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Frequently Asked Questions

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Certification program general information

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What is a Google Cloud certification?

Google Cloud's certification program gives Google Cloud users, customers and partners a way to demonstrate their technical skills in a particular job role or technology. Individuals are assessed using a variety of rigorously developed industry standard methods to determine whether they meet Google Cloud's proficiency standards.

Why should I get a Google Cloud certification?

Google Cloud certifications give you benchmarks for your professional development. They help you gauge your skill set against your peers and demonstrate your value to hiring managers.

What is the difference between a certification and an exam?

The certification is what an individual candidate earns. It is defined by a list of requirements that must be met. Usually, an exam is included in this list of requirements.

How long is a Google Cloud certification valid?

Unless explicitly stated in the detailed exam descriptions, all Google Cloud certifications are valid for two years from the date certified. Candidates must recertify in order to maintain their certification status.

Can I take the exam again if I’m already certified?

No. You may not attempt the same exam while currently certified unless you are within the recertification eligibility period starting 60 days prior to your certification expiration date. If you violate these terms, your exam result will be rejected; you may be decertified from the Google Certification Program; you may be prohibited from taking the exam and/or any other Google exam; and Google, in its sole discretion, may terminate any applicable business relationship with you.

Is there an age requirement in order to be able to take a certification exam?

Google Cloud Platform Associate and Professional Certification exams: you must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for any Google Cloud Platform certification exam.

G Suite: To be eligible for the G Suite Certification exam, you must be at least 13 years of age (except in countries with a higher minimum age), as detailed in this support article.

Do I need to be a Google Cloud partner to take an exam?

No. Certification exams can be taken by anyone who is interested.

Are Google Cloud certification exams eligible for VA reimbursement?

Yes. Any qualifying US veteran covered under a GI Bill can submit a reimbursement request to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Data Engineer, and Associate Cloud Engineer exams.

How does VA reimbursement work?

Qualified candidates need to attempt the exam and then apply for reimbursement using VA Form 22-803 after receiving the results. Proof of payment along with the notice of test results or the applicable certification document is submitted with VA form 22-0803.

Will more Google Cloud certification exams become available for VA reimbursement?

Yes. As soon as an exam reaches its 2 year anniversary we apply to have it included in the list of eligible exams. For example:

• Professional Cloud Architect - eligible
• Professional Data Engineer - eligible
• Associate Cloud Engineer - eligible
• Professional Cloud Developer - applying January 2021
• Professional Cloud Network Engineer - applying March 2021
• Professional Cloud Security Engineer - applying April 2021
• Professional Collaboration Engineer - applying June 2021
• Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer - applying January 2022

Where can I learn more about this VA benefit?

Additional information about this benefit is available on the Licensing and Certification page of the GI Bill website and this VA Licensing and Certification Pamphlet.

Exam general information

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How much do certification exams cost?

The cost of certification exams varies. Please refer to the individual exam pages for cost information.

What happens if I don't pass a certification exam?

If you don't pass an exam, you can take it again after 14 days. If you don't pass a second time, you must wait 60 days before you can take it a third time. If you don't pass the third time, you must wait a year before taking it again. You may attempt the exam in multiple languages, but each attempt regardless of language counts toward the total permissible attempts and the waiting period between attempts still applies. Payment is required each time you take an exam. Circumventing this retake policy by registering under a different name or any other means is a violation of the exam terms and conditions and will result in a denied or revoked certification.

Why don't I receive my score or any feedback when I submit my exam?

Our exams are designed to determine only whether or not an individual meets a minimum passing standard. They are not designed to be diagnostic or spread people out on a scale of ability. For this reason, numerical scores are not meaningful for the examinee and can be misinterpreted.

Why don't I receive section feedback on my exam?

We recognize that some other exam providers provide section feedback on their exams. We do not because it is not meaningful and could be misleading. Our exams are not designed to diagnose strengths and weaknesses. Our exam sections are very broad topic categories, and the range of specific questions you may receive for each section in a single exam sitting is extremely narrow by comparison. Based on such a small amount of data, there is no meaningful feedback at the section level that we can responsibly provide.

Are all questions on the exam scored?

No. At any given time, a small number of questions on our exams may be unscored. These are newly developed questions that are being evaluated for their effectiveness. This is a standard practice in the testing industry.

How do you develop your exams?

