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Educator Level 1 & 2
Certified Trainers
Certified Innovators
Certified Coaches
Champions
Educator Level 1 & 2
Follow the steps in this document whether you’re using a voucher or paying with a credit card.
Note - You should always start from the Teacher Center site, even if you already have a Kryterion account.
There are different ways to prepare for the certification Level 1 and 2 exams including the Basic and Intermediate use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals courses, which cover content you'll need to know. If you want to try your hand at a few questions, complete the Knowledge Checks within the lessons to test your knowledge.
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.
To register for an exam, follow the steps in this document whether you’re using a voucher or paying with a credit card.
Individuals who have achieved this certification may publicize their status with their personalized certificate and badge on their resume, portfolio, website, and more. 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.
Google Workspace certification exams are developed following an internationally accepted development process to ensure validity, reliability, and relevance. The phases of exam development include:
Objective Domain definition - The objectives for the exam are determined based on job-role feedback provided by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) inside and outside of Google.
Blueprint - Each objective is weighted based on its importance to the overall job role.
Item development - SMEs develop exam items based on the exam objectives and blueprint.
Technical review - Each exam item is reviewed to ensure technical accuracy. Reviewers can include Google employees or employees of Partner organizations.
Beta testing - Exam items are delivered to candidates under conditions similar to the final exam when it's published. This allows the performance of each item to be evaluated.
Item selection and cut score setting - Based on statistics gathered during the beta testing, items can be kept for the live exam or rejected. Once the final items are determined, SMEs gather to set the passing score for the exam.
Live - An independent test delivery provider delivers the exam worldwide, anywhere with an Internet connection and a distraction-free environment.
Yes, you must be using the latest version of Chrome in order to start the certification exams. Please update your browser if you are having difficulty starting the exam. You will also be required to use a webcam during the exam for the purposes of proctoring. Make sure that you have a working webcam before starting the exam.
You don't need a special webcam for the Certified Educator exams. Your laptop or desktop webcam will work fine as long as you're in a well-lit location. No specific type of webcam is required.
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.
Organizations can purchase vouchers directly from Kryterion via this link. The cost for each voucher is the same as the listed price for the exam.
- $10 for Google Certified Educator Level 1
- $25 for Google Certified Educator Level 2
- $15 for Trainer Skills Assessment
All submitted exams are reviewed for accurate grading and security. You will receive exam results within 3 business days of completing your exam.
Exam results are sent by gfe-certifications@google.com, so please check all email folders for this sender and, if possible, authorize direct emails from that address. If you do not receive results within 3 business days, please contact Certification Support at https://support.google.com/a/contact/certification.
A link to your digital certificate and badge will be emailed to the address you used to register for the exam. If you did not receive a copy, please check your spam folder or visit the certification hosting platform to retrieve copies of your certifications.
To download your badge, follow the steps here.
If you don't pass an exam, you can take it again after 3 days. If you don't pass a second time, you must wait 7 days before you can take it a third time. If you don't pass the third time, you must wait 14 days before taking it a fourth time. If you don't pass the fourth time, you must wait 30 days before your account resets so that you can take it again. Payment is required each time you take an exam.
You're required to pass the certification exams every 36 months. You will receive an email notification to recertify two months prior to the expiration date.
There are a variety of tools available within the Chrome browser that users have access to during the exam. Read more here. Extra time on the test is available to users who have a medical reason for that specific accommodation.
No. Due to system limitations, certifications can only be issued in the original language with which the exam was completed.
Certified Trainers
To become a Certified Trainer, you'll need to complete the seven steps below:
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Certified Trainer Course. Completing our trainer course will provide instruction on 1) Creating and Delivering Inspiring and Effective Training Plans and 2) Helping Educators Use Transformative Google Technologies ~8 hours. This course will help you bolster the training, leadership, and interpersonal relationship skills that make you an effective trainer. Click here to access.
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Trainer Skills Assessment. Pass the Trainer Skills Assessment (~1 hour). This exam tests your understanding of the Trainer Course and familiarity with Google for Education. Click here to access.
