Overview
Google Cloud certifications test skills in building and running solutions on Google Cloud. Associate Cloud Engineer is the main hands-on starting point. Professional certifications cover roles such as cloud architect, data engineer and security engineer.
Who it is for
- Cloud engineers and administrators
- Cloud architects
- Data, machine learning and security engineers
- Developers deploying on Google Cloud
Versions
Associate Cloud Engineer
Deploying and running workloads on Google Cloud.
Professional Cloud Architect
Designing secure, scalable Google Cloud solutions.
Other Professional certifications
Including data, machine learning, security, network and DevOps roles.
Where it is accepted
- Cloud jobs using Google Cloud
- Google Cloud partner staffing requirements
- Employer cloud upskilling programmes
Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.
Test format
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Associate Cloud Engineer | 50-60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. 2 hours. |
| Professional Cloud Architect | 50-60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. 2 hours. |
| Renewal exams | Shorter: 1 hour, 20-25 questions. |
Total time: 2 hours (standard exams).
Scores and validity
- Scoring
- Pass or fail. Google does not publish a passing score on the pages checked.
- Validity
- Associate: 3 years. Professional: 2 years. Renew by a shorter renewal exam, or for one year via designated Google Skills courses or badges.
How long results take is shown at the top of this page.
Fees
Associate Cloud Engineer exam (USD, plus tax)
USD 125
Source (opens in a new tab)Professional exam, e.g. Cloud Architect (USD, plus tax)
USD 200
Source (opens in a new tab)Associate Cloud Engineer renewal exam (USD)
USD 75
Source (opens in a new tab)
| Item | Official fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Cloud Engineer exam (USD, plus tax) | USD 125 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Professional exam, e.g. Cloud Architect (USD, plus tax) | USD 200 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Associate Cloud Engineer renewal exam (USD) | USD 75 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.
On test day
Identification
Government-issued photo ID; the legal first and last name must match the registration.
Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.
How to book
Exam seats for Google Cloud are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Pearson VUE (test centres and OnVUE online).
- 1
Register through Google Cloud's certification site (CM Connect), then book a Pearson VUE test centre or an OnVUE online exam.
- 2
Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.
- 3
Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.
- 4
Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.
- 5
Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.
You book and pay in your Pearson VUE account. Rescheduling deadlines (often 24–48 hours) and fees are set by each exam programme.
Need help booking?
We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.
GAPICT's status with these organisations
- Pearson VUEEnquiry made
Google Cloud FAQs
Who delivers Google Cloud exams?
Are there prerequisites?
How do I renew?
Which languages are offered?
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (opens in a new tab)
- Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect (opens in a new tab)
- Google Cloud Certification Help: online testing (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson VUE: Google Cloud (opens in a new tab)
Google Cloud and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of Google Cloud, is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.