In the technology-driven era, cloud computing has become an essential pillar for businesses of all sizes. Among the leading providers in the cloud space, Google Cloud stands out, offering a range of services to cater to various organizational needs. To navigate this technology effectively, Google Cloud provides certifications like the Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam. Now, you might be wondering what this exam is about and whether it is worth taking. If yes, then this blog is right for you. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the exam, its content, and preparation strategies to help you succeed.
What is the Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam?
The exam consists of 50-60 questions. The exam questions are arranged in the form of multiple-choice or multiple-response format. Languages available are English and Japanese. The duration to complete the questions is 90 minutes.
Who Is The Certification Designed For?
The certification is designed for candidates who have acquired knowledge and skills to run Google Cloud products and services. The candidate uses these services to transform an organization digitally. It is a foundational certification that any candidate can achieve without prior experience and knowledge.
What Is The Cost Of The Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam? Learn Affordable Resources!
The cost of the Google Cloud Digital Exam can be classified into three main sections as given below:
- Registration cost
The registration fee for the exam is $99. This fee is compulsory.
- Free videos and lectures
You may find multiple paid courses for this certification. But, the most affordable method is to watch online videos and lectures available online. These videos are completely free of cost.
- Affordable dumps
Braindumps are a major cost that is not compulsory but adds good benefits to your exam results. One of the most affordable dumps that hold a great quality of exam questions is Dumpsgate. Its cost is $25-$30.
Read more: Google Cloud Certification Cost
Can I Take The Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam Remotely Or Onsite?
Remote or on-site exams both ways are acceptable. If you fulfill all the requirements of taking the online exam, the place must be free from noise and any distractions, and you must have a stable internet connection to your device.
For an onsite exam, you must book your exam at the affiliated exam center near you. The date and time of the exam can be decided based on your availability.
What are the Course Topics in Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam?
The following are the course topics that you must prepare to take the Google Cloud Digital Leader exam.
Digital Transformation with Google Cloud (approximately 10% of the exam)
1.1 Why Cloud Technology is Transforming Business
- Explain why and how the cloud is revolutionizing businesses.
○ Define the terms: cloud, cloud technology, data, digital transformation, cloud-native, open source, open standard.
○ Describe the differences between cloud technology and traditional or on-premises technology.
○ Explain the benefits of cloud technology to a business’ digital transformation: this technology is scalable, flexible, agile, secure, cost-effective and offers strategic value.
○ Describe the primary benefits of on-premises infrastructure, public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and multi cloud and differentiate between them.
○ Describe the main business transformation benefits of Google Cloud: intelligence, freedom, collaboration, trust, and sustainable technology.
○ Describe the implications and risks for organizations that do not adopt new technology.
○ Describe the drivers and challenges that lead organizations to undergo a digital transformation.
○ Describe the transformation cloud and how it accelerates an organization’s digital transformation through app and infrastructure modernization, data democratization, people connections, and trusted transactions.
1.2 Fundamental Cloud Concepts
- Explain general cloud concepts.
○ Describe how transitioning to a cloud infrastructure affects flexibility, scalability, reliability, elasticity, agility, and total cost of ownership (TCO). Apply these concepts to various business use cases.
○ Explain how an organization’s transition from an on-premises environment to the cloud shifts their capital expenditures (CapEx) to operational expenditures (OpEx), and how that affects their total cost of ownership (TCO).
○ Identify when private, hybrid, or multi cloud infrastructures best apply to different business use cases.
○ Define basic network infrastructure terminology, including: IP address; internet service provider (ISP); domain name server (DNS), regions, and zones; fiber optics; subsea cables; network edge data centers, latency; and bandwidth.
○ Discuss how Google Cloud supports digital transformation with global infrastructure and data centers connected by a fast, reliable network.
1.3 Cloud Computing Models and Shared Responsibility
- Discuss the benefits and tradeoffs of using infrastructure as a service (IaaS); platform as a service (PaaS); and software as a service (SaaS).
○ Define IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
○ Compare and contrast the benefits and tradeoffs of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS including total cost of ownership (TCO), flexibility, shared responsibilities, management level, and necessary staffing and technical expertise.
○ Determine which computing model (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) applies to various business scenarios and use cases.
