Google Cloud Platform ACE Certification Course Overview Des Moines, IA

Your ACE Credential Isn't a Certificate. It's Your Ticket to Relevance

You're the backend engineer, sysadmin, or developer keeping legacy systems running - managing VMs on-premise, wrestling with complex firewall rules, and hoping your disaster recovery plan works. Your daily results are solid, yet your salary plateaued because your skills are defined by legacy infrastructure, not leverage. Meanwhile, companies in Des Moines, IA are struggling to hire engineers who can deploy microservices on GKE, manage data pipelines with BigQuery, and automate infrastructure using Deployment Manager. This isn't a passive course where you click through slides. Our Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE) program is designed for working Des Moines, IA professionals who understand that career growth requires becoming harder to replace. Crafted by GCP Professional-level experts who have migrated major financial services and e-commerce platforms, the curriculum focuses on practical, production-ready skills that startups and multinational corporations demand. Stop being filtered out by HR bots scanning for essential cloud credentials. Your experience running stable systems is valuable, but without the Google Cloud Certified ACE credential, it's just a footnote. This certification validates your ability to navigate the GCP console, deploy foundational compute and storage, and manage essential networking and security components - skills every modern cloud team expects. The real ROI isn't the certificate; it's the competence. When you walk into your next interview, you won't just know Google Compute Engine (GCE) - you'll be able to design cost-optimized, high-availability architectures using regional managed instance groups and custom machine types. This expertise translates immediately into higher-value roles, a 30-50% salary increase, and recognition as a Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect or Google Cloud Certified Data Engineer. Whether you're exploring Google Cloud certification courses, concerned about Google Cloud certification cost, or preparing for the Google Cloud certification exam fee, this ACE program positions you to succeed and ensures you are a certified, in-demand professional.

GCP Associate Cloud Engineer Certification Training Highlights Des Moines, IA

More Than a Course - It's Your Career Accelerator

50+ Hours of Guided Labs

We mandate hands-on time, not passive viewing. You will spend over 50 hours deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting resources in a live GCP environment, ensuring muscle memory is built before exam day.

Official Curriculum Alignment

Our program is based on the official ACE Exam Guide, structured to cover the exact weightings (Planning, Configuring, Deploying, Implementing, Monitoring) to maximize your score where it counts.

1,500+ Exam-Level Questions

Access our proprietary question bank, featuring scenario-based questions that test your judgment and practical application, not just your definitions - the brutal reality of the actual ACE exam.

Guaranteed Audit-Proof Application

While the ACE has no strict prerequisites, we provide a structured path and mentorship to help you leverage your existing experience to fulfill the "recommended 6 months of cloud experience" to build confidence.

Des Moines, IA-Specific Case Studies

Move past generic US examples. We use real-world migration and deployment case studies from Des Moines, IA telecom, FinTech, and government projects to ground your learning in relevant market challenges.

Lifetime Digital Access & Updates

The cloud evolves every three months. Your one-time investment includes permanent access to all course materials and guaranteed, free updates reflecting new GCP services and exam changes.

Corporate Training

Tailored programs for teams with enterprise support

Learning Models

Choose from digital or instructor-led training for a customized learning experience.

LMS Platform

Access an enterprise-grade Learning Management System built for scalability and security.

Pricing Options

Pick from flexible pricing plans that fit your team size and learning goals.

Performance Dashboards

Track progress with intuitive dashboards for individuals and teams.

24x7 Support

Get round-the-clock learner assistance whenever you need help.

Account Manager

Work with a dedicated account manager who ensures smooth delivery and support.

Ready to transform your team?

Get a custom quote for your organization's training needs.

Upcoming Schedule

Join the next batch that fits your timezone

Skills You Will Gain In Our GCP ACE Certification Training Program Des Moines, IA

From Knowledge to Actionable Intelligence

Compute Deployment & Cost Control

Stop wasting budget on over-provisioned VMs. Learn strategies from Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer training to master Managed Instance Groups (MIGs) and Preemptible VMs for autoscaling, high resilience, and a 40-70% reduction in compute costs, making this a key outcome in Google Cloud certification courses.

Container Orchestration (GKE)

Cut through Kubernetes complexity. Master the practical deployment of applications onto GKE, focusing on basic node pooling, scaling, and service exposure - the minimum required to run containers in production.

