X
Education
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Close

All about the Google professional training programs

Google career certificates offer an affordable way to earn valuable technology-focused skills and pursue lucrative careers in about six months.
Written by Timon Kaple, Contributor
Google Data Analytics
man in suit looking at a digital screen
Google Data Analytics
View now View at Coursera
Google Project Management
man looking at a white board
Google Project Management
View now View at Coursera
Google UX Design
hand holding a pen designing on a tablet
Google UX Design
View now View at Coursera
Google IT Support
Pensive male it-support worker with eyeglasses in hand thinking about how to solve the problem
Google IT Support
View now View at Coursera
Google IT Automation
it-leader-cio-cto-software-develop-it-teamwork.jpg
Google IT Automation
View now View at Coursera
Google Associate Android Developer
developing-a-mobile-app-on-android-takes-5d149baabd785600c331ecb6-1-jul-02-2019-9-52-28-poster.jpg
Google Associate Android Developer
View now View at Google
Show more (1 item)

Google career certificates launched on Coursera in 2018 with its IT support professional certification. The multinational technology company sought to provide learners with affordable training and skills to remedy an ongoing shortage of tech workers. Today, Google offers six certificates in in-demand tech areas: IT support, data analytics, project management, IT automation, UX design, and Android development.

Google's subject-matter experts and senior practitioners developed these IT training certificates. The fully online certificates usually take six or fewer months to complete and require little to no experience in programming or tech. Enrolled learners gain access to resume building tools, career networking services, and interview preparation materials. Certificate-seekers can also connect with prospective employers at over 130 companies through Google's dedicated employer consortium pipeline.

Is a Google career certificate right for you?

Google career certificates can help generate employment opportunities for adult students today, including minority and underserved populations. Google's 2019 Certificate Impact Report shows that 60% of certificate-seekers identified as female, Black, Latinx, or military veterans. At least 57% of learners that year did not possess a four-year college degree.

Google certificate students typically pursue roles such as IT support specialist, data analyst, web developer, UX designer, and project manager. These growing, in-demand careers pay well. Moreover, many of these roles feature a remote work environment and show resilience during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pros and cons of a Google career certificate

Prospective certificate-seekers must consider all of the pros and cons of Google's career certificate programs. With the rapid improvement and general acceptance of online learning technologies, many learners today consider online certificates and bootcamps a viable alternative to college degrees, but some employers remain sceptical. 

Some of the best aspects of Google career certificates include their cost, remote flexibility, and asynchronous format. Google reports that most learners spend 10 or fewer hours studying per week. These $39/month programs feature asynchronous delivery that allows you to work at your own pace, accommodates busy schedules, and helps learners finish in 3-6 months.

However, Google career certificate programs do not possess the same academic accreditations as two- and four-year colleges and universities. Some employers may not view these certificates as having the same value. On the other hand, these cost-effective programs give many students a big boost in applicable technological skills that show employers their strong worth ethic and hunger for knowledge in a particular tech area.

Google career certificates currently on offer

Google's six career certificate programs offer training in fast-growing technology careers. From data analytics and project management to UX design and IT support, let's take a closer look at each program Google has to offer remote learners.

The data analytics certificate on Coursera prepares students to pursue jobs in several major industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and entertainment. Common positions certificate-holders pursue include junior data scientist, business intelligence analyst, and financial analyst and make a median annual salary of $86,200. You don't need experience in structured query languages or related areas to complete this data analytics program successfully.

The program features classes in essential data analysis tools and skills, including instruction in R, the open-source programming language. Additional required courses include data-driven decisions, data through the art of visualization, and a capstone course. Most learners complete this program in fewer than six months and pay $39/month.

Google's Coursera project management certificate requires incoming learners to possess no previous related experience. This program teaches Agile project management software, strategic communication and problem-solving skills, and Scrum techniques. 

With over 140 hours of instruction, project management students gain experience with management simulations and hands-on projects. Required classes in project management include project execution and a final capstone course.

