In today’s fast-changing tech world, cloud computing certifications have become crucial for IT professionals. They not only validate one’s skills and knowledge but also enhance career prospects and salary potential. Among the most sought-after certifications are those from Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS), two of the leading cloud service providers. This article will compare Google Cloud certification and AWS certification, helping you decide which is better suited for your career goals.

Both AWS and Google Cloud offer structured certification paths catering to various roles and expertise levels:

AWS Certification Path:

Foundational: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified AI PractitionerAssociate: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, AWS Certified Data Engineer AssociateProfessional: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified DevOps EngineerSpecialty: AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified Security, AWS Certified Machine Learning

Google Cloud Certification Path:

Foundational: Google Cloud Digital LeaderAssociate: Associate Cloud EngineerProfessional: Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Data Engineer, Professional Cloud Developer, Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer, Professional Cloud Network Engineer, Professional Cloud Security Engineer, Professional Collaboration Engineer, Professional Machine Learning Engineer

AWS Certifications:

Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites, but experience is recommended.Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions.Difficulty: Varies by level; the Professional and Specialty exams are notably challenging.

Google Cloud Certifications:

Prerequisites: Similar to AWS, no strict prerequisites but practical experience is beneficial.Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-select questions.Difficulty: Comparable to AWS, with Professional-level certifications requiring a deep understanding of Google Cloud services.

Both AWS and Google Cloud provide extensive study materials:

AWS:

Popular on-demand training options from Digital Cloud Training include video courses, practice exams to assess your exam readiness, and training notes (PDF) for offline study.For hands-on experience with AWS Cloud and beyond, join our Cloud Mastery Bootcamp. This program offers direct access to industry experts who will guide you every step of the way.

Google Cloud:

Google Cloud’s official training, documentation, and Coursera courses.Google Cloud Certified community.

AWS:

Dominates the cloud market with a 33% share (as of the latest reports).Widely adopted across various industries including finance, healthcare, and government.

Google Cloud:

Holds a significant market share with a focus on innovation in data analytics and machine learning.Preferred by tech-forward industries and companies leveraging Google’s AI capabilities.

AWS Certification:

Widely recognized across multiple industries.Common roles: Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Developer, Cloud Practitioner.

Google Cloud Certification:

Gaining traction in sectors emphasizing big data and machine learning.Common roles: Cloud Engineer, Data Engineer, Cloud Architect, Machine Learning Engineer.

Multiple Certifications: Enhances versatility and broadens job opportunities. Professionals with both AWS and Google Cloud certifications are highly valued.Specializing in One: Deep expertise in one platform can lead to specialized roles and potentially higher positions within organizations using that specific cloud service.

AWS Certifications: Over 75% of enterprises use AWS as their primary cloud platform, increasing the demand for AWS-certified professionals.Google Cloud Certifications: Increasingly recognized, with a significant rise in job postings requiring Google Cloud expertise.

AWS:

Cloud ArchitectSolutions ArchitectDevOps EngineerCloud DeveloperSecurity Specialist

Google Cloud:

Cloud EngineerData EngineerCloud ArchitectMachine Learning EngineerCloud Developer

AWS Certified Professionals: Average salary ranges from $110,000 to $150,000 depending on the certification and location.Google Cloud Certified Professionals: Average salary ranges from $105,000 to $140,000, with roles in data engineering and machine learning often demanding higher pay.

Certifications significantly impact career advancement and salary negotiations. Professionals with certifications often see a 10-20% increase in salary compared to non-certified peers. Moreover, holding certifications from both AWS and Google Cloud can further enhance salary negotiation power.

Both AWS and Google Cloud certifications offer valuable career benefits. AWS remains the leader in market share and broad applicability, while Google Cloud is rapidly growing, especially in data-centric industries.

Your choice should align with your career goals, the industry you aim to work in, and your interest in specific cloud technologies. It’s worth noting that there are more job opportunities in AWS Cloud at the time of writing, and Google remains a more specialized and niche skill set.

Evaluate your career goals and industry preferences to choose the certification path that best aligns with your aspirations.

On-demand Training – Ace your next cloud certification with our on-demand video courses and practice exams. Learn on your terms, and gain access to our extensive cloud training library with our monthly or yearly plans!

Cloud Mastery Bootcamp – Build job-ready cloud skills and unlock exciting cloud career opportunities with our live training program. Led by experienced instructors, you’ll develop hands-on experience with real-world projects in AWS, Linux, Python, Kubernetes and IaC!