Pass The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Exam (2024)

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect

My journey in the Cloud Services began 10 years ago, when I embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between business needs and cutting-edge technology. Over the years, I have honed my skills in system architecture and embraced the transformative power of cloud technologies.

I thrive on the intersection of creativity and technology, constantly seeking opportunities to architect solutions that not only meet the current demands of organizations but also position them for future success. My expertise extends across Google Cloud Platform (GCP), where I have had the privilege of crafting scalable, secure, and high-performance architectures.

Driven by a commitment to continuous learning, pursuing the Google Cloud Professional Architect Certification is a key element of my personal and professional growth. It offers an opportunity to challenge myself, acquire new skills, and expand my horizons in cloud architecture. Motivated to build a comprehensive skill set that spans infrastructure, security, and application design, the Google Cloud Professional Architect Certification provides a holistic approach. It aligns with my goal of becoming a well-rounded cloud architect capable of addressing diverse organizational needs.

Preparation

The Google Professional Cloud Architect Exam is widely considered to be a challenging exam, with a difficulty level that is on par with other top cloud certifications, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) exam.

Several factors contribute to the difficulty level of the exam, including:

• Broad range of topics: The exam covers a wide range of topics related to GCP, including infrastructure, data storage and processing, networking, security, and more. This requires candidates to have a strong understanding of all these areas, making the exam more challenging.
• Scenario-based questions: In the test, there are questions about situations where you have to use what you know in real life. This can be hard because you need to really understand the ideas and use them in a real way.
• High passing score: The passing score for the exam is 70%, which is relatively high compared to other cloud certifications.

Despite the difficulty level, the exam is highly respected and recognized in the industry, and obtaining the certification can be a valuable asset for professionals in the cloud architecture field. And here are some tips you can follow for passing the exam.

1. Learn the exam guide to check the required topic that you are going to cover for your preparation.
2. Learn the Case Studies EHR Healthcare, Helicopter Racing League, Mountkirk Games and TerramEarth.
3. Join Google Cloud Innovators Plus Program. It offers over $1,500 USD in developer benefits for only $299 USD. Access the entire catalog of Google Cloud Skills Boost on-demand training, up to $1000 USD Google Cloud credits, a certification voucher, special access to Google Cloud experts and execs, and more (subject to eligibility limitations).
4. Training with Google Cloud Skills Boost. I use this Preparing for your Professional Cloud Architect Journey course. There are more courses you can use for training.
5. Keep doing self-assessment by doing as many practice tests. Google provides a free practice test. You can attempt it and review your understanding. If you score more than 70–80% on the first attempt then focus on the area where you need more clarity

Schedule The Exam

If this is your first certification for Google Cloud, you need to create an account in the Certification Candidate Portal. Then schedule an exam through Kryterion. While scheduling the exam, there were 2 options:

• On-site Proctored
  For the onsite exams delivered at a testing center. You just go with your ID and your booking code. You will use a computer in a testing room.
• Remote Proctored
  You are responsible for meeting system requirements of online proctored exams and having a suitable internet connection. Hardware malfunction, inadequate internet connection or failure to complete the below PRIOR to your scheduled exam session may result in your registration being suspended or canceled. Any exam fees paid may be forfeited.

I prefer the Remote Proctored. I’m confidence with my hardware and internet. I can schedule the exam at night, and I’m being more well prepared. No need to go to exam center. And sometimes computer in exam center has low specification.

Passing The Exam

The Professional Certifications exams are just as much about technical knowledge as they are also about critical thinking. It mean you will not know the right ‘correct’ answer for many questions, but you might know the wrong answers. The test requires process of elimination. There are often two obviously wrong answers and then a toss-up between the two remaining answers. When you face a question that does have an obvious answer, make sure to read the other questions to see if there are any obvious candidates for elimination.

The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions within 2 hours. Testing a wide range of Google Cloud Platform concepts and applying the correct techniques to solve a variety of industry needs. They are coming from two case studies in the Google Professional Cloud Architect (PCA) certification examination about 20% of questions. Then the remaining are Non- Case Studies / GCP Concepts questions.

Once you submit the exam, you will have the opportunity to answer an optional small survey, then you will see a Pass or Fail on the screen.

Post Exam

After the next day to a week of passing the exam, you will receive by email the confirmation from Google.

Confirmation Email from Google Cloud

Your certificate will be added to your accredible wallet. Don’t forget to set each certificates as public, so it will be visible in your wallet. Then from there you can share it to various social medias like LinkedIn, X, etc.

The certificate displayed at accredible

Post-Certification Benefits

Becoming Google Cloud certified, you will have get these following benefits:

• Receive a digital badge and a certificate to showcase your achievements on social media
• Earn exclusive Google Cloud Certified digital toolkit upon earning or renewing any Google Cloud certification.
• Individuals who certify at the Professional Level can select a Google Cloud Certified merchandise within 21 business days in celebration of their certification achievement.
• Build your professional network and engage with other certified individuals by joining the Google Cloud Certified Community
• Opt in to the Google Cloud Certified Directory created for the Google Cloud Certified Community and discover new employment opportunities
• Get exclusive access to industry events hosted by Google Cloud.
• Receive a 50% discount applicable toward renewing an expired certification.

Conclussion

Being well prepared is the key to clearing the exam on the first attempt. The Professional Certifications exams are not easy to crack. The Google Professional Cloud Architect Exam itself toughest and most time-consuming. Because reading every case study and preparing the right solution from the given options can wrack your nerve.

By achieving a Google Cloud certification not only validates your expertise but also opens up a wealth of opportunities for career advancement, skill development, and professional growth in the dynamic world of cloud technology.