Mastering the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam 2023

Having recently achieved my certification as a Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer this month, I was inspired to create a comprehensive guide that streamlines the process, saving you time and effort during your preparation journey.

This guide aims to aid you in your preparation for the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam.

What is Professional Cloud Network Engineer Role ?

A Cloud Network Engineer specializes in crafting and overseeing network frameworks within the Google Cloud environment.

With a minimum of one year of hands-on engagement in Google Cloud, this expert collaborates within networking or cloud squads alongside architects responsible for infrastructure design.

Drawing upon their expertise in implementing Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), hybrid connectivity, network services, application and container networking, and security for established network designs, this individual ensures the execution of cloud solutions, employing either the command line interface or the user-friendly Google Cloud Console.

Furthermore, proficiency in infrastructure as code (IaC) tools is expected from a Professional Cloud Network Engineer.

What is the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer (PCNE) exam?

The Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates an individual’s proficiency and expertise in designing, implementing, and managing network architectures within the Google Cloud platform.

This exam is designed to measure a candidate’s knowledge and practical skills related to various networking concepts and technologies

Never lose sight of the core essence of this journey: Learning.
Persist in constructing and experimenting within the Google Cloud, all the while remembering to commemorate and take pride in your achievements.

Register for the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam 

To register for the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam, follow these steps:

Visit the Google Cloud Certification Page: Go to the official Google Cloud certification website (https://cloud.google.com/certification) using your web browser.

Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam

Browse Available Certifications: Explore the list of available certifications and locate the “Professional Cloud Network Engineer” certification.

Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam

Review Exam Details: Click on the “Professional Cloud Network Engineer” certification to access detailed information about the exam, including its format, objectives, and prerequisites. Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Register for the Exam: navigate to the “Register” section or a similar option. This will forward you to the “Webassessor” platform .

Professional Cloud Network Engineer

Create or Log In to Your Google Cloud Webassessor account : If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one. If you already have an account, log in to it.

Google Cloud Webassessor account

Select Testing Method: Choose whether you want to take the exam in a physical testing center or opt for an online proctored exam.

Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam Registration

Complete Registration: Follow the prompts to provide the required information, such as your personal details, payment information (if applicable), and any other necessary information.

Review and Confirm: Double-check all the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy. Confirm your registration and make the payment if required.

Receive Confirmation: After completing the registration process, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing important details about the exam, including the date, time, and any specific instructions.

Professional Cloud Network Engineer– Exam Preparation Guide

This section will go over resources and links that can help you prepare for the PCNE exam better.

PCNE Exam Prerequisites

There no Prerequisites for Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam but Google recommends 3+ years of industry experience including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud

PCNE Exam Details

This table explains the Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam details :

Exam format50-60 multiple choice and multiple select questions
Length2 hours
Cost$200 (plus tax where applicable)
LanguagesEnglish, Japanese
Delivery methoda) Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements
b) Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you
PrerequisitesNone
ValidityTwo years 
Renewal In order to uphold their certified status, candidates are required to undergo recertification. Unless specified otherwise in the comprehensive exam descriptions, all Google Cloud certifications remain valid for a duration of two years from the date of initial certification. To achieve recertification, individuals must retake the exam within the designated recertification eligibility timeframe and attain a passing score.
Passing ScoreNot defined ( you will simply PASS Record)

PCNE Exam Syllabus

The Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam assesses the candidate’s competencies in five key subject areas.

Designing, planning, and prototyping a Google Cloud network

As a Cloud Network Engineer, it is essential to initiate the Google Cloud network infrastructure design process by conducting a thorough high-level analysis and crafting a comprehensive blueprint for the network framework. Optionally, this phase can involve the prototyping of potential design alternatives. The section presents several key factors to consider, including high availability, failover mechanisms, disaster recovery strategies, DNS approaches, and load balancing considerations.

  • Designing an overall network architecture
   
High availability, failover, and disaster recovery strategies
    DNS strategy (e.g., on-premises, Cloud DNS)
    Security and data exfiltration requirements
    Load balancing
    Applying quotas per project and per VPC
    Hybrid connectivity (e.g., Google private access for hybrid connectivity)
    Container networking
    IAM roles
    SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS services
    Microsegmentation for security purposes (e.g., using metadata, tags, service accounts)
Documentation

https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/access/iam#predefinedroles
https://cloud.google.com/cdn/docs/overview
https://cloud.google.com/nat/docs/overview
https://cloud.google.com/load-balancing/docs/load-balancing-overview
https://cloud.google.com/armor/docs/cloud-armor-overview
https://cloud.google.com/network-intelligence-center/docs
  • Designing Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) instances
 P address management and bring your own IP (BYOIP)
 Standalone vs. Shared VPC
 Multiple vs. single
 Regional vs. multi-regional
 VPC Network Peering
 Firewalls (e.g., service account-based, tag-based)
 Custom routes
Using managed services (e.g., Cloud SQL, Memorystore)
Third-party device insertion (NGFW) into VPC using multi-NIC and internal load balancer as a next hop or equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) routes
Documentation

