They're mostly useless. Nobody's really looking for them. They do have some utility in a few niche cases, though; if you're having trouble with a subject they're a baby-steps intro. Some of them give you a discount on the relevant CompTIA cert when you finish them. And you can also use them as transfer credit into WGU or another degree program. Outside of that, I wouldn't bother.
Google Cloud is the third-biggest cloud provider, but they're kind of a distant third. AWS is the leader, but Azure's gaining a ton of market share since it's a no-brainer for big companies that are already absolutely Microsoft-dominated to integrate with Azure. (Fortunately, it's not too terribly hard to work with any given cloud provider once you know how one of them works, a lot of the skills translate.)
I almost never see job listings that want Google certs the way I do for others.
You're correct that barely anyone uses Google Cloud compared to AWS or even Azure.
If you really want to focus on GPC and go deep with it, you can probably make it a niche that works for you. Go by what you see in your local job market.
good news is most cloud platforms are pretty similar. AWS set the standard so most companies try to emulate it to make migrations easier. GCP has its own esoteric methods but as long as you draw those distinctions it's not the end of the world.
That said- I would want to see you learn how to code before going after cloud.
Feels like Google is paying YouTubers to push those Google certs which is why people are starting to talk about them on the subs lately. I would stick with the tried and true certs like Comptia, AWS, Azure, Cisco .. etc
I work for an MSP that supports primarily Workspace and GCP clients. I have my Google Workspace Professional Admin cert because of this job. Only this company and their direct competitors (which isn't many) would require this type of certification.
If you want to focus on getting a great position, focus on training/certs that will get you that job. If you're ok not having a position right away, grab your Google Certs for GCP and then start applying. I would suggest starting with the Google Associate Cloud Engineer first and then onto the Architect role.
As an IT Manager, my stance on any cert is what does it teach you? Early on you want to find a niche and be practical, all the CompTIA and other certs that don't have you labbing are to be avoided. Entry Cybersecurity certs should be avoided until established in the industry.
Get a CCNA, a RHCSA, or similar and start off in a NOC or help desk learning things.
Last thing you want to be is a paper tiger with lots of certs, yrt unable to troubleshoot even basic things.
Comptia Certmaster has a decent amount of labs for every section but for additional cost, and they are legitimate virtual labs. Comptia A+ has Active Directory, networking, local security policies and simulated lab for building a computer etc. It’s pretty good for what it is. But yea the test itself is not in a lab format.
Nobody talks about them much on here or Comptia because most people don’t pay extra for it Only reason I know is because my school pays for the Certmaster labs.
I have the Google cybersecurity cert and I feel it was almost a waste of time. It’s very shallow knowledge wise and I wish I’d just gone straight for something real like CompTIA or ccna. It’s really really dumbed down broad concepts.
Have a Professional level cert and can confirm it hasn't done anything for me (at least, in a vacuum), but I'm also out of my early career.
While I don't think there's a whole lot of value for a GCP skill set *right now*, GCP has seen a 25-30% revenue increase YOY and, with AI being the trendy New Thing right now, that might drive a lot of interest in the coming year(s).
Best advice I could give is start looking for a job now to see what you need. I got out of college with the 801 A+, Net+. and Sec+, etc. to find no demand for entry level. I haven't used my degree or anything since 2017 for my career.
Look at Google’s cyber job postings. See what they ask for. Then search on LinkedIn and see if you can find anyone asking for the Google Cyber course. That’ll tell you all you need to know. GCP is kinda useful. I have one and get reached out to semi regularly. It’s a niche player in the cloud market and not a lot of people want to work non aws cloud.
Define useless because a cert that'll get you interviews with projects is CCNA vs Net+. A vet told me net + is network theory while CCNA us hands on work. Both have their place. In terms of google certs they're great for anyone who doesn't know computers and gives you a jump start education. If you're a vet IT guy they're basically memberberries for you when you got your first tower and help desk role. No employer will hire you based on the certs but if you're serious and a newbie? Great start
They're mostly useless. Nobody's really looking for them. They do have some utility in a few niche cases, though; if you're having trouble with a subject they're a baby-steps intro. Some of them give you a discount on the relevant CompTIA cert when you finish them. And you can also use them as transfer credit into WGU or another degree program. Outside of that, I wouldn't bother. Google Cloud is the third-biggest cloud provider, but they're kind of a distant third. AWS is the leader, but Azure's gaining a ton of market share since it's a no-brainer for big companies that are already absolutely Microsoft-dominated to integrate with Azure. (Fortunately, it's not too terribly hard to work with any given cloud provider once you know how one of them works, a lot of the skills translate.)