We follow industry accepted procedures to ensure our exams are valid and accurate. Our exam development process includes the following steps:

• Job Task Analysis
A Job Task Analysis (JTA) is a formal study that begins with identifying job role representatives, technology experts, and stakeholders. These experts are surveyed and interviewed in a workshop to elicit information about what people do in a specific job or role and what skills distinguish competence. These skills are described in our exam guides that we publish on the web.
• Question development
Our question writers are subject matter experts who have worked in the certified role. Question writers are trained in the testing standards and conventions that we apply to our exams.
All questions are reviewed to determine that they adhere to standards and are technically accurate.
• Beta and final exams
Once the questions have passed all reviews and approvals, they are published in a beta exam. The purpose of the beta exam is to gather performance statistics on the exam questions to determine those that are most effective. We review the question statistics and comments and remove questions that do not meet our standards.
• Passing score
The passing score for each exam is confidential. It is determined by a panel of internal and external subject matter experts, following an industry-accepted standard setting process. The passing score is applied equally to all examinees. It is re-evaluated when changes are made to the exam content.

How often do you update your exams?

Exam content can be updated at any time.

How are the exams delivered?

The delivery method for an exam depends on its format. Please refer to the individual exam pages for exam format and delivery information.

How much time will it take me to complete an exam?

Exams vary in length. Please refer to the individual exam pages for exam format and time limits.

Are there prerequisites to taking a certification exam?

Please refer to the individual exam pages for prerequisites.

How can I prepare for the exams?

Real-world, hands-on experience is the best preparation. Our certification exams are designed to identify individuals who demonstrate skills using Google technology to perform critical job tasks. We list these tasks in our exam guides. Please refer to the individual exam pages to review the relevant exam guide and learning resources that we believe can help you build the foundation you need to get started.

Can I take this exam in a group or with a partner?

No. Per our exam terms and conditions, the exam must be taken independently and without collaboration with other people. If you are caught cheating or working with another person during your exam, your results will be voided and you will be banned from taking another Google Cloud certification exam for a year.

Proctoring general information

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Where can I take a certification exam?

Google complies with the U.S. government's list of restricted countries maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. For online exams, you must present approved identification showing residence in a non-embargoed country.

Are remotely proctored certification exams open-book exams?

No, these are not open-book exams. You cannot use any notes or any other unauthorized items while taking any of our exams. Your work area should be clear of all items except for your computer. If you are caught using any unauthorized items, this will be flagged for misconduct and you may risk having your results voided and being barred from taking any Google Cloud certification exams.

Are there any technical system requirements in order to take a remotely proctored exam?

Yes, there may be technical system requirements you need to meet before you can begin your remotely proctored exam. Please refer to the individual exam pages for more details.

For exams administered at a Kryterion test center, what should I do if I have a medical condition and need a testing accommodation?

Testing accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis and may require supporting documentation. Depending on the accommodation requested, it can take 30+ days prior to test date to arrange the accommodation with our partners and third-party services. To request an accommodation, please contact us before scheduling an exam.

How will my exam information be used for remotely proctored exams?

Some online exams require third-party proctoring by our certification partner, ProctorU. All exam information collected is subject to Google's Privacy Policy and ProctorU's Privacy Policy, as applicable.

What forms of identification are accepted at the Kryterion on-site test center?

Acceptable forms of primary identification must be issued by the government and include your name, photograph, and signature. Examples include:

Government-issued driver's license

U.S. Department of State driver's license

National/state/country identification card

Passport

Passport cards

Military ID

Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident visa)

Acceptable forms of secondary identification must include your name and signature. Examples include:

U.S. Social Security card

Debit/(ATM) card

Credit card

School ID

Forms of primary identification

What forms of identification are accepted for remotely proctored exams?

Acceptable forms of primary identification must be issued by the government and include your name, photograph, and signature. Examples include:

Government-issued driver's license

U.S. Department of State driver's license

National/state/country identification card

Passport

Passport cards

Military ID

Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident visa)

Acceptable forms of secondary identification must include your name and signature. Examples include:

U.S. Social Security card

Debit/(ATM) card

Credit card

School ID

Forms of primary identification

For exams administered at the Kryterion on-site test center, what happens if I don't show up for my exam, cancel, or reschedule less than 72 hours before the scheduled time?

If you do not show up for your exam, your exam fee is forfeited and you will not receive a refund.

If you cancel your exam less than 72 hours before your exam time, you will incur a late cancellation fee.

If you reschedule your exam within 72 hours of your exam time, you will be charged a rescheduling fee.

Beta certifications

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What are beta certification exams?

Beta certification exams are newly developed assessments. We gather performance statistics on the questions and use these statistics to create the certification standards for the final exams.

How are beta exams different than final exams?

