How I cracked Google Certification - Professional Cloud Security Engineer (PCSE)

Introduction

I am a backend engineer with multiple years of experience with GCP and I attempted Google Cloud security engineer by going through the free courses offered by Google with CloudSkill Boot with hands-on lab exercises. Also, various online mock exams and most of all using the elimination of wrong answers for MCQ. With all above I manage to pass the exam in a week’s time of preparation.

Study material

I primarily used the following resources for my preparation:

• Google Cloud Skill Boost: This platform offers a variety of free courses specifically designed for the Google Cloud certifications. The hands-on labs were particularly useful.
• Online Mock Exams: I took several mock exams available online to familiarize myself with the exam pattern and types of questions.
• Official Google Cloud Documentation: This is a comprehensive resource for understanding the various services and best practices.

Exam experience

The exam was challenging but manageable with the right preparation. Here are some key points from my experience:

• Time Management: The exam duration was sufficient, but it’s important to pace yourself and not spend too much time on any single question.
• Elimination Technique: For multiple-choice questions, eliminating the obviously wrong answers helped me narrow down the choices and increase my chances of selecting the correct answer.
• Hands-On Experience: Practical experience with GCP services was invaluable. The hands-on labs from Cloud Skill Boost were particularly helpful in this regard.
• Review: I had some time left at the end of the exam to review my answers and make any necessary changes.

Overall, with focused preparation and the right resources, passing the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification is achievable.