AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
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 Solutions Architect Associate vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Which certification is right for your career?
Full 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 |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
- You have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$18,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to design and optimise cloud architectures, not just operate them
- 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 at the intermediate level in cloud computing. AWS Solutions Architect Associate carries the higher salary impact (+$18,000/yr vs +$16,000/yr), making it the stronger long-term investment. Choose Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if you prefer credentials from Google Cloud or need a faster, lower-cost path.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
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.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate 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 Solutions Architect Associate or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer offers +$16,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.