As the cloud computing industry continues to grow, two of the most sought-after certifications are the AWS Certified Solutions Architect and the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect. While both certifications validate an individual's expertise in designing and implementing cloud-based solutions, there are some key differences between them.
Scope and Focus
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification focuses primarily on the AWS platform, testing candidates' knowledge of AWS services and best practices. On the other hand, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification takes a more holistic approach, emphasizing the ability to design solutions that meet business requirements while leveraging the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services.
Exam Structure and Difficulty
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional exam consists of 75 questions to be completed within 170 minutes, with a passing score of 72%. In contrast, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam has a unique format, featuring 50 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, along with 4 case studies, to be completed within 2 hours. The passing score for the GCP exam is not publicly disclosed.
Many candidates find the GCP exam more challenging due to its emphasis on bridging gaps between the question and the available responses, requiring a deeper understanding of business requirements and the ability to apply GCP services accordingly. Additionally, the GCP exam expects candidates to have a development background, which can be a hurdle for some.
Study Time and Resources
Preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional exam typically requires a significant investment of time and effort. Estimates suggest that it can take up to 42 hours of study time, including courses, whitepapers, and practice tests. In comparison, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification can be achieved in as little as 12 hours using a combination of Coursera, Qwiklabs, and Udemy practice tests.
Exam Updates and Recertification
Both AWS and Google Cloud regularly update their certifications to keep pace with the evolving cloud landscape. AWS certifications are valid for 2 years, and recertification requires passing the current version of the exam2. Google Cloud certifications are valid for 2 years as well, but recertification is achieved by passing any Professional or Speciality-level exam.
Conclusion
While both the AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certifications are highly respected in the industry, the choice between them ultimately depends on an individual's career goals, experience, and the cloud platform they are primarily working with. Regardless of the chosen certification, investing in continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies is crucial for success in this rapidly evolving field.
No comments:
Post a Comment