Let’s talk about how to get Google Certified!
Today, I’ll dig into what certifications there are, how to get them (and how hard it is), and what resources can help.
If you’re interested in becoming a Google Certified Educator (level 1, level 2, trainer, innovator, or coach), this is the episode for you!
And if you’re wondering why you should care or be interested, here’s a fun fact: this entire blog wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t become Google Certified.
Neither would my books or podcasts. I wouldn’t be talking to you today if I hadn’t taken those steps!
Let’s dive in! First, I’ll explore what Level 1 certification means and what you can expect from the test. I’ll then talk about some ways to prepare for the exam. I’ll then do the same for Level 2.
From there, I’ll talk about becoming a Google Certified Trainer. I’ll cover the various requirements (one of which I didn’t meet the first time I applied!) as well as the six steps to becoming a Certified Trainer.
I will also talk about Certified Coach, and the Innovator Academy and what it takes to reach the most coveted level of Google Certification!
I’ve helped thousands of people become Google Certified, and I can help you, too! I hope this episode has answered a lot of your questions and explained why the programs are so great, and I look forward to taking the next steps with you.
[ctt template=”1″ link=”KI1Hk” via=”yes” ]How to Get Google Certified! (It can change your career, just ask @ShakeUpLearning!) #ShakeUpLearning[/ctt]
This episode is sponsored by WriQ.
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Kasey Bell
94: How to Get Google Certified (Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, Innovator, and Coach!)
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Shoutout to Kellie Lahey on Twitter for sharing some awesome student engagement with Pear Deck!
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How to Get Google Certified (Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, Innovator, and Coach!)
There are now FIVE different certification options for educators: Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certified Educator, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Google Certified Coach.
(Note: There are many other Google certifications outside of education.)
Why Get Google Certified?
There are many benefits to the various certifications that can help you improve as a teacher and even take your career to the next level.
Related: 10 Ways Google Certification Can Support Remote Learning
Here’s a quick overview of just a few of the benefits:
- Support Remote and Blended Learning
- Gain Confidence with Digital Learning Strategies and Google Tools
- Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning & Creativity
- Create a Paperless Classroom
- Collect Data & Improve Feedback
- Learn How to Find Answers & Support
- Increase Digital Citizenship Skills in the Classroom
- Increase Efficiency & Save Time
- Engage in Professional Growth & Leadership
- Prove Your Skills
- Get the Badge & Join the Google Certified Family!
Related: The Benefits of Google Certification
Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2
Let’s break this down!
Google Certified Educator Level 1
Level 1: can “successfully implement Google for Education into their teaching practice to enhance
teaching and learning.”
Preparation:
- Enroll in the Level 1 Academy for hands-on training
- On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources
Level 1 Exam:
- Multiple choice
- Drag and drop
- & Performance-based scenarios
- 180 minutes
- $10 fee
- Pass with 80% or above
- Good for 3 years
Google Certified Educator Level 2
Level 2: can “successfully integrate a wider range of Google for Education tools and other
technologies to transform their teaching practice.”
Preparation:
- Enroll in the Level 2 Academy for hands-on training
- On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources
Level 2 Exam:
- Multiple choice
- Drag and drop
- & Performance-based scenarios
- 180 minutes
- $25 fee
- Pass with 80% or above
- Good for 3 years
Google Certified Trainer
The Google for Education Certified Trainer program is designed for educators with a strong history of providing Google training in schools, including creating informative learning materials, and enthusiasm for digital learning and technology.
6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer
- Trainer Course Curriculum
- Trainer Skills Assessment ($15, 25 questions, 90 minutes)
- Level 1 Certificate
- Level 2 Certificate
- Record Trainer Video (3 minutes)
- Apply
For details on each of these six steps, see this related post: 6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer.
Preparation:
- Enroll in the Trainer Academy for hands-on training
- On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources
Google Certified Innovator
The Google for Education Certified Innovator Program supports educators in developing new projects for their classrooms and school districts. Members participate in a year-long mentorship program that begins with workshops called Innovator Academies, where teachers, coaches, and Google experts learn from each other.