VPC & Firewall Security

Eliminate accidental security vulnerabilities. Architect and implement VPC Networks, configure granular Firewall Rules by tag, and secure external connections using Cloud VPN principles - skills validated by Google Cloud Certified credentials.

Serverless Acceleration

Stop managing operating systems. Leverage Cloud Run and App Engine to deploy containerized and serverless applications, shifting your focus entirely from infrastructure maintenance to application delivery.

Storage Strategy & Trade-offs

Choose the right tool for the job. Master the trade-offs between Cloud Storage (buckets), Cloud SQL, and Cloud Datastore/Firestore to optimize for cost, durability, and access patterns.

Monitoring and Alerting

Don't wait for your users to report an outage. Implement Cloud Monitoring and Cloud Logging to establish critical metrics, set up effective alerting thresholds, and systematically troubleshoot deployed resources.

Who This Program Is For

Ideal Candidates for Google Cloud Platform ACE Certification Training Program

System Administrators

Junior Cloud Engineers

Developers (Backend/Full-Stack)

IT Managers/Team Leads

DevOps/SRE Candidates

If you are a working professional in Des Moines, IA's competitive IT market and meet the commitment level required for a rigorous, hands-on certification, this program is engineered to get you Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer.

Google Cloud Platform Associate Cloud Engineer Training Program Roadmap - Des Moines, IA

The Step-by-Step System for First-Attempt Success

Step 1: Secure Your Path

Choose your ideal training modality and commit to the 5-week intensive ACE study plan.

Step 2: Master the Platform

Absorb the live, expert-led training, focusing heavily on the 50+ hours of mandatory hands-on lab deployments.

Step 3: Internalize the Architecture

Dedicate time to understanding the trade-offs between Compute Engine, App Engine, and GKE - the core of the exam.

Step 4: Find & Fix Flaws

Systematically clear our 1,500+ question bank, using performance analytics to pinpoint and eliminate your weakest domain areas.

Step 5: Conquer the Clock

Master exam pressure by taking 10+ full-length, timed simulators until your score is consistently in the 'Above Target' range.

Step 6: Execute & Pass

Walk into the Pearson VUE center (or log in for the online proctored exam) prepared, confident, and pass the ACE exam on your first attempt.

Step 7: Leverage Your Credential

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile immediately to unlock senior roles and secure the higher salary band reserved for certified cloud professionals.

1/7

Why Get Google Cloud Associate Certified Engineer Certified?

The Credential That Ends the Gatekeeping

Stop getting filtered out by automated systems

The ACE credential is the globally standardized keyword HR and recruiters use to identify deployable cloud talent.

Unlock higher salary bands

Unlock salary bands 30-50% higher than non-certified peers by validating your ability to use cost-optimized, highly available cloud services.

Transition from tactical execution to strategic influence

Demonstrate you understand the platform's architectural trade-offs, earning a seat at the infrastructure design table.

Eligibility and Pre-requisites

For GCP ACE Certification

Check if you meet the requirements

The ACE certification is respected because it validates foundational engineering competence. Unlike many vendors, Google Cloud does not mandate a formal prerequisite or formal training hours to sit for the exam. Here is the high-level breakdown of what you need to qualify.

Eligibility Criteria:

Recommended Hands-On Experience: A minimum of 6 months of hands-on experience working with Google Cloud products and services, including deploying, monitoring, and maintaining projects in the cloud.

Structured Training: Our program provides 40 hours of instruction plus 50+ hours of guided labs to offer structured, intensive, real-world practice aligned with Google Cloud best practices.

Commitment to Practice: Your willingness to actively engage in hands-on labs and exercises is the only true requirement to confidently qualify for and pass the exam.

For a detailed breakdown of recommended preparation and exam objectives, please refer to our full ACE training FAQ.

Course Modules & Curriculum

Comprehensive modules covering all knowledge areas

Module 1 Introducing and Getting Started with Google Cloud Platform ▾

Lesson 1: Project Foundation & Billing Mastery

Master the GCP account hierarchy, projects, and fundamental security. Understand billing structure, quotas, and how to set up budget alerts - the first skill any manager demands.