This $39/month certificate takes less than six months to complete. Project management certificate-holders often pursue entry-level roles as project managers, scrum masters, and project coordinators. Introductory roles in this area typically pay a median annual salary of $67,280.

hand holding a pen designing on a tablet
Alvaro Reyes/Unsplash

The $39/month UX design program helps you develop the skills to work on user experience with products, including apps, websites, and tangible objects. Learners complete seven Coursera courses and over 200 hours of instruction in six or fewer months. Required classes include UX design process, wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes, and web design in Adobe XD.

UX design certificate holders often look for roles such as UX researcher, UX designer, or UI designer. Many professionals find employment in industries such as finance, technology, or advertising. With the increasing popularity of UX-centered roles, professionals can expect a 13% growth in available positions by 2030. Digital designers make a median annual salary of $77,200.

Pensive male it-support worker with eyeglasses in hand thinking about how to solve the problem
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Google's IT support certificate readies you for valuable positions in businesses, government organizations, and schools in as few as six months. Certificate-holders in this area can seek entry-level positions, including help desk technician, database administrator, and IT technician. Professionals in IT support can expect a 13% growth in available jobs by 2030 and a median annual salary of $55,510.

In addition to in-demand career opportunities, Google's IT support certificate through Coursera prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ certification. For $39/month, learners complete five classes, including system administration and IT infrastructure services, operating systems, and IT security in six or fewer months.IT support certificate through Coursera

it-leader-cio-cto-software-develop-it-teamwork.jpg
Jasper Cole/Getty

With instruction in Python and fundamental programming concepts to Github and IT problem-solving, Google's IT automation certificate prepares you for jobs including IT support specialist and junior systems administrator. Most learners complete this $39/month credential in 6-8 months.

The IT automation certificate on Coursera requires six classes, including introduction to Git and Github, debugging techniques, and automating tasks with Python. Certificate-holders can pursue careers such as IT support specialists and junior systems administrators. These professionals make a median annual salary of $55,510.

Prospective students without foundational knowledge in data management, networking, and operating systems should consider the IT support certificate program instead of the IT automation program.

Learners interested in debugging, maintaining, or building apps for Android can complete this 100% remote, self-paced program with no programming experience. It takes 5-6 months to complete. The free online study guide covers Kotlin basics, layouts, navigation, and connecting to the internet. 

Learners must pass Google's certification exam before earning the developer credential. The $149 online exam covers five major categories: data management, user interface, app functionality, debugging, and testing. Upon completion of the program and exam, students can pursue entry-level roles in computer systems design and related services. Salaries for these professionals vary among positions, but digital designers in this area make a median annual salary of $77,200.

Career-building resources through Google

Learners in Google career certificate programs enjoy access to a variety of free tools for job-seekers. During and after your certificate program, you can take advantage of Google's job search tips and virtual workshops in resume writing, job search tools, networking, and interviewing strategies. To help refine your job search for tech-focused careers, be sure to check out our article "Best computer science jobs 2021: Top careers compared."

Google career certificates employer consortium

The employer consortium at Google strives to connect nontraditional job-seekers with robust employment opportunities. The companies who participate in the consortium benefit from access to Google's job board and recruiting tools to advertise jobs, including email campaigns to recruit the right talent. Nationally recognized employers participate in this program, including SiriusXM, Accenture, Best Buy, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Bank of America. Employers can join this consortium for free and submit an interest form in seconds.

How much does a Google career certificate cost?

Google career certificates through Coursera cost only $39/month. Since these classes follow a self-paced learning format, completing online course requirements more quickly means playing less. The Associate Android Developer certification is the only program outside of this payment structure, which charges $149 to take the certification exam. Self-study materials for Android development certification are free.

Financial aid

Google career certificate-seekers can apply for financial aid on the Coursera website. To locate the application for an individual program, visit the Google certificate page of your choice and click "Financial aid available" to the right of the orange "Enroll for Free" button. Secondly, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as many students qualify for federal aid or aid through Google. Since the beginning of Grow with Google programs, the company has funded more than 100,000 need-based scholarships for career certificate-seekers.

Does Google offer free training?

Google offers free trials but no free certificate training. Only the self-study materials for the Android developer program are free.

What certifications are offered by Google?

Google offers IT support, data analytics, project management, IT automation, UX design, and Android development certificates.

Is a Google IT professional certificate worth it?

Yes. According to Google, 82% of certificate graduates reported a positive career development within six months of completing their program.

Editorial standards