○ Describe the cloud shared responsibility model. Compare which responsibilities are the cloud provider’s, and which responsibilities are the customer’s for on-premises and cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
Innovating with data and Google Cloud (approximately 30% of the exam)
2.1 Describe the role of data in digital transformation and the importance of a data-driven culture
- Explain how cloud technology enables data to be applied in new ways
2.2 Identify common Google Cloud solutions for data management
- Recognize examples of structured and unstructured data
2.3. Identify common Google Cloud solutions for smart analytics
- Articulate the business benefits of storing data in the cloud
- Apply appropriate business use cases for databases, data warehouses, and data lakes
- Explain the benefits of Google Cloud data products, including: Looker, BigQuery, Cloud Spanner, Cloud SQL, Cloud Storage
2.4. Identify Google Cloud’s solutions for machine learning and AI
- Define artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
- Outline the importance of data quality in ML prediction accuracy
- Describe Google Cloud’s differentiators with regard to AI and machine learning
- Recognize the ways customers can use Google Cloud’s AI and ML solutions to create business value
Infrastructure and application modernization (approximately 30% of the exam)
3.1 Learn what modernizing IT infrastructure with Google Cloud means
- Explain why legacy infrastructure struggles to deliver modern services to customers
- Explain the benefits of modernizing infrastructure with cloud technology
- Differentiate between hybrid and multicloud infrastructures
- Differentiate between virtual machines, containers, and serverless computing within business use cases
- Identify the Google Cloud solutions that help businesses modernize their infrastructure
3.2 Understand modernizing applications with Google Cloud
- Describe the business drivers for modernizing applications
- Describe the benefits of using cloud-native applications
- Apply the appropriate change pattern to different business use cases
- Explain the benefits of Google Kubernetes Engine, Anthos, and App Engine for application development
3.3 Understand the value of APIs
- Explain how application programming interfaces (APIs) can modernize legacy systems
- Describe how APIs can create new business value
- Explain the benefits of Apigee
Understanding Google Cloud security and operations (approximately 30% of the exam)
4.1 Describe financial governance in the cloud and Google Cloud’s recommended best practices for effective cloud cost management
- Explain how adopting cloud technology affects the total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Identify the cost management strategy needed in a given business scenario
4.2 Describe a cloud security approach and Google Cloud security benefits
- Define fundamental cloud security terms, including privacy, availability, security, and control
- Explain what is meant by a shared responsibility model
- Describe the security benefits of using Google Cloud
- Identify today’s top cybersecurity challenges and threats to data privacy
- Demonstrate how organizations can control and manage access to cloud resources
4.3 Explain how IT operations need to adapt to thrive in the cloud
- Differentiate service availability requirements in the cloud versus in on-premises environments
- Describe the operational challenges that DevOps solves
- Apply the goals of site reliability engineering (SRE) to different business use cases
4.4 Identify Google Cloud solutions for cloud resource monitoring and application performance management
- Explain the potential impact of unexpected or prolonged downtime
- Define monitoring, logging, and observability within the context of cloud operations
- Identify the Google Cloud resource monitoring and maintenance tools.
Read more: A Glimpse of Cloud Certification path
Why Is Google Cloud Digital Leader Certification So Demanding?
Thousands of students take the Google Cloud Digital Leader certification every year. A substantial number of candidates take the certification because of its popularity and significance. Every candidate wishes to learn the pros of a credential before earning it. The following are the benefits of Google Cloud Digital Leader certification that are highly commendable:
- The certification validates your understanding of Google Cloud technologies and your ability to lead digital transformation initiatives using cloud solutions.
- The Google Cloud Digital leader is the foundation-level certification. Learning these credentials develops your understanding of the associate and professional certifications.
- Google Cloud is a prominent player in the cloud computing industry, and being certified by them can enhance your credibility and marketability in the job market.
- Possessing this certification can open up new career opportunities and potentially lead to higher-paying roles, especially in cloud-related leadership positions.
- The certification equips you with knowledge about cloud strategies, enabling you to make informed decisions and guide your organization through successful cloud implementations.
- Companies value employees with cloud expertise as they can contribute to optimizing operations, reducing costs, and improving overall efficiency.
- The certification can connect you with other certified professionals, creating networking opportunities and a community to share insights and experiences.
- Google Cloud’s technologies are constantly evolving, and maintaining the certification might require you to stay updated with the latest industry trends and advancements.
- The certification process involves deepening your understanding of cloud technologies, which can contribute to your personal and professional growth.
