I started the Google Certification Academy in 2013. Since then I have helped thousands of educators earn their Google certification.
I am passionate about helping teachers like YOU become Google certified. It changed my life and I think it could do the same for you.
These are some common questions people ask about the Google Educator exam.
- Is the certification exam open book?
- What score do I need to pass the L1 test?
- What’s on the level 2 exam?
- How do I study for the Google Educator exam?
- What happens if I fail an exam?
Here are honest answers to the most common certification questions that I get asked.
If you have a question that I missed you can leave a comment or ask me directly on Twitter (@jrsowash)
Table of Contents
- General Questions
- Level 1 exam questions
- Level 2 exam questions
- Certified Trainer questions
- Certified Innovator questions
What is a Google Certified educator?
A Google Certified Educator has passed a rigorous certification exam that verifies their ability to use Google products like Google Drive, Classroom, and YouTube in a classroom setting.
Download my free certification guide to learn more!
How many Google certifications are there?
Google began offering educator certifications around 2007 and has expanded its program to include seven separate certifications:
- Google Educator level 1
- Google Educator level 2
- Google Certified Trainer
- Google Certified Innovator
- Google Certified Coach
- ChromeOS Certified Administrator*
- Professional Google Workspace Administrator*
These certifications verify that an individual can use Google products such as Google Drive, Classroom, and YouTube in a classroom setting.
*these are technical certifications designed for IT administrators or anyone who uses the Google Admin console to manage users and devices.
How many certified educators are there?
Google does not share the exact number of certifications it has awarded.
In late 2016 Google revealed that there were 21,000 level 1 certified educators, 5,000 level 2 certified educators, and approximately 1,500 certified trainers.
In 2018 the total number of level 1 and 2 certifications was reported at 33,500 from 81 countries.
Updated figures have not been provided for 2023.
What are the benefits of becoming a Google Certified Educator?
Nothing magical happens when you earn your Google Certification, but the process will help you deepen your use of technology in the classroom and quantify your skills as a teacher.
Many school districts are specifically looking to hire educators with experience using Google Classroom, Drive, Chromebooks, etc. Having a certification verifies your experience with these products.
Working on your certification with a group of like-minded educators is the best way to get certified. You can start a study group at your school, or join the next cohort of the Google Certification Academy.
I compiled a more detailed list of benefits in my free certification guide.
Is the Google Educator exam hard?
The certification process is rigorous. Most individuals will need to spend time preparing for the certification exam in order to be successful.
The amount of study that is required will vary based on your familiarity with Google Workspace for Education.
If you are familiar with Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Classroom, etc, you may be able to pass the exam with little additional study.
For many teachers, summer is the best time to work on earning a certification which is when you can attend the Google Certification Academy.
I’m a pre-service teacher. Should I get Google certified?
Absolutely! Anyone can take the Google Educator certification exam. Becoming Google certified is a concrete way to show your ability to use technology as an instructional tool.
Is there a Google Certification for IT administrators?
Yes, Google currently offers two certifications for IT administrators:
These certifications will test your ability to use the Google Admin Console to manage users and devices.
If you would like to learn more about the Google Admin Console, check out the Google Admin Bootcamp and the Chromebook Academy, my comprehensive courses for IT administrators.
Can anyone become Google Certified?
Yes, anyone can take the Google Educator exams however, these tests have been specifically written for practicing educators.
The test questions and format are specifically written for classroom teachers. Without classroom experience, it will be difficult to apply your knowledge of Google Workspace products in an unfamiliar setting.
Principals, superintendents, and other school-based personnel will find value in this program. Business professionals outside of the field of education should look at Google’s professional certification program.
Should I encourage all of my teachers to get certified?
While every teacher can benefit from learning how to use technology in the classroom, not everyone will benefit from the actual certification.
The Google Certification process takes time and is very rigorous. Requiring certification may not lead to the end result you are looking to achieve.
I recommend that you read this blog post on requiring teachers to become Google Certified.
