Security Operations Engineer Certification: Complete Guide 2025
Exam Code: GCP-14
The Security Operations Engineer certification validates expertise in implementing, managing, and operating security controls and responses using Google Security Operations (formerly Chronicle). It demonstrates proficiency in threat detection, investigation, and incident response.
Exam Details
Security Operations Engineer Resources
Everything you need to prepare for and pass your exam
Practice Exam
Full-length Security Operations Engineer practice test
Exam Simulator
Realistic exam simulation experience
Mock Exam
Full-length timed mock exam
Study Guide
Comprehensive study materials
Exam Objectives
Official exam domains and topics
Free Practice Test
Free sample questions to try
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 4 domains to pass your exam
Security Operations Fundamentals
of exam
Threat Detection and Investigation
of exam
Incident Response and Case Management
of exam
Integration and Automation
of exam
Who Should Take This Exam?
This certification is ideal for the following professionals
- Security professionals with experience in security operations and SIEM platforms
- SOC analysts looking to specialize in Google Security Operations
- IT security engineers managing threat detection and incident response
- Cybersecurity specialists working with cloud security technologies
Recommended Study Timeline
Plan your preparation effectively
10-14 weeks
Recommended study duration
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Weeks 3-6: Deep Dive
Study each domain with hands-on practice
Weeks 7-8: Practice & Review
Take practice exams & focus on weak areas
Practice by Difficulty
Choose your challenge level
Practice Question Banks
Extensive question collections for thorough preparation
2025 Exam Resources
Latest materials updated for the current exam version
Career Opportunities
Related Job Titles
$125,000
Average Annual Salary
Prerequisites
Recommended 2+ years of experience in security operations or SOC environments Familiarity with SIEM concepts and security tools Understanding of networking, system administration, and common cyber threats Basic knowledge of Google Cloud Platform is beneficial
Security Operations Engineer FAQs
Common questions about the GCP-14 certification exam
The Security Operations Engineer certification validates your ability to implement and manage security operations using Google Security Operations (Chronicle). It demonstrates expertise in threat detection, investigation, incident response, and security automation within Google Cloud environments.
The GCP-14 exam is considered Professional-level difficulty, requiring hands-on experience with Google Security Operations platform and security operations concepts. It tests practical knowledge of threat detection, YARA-L rule development, incident response, and security tool integration. Most candidates need 10-14 weeks of focused study and real-world SOC experience.
Security Operations Engineers with this certification typically earn between $95,000 and $150,000 annually, with an average around $125,000. Salaries vary based on experience level, geographic location, organization size, and additional security certifications held.
While there are no mandatory prerequisites, it's recommended to have security operations experience and familiarity with SIEM platforms. Having certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, or Google Cloud Security Engineer can be beneficial but is not required.
The Security Operations Engineer certification is valid for 3 years from the date you pass the exam. You'll need to recertify before expiration to maintain your certified status and stay current with evolving security operations technologies.
About the Security Operations Engineer Certification
The Security Operations Engineer (GCP-14) is a professional-level certification offered by Google Cloud. This certification validates your expertise in cloud computing and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals.
Why Get Security Operations Engineer Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $125,000 per year
- Industry Recognition: Google Cloud certifications are respected worldwide
- Skill Validation: Demonstrate your expertise to employers and clients
How to Prepare for GCP-14
Hydranode offers comprehensive preparation materials including practice exams, study guides, and free practice tests to help you pass on your first attempt.