Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect (PCA) exam voucher — at a glance
A prepaid exam voucher for the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification exam, often shortened to PCA. The voucher covers one attempt at the Professional Cloud Architect exam. The price in US dollars is shown at the top of this page. Your voucher code is emailed within 24–48 hours of your order being processed, and you use it when you register for the exam through Google Cloud’s exam delivery partner, Pearson VUE.
Vouchers are supplied in batches. The batch expiry above is the date the voucher itself expires; it is not an exam date and not the expiry of your certification. Pearson’s voucher terms state that voucher expiration dates cannot be extended, so register and sit your exam before it.
What you get
Included
- One exam voucher for the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam
- Your voucher code by email within 24–48 hours of your order being processed
- Instructions for using the code when you register for your exam with Pearson VUE
What this voucher is not
- It is not a booking. You choose your own exam date, time and delivery method when you register.
- It covers one exam attempt. It is not a retake package, and a resit needs a new voucher.
- It does not include training, study materials or practice exams.
- It is not a guarantee of a pass. The voucher pays for the exam attempt; the result depends on your preparation.
- It does not cover the shorter Professional Cloud Architect renewal exam, which Google prices and delivers separately.
- It does not cover other Google Cloud exams, such as Professional Cloud Developer or Associate Cloud Engineer.
Professional Cloud Architect exam details
The Professional Cloud Architect exam is 2 hours long, with 50–60 multiple choice and multiple select questions. Some questions refer to a case study: a fictitious business and its solution concept, which Google says make up 20–30% of the exam. Google’s exam guide divides the exam into six sections; the largest is Designing and planning a cloud solution architecture, at about 25%.
What the Professional Cloud Architect certification validates
Google states that the exam assesses your ability to:
- Design and plan a cloud solution architecture
- Manage and provision the cloud solution infrastructure
- Design for security and compliance
- Analyze and optimize technical and business processes
- Manage implementations of cloud architecture
- Ensure solution and operations excellence
Case studies used in the exam
Google’s current exam guide lists four case studies that may be used: Altostrat Media, Cymbal Retail, EHR Healthcare and KnightMotives Automotive. Several of these businesses use Google Cloud’s generative AI solutions. The guide also says the pillars of the Google Cloud Well-Architected Framework run through the exam objectives.
Exam update note. Google states the exam was updated to reflect recent branding changes, so check the product names used in the current exam guide when you prepare.
Full published details are on Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect certification page and in the Professional Cloud Architect exam guide.
Who this voucher is for
- Preparing to sit the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam and ready to book it
- Certain you need Professional Cloud Architect, not another Google Cloud exam
- Designing and managing solutions on Google Cloud, or moving into a cloud architect role
- Buying now to use within the voucher’s expiry date
Google recommends 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ year designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud, and sets no formal prerequisites. Its exam guide describes a Professional Cloud Architect as someone who can design, develop and manage robust, secure, scalable, highly available and cost-effective solutions that drive business objectives, and calls familiarity with the Google Cloud Well-Architected Framework a key requirement. It is a Professional-level exam.
Why buy from EvolveSkill
Built for the exam you chose
This voucher is for the Professional Cloud Architect exam only, and every exam fact on this page — length, questions, sections, fee, languages — is taken from Google Cloud’s own published exam information.
The price you see is the price you pay
The price is shown in US dollars at the top of this page and is the amount charged at checkout. Nothing is added afterwards.
Clear about what a voucher is
A voucher pays for one exam attempt. It is not a booking, a training course or a guarantee of a result, and this page says so before you buy.
A real cancellation window
If your order has not been processed and your voucher has not been issued yet, contact us — a cancellation may still be possible. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
What the Google Cloud PCA exam costs
Google Cloud lists the registration fee for the Professional Cloud Architect exam at US$200, plus tax where applicable. The separate Professional Cloud Architect renewal exam, for people who already hold the certification, is listed at US$100.
What Google Cloud charges
US$200 plus tax where applicable for the 120-minute exam, paid when you register. Check Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect page for the current fee before you buy.
What you pay EvolveSkill
The price shown at the top of this page, in US dollars. With the voucher, you use the code at registration instead of paying the exam fee there.
The price shown at checkout is the price you pay. Nothing is added afterwards.
How it works
- Check the exam — this voucher is for Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect (PCA) only.
- Complete checkout at the price shown above.
- Receive your voucher code by email. Your order is fulfilled by EvolveSkill and your code is emailed within 24–48 hours of your order being processed.
- Register and book your exam. Register for the Professional Cloud Architect exam through Google Cloud’s exam delivery partner, Pearson VUE, choose online proctored or a test centre, and enter your voucher code at payment.
Before you buy
- Confirm the exam. This voucher is for Professional Cloud Architect only. Google states that vouchers are valid only for a specific exam or group of exams and can be language specific.
- Check the language. Google lists the Professional Cloud Architect exam in English, Japanese.
- Check the experience Google recommends. 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ year designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud; there are no formal prerequisites.
- Check the current batch expiry. The batch on sale now expires January 1, 2027, shown above. This is the voucher’s expiry, not an exam date. Pearson’s voucher terms state that expiration dates cannot be extended, so register and sit your exam before it.
