GCP Associate Cloud Engineer: The Complete Guide for 2023
By Alex • Updated Jan 15, 2023
If you're looking to become Google Cloud certified, the Associate Cloud Engineer certification is the perfect place to start.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the certification, including what it is, the jobs you can get with it, the salary you can expect, the requirements for certification, the cost of the exam, and how to maintain your certification.
About: What is the Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
The Associate Cloud Engineer certification is a professional-level certification that demonstrates your ability to deploy, manage, and monitor cloud infrastructure on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
This includes tasks such as creating and managing virtual machines, setting up load balancing and networking, and using GCP services such as Cloud Storage and BigQuery.
Jobs: Which jobs can you get with a Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
With a Associate Cloud Engineer certification, you can apply for a variety of roles such as cloud administrator, cloud engineer, and systems engineer.
These roles typically involve deploying, managing, and monitoring cloud infrastructure, as well as working with other teams to integrate GCP services into their workflow.
Salary: Which salary can you expect with a Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
As a certified GCP Associate Cloud Engineer, you can expect a competitive salary that reflects your valuable skillset.
According to data from ZipRecruiter, as of January 8, 2023, the average annual pay for an Associate Google Cloud Engineer in the United States is $114,348 per year. This works out to be approximately $9,529 per month.
It's worth noting that the salary range for Associate Google Cloud Engineer is quite broad. The lowest salary reported by ZipRecruiter is $14,000, while the highest is $184,500.
However, the majority of salaries for this profession fall between $87,500 and $147,000, with top earners making as much as $169,000 per year.
Requirements: What are the requirements for the Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
There are no prerequisites for the Associate Cloud Engineer certification, but it is recommended that you have hands-on experience with GCP and a basic understanding of cloud computing concepts.
Before taking the exam, you should also familiarize yourself with the GCP Console, the command-line interface, and the GCP documentation.
Cost: How much does the Associate Cloud Engineer certification cost?
The cost of the Associate Cloud Engineer certification exam is $200 USD. However, the cost can vary depending on the country and currency.
Recertification: How can you maintain your Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
Your Associate Cloud Engineer certification is valid for two years.
To maintain your certification, you'll need to pass the exam again within two years or complete the Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect or Professional Data Engineer certifications, which will automatically renew all your lower level certifications.
Additionally, Google encourages to continue learning and gaining experience with GCP to keep up with the platform's evolution.
FAQs
Who is the Associate Cloud Engineer certification for?
The Associate Cloud Engineer certification is for anyone looking to work in the cloud computing industry and demonstrate their ability to deploy, manage, and monitor cloud infrastructure on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
It is a great starting point for individuals with hands-on experience with GCP and a basic understanding of cloud computing concepts.
Is the Associate Cloud Engineer certification worth it?
Yes, the Associate Cloud Engineer certification is worth it. It demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in GCP to potential employers and can lead to higher paying job opportunities.
Moreover, it's a valuable asset for anyone looking to work in the cloud computing industry and to stay up to date with Google Cloud Platform.
How can you get the Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
To get the Associate Cloud Engineer certification, you need to pass the GCP Associate Cloud Engineer certification exam.
The exam covers a wide range of topics including deploying, managing, and monitoring cloud infrastructure on GCP.
It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the GCP Console, the command-line interface, and the GCP documentation before taking the exam.
What are the benefits of obtaining the Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
There are many benefits of obtaining the Associate Cloud Engineer certification, including:
- Demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in GCP to potential employers
- Improving your chances of getting a higher paying job in the cloud computing industry
- Staying up to date with the latest developments and best practices in GCP
- Building credibility and trust with clients and colleagues
How difficult is it to obtain the Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
The level of difficulty for obtaining the Associate Cloud Engineer certification can vary depending on your level of experience with GCP and your understanding of cloud computing concepts.
However, it is recommended that you have hands-on experience with GCP and a basic understanding of cloud computing concepts before taking the exam.
How long does it take to get the Associate Cloud Engineer certification?
The time it takes to get the Associate Cloud Engineer certification can vary depending on your level of experience with GCP and your study schedule.
However, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the GCP Console, the command-line interface, and the GCP documentation before taking the exam.
What are the best Associate Cloud Engineer certification alternatives?
Other alternatives for Associate Cloud Engineer certification include:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Certified Developer - Associate
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
It's important to note that the best alternative for you will depend on your career goals, experience and the cloud platform you are more comfortable with.
Conclusion
The GCP Associate Cloud Engineer certification is valuable for those looking to work in the cloud computing industry.
It can lead to higher paying roles and does not require prerequisites, but hands-on experience with GCP and basic understanding of cloud computing concepts is recommended.
The certification must be renewed every two years by re-taking the exam.