Google Cloud Platform is a leading cloud service provider in the industry. With many organizations integrating Google Cloud into their infrastructure, there is a growing demand for professionals skilled in using the platform.
Google Cloud Certifications officially validate an individual's expertise in cloud computing and the Google Cloud Platform. In this certification guide, we have explained Google Cloud Certifications, including the certification path, prices, career outlook, etc.
Furthermore, if you are interested in pursuing any Google Cloud certification, do check out our GCP Certification courses, where we provide expert training on multiple GCP Certifications.
Google Cloud Certifications are official credentials given by Google itself that show you’ve got the skills to work with Google Cloud technologies. There are multiple certifications in domains like data analysis, infrastructure, machine learning, etc.
These certifications help you prove your expertise, boost your resume, and open doors to better job opportunities in cloud computing. They are recognized globally, so you can even work on remote/international teams.
GCP certifications can be categorized into three levels:
1. Foundational: These certifications are Ideal for beginners or non-technical professionals. It covers the very basics, so no prior cloud experience is needed.
2. Associate: These certifications are a great starting point for technical professionals. It focuses on deploying applications, monitoring operations, and managing enterprise solutions on Google Cloud. You’ll need hands-on experience with GCP services.
3. Professional: These are advanced certifications for experienced cloud professionals. Google recommends at least 3 years of industry experience and 1 year of working with Google Cloud. Each certification validates deep expertise in specific domains.
Google Cloud Platform has 12 certifications as of 2025:
S.No | Certification Name | Level | Description |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Cloud Digital Leader | Foundational | Validates knowledge of cloud concepts and Google Cloud services |
2 | Generative AI Leader | Foundational | Focuses on foundational knowledge of Google Cloud’s AI and GenAI tools. |
3 | Associate Cloud Engineer | Associate | Demonstrates ability to deploy applications, monitor operations, and manage solutions |
4 | Professional Cloud Architect | Professional | Validates skills in designing, developing, and managing robust, secure, scalable cloud solutions |
5 | Professional Data Engineer | Professional | Demonstrates ability to design, build, operationalize, secure, and monitor data processing systems |
6 | Professional Cloud Developer | Professional | Validates skills in building scalable and highly available applications using Google Cloud services |
7 | Professional Cloud Network Engineer | Professional | Demonstrates ability to design, implement, and manage network architectures in Google Cloud |
8 | Professional Cloud Security Engineer | Professional | Validates skills in configuring access, managing operations, and ensuring data protection |
9 | Professional Collaboration Engineer | Professional | Demonstrates ability to transform business objectives into tangible configurations, policies, and security practices |
10 | Professional Machine Learning Engineer | Professional | Validates skills in designing, building, and productionizing ML models to solve business challenges |
11 | Professional Cloud Database Engineer | Professional | Demonstrates ability to design, manage, and optimize Google Cloud databases |
12 | Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer | Professional | Validates skills in developing operations that balance service reliability and delivery speed |
The GCP certification cost depends on the level of certification.
● Foundational certifications costs 99 USD.
● Associate certification costs 125 USD.
● Professional certification costs 200 USD.
The table below shows average salaries in the US and India after getting the Google Cloud Certification.
S.No | Certification Name | Average Salary in India (INR) | Average Salary in US (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Cloud Digital Leader | ₹10-15 LPA | $80,000 – $100,000 |
2 | Associate Cloud Engineer | ₹12-18 LPA | $90,000 – $110,000 |
3 | Professional Cloud Architect | ₹25-35 LPA | $140,000 – $180,000 |
4 | Professional Data Engineer | ₹22-30 LPA | $130,000 – $160,000 |
5 | Professional Cloud Developer | ₹20-28 LPA | $120,000 – $150,000 |
6 | Professional Cloud Network Engineer | ₹22-30 LPA | $130,000 – $160,000 |
7 | Professional Cloud Security Engineer | ₹23-32 LPA | $135,000 – $165,000 |
8 | Professional Collaboration Engineer | ₹20-28 LPA | $120,000 – $150,000 |
9 | Professional Machine Learning Engineer | ₹24-34 LPA | $140,000 – $170,000 |
10 | Professional Cloud Database Engineer | ₹22-30 LPA | $130,000 – $160,000 |
11 | Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer | ₹23-32 LPA | $135,000 – $165,000 |
Choosing the right Google Cloud certification depends on your background and goals. Depending on your current skill level, you can choose the tier of certification and then pursue a certification of that tier.
Foundational certifications like Cloud Digital Leader or Generative AI Leader are perfect if you are a beginner business professional, student, or just a curious mind about cloud basics.
If you are someone who has actively worked in IT and has some experience with cloud environments, the Associate Cloud Engineer is ideal for you.
If you're an experienced professional aiming to specialize, you can choose a Professional certification in your desired role. You can choose from cloud architects, data engineers, developers, and security experts. These validate deep technical skills and are best suited for individuals with at least one year of Google Cloud experience and several years in the tech industry.
Yes, GCP certifications are worth it, especially if you're aiming to grow in cloud computing, data, or AI roles. Here are some benefits of holding a Google Cloud Certification:
GCP certifications are globally recognized and can significantly improve your job prospects. Certified professionals often land roles like Cloud Engineer, Data Engineer, or Cloud Architect, many of which are in high demand.
Certified professionals earn notably higher salaries. For example, a Professional Cloud Architect in the U.S. can earn over $190,000/year, while even foundational certs like Cloud Digital Leader can lead to roles paying $98K+ globally.
These certifications prove your expertise in real-world cloud tasks like deploying apps, managing data, or securing infrastructure, making you more competitive in the job market.
With Google Cloud’s growing presence in AI, machine learning, and enterprise solutions, GCP skills are becoming increasingly valuable across industries.
Google Cloud Platform offers 12 certifications, ranging from foundational to professional levels. These certifications validate cloud computing skills and can significantly boost career prospects. Costs vary, with foundational certifications being more affordable.
GCP Certified professionals enjoy high earning potential, with substantial salaries in both India and the US. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, Google Cloud certifications provide a valuable pathway to success.
Enroll in More In-demand Cloud Computing Courses.
Bhupesh sharma is a network automation and cloud architect and working on various cloud platforms including AWS, GCP, Azure and Oracle etc. He has been associated with one of the largest investment banking company in the world. He has done many complex migrations from traditional data center infrastructures to cloud platforms and also migrated ...
More... | Author`s Bog | Book a Meeting