Read more: Is Google Professional Cloud Developer Certification worth it
Worried to Pass the Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam? Follow these Tips!
Preparing for the Google Cloud Digital Leader certification requires a structured approach. It may take multiple attempts if you are preparing in a proper way using the proper materials. Here are steps you can take to prepare effectively:
1. Understand the Exam
Familiarize yourself with the exam format, objectives, and expectations. Google’s official certification page should have detailed information.
2. Assess Your Knowledge
Evaluate your existing knowledge of Google Cloud technologies and services. Identify areas where you need more understanding.
3. Study Resources
Utilize Google Cloud’s official documentation, whitepapers, and online courses. They provide comprehensive information and insights into various services.
4. Online Courses
Enroll in Google Cloud’s official online courses tailored for the certification. These courses cover the topics you need to know and often include hands-on labs.
5. Practice Labs
Hands-on experience is crucial. Use Google Cloud’s free tier or labs provided by online learning platforms to practice using different services.
6. Sample Questions
Look for sample exam questions online. These can help you understand the questions you might encounter and allow you to practice your knowledge.
7. Study Groups and Forums
Join study groups or online forums where you can discuss concepts, share resources, and ask questions.
8. Case Studies
Review real-world case studies demonstrating how Google Cloud solutions have been applied to solve specific business challenges.
9. Time Management
Set a study schedule that fits your routine. Allocate specific time for each topic to ensure comprehensive coverage.
10. Revision
Regularly review your notes, practice questions, and study materials to reinforce your learning.
11. Mock Exams
As you approach your exam date, take mock exams to simulate the real exam environment and gauge your readiness.
12. Hands-on Projects
If possible, work on small projects that involve implementing Google Cloud solutions. Practical experience is highly valuable.
13. Confidence Building
Believe in your preparation and capabilities. Confidence can positively impact your performance on exam day.
14. Exam Tips
On the exam day, read each question carefully, manage your time wisely, and avoid dwelling on difficult questions. Review your answers if time permits.
Future of a Google Cloud Digital Leader Professional
The future of Google Cloud Digital leader is great and diverse. To elaborate this idea, we will help you learn the salary and job prospects of these professionals.
Average Hourly Salary of Google Cloud Digital Leader
According to ZipRecruiter, the salary range of a Google Cloud Digital leader is $11.54 to $51.20. The following illustration shows the salary earned by then in 2023
Job Roles Earned by the Google Cloud Digital Leader
- Google Analyst
- Google Cloud Solution Architect
- Google Admin
- Cloud Workers
- Google Project Management Certificate
- Cloud Engineer
- Google IT Support Certificate
- Google Software Engineer
- Google Cloud Engineer
- Google It Certificate
Decided to take the exam? What to do next?
We know that preparing for the Google Cloud Digital Leader exam is hard for you if you are a beginner. The above tips and strategies will help you to pass the exam successfully. In this part, you will learn a step-by-step guide to earning the cloud digital leader badge.
- Create an account on Google Cloud Webassessor.
- Schedule the time, date and language of the exam.
- Pay the exam registration fee.
- Prepare for the exam.
- Take the exam and wait for the certification badge.
Final Coda
The Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam serves as a testament to your understanding of cloud technologies and your ability to lead digital transformation initiatives using Google Cloud services. By mastering the key concepts, services, and strategies outlined in this exam, you can confidently steer your organization towards a more efficient, innovative, and agile future in the cloud era. Remember, thorough preparation and practical experience will be your best allies in conquering this certification and unlocking the benefits of cloud computing for your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Cloud Digital Leader Exam hard?
Yes, the exam is challenging if you are new to Google technology. However, some experience and proper study material can help you to crack the exam easily. Since it is a foundational exam with basic concepts, it is easy to prepare the exam topics.
How long does it take to prepare for the Google Cloud Digital Leader exam?
It usually takes 4-5 days to prepare for the exam.
What is the exam retake policy for Google Cloud Digital Leader certification?
You can retake the Google Cloud Digital Leader exam if you are not able to pass it successfully. After the first attempt, you can retake the exam after 14 days. If the second attempt is unsuccessful, you can take the third one after 60 days. After the third attempt, there is a waiting period of 365 days before the fourth attempt.
How long is the Google Cloud Digital Leader Certification valid?
The certification is valid for three years. Before the certification expires, you must take the recertification exam to keep your credentials valid.