Lesson 2: Navigating the Console & Cloud Shell

Learn to use the Cloud Console, gcloud CLI, and Cloud Shell for rapid, repeatable resource deployment - a hallmark of efficient engineers and a core competency tested in Google Cloud Certified exams.

Lesson 3: Securing Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Apply the Principle of Least Privilege using custom and primitive IAM roles, service accounts, and key management to secure your cloud environment. Essential for Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect or Data Engineer paths.

Module 2 Compute Engine and Networking ▾

Lesson 1: Deploying and Managing Compute Engine

Launch, configure, and manage high-availability deployments using Managed Instance Groups (MIGs), auto-scaling, and different machine families.

Lesson 2: VPC Networking & Firewall Rules

Architect VPC networks and subnets, and configure precise firewall rules to control ingress and egress traffic, eliminating accidental exposure and common security pitfalls.

Lesson 3: Load Balancing and Health Checks

Implement various Cloud Load Balancers (Global, Regional) and configure robust health checks for continuous uptime during Des Moines, IA-scale traffic spikes.

Module 3 Google App Engine, Containers, and Serverless ▾

Lesson 1: Deploying to Google App Engine

Deploy applications to App Engine Standard and Flexible environments, mastering configuration files and scaling behavior.

Lesson 2: Mastering Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)

Create, configure, and monitor a production-ready GKE cluster. Deploy multi-container applications and execute basic cluster maintenance tasks.

Lesson 3: Cloud Run and Function-as-a-Service

Containerize applications for Cloud Run and build event-driven automation using Cloud Functions to minimize operational overhead and cost.

Module 4 Google Cloud Platform Storage Options & Data Services ▾

Lesson 1: Object Storage and Data Lifecycle

Master Cloud Storage for global data needs. Select the right storage class (Standard, Nearline, Coldline, Archive) and implement Object Lifecycle Management to optimize costs.

Lesson 2: Relational and NoSQL Databases

Understand the operational differences between Cloud SQL (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and Cloud Datastore/Firestore (NoSQL), a crucial exam topic.

Lesson 3: Leveraging Data & Machine Learning Services (Foundational)

Get hands-on with BigQuery and basic Cloud AI/ML tools. Build foundational skills relevant to Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer and other professional paths.

Module 5 Implementing, Monitoring, and Successful Project Management ▾

Lesson 1: Monitoring, Logging, and Alerting with Operations Suite

Implement robust monitoring with Cloud Monitoring, configure custom metrics, and set up actionable alerts for critical service degradations.

Lesson 2: Deployment and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Deploy infrastructure using Deployment Manager and understand configuration state management principles for repeatable, automated setups.

Lesson 3: Troubleshooting and Incident Response

Use Cloud Logging to analyze error logs, identify root causes of deployment failures (e.g., IAM, networking), and execute basic incident response workflows.

Google Cloud Certified - ACE & Exam FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our course and certification

What is the Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE) certification? ▾

The ACE is Google Cloud's foundational-to-mid-level certification. It validates a candidate's ability to deploy, monitor, and maintain projects on Google Cloud. It is the mandatory first step for any serious cloud engineering career on GCP.

How much does the ACE exam cost? ▾

The exam fee is $125 USD globally (plus applicable taxes, including GST in Des Moines, IA). Budget accordingly when considering the Google Cloud certification cost and exam fee.

What are the prerequisites to take the ACE exam? ▾

No formal prerequisites are mandated. Google recommends at least six months of hands-on GCP experience. Our Google Cloud certification courses provide structured knowledge to meet this recommendation.

How many questions are on the ACE exam, and what is the time limit? ▾

The exam consists of 50-60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. You are given 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the exam. The questions are scenario-based, requiring you to apply knowledge, not just recall facts.

What is the passing score for the ACE exam? ▾

Google Cloud does not publicly disclose a fixed passing score. Based on industry data and experience, you should aim for a consistent score of 75-80% on full-length mock exams to be confident of passing the real test.

Can I take the ACE exam online, or do I need to visit a testing center in Des Moines, IA? ▾

You have two options: Onsite Proctored at a Pearson VUE testing center or Online Proctored from home/office. Given Des Moines, IA's internet and power issues, we recommend using a Pearson VUE center to eliminate technical failures.

How long is my Google Cloud ACE certification valid? ▾

The Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer credential is valid for two years. Re-certification requires retaking the exam before expiration.

What domains are covered in the ACE exam and what are their weightings? ▾

The exam is divided into five core domains: Setting up a Cloud Solution Environment, Planning and Configuring a Cloud Solution, Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution, Ensuring Successful Operation of a Cloud Solution, and Access & Security. Weightings focus heavily on Deploying/Implementing and Operating.

What happens if I fail the ACE exam on the first attempt? ▾

There is a waiting period: 14 days after the first failure, 60 days after the second, and one year for subsequent attempts. Our Google Cloud certification courses are designed to maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt.

How soon after training should I schedule my ACE exam? ▾

We advise scheduling your exam 3 to 4 weeks after completing the live instructional phase. This allows time to consolidate knowledge through lab exercises and dedicate the final weeks entirely to mock exams and error correction.

Is there a tax component (GST) on the $125 USD exam fee in Des Moines, IA? ▾

Yes. Google's testing partner (Kryterion/Pearson VUE) typically adds GST to the USD fee at the prevailing rate when you register and pay. Budget for this additional cost.

What language is the ACE exam available in? ▾

The exam is primarily offered in English. Occasionally, a few other languages may be offered, but serious candidates should prepare and take the exam in English.

Do I need to document my 6 months of recommended experience for the ACE exam? ▾

No. Unlike some certifications, you do not need to formally document or submit proof of experience. The certification itself validates your competence.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring to the Pearson VUE testing center? ▾

Yes, strict rules apply. Personal items like phones, notes, calculators, watches, or outside material are not allowed. The center provides a secure environment and an on-screen calculator.

If I pass the ACE exam, can I skip the ACE exam when pursuing the Professional Cloud Architect certification? ▾

No. ACE provides foundational knowledge, but passing it does not waive any requirements for Professional Cloud Architect or Professional Data Engineer certifications. Each exam must be passed separately.

Customer Testimonials

Hear from our successful graduates

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great class, very informative.

James Conklin

Project Manager, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great PMP® Bootcamp. I had a great time taking this course. I took the course to prepare to sit for the CAPM® but may be able to sit for the PMP®. I learnt a lot was challenging. Great course. We need one more day. Content was very detailed.

Karle Scroggins

Operations Coordinator, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

it was a great class. Lots of energy. And I enjoyed.

John Denke

Project Manager , Boeing

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fantastic course to prepare for PMP® exam.

Kevin Hambrice

Global Factory Sales & Marketing Manager, ABB

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

As a participant it was smooth sailing for me.

Eric S. Tumlinson

Sr. Project Manager, Montco Oilfield Contractors, LLC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trainer was excellent. Shared good resources and good experiences.

Khemoni Holmes

Project Manager, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Good content and training.

Dennis Glover

Project Manager, eProtex

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I wanted to let you know that I took and passed the PMP exam. Thanks to iCert Global and especially my Cincinnati course instructor, who was an excellent teacher and helped me immensely.

Steve Ditty

Executive Director, Cogent IBS

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trainer was good. Trainer was very engaged and interacting. Very much satisfied with the training.

Stefan Long

Owner, MAGMAX Group LLC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this training. Yomi was awesome as a trainer and working to make sure that we understood the concepts. Controlling Cost and Controlling Risk are the most complicated, but Yomi spent time after class working through questions to help others understand. This class also helped to change my perception of the PMP being this MONSTER to something that I can I can successfully do.

Nancy Davis

Sr. Project Manager , GK Software USA, Inc

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great class with a lot of information and tips to prepare for the exam

John Eric Nelson

Business Development Manager , WCA Waste

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It was a great course, covered all the things that i ended up hitting road bumps on. I was the only one in the class, but the trainer was just as involved as if it had been a full class.

Mark Butler

Project Manager, Starbucks Via Aerotek

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was nervous about taking it online versus classroom; but I am actually glad I took it online. Instructor was very great and gave a good learning experience with his relevant project management experience.

Xeng Yang

IT Specialist, Beautiful Creations & More

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The training was very intense but covered with course material. It was more than I expected.

Bernadette Gilliam

Operations/Technical Support Analyst , The Johns Hopkins Hospital

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I thought the class was very informative. The instructor did an excellent job breaking down each chapter to where it was easy to understand. I was also very impressed with his commitment to help us pass ever after the class is over.