How much does the level 1 Google Educator exam cost?
The level one exam can be purchased for $10. You can take the level 1 exam up to three times in one year. The level 1 certification is valid for 36 months.
What is the format of the level 1 exam?
The certification exam contains 35 multiple-choice and matching questions. There is a large question bank so you are unlikely to see the same questions if you take the exam more than once.
The level 1 exam is open book, but it is timed, so you need to work efficiently.
Each exam question is focused on the use of Google tools in the classroom. Be attentive to the wording of these questions
Check out this blog post for sample questions and more details on the exam format.
Are there scenarios on the L1 Google educator exam?
No. Google removed the scenarios in 2021. The current exam consists entirely of multiple-choice and matching questions.
When Google removed the scenarios, they also added new, more challenging multiple-choice questions.
Is the L1 exam open book?
Yes. Google’s exam policy does not forbid test takers from performing research while taking the level 1 exam.
The exam policy does restrict the following behaviors:
- Providing or receiving assistance from an individual during the exam
- Using unauthorized materials such as actual test questions provided by another test-taker.
- Hacking the exam site to alter or view exam questions or answers
The certification exam policy does not indicate that the test is closed book, as long as you follow the restrictions listed above.
What kind of questions are on the exam?
The level 1 exam contains 35 multiple-choice and matching questions. You should expect to receive questions on each of the core Google Workspace products including Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Classroom, and Meet.
I created a free study guide that lists the key skills that are assessed on the Level 1 exam which you can download here.
How is the L1 exam scored? Will I receive feedback?
The level 1 google educator exam is kind of like the ACT or SAT test…you get a score, but you don’t get to see how you did on specific questions.
A minimum score of 80% is required to pass the level 1 exam.
If you don’t pass, you will receive vague suggestions on which areas you need to improve in order to pass on your second attempt.
I had issues with my exam…who do I contact?
Fill out this support form if you experience technical issues with your exam. This form is for technical problems such as getting logged out of the exam, or not receiving your exam results.
At this time, Google does not provide a method of disputing exam results or requesting score adjustments.
If you have concerns about the exam content, you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts by completing a post-exam survey. This survey is accessible at the end of the L1 exam.
What if I don’t pass my L1 exam? Can I take the exam again?
The exams are challenging. Many educators do not pass the Level 1 and 2 exams the first time.
There is a waiting period between each exam retake:
- Second attempt: 3 days
- Third attempt: 7 days
- Fourth attempt: 14 days
- Fifth attempt: 30 days
You must re-purchase the exam each time you make an attempt.
It is not uncommon for individuals to take the exam twice; rarely will someone need to take it three times. Don’t give up if you don’t pass on your first attempt!
When does my Google educator certification expire?
Level 1 and level 2 Google educator certifications are valid for 36 months. The expiration date for your certification is listed on your exam certificate.
How much does the level 2 Google Educator exam cost?
The level one exam can be purchased for $25. You can take the level 2 exam up to three times in one year. The level 2 certification is valid for 36 months.
What is the format of the Google Educator exams?
The certification exams (level 1 and 2) contain 35 multiple-choice and matching questions. There is a large question bank so you are unlikely to see the same questions if you take the exam more than once.
The exam is open book, but it is timed, so you need to work efficiently.
Each exam question is focused on the use of Google tools in the classroom. Be attentive to the wording of these questions
Check out this blog post for sample questions and more details on the exam format.
Are there scenarios on the Google educator exam?
Google no longer includes scenarios on the L2 test. The current exam consists entirely of multiple-choice and matching questions.
When Google removed the scenarios, they also added new, more challenging multiple-choice questions.
Can I look things up during the exam?
Yes. Google’s exam policy does not forbid test takers from performing research while taking the level 2 exam.
The exam policy does restrict the following behaviors:
- Providing or receiving assistance from an individual during the exam
- Using unauthorized materials such as actual test questions provided by another test-taker.
