AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Google Cloud's associate-level certification covering deploying, monitoring, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$16,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty |
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- You have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$16,000/yr salary uplift
Both are in the cloud computing field but target different career stages. Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$16,000/yr).
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has +$16,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.
Can I get both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer complement each other within cloud computing. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer offers +$16,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.