Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer (GCP) Practice Exam

The Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer certification validates your ability to design, implement, and manage complex network architectures within Google Cloud Platform (GCP).  Earning this credential demonstrates your expertise in securing, optimizing, and troubleshooting cloud-based networks for various Google Cloud solutions.

Who Should Pursue the Certification?

This certification is ideal for IT professionals with experience in cloud networking and a strong foundation in GCP, particularly those involved in:

• Cloud Network Engineers: Designing, deploying, and managing network infrastructure within GCP.
• Network Architects: Specializing in cloud network architecture design on GCP.
• Solutions Architects: Developing secure and scalable cloud solutions that incorporate robust network designs.
• Experienced Network Engineers: Transitioning their network engineering skills to the Google Cloud platform.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the exam. However, Google recommends that candidates have:

• 1+ years of experience designing and managing cloud network architectures on any cloud platform (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).
• Solid understanding of networking concepts: Familiarity with core networking principles, protocols, and technologies (routing, switching, firewalls, etc.).
• Experience with Google Cloud Platform: Working knowledge of GCP core services and functionalities, particularly Compute Engine, Cloud Networking, and Cloud VPN.

Roles and Responsibilties

• Cloud Security Specialists: Collaborating with network engineers to implement security best practices for GCP network infrastructure.
• DevOps Engineers: Automating network deployments and configurations within GCP.
• Site Reliability Engineers (SREs): Ensuring the reliability, performance, and scalability of cloud network infrastructure.

Exam Format

• Exam Duration: 2 hours
• Registration fee: $200 (plus tax where applicable)
• Languages: English.
• Exam format: Multiple choice and multiple select
• Prerequisites: None
• Recommended experience: 3+ years of industry experience including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using GCP.

Course Outline 

Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer (GCP) exam covers the following topics - 

Module 1 - Designing, planning, and prototyping a GCP network

• 1.1 Designing the overall network architecture. 
• 1.2 Designing a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). 
• 1.3 Designing a hybrid network. 
• 1.4 Designing a container IP addressing plan for Google Kubernetes Engine

Module 2 - Implementing a GCP Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

• 2.1 Configuring VPCs. 
• 2.2 Configuring routing. Tasks include:
• 2.3 Configuring and maintaining Google Kubernetes Engine clusters. 
• 2.4 Configuring and managing firewall rules. 

Module 3 - Configuring network services

• 3.1 Configuring load balancing. 
• 3.2 Configuring Cloud CDN. 
• 3.3 Configuring and maintaining Cloud DNS. 
• 3.4 Enabling other network services. 

Module 4 - Implementing hybrid interconnectivity

• 4.1 Configuring interconnect. 
• 4.2 Configuring a site-to-site IPsec VPN (e.g., route-based, policy-based, dynamic or static routing).
• 4.3 Configuring Cloud Router for reliability.

Module 5 - Implementing network security

• 5.1 Configuring identity and access management (IAM). Tasks include:
• 5.2 Configuring Cloud Armor policies. 
• 5.3 Configuring third-party device insertion into VPC using multi-nic (NGFW)
• 5.4 Managing keys for SSH access

Module 6 - Managing and monitoring network operations

• 6.1 Logging and monitoring with Stackdriver or GCP Console
• 6.2 Managing and maintaining security. 
• 6.3 Maintaining and troubleshooting connectivity issues. 
• 6.4 Monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting latency and traffic flow. 

Module 7 - Optimizing network resources

• 7.1 Optimizing traffic flow. 
• 7.2 Optimizing for cost and efficiency.