There are many different certificate programs that exist in the vast world of the internet, and one of those is the Google Career Certificates. These certificate courses are offered by one of the most prestigious companies in the world and address some of today’s most in-demand tech skills. But are Google Certifications worth it? Should you go through the trouble of spending your funds and time on completing them? Will they help you get a job? All of these questions will be addressed in our detailed Google Career Certificates review.
Are Google Certifications Worth It?
If you are wondering whether Google Certifications are worth it, the short answer is a firm “yes”. We rely on three considerations when putting forward our verdict.
1. Excellent education
Firstly, the courses are well-designed and are taught by professionals in the industry. The curriculum is tailored to meet the expectations of employers and the material is comprehensive, so you are sure to learn a lot.
2. Professional recognition
Google Certifications are recognized by employers across the world and are seen as proof of professional skill. They are highly valued, so having one under your belt can certainly help you differentiate yourself from other applicants and help you get the job you are aiming for.
3. Affordable price
Google Certifications are very affordable compared to other certificate programs. The cost of taking one of their courses is much less than most certification programs, so you are sure to get good value for money. You can even apply for financial assistance to help you if needed.
Overall, it is clear that Google Certifications are definitely worth it. The education and recognition are excellent, and the cost is more than reasonable. If you are looking to boost your skills in a particular field and take your career to the next level, then a Google Certification is definitely the way to go.
But What Exactly Are the Google Career Certificates?
The Google Career Certificates are a series of courses designed to provide you with the skills needed for entry-level positions in various career fields.
Depending on your chosen course, you could become a data analyst, project manager, UX designer or IT support specialist.
The courses are self-paced and are made up of a series of modules, quizzes, and hands-on activities. They are also created in collaboration with industry experts so you are sure to get the highest quality of education.
The Google Certifications can be completed in under 6 months, after which you will gain a certificate to show that you are an expert in the field.
What Are the Different Google Certifications?
Currently, there are six different Google Certifications available. These are:
- Data Analyst
- Project Manager
- UX Designer
- IT Support
- Digital Marketing & E-commerce
- Android Developer
The IT Support Certificate has been around for a while and is the most popular of the six. However, over the past couple of years Google has started offering more certificates to meet the demands of the ever-changing job market.
Each course focuses on the different skills needed to become an expert in each field and are a great way to get ahead in your chosen career.
How Can I Take the Google Career Certificate Courses?
The Google Certifications are offered through their online learning platform, Coursera. All you have to do is sign up for an account and you are ready to get started.
You can take the courses at your own pace and are free to retake any of the quizzes and activities if you are struggling.
This means that you are not under any pressure to complete your course within a certain time frame.
The courses include video lectures and are accompanied by activities to help you practice what you are learning.
Once you have completed the course, you will take an online assessment and upon successful completion, you will be awarded with a Google Career Certificate.
Do I Need Any Experience to Take Google Career Certificate Courses?
Google claims you don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to take the Google Career Certificate courses. All you need is a willingness to learn and an open mind to become an expert in the field.
Although, if you are looking to become a UX Designer or Android Developer, it would be beneficial to have some prior experience in coding and design.
Overall, the Google Career Certificates are certainly worth it for anyone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to take their career to the next level, even if they have no experience related to the course materials.
Are the Google Certifications Difficult?
The Google Certifications are definitely not easy, but they are also not overly difficult either. The courses are designed to be self-paced so you are able to take your time and are not rushed.
The modules are broken down into manageable chunks, so you are able to focus on mastering a particular skill before moving onto the next part.
The quizzes are also designed to help you test your knowledge and if you are struggling there are online resources to help you out.
This makes taking Google Certifications worth your effort, as you are able to gain an industry recognized qualification without needing any prior experience.
What Is the Curriculum of the Google Certifications?
As we have mentioned above, there are six different Google Certifications, and each of them has its own dense curriculum, which we will review below.
1. Data Analyst
The Data Analyst certification covers topics such as data collection, analysis, visualization and communication. You will learn how to use tools such as BigQuery, Tableau, and Google Analytics to collect, analyze and visualize data.
2. Project Manager
The Project Manager certification covers topics such as Agile methodology, product development, and project management. You will learn how to plan projects, manage teams and develop products.