- Hacking the exam site to alter or view exam questions or answers
The certification exam policy does not indicate that the test is closed book, as long as you follow the restrictions listed above.
What kind of questions are on the level 2 exam?
The level 2 exam contains 35 multiple-choice and matching questions. You should expect to receive questions on each of the core Google Workspace products (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Classroom, Meet, etc), AND some lesser-known tools such as Google Scholar, My Maps, Jamboard, and Google Trends.
The L2 exam is definitely harder than the L1 exam.
I created a free study guide that lists the key skills that are assessed on the Level 2 exam which you can download here.
What is the minimum passing score on the L2 exam?
A minimum score of 80% is required to pass the level 2 exam.
While you will see your score, you will not be able to see the results of individual questions.
I had issues with the L2 exam…do I do?
Fill out this support form if you experience technical issues with the L2 exam.
Technical issues are rare, but they do occur.
If you have concerns about the exam content, you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts by completing a post-exam survey. This survey is only accessible at the end of the exam.
What if I fail my educator exam?
First, take a deep breath. You will be okay! Approximately 30% of individuals who take the level 1 exam do not pass the first time.
Reflect on the exam. What areas did you find challenging? Which questions surprised you? These are likely the areas that you need to work on.
You have to wait 3 days before you can register to take the exam again. Spend this time practicing and exploring the products and features you struggled with.
Take the exam again. The majority of people pass the second time.
If you would like to work with a group before you take the test a second time, consider signing up for the next cohort of the Google Certification Academy!
What is a Google Certified Trainer?
Google Certified trainers are individuals who are highly qualified to provide professional development and support to schools that are using Google Workspace for Education.
Certified Trainers complete a rigorous process that verifies their knowledge AND ability to deliver high-quality professional development.
Certified trainers can provide professional development at their own school or paid consulting services to districts, businesses, and organizations.
How do you become a Certified Trainer?
The Certified Trainer program is the most rigorous certification that Google offers.
To become a certified trainer, you must first pass the L1 AND L2 certification exams.
You must also pass the trainer essential exam, a short multiple-choice assessment that focuses on educational technology policies and regulations.
The final step is to submit a trainer application which consists of answers to written questions and a pre-recorded video.
What is on the trainer essentials exam?
As a certified trainer, you will be providing guidance to schools that are making policy decisions on the use of educational technology. Google wants to ensure that all certified trainers understand how Google complies with regulations such as CIPA and FERPA.
The trainer essentials exam is a series of multiple-choice and matching questions that assesses your knowledge of regulations and policies related to the use of educational technology.
How much does the trainer essentials exam cost?
The trainer essentials exam can be purchased for $15. This exam is for individuals who wish to become Google Certified Trainers which also requires a valid level 1 and 2 certifications.
My Certified Trainer application was rejected. What do I do?
This is not uncommon. The review criteria for the certified trainer program is rigorous. The most common reason that applications are rejected is a lack of training experience. Google wants to see that you have experience creating, leading, and organizing professional development events with other educators.
I recommend that you provide documentation for a minimum of 12 PD activities that you have organized during a 12-month period. This is not a requirement, just a suggestion.
When does my certified trainer certificate expire?
Certified trainers must complete a product update exam annually to maintain their certification. Certified Trainers must also log 12 training activities each year to maintain their certification.
Detailed information on the re-certification requirements is available inside fo the Google Certified Trainer community.
Note: the recertification process has been suspended for 2021 and 2022 as a result of the COVID pandemic.
How do I re-certify as a Google Certified educator?
To re-certify you must take the level 1 or level 2 exam again. The exam is regularly updated to reflect changes to the Google Workspace for Education.
What is a Google for Education Certified Innovator?
Google Certified Innovators are educators who are passionate about making a difference in their community and the field of education.
Innovators seek creative solutions to complex challenges and work together to improve education locally and globally through collaborative innovation projects.
How do I become a Certified Innovator?
The Google Certified Innovator program is an application-based program. Only 50 individuals are selected to attend each academy.
