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Google Cloud · Cloud · Professional

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam guide

Exam Professional Cloud Network Engineer

Professional Cloud Network Engineer validates that you can design, implement and manage Google Cloud network architectures: VPCs, hybrid and multicloud interconnect, managed network services and network security. It is the specialist credential for engineers who own Google Cloud networking.

Questions50-60
Time limit120 minutes
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$200 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryOnline proctored or onsite at a Pearson VUE test center

Format: Multiple choice. Fee note: Plus tax where applicable..

Who it's for

Network engineers with 3+ years of industry experience, including at least a year working with Google Cloud networking.

What the exam covers

Designing and planning a Google Cloud VPC network21%
Implementing a VPC network20%
Configuring managed network services16%
Configuring and implementing hybrid and multicloud network interconnectivity16%
Managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting network operations14%
Configuring, implementing, and managing a cloud network security solution13%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ years designing and managing solutions on Google Cloud.

Keeping it active

Valid for 2 years. Renew by retaking the exam, or through Google Skills by completing the designated renewal courses and/or skill badges during the final year of validity, which extends the certification by 1 year (link CM Connect and Google Skills accounts with the same email).

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Designing Shared VPC and VPC peering topologies
  • Configuring Cloud Router, BGP, Cloud VPN and Cloud Interconnect
  • Deploying global and regional load balancers and Cloud CDN
  • Configuring Cloud DNS, Cloud NAT and Private Service Connect
  • Implementing Cloud NGFW, Cloud Armor and VPC Service Controls
  • Troubleshooting with Network Intelligence Center and flow logs

Job roles

Cloud Network EngineerNetwork ArchitectNetwork EngineerCloud Infrastructure EngineerNetwork Security Engineer

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1-2: Network Engineer learning path; design IP plans, Shared VPC and peering in a lab project.
  2. Week 3: Hybrid connectivity: HA VPN with Cloud Router BGP; study Dedicated vs Partner Interconnect and Network Connectivity Center.
  3. Week 4: Load balancing, Cloud CDN, Cloud DNS, Cloud NAT and Private Service Connect labs.
  4. Week 5: Security and operations: firewall policies, Cloud Armor, VPC Service Controls, Network Intelligence Center.
  5. Week 6: Sample questions, timed practice and gap review; sit the exam.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Design and implementation of VPCs together are about 40% of the exam; know Shared VPC vs peering limits.
  • Have a load balancer selection chart memorized (global vs regional, external vs internal, proxy vs passthrough).
  • Know BGP basics: ASNs, MED, advertised routes and dynamic routing mode (regional vs global).
  • Expect Private Service Connect vs private services access questions.
  • Know which tool in Network Intelligence Center answers which troubleshooting question.

Key terms for this exam

All 13 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How much does Professional Cloud Network Engineer cost?

$200 plus tax.

How long is it valid?

Professional certifications are valid for 2 years. Renew by retaking the standard exam, or through the Google Skills renewal path in the final year (extends validity by 1 year).

Is it hard?

It is one of Google's harder exams for people without BGP and enterprise networking experience.

Do I need a CCNA?

No prerequisite, but CCNA-level networking knowledge is assumed.

Is it worth it?

Yes for network engineers in Google Cloud environments; demand is high and the pool of certified engineers is small.

Official page: cloud.google.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.