https://cloud.google.com/vpc/docs/vpchttps://cloud.google.com/vpc/docs/firewalls
https://cloud.google.com/vpc/docs/routes
https://cloud.google.com/vpc/docs/shared-vpc
https://cloud.google.com/vpc/docs/vpc-peering
https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/how-to/choose-product
https://cloud.google.com/about/locations
https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/regions-zones
https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/regions-zones/global-regional-zonal-resource
s
https://cloud.google.com/vpc/network-pricing
https://cloud.google.com/compute/sla
  • Designing a hybrid and multi-cloud network
    Dedicated Interconnect vs. Partner Interconnect
    Multi-cloud connectivity
    Direct Peering
    IPsec VPN
    Failover and disaster recovery strategy
    Regional vs. global VPC routing mode
    Accessing multiple VPCs from on-premises locations (e.g., Shared VPC, multi-VPC
peering topologies)
    Bandwidth and constraints provided by hybrid connectivity solutions
    Accessing Google Services/APIs privately from on-premises locations
    IP address management across on-premises locations and cloud
    DNS peering and forwarding
Documentation
https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/interconnect/concepts/overview
https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/interconnect/concepts/dedicatedoverview
https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/interconnect/concepts/partner-ove
rview
https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/interconnect/concepts/terminology
https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/interconnect/pricing
https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/how-to/choose-product#cloud-inte
rconnect
  • Designing an IP addressing plan for Google Kubernetes Engine.
   Public and private cluster nodes
   Control plane public vs. private endpoints
   Subnets and alias IPs
   RFC 1918, non-RFC 1918, and privately used public IP (PUPI) address options
Documentation
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/concepts/types-of-clusters
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/concepts/alias-ips
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/how-to/alias-ips
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/how-to/routes-based-cluster
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/concepts/private-cluster-concept
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/how-to/private-clusters

Implementing Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) instances

As a Cloud Network Engineer, it is imperative to possess the ability to translate high-level network designs and resource allocation into practical implementation. This entails creating, establishing connections, and configuring the relevant networking infrastructure. An essential aspect involves carefully orchestrating the distribution of resources across various regions and zones while ensuring that availability, capacity, performance, and cost criteria are met. Additionally, you should excel at delineating the specifics of communication patterns among resources or between resources and external environments ( AWS n On Prem ,etc.).

  • Configuring VPCs
  •  Configuring routing
  • Configuring and maintaining Google Kubernetes Engine clusters
  • Configuring and managing firewall rules
  • Implementing VPC Service Controls

Configuring network services

In the role of a Google Cloud Network Engineer, it’s crucial to have a solid grasp of load balancing, along with autoscaling, as an approach to ensure scalability, resilience, availability, and optimal performance. Moreover, you should possess familiarity with the diverse load balancing options offered within Google Cloud, understand the trade-offs associated with each, and be well-versed in the intricacies of their practical implementation.

  • Configuring load balancing
  • Configuring Google Cloud Armor policies
  • Configuring Cloud CDN
  • Configuring and maintaining Cloud DNS
  • Configuring Cloud NAT
  • Configuring network packet inspection

Implementing hybrid interconnectivity

In the capacity of a Google Cloud Network Engineer, it is vital to be well-acquainted with the advantages associated with Interconnect, along with the various options available and the trade-offs associated with each. Furthermore, you should possess the capability to proficiently manage, set up, and configure the required components within Google Cloud to establish Interconnect connectivity.

  • Configuring Cloud Interconnect
  • Configuring a site-to-site IPsec VPN
  • Configuring Cloud Router.

Managing, monitoring, and optimizing network operations

In your role as a Professional Cloud Network Engineer, it is anticipated that you will contribute to the establishment and implementation of processes for logging and monitoring network activities and status.

  • Logging and monitoring with Google Cloud’s operations suite
  • Managing and maintaining security
  • Maintaining and troubleshooting connectivity issues
  • Monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting latency and traffic flow.

Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam Preparation Courses

Google Cloud training

Consider exploring Google Cloud’s learning resources. Google Cloud offers the dynamic Google Cloud Skills Boost program. Simply log in, enroll in your chosen learning path, and embark on your educational journey. In this instance, let’s opt for the Network Engineering Learning Path.

https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/journeys/14

Upon your selection of the learning path, delve into the comprehensive insights presented in the “Preparing for Your Professional Cloud Network Engineer Journey” section. This invaluable free training module not only sheds light on the pivotal exam topics but also provides a clear assessment of your strengths and areas that warrant further attention.

Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam

Coursera Training

Cloud Guru Training

Pluralsight Training

Hands-on Experience with Labs

Within the learning paths, you’ll encounter numerous labs that you should strive to finish. Accomplishing these labs and quests grants you the chance to attain valuable skill badges.

You can also explore https://codelabs.developers.google.com/ and search for networking topics. There, you’ll find a variety of codelabs that you can engage with in your personal environment, allowing you to gain more practical experience. As you learn, take the opportunity to delve into the diverse options available within a service’s configuration.

Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam Sample Questions

There are sample questions on the certification website that you can check out here.

Professional Cloud Network Engineer Sample Questions

Professional Cloud Network Engineer Exam FAQs

What is the validity period of the GCP certification?

The GCP Professional Cloud Network Engineer certification is valid for two years. After that, you may need to recertify to demonstrate your updated knowledge.

Can I retake the GCP exam if I don’t pass initially?

Yes, you can retake the GCP Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam. However, there are waiting periods and retake policies. Refer to GCP’s official guidelines for specific details.

How long is the GCP Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam?

The exam duration is typically around 2 hours

What topics are covered in the exam?

The exam covers various GCP networking topics, including VPC design, firewall rules, routing, load balancing, hybrid connectivity, Network Service Tiers, and DDoS protection.

What are the prerequisites for the exam?

You should have hands-on experience with GCP networking services, understanding of networking concepts, and familiarity with GCP products like Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Cloud Load Balancing, and Cloud VPN.

Conclusion

This GCP Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam study guide will greatly enhance your comprehension of GCP network components and their administration, leading to significant advancements in your career.

For those aspiring to become Cloud GCP Network Engineers, obtaining this certification is a remarkable achievement. Its significance is poised to increase even further as cloud technologies evolve. Therefore, commit your best efforts and prepare diligently.

Are you interested by others certifications Guides , check our Study Guides for Kubernetes :

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