The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect validates that you can design, develop and manage secure, scalable and reliable solutions on Google Cloud. It’s Google’s flagship architect certification.
I passed the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam on 2 October 2026. On this page you’ll find what the exam covers, how I’d prepare if I were starting today, a free study plan, and ways to work with me if you want help getting across the line.
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How I passed
What the exam covers
The exam guide has six sections, and some questions are based on published case studies:
- Designing and planning a cloud solution architecture
- Managing and provisioning a solution infrastructure
- Designing for security and compliance
- Analyzing and optimizing technical and business processes
- Managing implementation
- Ensuring solution and operations reliability
Exam format
- Two hours, 50 to 60 questions
- Includes questions based on case studies published in the exam guide
- Valid for two years
Exam details change. Check the official exam page before you book. Official Google Professional Cloud Architect page.
Who it’s for
Cloud architects, engineers moving into design roles, and architects certified on AWS or Azure who want to add Google Cloud.
How to prepare
- Read the published case studies before you study anything else, and keep coming back to them.
- Know when to choose each compute option: Compute Engine, GKE, Cloud Run and App Engine.
- Learn the storage and database choices: Cloud Storage, Cloud SQL, Spanner, Bigtable, Firestore and BigQuery.
- Study IAM, resource hierarchy, VPC design and hybrid connectivity.
- Get hands-on with Google Cloud Skills Boost labs.
Free Google Professional Cloud Architect study plan
Get my step-by-step Google Professional Cloud Architect study plan by email: what to study each week, the resources worth your time, and a checklist for the week before the exam. It’s free.
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Google Professional Cloud Architect course
If you’d rather follow a structured path, my Google Professional Cloud Architect course walks you through every exam domain with lessons, labs where they apply, and practice questions. You can also browse practice exams and guides in the store.
Book a session
Stuck on a domain, failed once already, or short on time? In a 1:1 session we go through where you are, what’s left, and a plan to get you to exam day. Book a session, or see 1:1 certification coaching. Training a team? Ask about corporate team training.
Verify
I hold the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification. Passed 2 October 2026.
What to take next
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