AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
SAA-C03
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
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 Solutions Architect Associate | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$16,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
Get AWS Solutions Architect Associate if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$18,000/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 Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has +$16,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.