Use it if you need the basics.
Learners who already use AI regularly often find the material too introductory. Beginners get more from its structured sequence and practical exercises.
Google AI Essentials Program Guide
Validates foundational skills in using generative AI at work, including AI basics, productivity tools, prompting and responsible use.
Work through five short courses, try the activities on real tasks and complete the assessments. The focus is using AI effectively at work, rather than building AI systems.
Understand the program
Courses
Course 1Introduction to AI
- Welcome to the exciting world of AI
- Discover how AI works
- AI for professionals
- Review: Introduction to AI
Example scenario: Which parts of preparing a team update could AI help with, and which facts would you check yourself?
Course 2Maximize Productivity With AI Tools
- Explore generative AI
- Increase productivity with generative AI
- The importance of human involvement in AI
- Accomplish tasks with the help of Gemini in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Meet and Gmail
- Review: Maximize productivity with AI tools
Example scenario: Turn meeting notes into a short action list, then check the owners and deadlines against the notes.
Course 3Discover the Art of Prompting
- Large language models and their output
- Key principles of effective prompt writing
- Techniques for prompting an LLM
- Review: Discover the art of prompting
Example scenario: Rewrite “help me with my report” as a request with an audience, source material and a specific output.
Course 4Use AI Responsibly
- Recognize data bias and harms
- AI for social good
- Review: Use AI responsibly
Example scenario: Before sharing an AI-generated customer email, check its facts and remove confidential information.
Course 5Stay Ahead of the AI Curve
- Stay informed about AI
- Continue your AI journey
- Google AI Professional Certificate
- Review: Stay ahead of the AI curve
Example scenario: Compare two tools on the same low-risk work task and decide which result needs less revision.
Format
- Courses
- 5
- Duration
- 8h
- Assessment
- Quizzes and activities
- Delivery
- Online, self-paced
- Languages
- English
Make a study plan
Set aside a weekend or a few evenings. Spend time trying the tools and improving your prompts, rather than only watching the videos.
Most candidates spend 4–12 hours. Plan for the low end if you already use AI tools at work; allow more time if you want to try each activity on your own tasks.
- 1Understand the programLook through the courses and how the program is graded.0 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through the courses in order and complete the graded work.7 h
- 4Practice what you learnApply what you learn in the exercises and projects.1 h
- 5Finish the programFinish the remaining assessments and claim your certificate.0 h
Learn the core concepts
Use the course activities to practise with an AI tool. Keep one example that you improve as you learn.
Best official programGoogle AI Essentials on Coursera
Best for Udemy usersGoogle AI Essentials on UdemyUse a real task. Keep a first prompt and its output, then improve them as you work through the lessons.
Practice what you learn
Apply each lesson to a small work task. Try a first prompt, inspect the output, then revise the instructions.
Check your understanding
- You can write a prompt with a clear task, context and desired output.
- You can spot unsupported claims and check important facts.
- You can explain which information should stay out of an AI tool.
Finish the program
Complete the coursework on your own schedule.
- Finish all five courses and their graded assessments.
- Review and retry any assessment you have not passed.
- Once your paid access begins, download the certificate and add it to your profile.