Expect business scenarios.
Passers describe nearly every question as a short business situation asking for the best approach or Google offering, with regular questions on responsible AI and change management.
Google Cloud Generative AI Leader Exam Guide
Validates knowledge of generative AI concepts, Google Cloud generative AI offerings, improving model output and leading responsible adoption.
The exam tests whether you understand generative AI well enough to choose and lead the right business solution with Google Cloud's offerings. Work through Google's free learning path and study guide, try the tools, then practise scenario questions.
Understand the exam
Syllabus
Section 1Fundamentals of gen AI30%
- 1.1Describe core generative AI (gen AI) concepts and use cases
- 1.2Describe how various data types are used in gen AI and the business implications
- 1.3Identify the core layers of the gen AI landscape and the business implications
- 1.4Identify the use cases and strengths of Google's foundation models
Example scenario: A marketing team wants short product videos generated from text descriptions. Which kind of model fits, and what would you check before choosing one?
Section 2Google Cloud's gen AI offerings35%
- 2.1Describe Google Cloud's strengths in the field of gen AI
- 2.2Describe how Google Cloud's prebuilt gen AI offerings enable AI powered work
- 2.3Describe how Google Cloud's gen AI offerings improve the customer experience
- 2.4Describe how Google Cloud empowers developers to build with AI
- 2.5Define the purpose and types of tooling for gen AI agents
Example scenario: A bank wants staff to search internal policies in plain language without building anything custom. Which Google offering would you look at first?
Section 3Techniques to improve gen AI model output20%
- 3.1Describe how to proactively overcome foundation model limitations
- 3.2Describe prompt engineering techniques and how they drive better results
- 3.3Identify grounding techniques and their use cases
Example scenario: A chatbot gives confident but wrong answers about this year's product prices. What would you change so it answers from current data?
Section 4Business strategies for a successful gen AI solution15%
- 4.1Describe the Google Cloud-recommended steps to successfully implement a transformational gen AI solution
- 4.2Define secure AI and its importance in protecting AI systems from malicious attacks and misuse
- 4.3Describe the importance of responsible AI in business
Example scenario: A leadership team wants to show the value of a gen AI pilot after three months. Which measures would you agree on before it starts?
Generative AI Leader exam guide · Updated in 2026 for current product names
Format
- Questions
- 50–60
- Duration
- 90 min
- Delivery
- Test centre or online
- Languages
- English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese
Question types
Multiple choice. Choose the one correct answer from the options.
CertUp example
A leadership team wants a model to summarize entire contracts in a single request. Which model characteristic matters most for this?
Show answer
The context window. It sets how much text the model can read in one request, so long contracts need a large window.
Eligibility and booking
Create a CM Connect account, choose the exam and delivery method, then pick a Pearson VUE time and pay. Your CM Connect legal name must match your ID exactly.
Make a study plan
Read the exam guide, then complete Google's free learning path and study guide. Try the tools yourself and finish with a practice set.
Most candidates spend 10–30 hours. Plan for the low end if you already use generative AI tools at work; add time if generative AI or Google's AI products are new to you.
- 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.1 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.12 h
- 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.6 h
- 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.1 h
Learn the core concepts
Google's free learning path and study guide cover the whole exam. Add a video course only if you prefer that format.
Best free official courseGenerative AI Leader Certification path
Best for Coursera usersGenerative AI Leader Professional Certificate
Best compact video courseGoogle Cloud Generative AI Leader Full Course 2026Think like a decision maker. For each product, note the business problem it solves and when a simpler option such as better prompting would be enough.
Practice with mock exams
Start with Google's sample questions, then take one full practice set and review each explanation against the exam guide.
Free official sampleGenerative AI Leader sample questions
FREE Generative AI Leader Practice Exams SamplerGoogle Cloud Certified Generative AI Leader Practice ExamsAre you ready?
- You can explain when to use prompting, grounding, RAG or fine-tuning.
- You can match Gemini, Gemini Enterprise, Agent Platform and Customer Engagement Suite to business needs.
- You can name the main responsible AI and security practices Google recommends.
Prepare for exam day
Choose the checklist for your test centre or online appointment.
Before going to the test centre
Before testing from home
- Bring two IDs. One must be a government photo ID with your signature; the second must show your name and signature.
- Check that your CM Connect legal name matches your ID exactly. A mismatch means no exam and a lost fee.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early and expect to store personal items in a locker.
- Run the OnVUE system test and install the app at least 24 hours before the exam, preferably on a personal computer.
- Use a quiet, private room. Clear the desk and disconnect extra monitors. No paper, phone, headphones, food or drink.
- Launch the exam from 10 minutes before to 20 minutes after your start time, or the session is cancelled and the fee is lost.
- There are no breaks. Stay in camera view and do not read questions aloud.
Reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours ahead to avoid a late fee. After a fail, wait at least 14 days; you get up to ten attempts in a year.
Advice from exam takers
Google's free materials are enough for many.
One passer studied for about a week using only the free learning path, study guide, exam guide and sample questions, and called the learning path essential.
Know which approach fits which problem.
The same passer advises knowing when prompt engineering is enough and when RAG or fine-tuning is needed, and watching for words such as cost-effective or scalable in the question.