google cloud architect certification Certification: Complete Guide 2025
Exam Code: PCA
Design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable solutions on GCP.
Exam Details
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Resources
Everything you need to prepare for and pass your exam
Practice Exam
Full-length Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect practice test
Exam Simulator
Realistic exam simulation experience
Mock Exam
Full-length timed mock exam
Study Guide
Comprehensive study materials
Exam Objectives
Official exam domains and topics
Free Practice Test
Free sample questions to try
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 6 domains to pass your exam
Designing and Planning a Cloud Solution Architecture
of exam
Managing and Provisioning Solution Infrastructure
of exam
Designing for Security and Compliance
of exam
Analyzing and Optimizing Technical and Business Processes
of exam
Managing Implementation
of exam
Ensuring Solution and Operations Reliability
of exam
Who Should Take This Exam?
This certification is ideal for the following professionals
- IT professionals seeking Google Cloud expertise
- Cloud Computing practitioners
- Cloud architects and engineers
- DevOps and infrastructure specialists
- Technical leads and solution architects
- Career changers entering cloud computing
Recommended Study Timeline
Plan your preparation effectively
8-12 weeks
Recommended study duration
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Weeks 3-6: Deep Dive
Study each domain with hands-on practice
Weeks 7-8: Practice & Review
Take practice exams & focus on weak areas
Practice by Difficulty
Choose your challenge level
Practice Question Banks
Extensive question collections for thorough preparation
2025 Exam Resources
Latest materials updated for the current exam version
Career Opportunities
Related Job Titles
$155,000
Average Annual Salary
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect FAQs
Common questions about the PCA certification exam
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect is a professional certification offered by Google Cloud that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is PCA. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using Google Cloud technologies.
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam typically contains 50-60 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The passing score for the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam is 70%. Note that Google Cloud uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam costs $200. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. Google Cloud occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification is valid for 2 years. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through Google Cloud's continuing education program.
While Google Cloud doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.
Yes, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.
If you don't pass the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. Google Cloud typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.
To prepare for the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.
About the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Certification
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect (PCA) is a professional-level certification offered by Google Cloud. This certification validates your expertise in cloud computing and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals.
Why Get Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $155,000 per year
- Industry Recognition: Google Cloud certifications are respected worldwide
- Skill Validation: Demonstrate your expertise to employers and clients
How to Prepare for PCA
Hydranode offers comprehensive preparation materials including practice exams, study guides, and free practice tests to help you pass on your first attempt.