Google Cloud - Professional Cloud Architect Preparation

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I’ve finally made the decision to pursue the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Certification.

While I'm already doing well with AWS, I want to expand my architecture skills to better design cross-cloud solutions. As part of my preparation, I’ll be documenting my learning journey here.

Day 1 - Kick-Off

Below site provides the comprehensive overview of the certification. This page has everything we need to get started, including prerequisites, exam details, and prep resources.

https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/cloud-architect/

Site provided an option to stay-tune with Cloud OnAir for valuable exam tips, tricks and insights from industry experts.

Registered in CertMetrics

When registeration is completed, site asked to update a few Required Information.

  1. Provided consent on the Program Policies and Agreement
  2. Submitted personal information like DoB
  3. Provided Professional Affiliation (To share the certification status with your working organization)

One key information noted in the Program Policies page. You have a maximum of four attempts in a two year period. 
  • After failing once - Wait 14 days. 
  • After failing twice - Wait 60 days.
  • After failing thrice - Wait 365 days before taking it a fourth time.

Standard Exam Guide

This provides the overivew of the curriculum on what is expected as part of the exam.

https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/professional_cloud_architect_exam_guide_english.pdf

Certification Learning Path

https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/paths/12. Planning to follow along the learning path.

Finally, created GCP Free Tier Account. I will be using it to get hands-on practice throughout this journey.

Day 2 - Regions and Zones

This concept is very similar to the AWS Regions and Availability Zones. Main purpose of deploying application in multi-region is to provide,
  • High Availability
  • Low Latency 
  • Global Footprint

Current GCP footprint (as of today - July 2025)

  • Regions: 42
  • Zones: 127
  • Edge Locations: 202
  • Available in 200+ Countries and Terrritories
Unlike AWS, GCP provides atleast three zones in each region. In AWS, there are certain regions that supports only two availability zones.