be able to apply for a role as a Data Engineer, which can deliver annual salaries of around $114,510.
Time Investment and Cost
The exam preparation course offered by Coursera will take approximately 4 months to complete at a rate of 5 hours of study per week. The program is separated into 6 distinctive courses, with hands-on projects, videos, and quizzes. A Coursera subscription will cost $39 per month. You will need 1 year of experience with query languages like SQL, data modeling, Python programming, and machine learning capabilities.
Following the preparation course, you can apply for the Google certification exam, which costs $200 and consists of 50-60 multiple-choice questions. Before taking the 2-hour exam, Google recommends having 3 years of industry experience and 1 year of experience in the Google cloud. You will also need to retake your certification once every 2 years.
7. Google Cloud DevOps Engineer
The Google Cloud DevOps Engineer Certificate targets DevOps professionals in the engineering landscape. The exam and associated course will provide the skills you need to excel as a data engineer. You’ll learn to leverage techniques for monitoring, improving, and troubleshooting infrastructure and application performance in the Google cloud.
Why Take This Certification?
The market size for DevOps is growing at a rate of 24.7% per year as of 2023, increasing the demand for cloud professionals. This Google certification will provide you with industry-recognized credentials, demonstrating your ability to implement efficient development solutions in the cloud. You’ll be able to showcase your knowledge of site engineering and monitoring strategies.
Jobs You Can Do
This certification can prepare students for various roles in cloud databases and system management. The primary job you’ll be able to apply for this with credentials will be a role as a DevOps engineer. In the US, the average salary for a DevOps engineer is approximately $110,715 per year.
Time Investment and Cost
To complete this certification, you will need to finish the Coursera preparation program, which requires learners to be proficient in using command-line tools, Linux operating systems, and scripting resources. It takes around 2 months to complete the program at a studying pace of 5 hours per week, and a subscription to Coursera costs $39 per month.
The Google certification exam costs $200 and consists of a 2-hour test with 50-60 multiple-choice questions. Google recommends having 3 years of industry experience and 1 year of experience in the Google cloud environment. Your certification will need to be renewed every 2 years.
8. Google Cloud Security Engineer
The Google Cloud Security Engineer certificate from Google focuses heavily on the concepts of protecting a business cloud environment and the data within it. You’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of designing, developing, and managing security infrastructure in a Google landscape. This certification will showcase your ability to configure access within a cloud environment, manage network security, ensure data protection, and preserve compliance.
Why Take This Certification?
As the cloud environment continues to grow, demand for experts capable of implementing security networks and architectures is accelerating. The Cloud Security Engineer certificate will show your proficiency in all aspects of cloud security, from defining organizational policies and structures to maintaining sensitive data and configuring security defenses.
Jobs You Can Do
This certification will prepare you for various roles related to cloud security, management, and provisioning. Specifically, you’ll be able to pursue roles as a Cloud Security Engineer. The average salary for a cloud security engineer in the US is around $138,957 annually.
Time Investment and Cost
To complete this certification, you’ll need to take the preparation program from Coursera, which takes approximately 2 months, with 5 hours of study per week. You’ll need a basic knowledge of command-line tools, systems operations, Python, JavaScript, and security to get started. A subscription to Coursera costs $39 per month.
The Google exam costs $200 for registration and consists of 50-60 multiple-choice and multi-select questions. You will need around 3 years of industry experience and 1 year of experience in the Google cloud landscape to begin. Candidates also need to recertify once every 2 years.
9. Google Cloud Network Engineer
The Google Cloud Network Engineer Professional certificate prepares students for a role in implementing and managing network architecture. It will demonstrate your ability to design, plan, and prototype cloud networks, as well as manage, monitor, and optimize network operations.
Why Take This Certification?
To take full advantage of the cloud landscape, business leaders need access to professionals capable of leveraging multiple digital tools. A Cloud Network Engineer certification from Google shows your ability to use network services, application and container tools, hybrid and multi-cloud connections, and VPCs for successful cloud development.
As you prepare for this examination with the Coursera courses available, you’ll build your skills in the Google Cloud ecosystem, learning how to develop an effective infrastructure for businesses in the cloud. You’ll also be able to expand your understanding of hybrid connectivity.
Jobs You Can Do
This gcp certification will prepare you for any role which involves the administration, provisioning, and management of cloud landscapes. Specifically, you’ll be able to improve your chances of earning a job as a Cloud Network Engineer.
Professionals in this field earn an average of $121,263 per year.
Time Investment and Cost
The Coursera preparation program for this certification requires students to have prior knowledge of networking concepts, command-line tools, and Linux operating systems. The classes will take around 2 months to complete at a pace of 5 hours of study per week. Each month of your Coursera subscription will cost $39 per month.
The Professional Cloud Network engineer exam will cost $200 and take 2 hours to complete, consisting of 50-60 multiple-choice questions. Three years of industry experience and 1 year of Google cloud experience are recommended for beginners. You will also need to recertify once every 2 years.
10. Google Machine Learning Engineer
For professionals interested in the growing world of AI and machine learning, the Google Machine Learning Engineer certification could be a perfect choice. You’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to create machine-learning components for applications and business flows. Your industry-recognized certification will prepare you to design, architect, and develop ML models.
Why Take This Certification?
The Machine Learning Engineer certification from Google will ensure you have all the skills you need to excel in the growing world of artificial intelligence. You’ll learn how to use Google Cloud technologies, models, and techniques to build and implement intelligent tools.
With an ML certification, you can pursue a career in the development, automation, and orchestration of machine learning tools. You’ll also show your employers you know how to manage concepts like compliance and data governance when building applications.
Jobs You Can Do
This certification can prepare you for various roles related to machine learning, AI, and the development of automated pipelines. Specifically, you’ll be able to apply for jobs as a machine learning engineer focusing on Google technologies. Machine Learning engineers in the US earn an average annual salary of $136,354.
Time Investment and Cost
To earn your Google Cloud Certification, you’ll need to begin by taking the Coursera preparation program, which takes approximately 6 months to complete at a pace of 5 hours of study per week. Each monthly subscription to Coursera costs $39. You will also need a basic knowledge of data engineering and programming.
The Google exam will cost $200 and consists of 50-60 multiple-choice questions. You should have 3 years of industry experience and at least 1 year of experience using Google cloud environments. Candidates must also recertify once every 2 years.
Are Google Cloud Certifications Worth It?
Google Cloud certifications are among the most reputable credentials in the current digital landscape. Not only do graduates with these certificates expand their skills and confidence in the cloud environment, but they improve their chances of being hired for high-paying roles.
If you’re thinking of starting a career connected to the Cloud, then a Google gcp certification could be worthwhile. You’ll demonstrate your knowledge with a world-renowned accreditation and earn some transferable skills along the way.
Benefits of Getting a Google Cloud Certification
Becoming a Google Cloud-certified professional generates several benefits, including:
- Getting a globally recognized certification from Google.
- Receiving a digital badge to showcase your achievements on social media.
- Get assistance in finding a job by joining the Google Cloud Certified Directory.
- Go after high-paying jobs or start your own freelancing business.
- Receive discounts for renewing your certification.
- Expand your professional network by joining the Google Cloud Certified Community.
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