3. UX Designer
The UX Designer certification covers topics such as user-centered design, user research and usability testing. You will learn how to create effective user interfaces and deliver great user experiences.
4. IT Support
The IT Support certification covers topics such as troubleshooting, customer service and network security. You will learn how to set up and maintain computer systems and networks, and how to provide technical support for users.
5. Digital Marketing & E-commerce
The Digital Marketing & E-commerce certification covers topics such as search engine optimization, social media marketing and e-commerce. You will learn how to market products and create effective digital campaigns.
6. Android Developer
The Android Developer certification covers topics such as Android fundamentals, development tools and mobile architecture. You will learn how to create Android apps using the latest tools and techniques.
What Is the Course Structure of the Google Certifications?
The Google Certifications are structured in a way that allows you to complete the course at your own pace. They require under 10 hours of study per week and use hands-on projects and direct contact with employers to help you understand and digest the course materials. Google also boasts “gamified learning” approach, which helps to make the courses more engaging.
The courses are broken down into modules, and each module is further divided into lectures, quizzes and activities. The lectures are video-based and are designed to help you understand the concepts and techniques. The quizzes are designed to test your knowledge, while the activities are designed to help you practice and hone your skills.
The courses can be completed in under 6 months. At the end of each course, you are required to take an online assessment in order to receive your Google Career Certificate.
What Are the Costs of Google Certifications?
The cost of Google Certifications depends on the course you are taking. The IT Support, UX Design, Project Management, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificates cost $39 per month by subscription on Coursera up until the moment you finish the course. Afterwards, you are free to keep the study materials without paying further.
The Android Developer Certificate cost is $149 on Google’s own platform, Android Developer Academy.
Overall, Google Certification are quite affordable and worth it financially.
Can Google Certificates Help Me Get a Job?
Google Certificates are becoming increasingly popular among employers and are being used as a way to differentiate candidates. Having a Google Career Certificate on your resume shows employers that you are committed to learning and are knowledgeable in the topic.
The majority of Google Certification holders, 82% to be exact, had a successful career outcome within half a year according to Coursera’s Learner Outcome Survey.
Google has teamed up with various prominent companies to ensure many successful job prospects for those who finish their certificates. More than five million U.S citizens have improved their businesses and jobs with Grow with Google’s help since 2017. Also, many corporations such as Bayer, Deloitte, Verizon, SAP, Accenture, Intel, and Bank of America plan to hire people who possess a Google Certificate in the next few years.
Not only has Google partnered with Guild Education, but they have also developed education programs for companies like Walt Disney. This company will be able to offer Google’s professional certificates as a way to upskill their workforce and stay ahead of the competition.
Google also provides students with access to coaching sessions, mock interviews, and a resume builder tool to help them secure their dream jobs.
In addition, with the Google Certs Coursera Job Platform, tech-savvy job seekers can connect with hiring managers from leading companies.
To summarize, Google Certifications are worth it in terms of helping you get a job. The certificates are highly sought after by employers and are becoming increasingly popular.
Who Are the Google Certifications Best for?
Google Certifications are best suited for those who are looking to break into the tech industry or want to improve their knowledge and skills in their current field.
They are also well suited for those who are looking to improve their employability or are seeking a promotion.
Google Certifications are also ideal for anyone interested in staying up-to-date with the latest trends in technology.
Overall, Google Certifications are worth it if you are looking to take your career to the next level. With their broad range of courses and their focus on job-relevant skills, Google Certifications are a great way to learn and advance your career.
Do Google Certifications Expire?
No, Google Certifications are lifelong credentials and do not expire. Once you have completed the assessment for a certificate course, your certification will be valid forever.
However, Google recommends that you keep your skills up-to-date by taking additional courses related to the field or attending webinars and online workshops. This will help you maintain your certification status and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in technology.
Conclusion
Overall, Google Certifications are worth it if you are looking to take your career to the next level. With their broad range of courses and their focus on job-relevant skills, Google Certifications are a great way to learn and advance your career. They are also great for those looking to improve their employability and are highly sought after by employers. Plus, Google Certifications are lifelong credentials that do not expire. All in all, Google Certifications are a great way to upskill and are worth investing your time and money into. So go ahead and get started on your Google Certification today to kick start your career path!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.