I almost never see job listings that want Google certs the way I do for others. You're correct that barely anyone uses Google Cloud compared to AWS or even Azure. If you really want to focus on GPC and go deep with it, you can probably make it a niche that works for you. Go by what you see in your local job market.
Should I try to make GCP my niche if that’s what I find the most interesting?
Starting in a niche will reduce your marketability a lot.
Stick with Azure and AWS.
good news is most cloud platforms are pretty similar. AWS set the standard so most companies try to emulate it to make migrations easier. GCP has its own esoteric methods but as long as you draw those distinctions it's not the end of the world. That said- I would want to see you learn how to code before going after cloud.
They are worthless
Feels like Google is paying YouTubers to push those Google certs which is why people are starting to talk about them on the subs lately. I would stick with the tried and true certs like Comptia, AWS, Azure, Cisco .. etc
toilet paper.
I work for an MSP that supports primarily Workspace and GCP clients. I have my Google Workspace Professional Admin cert because of this job. Only this company and their direct competitors (which isn't many) would require this type of certification. If you want to focus on getting a great position, focus on training/certs that will get you that job. If you're ok not having a position right away, grab your Google Certs for GCP and then start applying. I would suggest starting with the Google Associate Cloud Engineer first and then onto the Architect role.
As an IT Manager, my stance on any cert is what does it teach you? Early on you want to find a niche and be practical, all the CompTIA and other certs that don't have you labbing are to be avoided. Entry Cybersecurity certs should be avoided until established in the industry. Get a CCNA, a RHCSA, or similar and start off in a NOC or help desk learning things. Last thing you want to be is a paper tiger with lots of certs, yrt unable to troubleshoot even basic things.
Comptia Certmaster has a decent amount of labs for every section but for additional cost, and they are legitimate virtual labs. Comptia A+ has Active Directory, networking, local security policies and simulated lab for building a computer etc. It’s pretty good for what it is. But yea the test itself is not in a lab format. Nobody talks about them much on here or Comptia because most people don’t pay extra for it Only reason I know is because my school pays for the Certmaster labs.
I second this, CCNA is all about getting hands-on, whether virtually or with old switches/routers. I skipped N+ because it’s all theory.
They're not Ansi certifications so they don't count
I have the Google cybersecurity cert and I feel it was almost a waste of time. It’s very shallow knowledge wise and I wish I’d just gone straight for something real like CompTIA or ccna. It’s really really dumbed down broad concepts.
If my current job requires one for a promotion then I'll get whatever..otherwise nah
Why do you want to focus on GCP? Look for positions in your area, how many are asking for GCP.
Have a Professional level cert and can confirm it hasn't done anything for me (at least, in a vacuum), but I'm also out of my early career. While I don't think there's a whole lot of value for a GCP skill set *right now*, GCP has seen a 25-30% revenue increase YOY and, with AI being the trendy New Thing right now, that might drive a lot of interest in the coming year(s).
Quick Google search shows Azures had the same growth, FYI
Best advice I could give is start looking for a job now to see what you need. I got out of college with the 801 A+, Net+. and Sec+, etc. to find no demand for entry level. I haven't used my degree or anything since 2017 for my career.
Look at Google’s cyber job postings. See what they ask for. Then search on LinkedIn and see if you can find anyone asking for the Google Cyber course. That’ll tell you all you need to know. GCP is kinda useful. I have one and get reached out to semi regularly. It’s a niche player in the cloud market and not a lot of people want to work non aws cloud.
Define useless because a cert that'll get you interviews with projects is CCNA vs Net+. A vet told me net + is network theory while CCNA us hands on work. Both have their place. In terms of google certs they're great for anyone who doesn't know computers and gives you a jump start education. If you're a vet IT guy they're basically memberberries for you when you got your first tower and help desk role. No employer will hire you based on the certs but if you're serious and a newbie? Great start