How difficult is Professional Google’s Cloud Architect (PCA) certification exam

One of the most highly prized certifications while pursuing a career in cloud architecture is the Professional Google Cloud Architect certification. It was ranked 2nd in a list of 15 top-paying certifications in 2021. Industry professionals can truly differentiate themselves from peers and give their careers a massive boost by earning this certification.

However, clearing the requisite Professional Google Cloud Architect (PCA) certification exam requires a certain level of skill and experience. Cloud professionals who want to prepare for it should consider enrolling in a certified training course by the likes of RPS Consulting. Doing so will help them strengthen their conceptual and practical understanding through relevant case studies and practice exams.

Let’s take a detailed look at the exam and assess its difficulty.

Professional Google Cloud Architect certification exam: An overview

The PCA exam tests how well-versed a candidate is in designing, developing and managing Google cloud solutions to drive business objectives. Candidates should be proficient in developing robust, secure, scalable, dynamic, and highly available solutions for the same. Additionally, it also assesses proficiency in enterprise cloud strategy, solution design, and architectural best practices. Knowledge of software development methodologies and approaches including multi-tiered distributed applications across multi-cloud or hybrid environments is a big plus.

Other relevant details of the exam include:

• Duration is two hours
• Available in English and Japanese
• The approximate number of questions is 50
• Instead of a passing score, there is only a ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ feedback at the end of the exam
• Consists of multiple choice and multiple select questions
• Can be taken at a test centre or even remotely
• You can attempt the exam for a second time 14 days after the first attempt
• A third attempt can be made after re-training and 60 days from the second attempt
• Any more attempts can only be made one year after the third attempt
• Certification is only valid for two years
• Recertification can be attempted 60 days before the date of expiry

In terms of experience, it is recommended that candidates have at least three years on their CV. Key to this should be a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in designing and managing solutions with Google Cloud. The exam is a great career opportunity for those interested in Google Cloud architecture solutions or are IT professionals with relevant experience.

As for the syllabus, the Professional Google Cloud Architect certification exam comprises six sections of study. These are:

• 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

Additionally, case studies are also a big part of this certification exam. Basis a fabricated business and a solution concept, you will be asked to choose the relevant answer(s) wherever mentioned. Candidates can check out the Google website to go through a host of case studies that can feature in the PCA exam.

The difficulty of the Google Cloud Architect certification exam

As one of the most lucrative and in-demand certifications, the Professional Google Cloud Architect exam (PCA) is certainly challenging. In a lot of ways, in terms of questions and syllabus, it is similar to AWS exams. However, comparatively, it is tougher than AWS.

This is because of a couple of factors, as per test-takers and industry insiders. These are:

• Unlike the AWS exam, the Google PCA exam almost always requires the attempting Solutions Architects and Cloud professionals to have developer experience. Hence, it is no surprise to see questions on topics like debugging in advanced programming languages like Python in the test.
• The increased difficulty is also since questions unrelated to the Google Cloud platform are also asked. This is because the Google PCA exam assesses the ability of a candidate as a holistic professional in the Cloud Architect role. This way, the exam is not limited to just platform-based questions, unlike the AWS exam.

These reasons make the Professional Google Cloud Architect certification exam a better credential of a professional’s overall capabilities. Even the scenario-based case study questions require extensive analysis and reasoning to figure out the right answers. They are never really that straightforward as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam.

Final words

Given the increased difficulty of the exam, it is recommended to get a certified training course under your belt before your attempt. RPS Consulting’s Preparing for the Professional Cloud Architect Examination is an OEM-certified course that you can enrol in. This on-demand, interactive course comprises relevant learning modules with hands-on lab training. Our certified instructors will also familiarise you with sample case studies that feature in the PCA exam. Enrol today to plug your skill gaps and develop career-boosting proficiency in GCP architecting infrastructure.