Innovator candidates must go through a lengthy application process, including project and video, Level 2 certificate, and be accepted to attend a 3-day academy on a Google campus.
Google Certified Coach
The Google Certified Coach program empowers instructional coaches to work 1:1 with educators and drive impactful technology use in their schools. Coaches get access to research-backed strategies and tools so that new and veteran educators alike can transform instruction across every classroom.
- Coach curriculum
- Coach skills assessment
- Create coaching portfolio and submit application
- Create a short video, provide three coaching artifacts, and submit an administrator letter of reference that illustrate successful use of the 5-step coaching model in action.
- Then, apply!
FREE Webinar: How to Get Google Certified
Do you want to learn more about the certifications and what it takes to achieve each one?
Getting Google Certified can be daunting and confusing, so I put together this free webinar on How to Get Google Certified!
In this webinar, I will give you an overview of Google Certification, Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, and Google Certified Trainer.
REGISTER for the Webinar
Google Certification Academies
I also teach online boot camps to walk you through all the skills and help you prepare for the exams. I have helped thousands of educators through these online, self-paced courses!
What’s Included in the Google Certification Courses?
Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy
Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 1!
- 50 Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
- 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
- Lesson Checks
- Testing Tips
- 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
- BONUS 1: Includes the ENTIRE Google Classroom Master Class!
- BONUS 2: Level 1 Challenges (performance tasks designed to mimic the exam)
- and much more!
- Payment plans and scholarships available
- Bulk discounts! Get your whole school Google certified!
- Learn more and see the course curriculum
Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy
Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 2!
- 40+ Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
- 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
- Lesson Checks
- Testing Tips
- 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
- BONUS: Level 2 Challenges (testing scenarios)
- and much more!
- Payment plans and scholarships available
- Learn more and see the course curriculum
Google Certified Trainer Academy
All You Need to Know to Prepare for the Trainer Skills Assessment and Application!
Becoming a Google Certified Trainer was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it transformed my learning and my career! This self-paced, online course includes EVERYTHING you need to know to pass the Trainer Skills Assessment AND complete the application requirements, including:
- 18 Video Lesson
- Lesson Checks
- Exam Tips
- Application and Video Tips
- 12 Hours of Professional Learning Credit
- BONUS 1: How to Design Google PD That Works
- BONUS 2: How to Market Yourself as a Trainer
- BONUS 3: The Ultimate Google Certified Trainer Planner and Check List (27-page, downloadable ebook!)
- and much more!
- Payment plans and scholarships available
- Learn more and see the course curriculum
Don’t Pay Out of Pocket!
Teachers shouldn’t have to pay out of their own pockets to get the professional learning and training they need.
On each of the course pages listed above you will find information about scholarships, as well as editable documents to “Make the Case” with your administrator to pay for your training.
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES: Purchasing these courses helps support the HUNDREDS of free resources that Shake Up Learning provides–free ebooks, cheat sheets, podcasts, blog posts, lesson plans, templates, tips, tutorials, and more. Thank you for supporting Shake Up Learning. We are a small, woman-owned business whose mission is to serve teachers.
Google Training for Schools
We have many programs to help your teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google tools and the entire Google suite in the classroom. From online courses to books, to face-to-face training, we got you covered!
COVID-19 forced many teachers and schools to scramble to find tools to deliver online assignments, design digital learning experiences, and Google was the number one suite of tools to help make this a reality.
Just in time resources and learning will help teachers, students, and parents survive the crisis. When we return to the new normal, Google skills will help set the foundation for more dynamic and meaningful learning in the classroom.
Get your entire campus or district on board with Google! Help your teachers learn more about Google tools, Google Classroom, and meaningful technology integration strategies. You can even help all your teachers become Google Certified Educators!
GoogleTrainingforSchools.com
Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!
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