Why Do I Need a Google Cloud Platform (GCP)Certification?
According to a 2019 Skills and Salary report by Global Knowledge, 52% of IT organizations and departments need skilled IT personnel to meet their goals, with 93% of them agreeing that certification is a primary factor when looking for qualified individuals. A Google Cloud Platform (GCP) certification not only helps you advance your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to your area of expertise.
Below are the four main reasons why a Google Cloud Platform certification is good for you:
1. Credibility
An increasing number of companies, non-profit, and government institutions require professional certification from those they intend to work with. A Google Cloud Platform Certification signifies your commitment to cloud computing. It also demonstrates that you value your profession’s industry standards and your continued commitment to learning.
These merits can help cement your credibility in the eyes of your employers and professional community. In addition, a professional certificate demonstrates that you are credibly skilled and knowledgeable as a cloud technologist.
2. Industry Recognition
Your professional certification is a strong statement to your employer and the entire professional community that an independent institution has verified your expertise and experience in cloud computing. Additionally, when it comes to honoring those who excel in certain cloud computing areas, your Google Cloud Certification will act as proof of your merit.
3. Career Advancement
Cloud computing is a highly competitive job market. With a professional certificate demonstrating that you have advanced your skills and knowledge, you stand out among your peers in the same field.
This puts you in an excellent position for a job promotion. And, considering that job recruiters are three times more likely to shortlist individuals with career certification, getting certified increases your worth. In addition, it gives you bargaining power when seeking a pay rise and other career adventures in cloud computing.
4. Personal Development
According to sampled surveys, an individual with a bachelor's degree and higher, combined with a professional certificate, earns more than those with only a bachelor's degree and higher. A higher salary with steady career advancement is one of the aspects of personal development.
What are the Top Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Certifications?
Google currently offers seven certificates for its cloud platform. The certificates can be bundled into two clusters:
It is important to note that all Google Cloud Platform Certification exams are 2 hours long.
Associate Certificate
An Associate certificate is intended for those who handle the day-to-day operations of a cloud environment. These include deployment and maintenance of cloud components. The registration fee for an Associate certificate is $125 (plus tax where applicable).
Cloud Engineer
The Associate Google Cloud Platform Engineer exam assesses your ability to:
- Set up a cloud solution environment
- Plan and configure a cloud solution
- Deploy and implement a cloud solution
- Ensure successful operation of a cloud solution
- Configure access and security
- Recommended Experience: 6 months+ hands-on experience with Google Cloud
Professional Certificates
Professional certificates are role-based and intended for seasoned cloud engineers who seek to prove their skills in designing and implementing cloud environments. There are currently six professional certificates. The registration fee for an Professional certificate is $200 (plus tax where applicable).