If you’re just getting started, the best entry point is the Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals course.

For classroom educators, the “Basic use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals” course (about 2.3 hours) helps you:

• Build core digital skills to create classroom materials
• Integrate digital learning into everyday instruction
• Use tools like Classroom and Meet to extend your instructional impact
• Explore how Gemini can act as an assistant to save time and spark creativity in routine tasks

If you’re an IT administrator, there’s a dedicated “Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals for IT Admins” course (about 2.5 hours) that focuses on:

• Configuring a safe and effective learning environment
• Managing advanced security and analytics tools
• Protecting your school community from evolving security risks
• Integrating digital safety, security, and processes into your environment

From there, you can choose a learning pathway based on your role—K–12 teacher, higher-ed faculty, or IT admin—and build a curriculum tailored to your goals. You can also:

• Explore AI literacy training that covers the benefits and challenges of AI
• Learn practical skills in tools like Docs and Sheets (including a creative project to practice advanced Sheets features)
• Preview additional courses by product and skill level in the course catalog

All online courses in the Google for Education Learning Center catalog are free of charge. This includes foundational Workspace courses, AI literacy training, and role-based learning paths.

Certification exams themselves are paid, and organizations can purchase vouchers through Kryterion at the same price as the listed exam fee. Current examples include:

• $10 – Google Certified Educator Level 1
• $25 – Google Certified Educator Level 2
• $15 – Trainer Skills Assessment

To help you prepare for these exams, Google offers free online training such as:

• Basic use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals
• Intermediate use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals

Regarding professional development (PD) credit:

• Google does not directly issue PD credits.
• Many districts and universities accept course completion certificates or digital badges as proof of PD.
• Policies vary, so it’s best to check with your local administration on how these hours and certificates can be applied to your specific requirements.

Certificates and badges for exams (like Level 1, Level 2, or Trainer Skills Assessment) are emailed to the address you used to register. If you can’t find them, you can retrieve them using Accredible’s online Credential Retrieval Tool.

Certifications help you validate your skills with Google for Education tools and reimagine how you teach, support, or lead.

Examples include:

• Google Certified Educator (Level 1 and Level 2) – Demonstrate mastery of Google tools in your classroom and advanced technology integration.
• AI-focused credentials – Proof of AI mastery for lesson plans across ages and learning levels, including specialized pathways like Get Started with Google AI in K12 Education and Get Started with Google AI in Higher Education.

These certifications can help you:

• Streamline research and grading with AI tools like Gemini
• Improve academic outcomes and design future-ready classrooms
• Earn a certificate and badge to add to your resume, portfolio, or website

Maintaining certifications typically involves activities such as:

• Keeping Level 1 and Level 2 certifications active (renew every 3 years)
• Completing an annual product update assessment
• Submitting a set number of trainings per year (for example, 10 trainings annually for certain programs)
• Completing 50 hours of 1:1 coaching per calendar year for coaching-focused roles

Google for Education Champions Community

To become a Google for Education Champion, you earn one of these credentials:

• Certified Innovator
• Certified Trainer
• Certified Coach
• Certified GEG Leader

Once you achieve one of these, you automatically join the Champions Community, where you’re expected to:

• Lead or support high-impact innovation projects
• Advocate for using Google technologies to transform teaching and learning
• Help drive innovation and change in your school or system

Community-created resources vs. Google courses

• Community-created resources are designed by educators in your region and can include PDFs, lesson plans, video tutorials, websites, and more.
• They are reviewed by Google but are not Google-branded training.
• Availability varies by region and they are not offered everywhere.
• You can browse what’s available in the Course Catalog.
• Google lessons and courses are designed and certified by Google and are accessible regardless of whether your region offers community-created resources.

Together, certifications, the Champions Community, and community-created resources give you multiple ways to deepen your skills, share what works, and support colleagues as you rethink how technology fits into teaching and learning.