Validates practical skills in security frameworks, risk management, networks, Linux, SQL, threat detection and response, and Python automation.
294EntryNo prerequisites
Best Google Certifications in 2026
Google is a technology company whose self-paced Career Certificates and free Skillshop assessments cover IT support, cybersecurity, data, project management, UX design, AI, advertising and web analytics.
Validates practical skills in IT support, including troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, system administration and security.
147EntryNo prerequisites
Validates practical skills in data analysis, using spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau and Python to prepare and visualize data.
294EntryNo prerequisites
Validates practical skills in project management, including initiation, planning, execution and Agile approaches, applied through a capstone project.
294EntryNo prerequisites
Validates foundational skills in using generative AI at work, including AI basics, productivity tools, prompting and responsible use.
49EntryNo prerequisites
Validates knowledge of Google Analytics 4 setup, data collection, reports, explorations and connected tools for measuring website performance.
FreeEntryNo prerequisites
Validates knowledge of building, targeting, bidding and measuring Google Ads campaigns across Search, Display, Video and Shopping.
FreeEntryNo prerequisites
Validates practical skills in UX research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing and creating high-fidelity designs in Figma.
294EntryNo prerequisites
How Google certifications work
- Two credential types
- Google Career Certificates (such as Data Analytics, Cybersecurity and IT Support) and Google AI Essentials are self-paced Coursera programs with no proctored exam. Skillshop certifications (Google Ads and Google Analytics) are free online assessments.
- Career Certificates pricing and format
- Coursera charges $49 a month in the US and Canada after a 7-day free trial; there is no separate exam fee. There are no prerequisites. You earn the certificate by passing each course's graded quizzes and assignments, and it does not expire.
- Skillshop certifications
- Free to take and retake. Each assessment is timed and unproctored (Google Analytics is 50 questions in 75 minutes), and you can retry a failed assessment after 24 hours. Each certification is valid for 12 months; renew by passing the current assessment again.
- Google Cloud certifications
- Google Cloud certifications, such as Associate Cloud Engineer, are separate paid, proctored exams listed under Google Cloud.
- Employer consortium
- In the US, Career Certificate completers can apply through Google's job platform to openings from the Google Career Certificates Employer Consortium of 150+ companies.
Choosing the right Google certification
Where to start
- No IT background: Google IT Support Certificate. Self-paced Coursera program on help desk fundamentals with no exam and no experience requirement. Graduates who also pass the CompTIA A+ exams earn a dual credential from Google and CompTIA.
- Security from scratch: Google Cybersecurity Certificate. Teaches entry-level security analyst skills with Linux, SQL, Python and SIEM tools, and is designed for complete beginners. Graduates can take the CompTIA Security+ exam at a discount and earn a dual credential when they pass it.
- Data analyst roles: Google Data Analytics Certificate. Teaches spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau and Python, and ends with a capstone case study. No degree or prior experience is required.
- Project management basics: Google Project Management Certificate. Teaches project management fundamentals and Agile to people with no prior background. PMI accepts it as the project management education for CAPM and PMP.
- AI at work: Google AI Essentials. A five-course introduction to AI basics, prompting and responsible use at work. It needs no technical or AI experience.