Roadmap to Success: Google Cloud Platform CP100A

Roadmap to Success is a series of posts designed to help learners better understand certification pathways, career opportunities associated with those certifications, and next steps beyond certification.

The Google Cloud Platform CP100A (GCP CP100A) serves as the entry-level training for learners entering into the Google Cloud Platform universe. As more and more businesses turn to cloud solutions, the need for qualified IT professionals is exploding. The GCP CP100A training qualifies learners for Google's three learning paths: systems operations professional, solution developer, and solution architect.

Google Certifications Google's certification structure is continuing to evolve as they develop more certifications (qualifications) and training partners. Google's qualifications for IT professionals, and specifically regarding Google Cloud Platform, are tiered, starting at the 100-level, followed by 200- and 300-level qualifications.

100-level Training

Training for 100-level content does not include certification exams, nor result in formal qualification or certification. 100-level training serves as prerequisite content to subsequent training for qualification.

• CP100A: Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals

200-level Training and Qualification

As of this post's publication date, there are no exams for 200-level training, but Google is currently working to develop exams that will result in qualification.

• CPO200: Google Cloud Platform for Systems Operations Professionals (CPO)

• CPA200: Google Cloud Platform Architect (CPA) Fundamentals

• CPB200: Google Cloud Platform BigData (CPB)

Though there are currently no exams for either 100- or 200-level training, learners are encouraged to complete the training sequentially in order to develop the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success at the 300-level training for qualification.

300-level Training and Qualification

Finally, 300-level training is, indeed, associated with exams leading to formal certification. Learners who pass each of the five Google Cloud Platform Developer exams will earn the Google Cloud Platform Qualified Developer designation.

• CPE301: Google App Engine (GAE) Qualification Exam

• CPE302: Google Cloud Storage (GCS) Qualification Exam

• CPE303: Cloud SQL Qualification Exam

• CPE304: BigQuery Qualification Exam

• CPE305: Google Compute Engine (GCE) Qualification Exam

Google Cloud Platform CP100A (GCP CP100A) The Google Cloud Platform CP100A (GCP CP100A) training is designed to serve as the entry point for learners interested in conquering Google Cloud Platform. The GCP CP100A is the first prerequisite training in the Systems Operations Professional Learning Path, which equips learners to implement, deploy, migrate, and maintain applications in the cloud. Training objectives for the GCP CP100A are available online (free resource) and include topics such as:

• understanding the difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS;

• using Compute Engine to deploy a container-based application environment;

• deploying an application to App Engine that uses Memcache;

• comparing GCP storage options: Cloud Storage, Cloud SQL, and Cloud Datastore; and

• using BigQuery to interactively query application log data streamed from Google Cloud Logging.

The GCP CP100A training does not require an exam, however, the content will be covered by a new course taught by Garth Schulte. Check out CBT Nuggets' new and in-progress courses to see Garth's progress in the weeks ahead.

Though there are no prerequisites for the GCP CP100A training, we recommend that learners have a basic familiarity with command-line tools, and one or more programming languages (i.e., Java or Python).

Exam Details There are currently no exams for 100-level training.

The Next Step Learners beginning their training journey with the GCP CP100A will most likely continue on with CPO200: Google Cloud Platform for Systems Operations Professionals (CPO) to complete the Systems Operations Professional Learning Path, in preparation for the Google Cloud Platform Qualified Developer designation (made up of five exams: CPE301: GAE, CPE302: GCS, CPE303: Cloud SQL, CPE304: BigQuery, and CPE305: GCE).

Some learners may choose to diversify their cloud-based training and certification vitae. Options include:

• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate (made up of one exam: AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate)

• VMware VCP-Cloud (made up of one exam: VCP-Cloud)

• Microsoft Azure (made up of three exams: 70-532, 70-533, and 70-534)

Recertification There are no recertification considerations for Google's 100-level training because there are no exams or qualifications associated with the training.

Career Considerations Payscale.com/ and SimplyHired.com/ are excellent resources for helping learners determine average pay scales for job opportunities associated with Google Cloud Platform qualifications. Depending on experience, an employee who holds a Google Cloud Platform qualification typically earns a median salary of $77,000.

While an employee with any cloud computing certification/qualification can earn anywhere between $93,619 and $177,724, depending on their role. It is important to note that the GCP CP100A training is the entry point for most IT professionals into cloud computing. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect far lower salaries for learners just beginning their experience with cloud. Common roles or titles for those who hold a cloud-based certification/qualification include solutions architect, software engineer, senior systems engineer, VP software engineering, IT director, senior product manager, and more.

Concluding Thoughts Google has developed a strong foothold in the business world with its vast array of products. As more organizations are turning to Google cloud solutions, learners who can position themselves with qualifications to support those businesses will open up tremendous career opportunities.

Watch. Learn. Conquer Google Cloud Platform!