[ML Story] How I cleared the Google Cloud Machine Learning Certification in 2023

Google Cloud Machine Learning Engineer Exam is a certification offered by Google Cloud for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing, building, and deploying machine learning models on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This certification is intended for professionals who work with machine learning technologies and want to validate their skills in the context of GCP. The Google Cloud Machine Learning Engineer certification is one of the most challenging cloud certifications available. It covers a wide range of topics, including machine learning fundamentals, Google Cloud Platform services, and MLOps practices.

I recently cleared the certification exam, and in this article, I will share my preparation strategy and tips to help you succeed.

Prerequisites:
Before diving into the preparation, it’s essential to understand the basics of the Google Cloud Machine Learning Certification. This certification is designed for professionals who want to showcase their expertise in using Google Cloud services to design, build, and deploy machine learning models. It covers a wide range of topics, including data preparation, model building, deployment, and MLOps practices. Before you attempt the exam, it is recommended that you have the following:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with GCP products and solutions.
• Strong understanding of machine learning fundamentals, such as linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, and random forests.
• Experience with Python programming language.

Preparation Strategy :
My preparation strategy for the exam was as follows:

1. Review the exam guide : The exam guide provides a detailed overview of the topics covered in the exam. Make sure to thoroughly review the guide and identify any areas where you need to focus your studies.
2. Research & Resources : I searched the internet for resources, including official Google Cloud documentation, online courses, and practice exams.
3. Learning Path : There are many excellent training courses available online. I referred to the book Journey to Become a Google Cloud Machine Learning Engineer: Build the mind and hand of a Google Certified ML professional and I watched a lot of YouTube videos.
4. Hands-On Practice : Theory alone is not enough. I set aside dedicated time for hands-on practice with GCP services. I also recommend completing the Qwiklabs for the Professional Machine Learning Engineer certification.
5. Take practice tests : There are many practice tests available online and in the Google Cloud Skills Boost platform. Taking practice tests will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and track your progress over time.
6. Build your own machine learning projects : This is the best way to learn by doing. Try to build projects that solve real-world problems.

Tips for success:

Here are some tips to help you succeed on the exam:

• Start early : Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the exam. I recommend starting your preparation at least three months in advance.
• Be consistent : Set aside some time each day to study for the exam. Even if it’s just for an hour, consistent study will help you retain information better.
• Focus on the hands-on aspects of the exam : The exam will test your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world problems. Make sure you have plenty of hands-on experience with GCP services.
• Don’t memorize the exam guide : Instead, focus on understanding the concepts and how they apply to real-world problems.

Conclusion :
Earning the Google Cloud Machine Learning Certification in 2023 was a challenging yet rewarding journey. It not only enhanced my knowledge and skills in machine learning on the Google Cloud Platform but also opened up exciting career opportunities. Remember that preparation, dedication, and continuous learning are the keys to success in the field of machine learning and cloud computing. So if you’re considering this certification, don’t hesitate to embark on this enriching journey — the possibilities are limitless 🙂

[ML Story] How I cleared the Google Cloud Machine Learning Certification in 2023 was originally published in Google Developer Experts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.