Google products and software are everywhere these days; there is so much technology involved between all their products that it’s no wonder some people need a class on how to use it. And for those who are tech-savvy, there are still so many things that most people just didn’t know exist within the apps and tools.

With a registration fee of $75 and about two hours of education and an exam, one can show productivity and knowledge on most Google products on their resume. This can signal to employers that they are tech-savvy and collaborative with things like Google Docs, Sheets, and more.

While there is no downside to having a Google Workspace certification, some might argue it’s not worth the time because some companies have their own interfaces and software to use that one would have to learn during training.

What is Google Workspace Certification?

Most people may be familiar with Gmail as it’s one of the most popular platforms for e-mailing. However, in Gmail itself, there are a number of tools that a lot of people are completely unaware of that may make their life and workplace a lot easier. This can be said for all the apps, including the lesser-known Hangouts Meet or Forms.

Expert Level Knowledge in

• Gmail
• Google Meet
• Google Chat
• Google Drive
• Docs
• Sheets
• Forms
• Slides

Not only does the course introduce you to all of them and allow you to demonstrate to your employer how proficient you are but, it also can help you in your personal life as well when it comes to organizing and time efficiency.

Briefly, let’s go over which product is what so you know what you are signing up for.

Gmail

This is where All your e-mail communication will be done. A fan favorite because of the app’s ability to schedule e-mails to go out when you want them. Another great feature is the ability to select which e-mails or specifically who messages are from to send you to push notifications and allow spam to stay on the back burner.

Google Meet

Google Meet, or also Google Hangouts Meet, is your virtual office at your fingertips. Similar to how Zoom works, it gives people the opportunity to have face to face meetings in a remote setting. Now more than ever, this is an important tool, and Google Meet has the ability have users join the meeting without needing to even show their face as you can turn the camera off and mute yourself if you’re just following along.

Google Drive

Google’s file storage system where you can store everything in the cloud.  It allows compatibility with all it’s Google Apps, so whether you are using the Forms app or Sheets, everything can be stored in one place.

Google Docs

Similar platform to Microsoft word Google Docs takes it one step further to allow simultaneous work on one document if needed. Retrieve your documents at any time from anywhere as they are all stored in your drive and docs folder when you sign in. No need to worry about documents not going through in e-mails as an editor or colleague who is allowed access can open and see the document immediately after permission is granted.

Google Sheets

Spreadsheets are an important part of any business when it comes to calculating things such as timesheets for hours worked or invoices for clients. Knowing how to use Google’s version of Excel is incredibly important as some companies decide to use one platform such as Google in order to get a collaborative working environment.

Google Forms

All companies have loads of forms to sign whether it’s for Human Resources or sending something for the consent of a client. Google Forms offers a variety of templates needed in order to do so or start from scratch yourself as a company can make its own forms.  Knowing how to navigate yourself through this App is important in case your company does ask you to create one yourself.

Google Slides

Lastly, presentations in the world place happen all the time in weekly meetings. A smooth way to present ideas, business rules, and much more is optimal for a well-functioning company. Often times depending on the field you work in, you may have to present your findings, and without any knowledge on how to do so, you have to spend time not only doing your job but also figuring out how to present it.

Pros and Cons to Google Workspace Certification

While Google is commonly used throughout the world, there are a few things to really consider when going ahead and paying for certification. While it can’t hurt to always add it, some companies might not care as much as others.

Below are a few things to consider when making the final decision to pursue a certification or not in Google Apps and the Google Workspace.

Reason

     Pros

Cons

Cost

Relatively cheap when it comes to a class. $75

-   It’s a quick class and won’t take a lot of your time up.

• If you have any experience already with Google Apps, there is a decent chance you can save the money and teach yourself a lot of these skills.

• It’s a time investment regardless and maybe one not worth for your next job.

Resume

-   If you’re lacking some new skills on your resume, it’s worth for filler space and does demonstrate to some degree you have the capabilities to work cohesively in the cloud.

• Some companies aren’t even aware of what Google Workspace certification is. If you are being judged on a first glance resume, it’s probably not the most important thing on your resume.

• It’s better to write the individual apps you succeed in, which unfortunately can take a lot of space up on a one-page resume.

Education

-    As far as life goes, Google is a common, and you can use all the apps for your personal use in your life. It’s not limited to just work-related use.  

• Not every company uses Google. In fact, a lot of companies still use Microsoft platforms or new and upcoming technologies such as Zoom, Slack, and many more, depending on what kind of the partnership they have with them.

For a few extra pointers here and there, you can’t go wrong, but it could be a potential waste of time if you’re someone who can easily figure things out for yourself as a lot of people have free Youtube tutorials on these kinds of things.

Final Thoughts :

Google Workspace certification is starting to gain traction if you want to brush up on all your skills and Google, in general, if it is a newer platform for you, then I think it’s definitely worth the small time and cost investment. It may not be the first thing you put on your resume, but the individual apps are skills you can put on there. When you get called back to interview is when you can mention that you have a certification across Google platforms.

As mentioned above, though, not all companies are using Google, and a lot of the time, you can find yourself learning as you go or watching free Youtube tutorials or reading blog posts on how to use the Google platform.

The final thing to keep in mind is that in order to get the certification, you have to be at least tech-savvy enough to follow an online class. While the class is not difficult and generally helpful, you have to have the basic skills to know how to get to the class and surf the web, or it may be useless to you in the future.