Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
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 →Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $200 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$16,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 120 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Google Cloud | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
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
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
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has an average salary uplift of +$16,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
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.