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Ready to kickstart your tech career in 2024? How about getting job access to major companies like Google, Verizon, Adobe, Dell, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, and Deloitte?
If that all sounds good, let me introduce you to the best Google career certificates in 2024!
If you want the TL-DR, Google career certificates are professional awards that you can earn after taking an online program from Google that's designed to give you the fast track to landing a job in high-growth fields.
The secret sauce is the access Google career certificates give you to the Google CareerCircle. This means job mentoring, interview prep, and, importantly, the ability to connect with over 150 major companies to land a job.
Whether you’re looking to land a job as a data analyst, cybersecurity professional, IT support pro, project manager, or UX designer, there are Google career certificates for you.
You don’t even need to have any existing skills, as these Google career certificates are designed for complete beginners.
So, if you’re ready, let’s dive into the best Google career certificates, including the skills you’ll learn, program durations, and more.
What Are Google Career Certificates?
Great question!
Google Career Certificates are what learners can earn after taking a flexible online training program that’s designed for fast-track career advancement in high-growth fields with in-demand jobs.
Sounds intriguing… But how do they differ from other online courses that offer certificates?
Well, for starters, a Google career certificate program has been designed and endorsed by Google, although the programs are hosted on Coursera.
This means that they can be a great resume building tool thanks to the fact that you’ll have an industry-recognized and widely respected credential.
But perhaps the biggest benefit is that when you earn your Google Career Certificate, you gain access to their CareerCircle.
But what is that? Glad you asked!
Google career certificate graduates get access to free 1-on-1 coaching, help with interview prep and mock interviews, career support, and a job board to connect directly with employers.
This last point really stood out to me, as it means you can access more than 150 companies in the Google Career Certificates Employer Consortium.
Which means you can connect with firms like Google, Verizon, Etsy, Adobe, Dell, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, Deloitte, and many more.
That’s the kind of access you can’t put a price tag on, especially if you’re trying to make your way on a new career path, which, as we all know, can be tough initially.
I also really like that each of their programs aims to transform you from zero knowledge to job-ready, which means they require no prior experience or background knowledge.
You just need to put aside 3-6 months with around 10 hours of self-paced weekly study, which is ideal if you already have a job and can’t commit to full-time study.
This can also be really handy for full-time parents or aspiring professionals who can’t attend a full-time classroom course or a bootcamp.
Plus, the programs you take to earn Google’s Career Certificates are entirely online and provided by one of my favorite platforms, Coursera.
If you’re not familiar with Coursera, it’s a global online learning platform that’s renowned for high-quality course material, with instructional videos, practical exercises, assignments, and quizzes to boost your learning.
Just sign up for a Coursera Plus subscription, pick the right program for you, and you’re good to go!
Regardless of your field of choice, whether it’s cybersecurity, data analytics, UX design, IT support, or project management, there’s a range of programs with expert training available.
Google even offers a range of advanced programs in data analytics, business intelligence (BI), and IT Automation if you want to boost your skills further with Google-provided training.
I think this is a terrific option for elevating your new skills and giving you even more exposure to what a real-world position would involve.
After all, the whole point of taking these programs is to land a job, right?
So, without further ado, let’s dive into these Google Career Certificates in more detail, shall we?
How Much Do Google Career Certificates Cost?
If you want the short answer, they cost as much as the current fee for a Coursera Plus subscription, which is typically around $50 per month. Although you can sign up for a 7-day free trial to see if you like the service before committing financially.
The idea here is that you subscribe to the Coursera Plus plan, and you get access and exposure to their entire catalog of courses.
Yep, this also means that you can explore the rest of their course catalog to broaden your skills, which is a nice bonus and a way to get the maximum value from your subscription.
If you consider that each career certificate program on Coursera is expected to take 6 months, you could say that each costs approximately $300, but of course, if you complete the program in less than 6 months, your costs will be lower.
If that sounds like it’s quite expensive, there is an option for financial aid from Coursera directly. You’ll need to check out their requirements and see if you’re eligible.
Equally, Google has also funded more than 100,000 scholarships via its Grow with Google partners, so you’d need to contact Google directly if you’d like to pursue this.
Overall, by partnering with Coursera, I think that Google has really done you a huge favor because it makes it so much easier to branch out and build your skills in complementary areas, whether that's looking for a Python course or beefing up your computer network skills.
Google Career Certificates for Beginners
1. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 168 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Enrolled Students: +330K
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
Google's Cybersecurity Certificate program really stood out to me for its comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes practical application.
After all, this is a highly practical field, so you need to be getting hands-on to learn the skills you need to succeed in a cybersecurity job.
Expect to dive deep into essential cybersecurity practices, risk mitigation techniques, and hands-on experience with tools like SIEM, Python, Linux, and SQL.
You’ll also learn about network security, system administration, and ethical aspects of cybersecurity to round out the syllabus.
Plus, it also includes in-depth training on threat analysis, intrusion detection, and cybersecurity task automation.
Overall, I think this is a really robust cybersecurity course to gain foundational skills in cybersecurity, making it ideal for aspiring professionals who want to land entry-level cybersecurity roles.
It’s also really nice that you’ll also be preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam by simply taking this program and learning the skills.
Pros
- Covers a wide range of topics, from basic principles to advanced skills.
- Practical exercises and projects for real-world application.
- Designed by industry experts, ensuring relevance and quality.
- Learn skills to land CompTIA Security+ Certification
Cons
- An intensive course structure requires constant commitment for beginners.
2. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 240 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Enrolled Students: +1.9M
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
I was impressed by the Google Data Analytics Certificate for its depth and practicality, as you will learn the concepts and the specific tools you need to be a data analyst.
Expect to become very comfortable with spreadsheets, SQL, and R programming, while also gaining hands-on experience in data cleaning, organizing, and data visualization.
The detailed modules also take you through each stage of data analysis, from understanding data ecosystems to mastering data visualization in Tableau.
The capstone project is a real highlight for me with this program, as you get the chance to apply your skills in a comprehensive and real-world case study, which is ideal for showcasing your skills to potential employers or during interviews.
Overall, if you’re a beginner to data analytics and you have your eyes set on becoming a junior or associate, this data analytics course is a great starting point.
Pros
- Extensive coverage of tools like SQL, R, and Tableau.
- Focuses on practical skills through hands-on projects and a capstone case study.
- Teaches essential skills for data visualization and analysis.
Cons
- May be challenging for those without a basic understanding of data concepts.
3. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 240 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Enrolled Students: +1.4M
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
If you like the idea of working in IT support or fancy becoming one of the many in-demand IT specialists, this option from Google really stood out to me for its thorough approach.
If you don’t already know, IT support requires a diverse range of technical skills, so it's great to see this program covers everything from the basics of computer assembly and wireless networking to advanced topics like network security and system administration.
There’s even a module on learning to become a power user, which is essential for navigating and managing Linux systems. You’ll also delve into the intricacies of Domain Name Systems and the command line.
Another feature that I really appreciate with this Google IT support certificate is the depth of coverage on cybersecurity, with a special focus on encryption, authentication, and authorization.
Overall, this is a really great choice if you want to equip yourself with the skills you need for various IT roles, thanks to its blend of foundational knowledge and practical skills.
Pros
- Extensive coverage of both foundational and advanced IT skills.
- Hands-on learning with real-world applications, ideal for IT support roles.
- Detailed training in network and system administration and cybersecurity.
Cons
- The breadth of topics may be challenging for those new to IT.
4. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 240 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Enrolled Students: +1.3M
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
The Google Project Management Certificate really caught my eye for its focus on real-world project management skills.
I really like that it comprehensively covers everything from project initiation to Agile project management, with a deep dive into managing schedules, budgets, and stakeholders.
It’s also great to see that it places a strong emphasis on strategic communication and problem-solving, skills that are essential for any project manager!
This program also offers the added benefit of preparing you for the Project Management Institute's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
This means you’ll not only have the Google certificate, but you can also boost your resume even further with one of the best project management certifications!
Overall, this is a fantastic choice for beginners who are eager to step into a professional project management role.
Pros
- In-depth learning of Agile and traditional project management.
- Real-world scenarios for practical skills development.
- Prepares for CAPM certification.
Cons
- Might be challenging for those completely new to project management.
5. Google UX Design Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 240 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Enrolled Students: +900K
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
This was a no-brainer to add to our list as Google's UX Design Professional Certificate really excels in teaching you practical UX design skills.
Expect to learn about the entire design process while also emphasizing industry-standard tools like Figma for wireframing and prototyping.
I really like that this user experience design program focuses on user-centered design and accessibility, providing you with a solid foundation in UX research techniques, including conducting interviews and usability studies.
These soft skills are often overlooked in UX roles, but they are essential if you want to ensure your users truly enjoy their experience!
Impressively, this program also culminates with you creating a professional portfolio with various projects like an app for a mobile device and a responsive website.
Overall, this is a great UX design course for aspiring UX professionals.
Pros
- Teaches practical skills with tools like Figma.
- Comprehensive UX design and research training.
- Focus on portfolio creation.
Cons
- Requires significant commitment to master the breadth of skills.
Advanced Google Career Certificates
6. Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 240 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Advanced
Prerequisites: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Enrolled Students: +60K
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
First things first, this program has been designed to build upon the skills you’ve gained from the beginner-level data analytics certificate I covered earlier.
That said, the Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate really impressed me with its depth, especially in Python programming and machine learning.
It goes beyond basic analytics, diving into statistical methods, trends, regression analysis, and insights translation.
I also like this program’s hands-on approach, using Python for data analysis and Tableau for visualization, making it ideal for practical learning.
It’s also great to see the inclusion of a capstone project, where you can apply your new skills in a real-world context.
I’m always in favor of this approach, as not only does it let you hone your skills, but it boosts your portfolio while giving you something tangible to show to potential employers.
Overall, this is a fantastic data analysis and data science course for anyone looking to deepen their data analytics skills.
Pros
- In-depth coverage of Python, machine learning, and statistical analysis.
- Practical application with real-world data sets.
- Capstone project for hands-on experience.
Cons
- Intensive content requires a solid commitment.
7. Google Business Intelligence Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 80 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Advanced
Prerequisites: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Enrolled Students: +45K
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
Next up on our list is the Google Business Intelligence Professional Certificate, which, at only 80 hours, is the shortest program on our list so far.
What’s impressive about this program is the way that it equips you with key Business Intelligence (BI) skills, including data modeling, ETL processes, and creating impactful data visualizations and dashboards.
Much like our previous entry, this was also designed to be taken after gaining the entry-level skills taught by the beginner's data analytics program.
If you meet that mark and you’re intrigued by BI, you'll appreciate the practical approach to learning BI tools and concepts as you make your way into the BI field.
I also like the emphasis this course places on developing BI project plans and understanding the role of BI in making business decisions. This level of knowledge not only adds real value but also prepares you for the real world of BI.
Simply put, this BI certification course is a great option if you want to take your data skills in the BI direction.
Pros
- Covers essential BI concepts and tools.
- Hands-on approach with practical applications.
- Focus on project planning and stakeholder management.
Cons
- Requires dedication to grasp complex BI concepts.
8. Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate
Key Information:
Instructor: Google
Duration: 240 Hours
Certificate: Yes
Difficulty: Advanced
Prerequisites: Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Enrolled Students: +640K
Rating: 4.8/5
Why we chose this Google Career Certificate
The final entry on our list, which is aimed at aspiring IT support professionals, is the Google IT Automation with Python program.
Being a huge Python fan, I’m a little biased, but this Python Professional Certificate is an excellent choice if you want to enhance your IT skills.
It's also really comprehensive, covering Python scripting for automation, using Git and GitHub for version control, and managing IT resources effectively.
I particularly like that this program focuses on real-world IT problem-solving, using Python for various automation tasks.
If you’re looking to take your IT support career to the next level, this is the perfect choice for learning how to streamline IT processes and implement efficient solutions.
Pros
- In-depth Python training for IT automation.
- Practical application with real-world scenarios.
- Covers essential tools like Git, GitHub, and cloud services.
Cons
- Requires a strong commitment to master Python and automation techniques.
Can I Really Get A Job With A Google Certificate?
This is an important question because, after all, you’d want to earn a Google career certificate to get a job in your preferred field.
That’s why I’m so impressed with Google career certificates because, unlike other online courses, graduates get direct access to Google’s CareerCircle.
This is a real game changer for me, because not only will you get help with preparing for job interviews along with free 1-to-1 coaching, but you also get access to over 150 companies in the Google Career Certificates Employer Consortium.
Now, of course, there are no guarantees that this will land you a job, but this type of access is a huge step towards making that happen.
In my opinion, one of the hardest parts for newcomers to tech is getting their foot in the door, and this is designed to help you take those first steps.
So, in short, yes, you really can get a job with a Google career certificate! But remember to work hard and take advantage of all the help that’s on offer.
This Google Career Cert program is really something in my book. It can help both people looking to step up their careers and companies searching for skilled workers. To me, the best part is how it shows you how to use the skills in real work situations. Also, over 150 companies teaming with Google adds extra value. It's not just the skills - it's the doors they can unlock at work. This network gives grads a stage to shine what they know and connect with potential bosses.
- Ricky Torres, SHRM-CP, MSHRSM, MSM: HR Professional & Mentor at SMB Guide
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, the 8 best Google career certificates in 2024 to help you kick start your brand new career in tech.
Whether you’re interested in data analytics, cybersecurity, IT support, project management, or UX design, I’ve covered a range of Google career certificates to help you upskill and land your first job in an exciting new career.
I’ve even included a selection of advanced Google career certificates for you to consider to level up even further and to help you stand out from the pack when chasing your next job!
My advice to you is to take your time, choose the right Google career certificate for your preferred tech career, and remember to take full advantage of the Google CareerCircle.
Good luck, and be sure to let us know in the comments how you get on. We’d love to hear about your success stories!
