Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer vs PMI-ACP
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 →PMI
PMI-ACP
PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$200 USD | $495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$16,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 120 min | 180 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Google Cloud | PMI |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
PMI-ACP — Prerequisites
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
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 PMI-ACP if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from PMI
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Best PMI-ACP courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer harder than PMI-ACP?
Both Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer and PMI-ACP are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer or PMI-ACP?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has an average salary uplift of +$16,000/yr, while PMI-ACP has +$15,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer or PMI-ACP?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMI-ACP.