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