Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | GCP Professional Cloud Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Level | Associate | Professional |
| Exam Cost | $150 ✓ | $200 |
| Avg Salary | $130,000 | $145,000 ✓ |
| Pass Rate | 72% ✓ | 55% |
| Study Hours | 120h ✓ | 150h |
| Difficulty | 6/10 ✓ | 7/10 |
| Job Listings | 42.0K ✓ | 15.0K |
For a deeper look at each certification, read our full AWS Solutions Architect Associate guide and GCP Professional Cloud Architect guide. Also compare: AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Professional, AWS SAA vs Azure Administrator.
Our Verdict
These certifications target different levels: AWS SAA is associate-level while GCP PCA is professional-level. GCP PCA commands a higher salary ($145K vs $130K) but has fewer job listings (15K vs 42K). If you're choosing a cloud platform, AWS has the larger job market. If you already work with GCP, the Professional Cloud Architect is one of the highest-ROI certifications available.
Choose AWS Solutions Architect Associate if you...
- Prefer a more accessible exam (72% pass rate)
- Want a lower exam cost ($150 vs $200)
- Want broader job market demand (42.0K listings)
- Prefer a less challenging exam path (6/10 difficulty)
Choose GCP Professional Cloud Architect if you...
- Want higher earning potential ($145K vs $130K avg)
- Focus on Google Cloud ecosystem and professional-level roles
Can You Get Both?
Yes — and many professionals do. Since both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and GCP Professional Cloud Architect are in the cloud space, they complement each other well. Start with the AWS Solutions Architect Associate (lower barrier to entry) and add the other after 1-2 years of hands-on experience.
Combined study commitment: approximately 270h and $350 in exam fees.
These certs feature in career paths like Cloud Architect and Cloud DevOps Engineer.
Deep Dive Into Each Certification
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Amazon Web Services · Associate · $130K avg
GCP Professional Cloud Architect
Google Cloud · Professional · $145K avg
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GCP growing enough to invest in its certifications?
Should I get AWS SAA before GCP PCA?
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and GCP Professional Cloud Architect?
Related Career Paths
Cloud Architect
Cloud architects design and oversee an organization's cloud computing strategy, including cloud adop...
Cloud DevOps Engineer
Cloud DevOps engineers bridge development and operations by building CI/CD pipelines, managing infra...
Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineers build, deploy, and maintain cloud-based systems and services. They work hands-on wit...
Data Sources & Transparency
- Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
- Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
- Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums