When you’re weighing google cloud vs aws certification, you’re not alone. Both programs can boost your resume, sharpen your cloud skills, and open doors to exciting roles.
In this post, we’ll break down exam paths, formats, skill needs, study options, costs, and career impact so that you can pick the right credential for your goals.
Certification path comparison
Cloud providers group their certifications into beginner, associate, and professional levels—plus a few specialty tracks. Here’s how AWS and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) stack up.
AWS certification tracks
- Foundation: Certified Cloud Practitioner (basic cloud concepts)
- Associate: Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps Administrator
- Professional: Solutions Architect Professional, DevOps Engineer Professional
- Specialty: Advanced Networking, Security, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Database, Alexa Skill Builder
Google Cloud certification tracks
- Foundations: Cloud Digital Leader (business-focused cloud overview)
- Associate: Associate Cloud Engineer (core GCP services and deployment)
- Professional: Cloud Architect, Data Engineer, Cloud Developer, Network Engineer, Security Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer
Compare exam formats
Understanding how each test is built helps you tailor your study plan. Let’s walk through timing, question styles, and scoring.
AWS exam structure
- Question count: 65–75 questions (varies by level)
- Duration: 90–170 minutes, depending on certification tier
- Format: multiple choice and multiple response
- Delivery: online proctored or in-person testing center
Google Cloud exam structure
- Question count: 50–60 questions (level dependent)
- Duration: 90–120 minutes
- Format: multiple choice, multiple select, case-based scenarios
- Delivery: online proctored or designated test site
Question types
- AWS uses straightforward multiple choice and select-all-that-apply formats
- GCP often includes case studies where you choose the best architecture or configuration
Scoring and pass marks
- AWS scores are scaled up to 1000 points, with ~720 as the pass threshold
- GCP uses a percentage model (typically 70% to pass)
Assess skill requirements
Both clouds expect hands-on experience but differ in recommended backgrounds.
AWS prerequisites
- No hard prerequisites, but six months of real-world AWS work is advised
- Familiarity with core services like EC2, S3, IAM, and VPC
- Comfort with AWS CLI and basic scripting
Google Cloud prerequisites
- Associate Cloud Engineer: three to six months of GCP practice
- Professional-level: six+ months of designing and operating solutions on GCP
- Key areas include Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, IAM, Kubernetes Engine
Explore learning resources
You’ve got options for free tutorials, paid courses, and practice exams. Mix and match to fit your style.
AWS study options
- AWS Skill Builder (free digital training and labs)
- Official classroom courses priced around $600–$3,600
- Whitepapers and FAQs in the AWS documentation
Google Cloud training
- Google Cloud Skill Boosts (formerly Qwiklabs) free and paid quests
- Coursera and Pluralsight GCP specialization tracks
- GCP documentation with code samples and best practices
Free vs paid resources
- Free: AWS digital training, GCP Skill Boosts trial credits, YouTube tutorials
- Paid: instructor-led classes, structured online bootcamps, official practice exams
If you’re also exploring Microsoft’s cloud offerings, see our Google Cloud vs Azure features comparison (/google-cloud-vs-azure-features) to understand service fundamentals side by side.
Analyze career impact
Certifications can shape the jobs you land, the teams you join, and your earning potential.
Industry demand
- AWS certifications are highly valued in enterprise and startup environments
- GCP credentials shine for analytics, big data, and ML-focused roles
- Specialized exams (security, networking, ML) give you a niche edge
Salary insights
- AWS-certified architects often command top dollar in global markets
- Google Cloud credentials can boost paychecks in data-driven and ML positions
- Employers may offer bonuses or reimbursement for passing cloud exams
Recertification requirements
- AWS: certifications valid for three years, retake the current exam to recertify
- GCP: credentials expire every two years, pass the latest version to renew
For a deeper look at security controls on each platform, check out our aws vs google cloud security guide (/aws-vs-google-cloud-security).
Compare certification costs
Upfront fees and study-tool expenses vary between the two programs.
Exam fees
- AWS: Cloud Practitioner $100, Associate $150, Professional $300, Specialty $300
- GCP: Cloud Digital Leader $99, Associate Cloud Engineer $125, Professional $200
Training expenses
- AWS instructor-led classes can run $600–$3,600, digital courses often free
- GCP bootcamps average $200–$500 per course, with some free labs
Ongoing costs
- Recertification exams cost the same as the original test
- Consider the time investment for hands-on practice and mock exams
If you’d like to compare how service charges on each cloud factor into your budget, see our detailed pricing breakdown (/google-cloud-vs-aws-pricing).
Decide your next steps
- Identify your career goal: general architect, developer, security pro, or data specialist
- Match your experience level with the right entry point—foundational or associate
- Explore free labs, then invest in practice exams to build confidence
- Join study groups, online forums, or a local meetup for peer support
Ready to get started? Pick the exam that aligns with your skills, register for a date, and dive into hands-on practice. Once you’ve earned that badge, share your journey in the comments below so others can follow your lead.