You must have a valid Level 2 Google educator certification in order to apply to the innovator academy.
The application consists of essay questions, a video, and a presentation in which you outline a challenge that you would like to work to solve.
Click here to view the requirements for the Innovator academy and start your application.
When is the next innovator academy?
Google announces the dates and deadlines for the Innovator program in the spring.
There are typically 2-4 innovator academies each year at locations around the globe.
Click here to view the dates for the next Innovator program.
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FAQs
Is the Google Educator exam open book? (Google Certification FAQ)? ›
Unless they have changed it, the Google Certified Educator exams are open browser. You are encouraged to use your computer skills to answer the questions.
Is the Google Certified Educator exam open book? ›The certification exams (level 1 and 2) contain 35 multiple-choice and matching questions. There is a large question bank so you are unlikely to see the same questions if you take the exam more than once. The exam is open book, but it is timed, so you need to work efficiently.
Is the Google Educator exam proctored? ›Before you start your exam you'll need to use your webcam to take a picture of yourself, as well as your photo I.D. During the exam, an automated proctoring system will use the webcam to track your progress in order to ensure a confidential testing environment.
Can you use notes on Google certification? ›No, these are not open-book exams. You cannot use any notes or unauthorized materials while taking any Google Cloud exams.
What is the difference between Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2? ›Google Certified Educator – Level 2
The level 2 certification is a step up from the level 1 exam. It requires a deeper knowledge and integration of the primary Google products as well as use of secondary products like Blogger, Google Books, and Google Maps.
The Level 1 exam focuses more on introducing educators to different products and how to incorporate technology in the classroom, while the Level 2 exam goes more in-depth into using Google products in education.
Can teachers detect cheating in Google Docs? ›Is it even possible for teachers to get notified if their students are cheating? Well, the answer is no. Google Classroom uses Google Forms to prepare quizzes and assessments, and the latter has no such functionality to track cheating.
Can they see your screen on proctored exam? ›The role of the proctor is simply to ensure students take the exam in a supervised setting – ensuring that students do not undertake any activity that is not related to taking the exam. To perform this role, the proctor will have access to view your entire computer screen.
Is it a real person watching proctored exam? ›During the assessment, the candidates are monitored to ensure that they follow the rules. A human invigilator may observe the candidates' activity via webcam and screen share. Alternatively, all computer activity, webcam video, and audio may be checked via software.
Do companies hire people with Google certificates? ›“Employers are super keen on Google certificates because they know they're getting high-quality talent,” Gevelber says. “They also know they're getting more non-traditional talent, and that's really important to a lot of people who are hiring today.”
What are the rules for Google certification? ›
The Google Certified Trainer certification requires that you meet yearly requirements, (1) report a minimum of 12 trainings per year, (2) upload resources to the shared resource database, (3) take a yearly product update exam. Google Certification Tips: How long does certification last?
Do employers value Google certificates? ›Most employers won't choose you just because you have these credentials. Yet, they will consider them, making Google certification a big plus on your resume during the hiring process. So, these certifications, no doubt, allow you to stand out from other potential candidates.
What is the pass rate for Google certification? ›There is no official passing score, it is something around 80%, according other people who have done the exams.
How long does it take to complete Google Certified Educator Level 1? ›Unlike some ed tech certifications, Google for Education training is a relatively significant investment of time, especially considering the ever-busy schedules of educators. Online training for GCE Level 1 takes approximately 12 hours to complete, while Level 2 training requires about 10 hours.
What happens if I fail Google certification? ›Google Cloud ensures careful and consistent enforcement of program policies. What happens if you don't pass a certification exam? If you don't pass an exam, you can take it again after 14 days. If you don't pass the second time, you must wait 60 days before you can take it a third time.
Which Google certificate has the highest salary? ›The Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate is the advanced version of the entry-level Google Data Analytics Certificate (number 4 above). This certification is suitable for anyone wishing to get a senior-level position and pursue an annual salary of over $120K.
