How I Earned Google Cloud's Professional Cloud Security Engineer Certification for Free
Introduction
Recently, I earned the Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification from Google Cloud, and the best part? I did it for free through the Get Certified Program, a fantastic initiative available under the Google Cloud Innovators program.
In this article, I'll provide a detailed account of how I leveraged this program to prepare for and pass the exam without incurring any costs. I'll also briefly touch upon other preparation methods for those who might not have access to the Get Certified Program.
About the Exam
The Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification validates your ability to design, implement, and manage secure workloads and infrastructure on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Here’s a quick overview:
Length: 2 hours
Registration Fee: $200 (plus tax where applicable)
Languages: English, Japanese
Exam Format: 50-60 multiple choice and multiple select questions
Exam Delivery Method:
Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements
Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Experience:
3+ years of industry experience, including more than 1 year designing and managing solutions using GCP
Certification Renewal / Recertification:
Candidates must recertify to maintain their certification status. Unless explicitly stated, all Google Cloud certifications are valid for two years from the certification date. Recertification is achieved by retaking the exam during the recertification eligibility time period and achieving a passing score. You may attempt recertification starting 60 days prior to your certification expiration date.
Exam Guide Sections:
Configuring access (~25% of the exam)
Securing communications and establishing boundary protection (~22% of the exam)
Ensuring data protection (~23% of the exam)
Managing operations (~19% of the exam)
Supporting compliance requirements (~11% of the exam)
Note: It is best to review the latest exam guide to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
About the Get Certified Program
The Get Certified Program is a guided 10-week learning initiative designed to help professionals achieve Google Cloud certifications. Here’s how it works:
Key Features:
Access to Google Cloud Skills Boost for hands-on labs and on-demand courses.
Weekly live mentorship sessions covering exam topics.
10 weeks of community support for peer-to-peer interactions and technical queries.
An exam voucher upon completing five skill badges.
Voucher Process:
Once you complete the required skill badges, you can request an exam voucher via a dedicated form. This voucher covers the full cost of the certification exam.
For more details, check out the Get Certified Program page.
My Tips for Success
Based on my experience with the "Get Certified Program," here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success:
Understand the Prerequisites: While the exam is offered for free through the program, it's crucial to recognize that the Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification is no walk in the park. It requires significant preparation and assumes a solid foundation in cloud security concepts and hands-on experience with GCP. Ensure you meet the recommended experience levels before embarking on this journey.
Embrace the Structure: The program's 10-week structured learning plan is designed to guide you through the necessary content and labs. Stick to the schedule and avoid piling up everything for the last few days. Consistent effort is key to success.
Hands-on Learning is Key: The program provides access to Google Cloud Skill Badges and hands-on labs. Utilize these resources to solidify your knowledge and gain practical experience. The free credits offered through the program can be instrumental in exploring various GCP security services in a real-world environment.
Take Notes and Revise: As you progress through the program, take detailed notes and use them to revise key concepts before the exam. This will help reinforce your understanding and ensure you're well-prepared for the exam.
Consider the Exam Environment: While the exam can be taken from your office or home, I highly recommend going to a testing center. This eliminates the risk of internet connectivity issues or other distractions that might arise at home. A controlled environment can help you focus and perform your best.
Other Ways to Prepare for the Exam
If you're unable to enroll in the Get Certified Program, there are alternative ways to prepare for the Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam. Please note that this is not based on my personal experience but on feedback from other exam takers:
Book:
The Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Professional Cloud Security Engineer Certification Companion by Dario Cabianca is often recommended by exam takers. It provides comprehensive coverage of exam topics and practice questions.
Online Course:
A Cloud Guru offers a course titled Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Security Engineer, which can be a valuable resource for self-paced learning and exam preparation.
Remember consistent effort and a strategic approach to preparation are crucial for success in the exam.
I hope this article has provided valuable insights into the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam and the Get Certified Program. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
