GCP ACE Practice / Study guide

Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE) Exam — Study Guide

What's actually on the exam, in plain terms — format, cost, the five domains, and where to start. Every domain links to a page with real sample questions and explanations.

Exam format at a glance

Length	50–60 questions, 120 minutes
Question types	Multiple choice and multiple select
Cost	$125 USD (same fee for retakes)
Passing bar	Not published; ~70% is the commonly cited target
Validity	3 years, with a shorter renewal exam available near expiry
Delivery	Remote-proctored online or at a test center

The five exam domains

Each domain below links to a dedicated page with real study content and free sample questions with explanations — not just a list of topics.

Domain	Covers	Weight
Domain 1	Setting Up a Cloud Solution Environment	~20%
Domain 2	Planning & Configuring a Cloud Solution	~18%
Domain 3	Deploying & Implementing a Cloud Solution	~22%
Domain 4	Ensuring Successful Operation	~20%
Domain 5	Configuring Access and Security	~20%

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the ACE exam?

50–60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, in 120 minutes.

What's the passing score?

Google doesn't publish an exact cut score. ~70% is the commonly cited bar — aim for consistent 80%+ on mock exams before booking.

How much does the exam cost?

$125 USD (plus tax where applicable), the same fee for retakes — there's no discounted retake rate.

How long is the certification valid?

3 years from the date you pass. A shorter, cheaper renewal exam is available starting 180 days before expiry.

What are the five exam domains?

Setting up a cloud solution environment (~20%), planning & configuring a cloud solution (~18%), deploying & implementing a cloud solution (~22%), ensuring successful operation (~20%), and configuring access & security (~20%).

Is prior hands-on experience required?

Not formally required, but Google recommends 6+ months of hands-on Google Cloud experience — the exam rewards having actually run gcloud commands, not just read about them.