Which Google certification should I do first? ›The Google Project Management Professional Certification class by Coursera takes our top spot because learners with no prior experience can acquire the skills necessary to succeed in an entry-level project management role in six months or less. This course is perfect for those who are looking to pursue a new career.
Is Google Educator Level 2 hard? ›If you are planning on taking the level 2 Google Educator exam, make sure you watch the video below. The L2 test is significantly more difficult than the first test and you need to be prepared if you want to pass the first time. I took the L2 test early in 2022 and barely passed!
How many levels does a Google educator have? ›What is Google Certification? There are FIVE different certification options for educators: Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certified Educator, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Google Certified Coach.
How many Google educator certifications are available? ›Google for Education certifications. Google offers two certification courses for teachers beginning their careers and those seeking more advanced knowledge.
How many units is Google Educator Level 1? ›
In total, there are 13 units. They give you a time estimate for how long it may take you to complete the training, but it really depends on your proficiency and what knowledge you already have.
Can teachers see what you deleted on Google Docs? ›Community content may not be verified or up-to-date. Learn more. Yes, the teacher can see any and all changes by looking at the version history of the document, even if you have deleted the content.
Can teachers see what you do on Google Classroom? ›The student view in Google Classroom shows each student's assignment, and the teacher can see who made what changes or who hasn't completed a task. This allows teachers to keep track of their student's progress without checking each student's Google Docs individually.
Can teachers see how long you spend on a Google Form? ›No, teachers cannot see whether or not you specifically viewed a Google Form. The only way a teacher can see if you have responded to a Google Form is if you submit your response. However, if the form is set up to require login, the teacher might be able to see some information such as your name and email address.
Are you allowed to go to the bathroom during a proctored exam? ›You are allowed to use the restroom during your Onsite proctored exam but here are some considerations to keep in mind: You will not be allowed access to your personal belongings.
Can you talk during a proctored exam? ›It's recommended against either talking to yourself or looking around the room, because the proctor is going to be paying attention and is also going to be alerted to anything that you're doing. So if you're talking, they don't know if you're talking to someone else.
Can you take a bathroom break during a proctored exam? ›If you are testing at a Test Center, you will be allowed a bathroom break. You must use the restroom within the testing facility and your exam timer will continue to run during this time. If you are testing online with a remote proctor, you will not be allowed to take any breaks during your exam.
What should you not do in a proctored exam? ›You must not use headphones, ear buds, or any other type of listening equipment. You must not communicate with any other person by any means. You must not use a phone for any reason. You must not leave the room during the exam for any reason, unless posted rules for the exam specifically permit you to do so.
What happens if someone walks in during a proctored exam? ›If someone else comes into the room where you are taking your exam, privacy laws require that Prometric immediately shut down your exam because the individual entering the room has not consented to being recorded. For more information, consult the WELL AP Candidate Handbook and the ProProctor User Guide.
How do proctored exams detect cheating? ›However, you are required to show your hands to the human Proctor before the start of the exam. ProctorU only monitors your audio, computer's audio, computer's screen, and your face to detect any cheating activity.
What is Google Certified Educator? ›
In order to receive the Google Certified Educator status, you will need to pass the corresponding Level 1 or Level 2 exams. These exams test you on your ability to use Google for Education tools in a classroom setting.
How do I add a Google certificate to my resume? ›- Add the title of the certification. List the full title of the certificate underneath the section header as a bullet point. ...
- Include the name of the awarding organization. ...
- List the date you earned your certification. ...
- List the date your certification expires. ...
- Provide details (optional).
All Professional Google Cloud certifications are valid for two years from the date an individual certifies.
How hard are Google certificates? ›It's an entry-level certification that is not hard to get and can open up various job opportunities. If you're dedicated and consistent with your study, you can finish this certificate in six months and for less than $300.
Is coursera Google certificate valid? ›Coursera Certificates Are Not Accredited.
That means they likely won't be accepted as credit towards a degree or other formal education program.
The level 2 exam will test your knowledge of core the core Google Workspace products that are assessed on the level 1 exam PLUS additional tools including Jamboard, Keep, Trends, and Scholar. For a complete list of tools and skills assessed on the L2 test download a copy of my free study guide.
How long is Google educator Level 2? ›Always label your status with the achieved level: Google Certified Educator Level 1 or Google Certified Educator Level 2. These certifications are valid for 36 months.
Is the Google Educator exam 1 open book? ›The level 1 exam is open book, but it is timed, so you need to work efficiently.
How many times can you retake Google certification? ›- If you don't pass an exam, you can take it again 14 days after the date of your exam. If you don't pass a second time, you must wait 60 days before you can take it a third time. If you don't pass the third time, you must wait a year before taking it again.
Why is Google certificate not trusted? ›Possible causes are: Incorrect date and time on computer. Expired or incorrect certificate on website. Intercepted communications.
Are Google certificate exams hard? ›
It's an entry-level certification that is not hard to get and can open up various job opportunities. If you're dedicated and consistent with your study, you can finish this certificate in six months and for less than $300.
What is the Google Educator Level 2 exam like? ›The level 2 exam will test your knowledge of core the core Google Workspace products that are assessed on the level 1 exam PLUS additional tools including Jamboard, Keep, Trends, and Scholar. For a complete list of tools and skills assessed on the L2 test download a copy of my free study guide.
What is the passing score for Google certification exam? ›The Google Cloud certification exam is a multiple-choice, multiple-response test. You will have two hours to complete the exam, and there is no limit on the number of questions you can answer. You must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher to earn your certification.
How many times can you fail Google certification? ›Google Cloud ensures careful and consistent enforcement of program policies. What happens if you don't pass a certification exam? If you don't pass an exam, you can take it again after 14 days. If you don't pass the second time, you must wait 60 days before you can take it a third time.
What is the easiest Google certification to get? ›Google IT Support professional certificate is an excellent course for all who want to learn IT skills and for individuals looking to build their career in IT. This course is entirely beginner-friendly so anyone can opt for this course without prior preparation or experience.
How long does the Google educator Level 2 test take? ›Level 2 Exam:
Order the steps. & Performance-based scenarios (no longer on the exam) 180 minutes. $25 fee.
How long does it take to earn a Google certification? Most certification courses and assessments take between three and six months to complete. Depending on the subject, Google estimates that most learners take about 10 weeks on each course. Users can work at their own pace, so completion time varies.
Can you finish Google certificate fast? ›Google Career Certificates, which earn you earn the equivalent of a four-year degree, can be completed in as little as six months on Coursera. Here's everything you need to know about Google's certificates, including what jobs they'll qualify you for and roughly how much you can expect to earn.
Which Google certificate gets you a job the fastest? ›The Google Project Management Professional Certification class by Coursera takes our top spot because learners with no prior experience can acquire the skills necessary to succeed in an entry-level project management role in six months or less.
How many units is Google educator Level 1? ›In total, there are 13 units. They give you a time estimate for how long it may take you to complete the training, but it really depends on your proficiency and what knowledge you already have.
Do Google educators get paid? ›
$142,019. The estimated total pay for a Teacher at Google is $142,019 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $88,642 per year.
How to crack Google certification? ›- Learn about cloud computing and GCP fundamentals.
- Learn to an architect with GCP.
- Start designing and processing complete applications.
- Finally, taking the examination called Cloud Architect Examination and getting certified.
Yes, they certainly do. Employees should broaden their skill sets and obtain professional certifications such as the Google Career Certificates. A Google Certificate can be well worth the effort if you're trying to upskill through a self-paced online course while keeping your fees low.
How many hours does a Google certificate take? ›Most Google certs take less than 6 months to complete with 10 hours of weekly study. Affordability: Google certificates cost $39/month by subscription on Coursera, the online learning platform that's providing the official Google certification training.