AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Google Cloud
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
ACE
Google Cloud's associate-level certification covering deploying, monitoring, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.
Full guide →Side-by-side 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 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
Get AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Get Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$16,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
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.