GCP Professional Cloud Architect Certification
When preparing, seek to understand how the tools, services, and platforms work in real-world applications, rather than just memorizing information to pass the exam.
I took my GCP Professional Cloud Architect re-certification exam yesterday and yes I passed (thank you, thank you 😎). This is a journey I've embarked on not once, but two times over the last six years and passed. Each time I dive back into the preparation phase, I uncover new insights and learning experiences, making each certification uniquely rewarding. This latest endeavor was no exception, and I'd like to share some key takeaways that might help others on their certification path
Understanding over memorization.
When preparing, seek to understand how the tools, services, and platforms work in real-world applications, rather than just memorizing information to pass the exam. This deep understanding is invaluable, and far more important than the certification itself in my humble opinion. It's the knowledge and application of these tools in practical scenarios that truly empower a cloud architect when push really comes to shove!
Attention to detail is key.
Read the questions carefully! I know this is a no brainer, but during my practice exams I failed an attempt just because I didn't pay attention to the details in the question. For some questions, when looking at the answers more than one may seem applicable if you actually implement them. For example: Solutions like Cloud Run, App Engine, and Cloud Functions, while all server-less, serve different use cases, and the details in the questions will guide you to the correct answer.
Leverage the official study guide.
The certification scenarios and exam guide are indispensable resources for preparation. Reading the study guide well ahead saved me invaluable time during the exam, since I didn't have to read them all over, focusing my attention on answering the question immediately.
Your experience counts.
For those who, like me, have been working with Google Cloud Platform in production environments for years, then the second point above is especially important for you.
Relax, be calm, be confident.
Relax and be calm, you've got this. The exam is not designed to trick you but to confirm what you already know, or just learned. Trust in your knowledge and experience.
Anyways, I have never done certifications for AWS or Azure despite having over a decade of production experience with AWS, maybe I should do AWS certification next or Azure, would love your thoughts in the comments :)).
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Sharing these experiences and tips, I hope to inspire and assist others in their certification endeavors. The path to certification is as much about the journey and the knowledge gained as it is about the destination. Keep learning, stay curious, and above all, believe in your self.