- One attempt. The voucher covers a single attempt. For Professional exams Google allows up to four attempts in two years, with waits of 14, 60 and then 365 days after each failed attempt (retake policy), so a resit needs a new voucher.
- Rescheduling. Google states that if you cancel outside the reschedule window, the voucher code is considered consumed and cannot be reused. Check the rules before you book (see Google’s voucher help).
- Check your name. Google states that your legal name needs to use Romanized characters to schedule exams with Pearson.
- Cancelling your order. Once a voucher has been issued or delivered it cannot be returned or refunded. If your order has not yet been processed and the voucher has not been issued, contact us — a cancellation may still be possible. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Google Cloud PCA exam voucher?
A prepaid voucher that covers the exam fee for one attempt at the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam. You use the voucher code when you register for the exam with Pearson VUE.
Which exam does this voucher cover?
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification exam only. It cannot be used for other Google Cloud exams or for the Professional Cloud Architect renewal exam.
What is the exam code for Professional Cloud Architect?
Google identifies the exam by its name, Professional Cloud Architect, rather than a numbered exam code. It is often shortened to PCA.
How much does the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam cost?
Google Cloud lists the registration fee at US$200, plus tax where applicable. The renewal exam for existing certification holders is listed at US$100.
How much does the PCA voucher cost?
The price in US dollars is shown at the top of this page and is the amount charged at checkout. Compare it with Google Cloud’s published US$200 fee before you buy.
Is this a promo code or a discount code?
No. It is an exam voucher code that covers the exam fee for one attempt. Google describes vouchers as single-use, individually coded and date-sensitive.
How long is the voucher valid?
Vouchers are supplied in batches, each with its own expiry date. The batch on sale now expires January 1, 2027. That is the voucher’s expiry, not an exam date. Pearson’s voucher terms state that expiration dates cannot be extended, so sit your exam before it.
How fast will I get my voucher?
Your voucher is fulfilled by EvolveSkill and emailed within 24–48 hours after your order is processed, along with instructions for using it.
How do I use the voucher?
Register for the Professional Cloud Architect exam through Pearson VUE, Google Cloud’s exam delivery partner, choose your delivery method and appointment, and enter the voucher code at payment.
Can I take the exam online?
Yes. Google offers the exam online proctored from a remote location, or onsite at a Pearson VUE test centre. Google states that a voucher remains valid if you switch between onsite and online delivery.
Is the voucher the same as booking the exam?
No. The voucher pays for the exam. You still choose your own date, time and delivery method.
How many questions are on the PCA exam, and how long is it?
Google lists 50–60 multiple choice and multiple select questions and a 2 hours exam. Case studies make up 20–30% of the exam.
What is the passing score for PCA?
Google does not publish a passing score on its Professional Cloud Architect certification page or in the exam guide. Google asks candidates to allow 7–10 days for it to confirm exam results.
Which case studies are used in the PCA exam?
Google’s current exam guide lists Altostrat Media, Cymbal Retail, EHR Healthcare and KnightMotives Automotive. Questions that use a case study describe a fictitious business and solution concept.
Which section of the PCA exam carries the most weight?
Designing and planning a cloud solution architecture, at about 25% of the exam. It is followed by Managing and provisioning a cloud solution infrastructure and Designing for security and compliance (about 17.5% each), Analyzing and optimizing technical and business processes (about 15%), and Managing implementation and Ensuring solution and operations excellence (about 12.5% each).
Which languages is the PCA exam available in?
Google lists English, Japanese. Availability can change, so check Google Cloud’s certification page before you register.
How long is the Professional Cloud Architect certification valid?
Google states that Professional certifications are valid for 2 years. You can renew by retaking the standard exam, by taking the shorter renewal exam (60 minutes, 25 questions) from 60 days before your certification expires, or through designated courses or skill badges.
Does this cover a retake?
No. The voucher covers one exam attempt. Google’s retake policy for Professional exams requires waits of 14, 60 and then 365 days after failed attempts, with up to four attempts in two years, and each attempt needs its own payment or voucher.
Does it include study materials or practice tests?
No. This product is the exam voucher only — no training course, study guide or practice exam.
Can I use this voucher for the Professional Cloud Developer exam?
No. Professional Cloud Architect and Professional Cloud Developer are separate exams. For that exam, see the Professional Cloud Developer exam voucher.
Does buying a voucher guarantee that I will pass?
No. The voucher pays for the exam attempt only. Passing depends on your own preparation.
What should I check before purchasing?
That you need Professional Cloud Architect rather than another Google Cloud exam, that you can take it in English, Japanese, and that you can sit it before the voucher expires.
What is EvolveSkill, and is it the same as Google Cloud?
EvolveSkill sells certification exam vouchers and publishes free certification guides for IT certifications, including Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA and Fortinet. It is a separate company from Google: Google Cloud sets the exam content, scoring and policies, and EvolveSkill sells the voucher.
Who owns the Google Cloud names and marks?
Google Cloud and related marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Exam and certification names are used on this page to identify the exam this voucher is for.
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Check the exam and the price above, then add the voucher to your cart.
Planning your next Google Cloud certification? Browse all Google Cloud exam vouchers, including Professional Cloud Developer, Professional Cloud Security Engineer and Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer.