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Google Certified Educator Level 1. Take the Google Certified Educator Level 1 exam (2-3 hours) to assess your ability to successfully integrate Google tools into their teaching practice to enhance teaching and learning. This exam will help you build your confidence as you work with educators and Google tools.
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Google Certified Educator Level 2. Take the Google Certified Educator Level 2 exam (~3 hours) to learn cutting-edge strategies for integrating a wider range of Google for Education tools and technologies in the classroom. For more information regarding the Level 1 and Level 2 exams, please check out the FAQ page.
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Trainer Video. Distinguish yourself by submitting a 2 - 3 minute video demonstrating how a Google Workspace for Education product, Chromebooks, or Chrome can be used in a classroom or school setting in an innovative way.
Video evaluation criteria:
- The video must be 2 - 3 minutes in length. Videos longer than 3 minutes will result in a declined application.
- The video is on a Google Workspace for Education product, Chromebooks, or Chrome.
- The video instructions / steps are easy to follow.
- Applicant demonstrates how products can be used in a classroom or school setting in an innovative way.
- Screencasts are preferred.
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Professional development experience. Include 3 - 5 of your favorite Google-specific professional learning opportunities you have led in the last year (including podcasts, blogs, training materials, online courses, and of course training sessions). You'll need to list the date, topic, and other supporting materials.
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Apply! Submit your membership application with the above materials (~1 hour). You will also be asked to answer a series of short questions. Your responses will give us an understanding of your training experience, including planning, implementing, evaluating, and building learning materials.
The Google Certified Educator Level 1 exam is $10, the Google Certified Educator Level 2 exam is $25, and the Trainer Skills Assessment is $15.
Your certificate and badge will be emailed to the address you used to register to take your exam. If you did not receive a copy, please check your spam folder and if you still cannot locate it, you may complete a request via this form.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis every month. Every cycle closes the last Wednesday of each month. You should receive a notification on your application status within 4-6 weeks of your initial submission. Thanks for your patience!
All Certified Trainers need to recertify into the Trainer program in order to maintain active trainer status.
- Report a minimum of 10 Google-focused training sessions on the Activity App
- Pass the 2024 product update exam by reviewing the study guide, which will be provided during the product exam time frame
- Have an active Level 1 and Level 2 certification (renew every 3 years)
You can include all of your training activities in a single submission and report on a regular cadence that works best for your schedule (ex: you can submit monthly, quarterly, weekly etc).
No. While it’s not mandatory, completing the Basic and Intermediate use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals courses and trying sample questions helps build proficiency and prepares you to take the exams. If you want to try your hand at a few questions, complete the Knowledge Checks within the courses to test your knowledge.
Passing the Level 1 and Level 2 exams is a requirement for the Certified Trainer application.
Please fill out this form.
If you don't pass an exam, you can take it again after 3 days. If you don't pass a second time, you must wait 7 days before you can take it a third time. If you don't pass the third time, you must wait 14 days before taking it a fourth time. If you don't pass the fourth time, you must wait 30 days before your account resets so that you can take it again. Payment is required each time you take an exam.
Please add certifiedtrainers@eresources.com to your trusted contacts list. All communication will come from this address. You can contact gfe-trainer-program@google.com if you are still not receiving updates.
Yes, you will need to apply with a valid GCE Level 1, GCE Level 2, and Trainer Skills Assessment certificates. As a reminder, the GCE L1, GCE L2, and Trainer Skills Assessment certificates expire 36 months after they have been earned.
You can apply again during any of the subsequent review cycles. There is no waiting period. Common reasons for applications not being accepted include:
- Applicant's shared documents and videos are not viewable. Please make sure your materials are public on the web.
- Applicant does not have enough previous training experience. We're looking for applicants who already have a diverse history of delivering Google training.
You should use the correct branding at all times: Google for Education Certified Trainer.
Reach out to us at gfe-trainer-program@google.com
Certified Innovators
To become an Innovator, you must apply to attend an Innovator Academy. In 2024 we will host several live Academies and one virtual Academy in various cities around the world, and in different languages. You can see the Innovator Academy event dates, locations, and application windows on the Certified Innovator page.
All Certified Innovators will work closely with Google and each other to implement, manage, and document creative education projects. We encourage Innovators to collaborate on projects with other Innovators, and to choose projects that inspire and impact other educators and students.
You must pass the Google Certified Educator Level 2 exam before applying to become a Certified Innovator.
You can see the Innovator Academy event dates, locations, and application windows on the Certified Innovator page.
Google for Education Certified Innovators remain active in one of three ways:
(1) continue working on a high-impact Innovator Project of their choosing
(2) being influential advocates for using Google technologies to transform education
(3) leading Google programs to drive innovation and transformation in their schools or school systems
Applications are reviewed by fellow Google Certified Innovators. To get application planning support, sign up for updates here.
The Google for Education Certified Innovator Program is a free of charge professional development opportunity. For in person events - accepted cohort members must fund their lodging and their way to and from the Google office for that cohort for the three-day event.
We limit the number of Innovators in a cohort for two primary reasons:
(1) to ensure a high quality experience and
(2) to help build community. Limited space is also a consideration.
Certified Coaches
A coach is an educator who spends the majority of their time working 1:1 with teachers. Coaches help teachers address classroom challenges by adopting new instructional strategies. K-12 coaches who are looking for a structured, research-proven set of strategies to drive impactful coaching interactions and technology use would benefit from this certification.
Coaches are experts in using our 5-step coaching model to work 1:1 with educators to drive impactful technology use in their schools. Trainers are experts in delivering strong 1:many professional development experiences to fellow educators and often focus on Google products and tools. Innovators are education influencers who lead innovative education projects that impact school communities.
The Certified Coach program is designed to be completed over the course of the school year. The curriculum takes approx. 20 hours to complete and the coaching portfolio is designed to reflect many weeks of working 1:1 with teachers. We recommend that coaches invest time in putting together an application that demonstrates mastery of the curriculum and 5-step coaching model. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and you should receive notification on your application status within 4-6 weeks of your initial submission.
While there is no cost associated with taking the Certified Coach final assessment or applying for certification, there is a cost associated with the Google Certified Educator Level 1 ($10 USD) and Level 2 ($25 USD) exams.
No, coaches do not have to work with a recommended coaching partner to earn certification. However, we have seen that coaches are likely to have greater school impact and realize more professional growth when they are supported by the type of mentorship that recommended coaching partners provide.
Certified Coaches must log at least 50 hours of 1:1 coaching per school year in the Edu Activity App. Certified Coaches will need to renew their Educator Level 1 and 2 Certifications every three years.
The Certified Coach program is open to all K-12 educators globally and the course content is currently available in Dutch, English (UK), English (US), Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), and Swedish. Applications are currently accepted in English and Japanese.
Google for Education Champions
Yes! As a Google for Education Certified Innovator, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and/or Google for Education Certified Coach are automatically inducted into our Google for Education Champions community and gain this recognition. You should have received an email from our team with more information.
Not unless you also are a Google for Education Certified Innovator, Coach, and/or Trainer. Google for Education Champions are individuals who hold one or more of those recognitions. To gain those recognitions see the requirements and application process here: http://edu.google.com/Champions.
Not unless you also are a Google for Education Certified Innovator, Coach, and/or Trainer. Google for Education Champions are individuals who hold one or more of those recognitions. To gain those recognitions see the requirements and application process here: http://edu.google.com/Champions.
The introduction of Google for Education Champions does not change anything for members of the global educator groups. However, beginning 2024, GEG Leaders will be required to be a Champion (hold either a Coach, Trainer, or Innovator certification).
Reference Schools / Districts may encourage their educators to consider becoming Google for Education Champions wherever it makes sense.
No, Google for Education Champions does not replace the Certified Trainer, Innovator and Coach programs, but unites and elevates them. Innovator, Trainer, and Coach will continue, and we will continue accepting new members into each sub community. Trainer and Coach are currently accepting applications and Innovator will open for new applications in 2024.
Yes! If you are accepted as a Googler Certified Trainer and complete all related onboarding steps, you will automatically be considered a Champion.
Yes! Your individual program badges are not going anywhere. You can also use the new Champions badge and email signature which can be found here.
All changes will go into effect in 2024.
Innovator - no changes
- Continue working on a high-impact Innovation Project of your choosing
- Being influential advocates for using Google technologies to transform education
- Leading Google programs to drive innovation and transformation in their schools or school systems
Trainer - minor updates, all recertification requirements for Trainer are currently suspended. These requirements will go back into effect in 2024.
- Have an active L1/L2 certification (renew every 3 years)
- Annual product update assessment
- Submit 10 trainings (previously 12) every calendar year - will take effect in 2024
Coach - minor updates
- Have an active L1/L2 certification (renew every 3 years)
- 50 hours (currently 100) of 1:1 coaching every calendar year - will take effect in 2024
In the coming months, we will be launching a Community Hub space just for Champions (all Innovators, Trainers, and Coaches)! We will eventually fully transition from Google Groups email aliases to the Community Hub, and it will become the centralized place where you can connect with fellow Champions, share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate together. Googlers from across our teams will also be engaging in this space, giving you more opportunity to share your ideas and feedback, amplifying your voice and influence on our products and programs, and offering exclusive opportunities and access just for the Champions community.
Symposiums
- Singapore: Mon Sep 11 - Wed Sep 13
- Sunnyvale: Sun Oct 1 - Tue Oct 3
- São Paulo: Weds Oct 18 - Fri Oct 20
- Mexico City: Wed Oct 25 - Fri Oct 27
- Dublin: Tue Nov 7 - Thu Nov 9
- Sydney: Wed Dec 6 - Fri Dec 8
- Tokyo: Tue Mar 26 - Thu Mar 28, 2024
Please see our website for more details and how to apply.
Most Symposiums will be held in English. The following will be in local languages:
- São Paulo: Weds Oct 18 - Fri Oct 20 - Portuguese
- Mexico City: Wed Oct 25 - Fri Oct 27 - Spanish
- Tokyo: Tue Mar 26 - Thu Mar 28, 2024 - Japanese
Only existing certified Innovators, Trainers, or Coaches can apply to attend any one of these events. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the deadlines listed. Currently the only remaining Symposium open for application is Tokyo in March 2024, which will be held entirely in Japanese language. No other additional Symposiums are planned at this time. For more information email info@gfechampions.com
We are looking for equitable representation across our communities at each Symposium event. A myriad of factors will go into the review committee's process - including (but not limited to) ensuring representation across lived identities, organizational types, and geography. Not all questions will be scored equally - rather a holistic portrait of each candidate will be considered. For example, for someone with strong impact in their community but lower social media counts they would still be a strong candidate for the Symposiums. Ultimately, we are looking for positive, passionate, and proactive members of our community who are demonstrating through their actions that they are Champions for students, Champions for educators, and Champions for the future of education.
Not annually, but potentially once every 2-3 years. We are exploring continuing to hold the Symposiums in future years, but that has yet to be determined.
No - The Innovator Academies will be the “onboarding” experience for new Certified Innovators. The format and content for the Academies may evolve based on learnings from past years, and feedback from Innovators!
Attendees are responsible for their own travel expenses. Only the event itself and all meals onsite will be covered by Google.
All existing certified Innovators, Trainers, or Coaches can apply to attend any one of the events. Note: You must be certified prior to submitting your application.
Professional Development Partner FAQs
PD Partners can support educators wanting to become Champions by understanding the process and requirements for each sub-program (Trainer, Innovator, Coach) listed here. Because each sub-program still requires the Educator Level 1 and Educator Level 2 certifications, PD Partners can also help prepare educators by providing professional development on the topics covered in the exams.
PD Partners should encourage their employees and trainers to apply to become a Google for Education Certified Trainer. Once they become a Certified Trainer, they will also become a Google for Education Champion!
We will continue to provide updates about our exams to our education communities and PD Partners through quarterly NDA-only meetings. We hope to provide as much lead-time as possible for PD Partners to adapt their training content and materials.