Beta exams cost less than final exams.

Beta exams are only available for a short window of time.

The beta exam is longer than the final exam. This is because we are evaluating a large number of questions.

You won't receive your exam results right away. Beta exams are scored after the beta exam period closes. All beta candidates are notified of their results at the same time.

What is the beta registration fee?

All beta exams will be discounted at 40%. No other discounts can be combined with this offer. Please refer to the individual exam pages for exam-specific beta registration cost details.

Does passing a beta exam mean I am certified?

Yes. If you pass, you are Google Cloud Certified.

What happens if I don't pass the beta certification exam?

Beta exams are offered only when new exams are being developed. If you don't pass, you must wait for the final version of the exam to try again. Failing a beta exam does not count toward the total allowable attempts of the final exam.

How much time will it take me to complete a beta exam?

You will be allocated 3-4 hours to complete the exam.

Are there prerequisites to taking a beta certification exam?

No. All individuals meeting the specific requirements for an exam are allowed to attempt the exam. For more details, please refer to the exam guide webpages for each certification.

Are beta certification exams available in other languages?

The beta exams are available globally in English. They are not currently available in other languages.

Recertification

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What is your recertification policy?

Unless explicitly stated in the detailed exam descriptions, all Google cloud certifications are valid for two years from the date certified. Candidates must recertify in order to maintain their certification status and certificate number.

Why do I need to recertify?

Google technology changes frequently. We require recertification to ensure you're maintaining your skills.

Will I be notified when I need to recertify?

Yes. You should receive two reminder emails, 60 and 30 days prior to your expiration date. Reminder emails will be sent to the email address used during exam registration.

I didn't receive the notification that my certification expired. What happens now?

Once your certification has expired, you will have to retake the certification to reinstate your certification status. Please contact us if you have any changes to your email address for notification purposes.

My certification expired. What happens now?

If you want to continue to receive the certification benefits, you will need to take the exam again.

Can I recertify by passing a pilot exam?

Pilot exams are offered when a large amount of new exam content has been developed for an existing exam. Pilot participation is often by invitation only. If you are already certified and participate in a pilot exam, passing the pilot counts as recertification and you may not take take the exam or a subsequent version of the exam again until you need to recertify. Benefits of participating in pilot exams can vary and may include an extension of the certification period.

Certification program policies

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What happens if I violate the exam terms and conditions?

If Google discovers that you're in breach of the exam terms and conditions which are presented to you during your exam, your certification(s) will be revoked, you'll be permanently barred from retaking the exam and any other Google Cloud exams. Additionally, Google, in its sole discretion, may choose to terminate any applicable business relationship with you and take necessary legal actions.

If I have been suspended from the program, can I still participate in beta exams or pilot exams?

No, suspension from the program for violating the terms and conditions applies to all exams we offer.

I was unable to take my exam. Can I have a refund?

At times, certain circumstances are beyond your control and can impact your ability to meet the terms of registration. Exceptional circumstances may be available for full or partial refund. If the test-taker has extenuating circumstances, you may contact us. Valid supporting documentation is required. Requests are reviewed and full or partial refunds are granted at Google’s discretion.

What situations may be covered in a refund?

A medical emergency for you or a family member.

Natural disasters or severe weather incidents impacting the location of testing.

Urgent travel restrictions or severe security advisories issued 72 hours before your scheduled exam, by an appropriate national or international authority (such as a government office or department).

Is the data from my certification exam shared, and what are Google's policies regarding privacy and personal information?

When handling the information that we collect and process during participation in the exam, Google follows strict guidelines that can be found in our Data Sharing Policy for Google Cloud Certifications and Google's Privacy Policy. In addition, please note Proctor U's privacy policies as applicable.

How is the Google Cloud certification logo used?

You will receive a dynamic electronic badge so you can share your certification status on your personal professional networks with others, if you choose to do so. Google Cloud certification logos can only be used by the individual person who passes the exam. It cannot be used to represent a company. Your use of the Google Cloud certification logo is subject to Google's then-current Brand Feature Guidelines.

What is the retake policy?

If you don’t pass an exam, you can take it again after 14 days. If you don’t pass a second time, you must wait 60 days before you can take it a third time. If you don’t pass the third time, you must wait a year before taking it again. You may attempt the exam in multiple languages, but each attempt regardless of language counts toward the total permissible attempts and the waiting period between attempts still applies. Payment is required each time you take an exam. Circumventing this retake policy by registering under a different name or any other means is a violation of the exam terms and conditions and will result in a denied or revoked certification.