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Google Certification exams are FREE (for a limited time)
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β¨ Master Google Gemini! Join me for the Google Certification Academy! β¨ Hi Reader! Welcome to 2026! Google kicked off the new year with a flurry of updates to their certification exams and programs. There will be some more exciting updates later this month! π€« 2026 is a GREAT year to become a Google Certified Educator! Here are some important updates you should know. π¦ Don't feel like reading? Here's my YouTube summary of these updates! If you are using tools like Gemini, Drive, and Google Classroom on a daily basis, it might be a fun goal to become a Google Certified Educator in 2026! You can join me for my upcoming course, or work on your certification with colleagues at your school! π Three Certifications: which one is right for you?Google now offers three teacher certifications! These certifications are independent (you can earn them in any order). Earning all three demonstrates a strong understanding of classroom technology:
π All three of these exams are FREE for a limited time! Special note: Google also released a Gemini certification for students (13+) AND a Gemini certification for university students! Performance based labs (new for 2026)Google is bringing back performance based labs on the L1 and L2 exams. Both exams will feature two distinct sections:
During these labs you will use various Google tools (Gmail, Calendar, Classroom, etc) to complete a series of tasks (example). Google's exam software is able to evaluate your performance to confirm if you completed each task. This two-section exam is a great approach that balances general knowledge (MC questions) with practical application (labs). The Gemini exam consists of a single set of 35-40 multiple choice and matching questions. All three exams are open book / open notes. Consulting external resources can be helpful on the multiple choice section, but you still need to be able to actually complete tasks using Gmail, drive, calendar, etc. during the lab portion of the exam. AI can't do that for you! Updated study resourcesWant to pass the first time? Here are some key resources to help you get ready! These resources have been updated with all of the new exam changes!
Why get certified? Is it worth it?Earning a Google certification provides official validation that you are a proficient user of essential classroom tools. Educators who pass the certification exam earn a verified certificate from Google (here's mine). This is great documentation to include on your professional resume. πͺ There's nothing magical about getting certified, but it's a nice external goal that can increase your credibility and personal confidence. These initial certifications are also the gateway to becoming a Google Certified Trainer or Innovator. These programs have had an incredible impact on my life. π― If some external motivation and support helpful, please consider signing up for the Google Certification Academy in February. I would love to help you become a Google Certified Educator! John R. Sowash π¨ Did someone forward this email to you? Click here to add your name to my monthly email list!
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βThe Google EDU Update
Tired of missing out on the coolest Google updates and new features? Join thousands of other teachers who rely on my monthly newsletter to stay ahead of the curve. Get the top 10 updates, teaching inspiration, and time-saving links delivered straight to your inbox.
Hello Reader, For over two decades, our job as IT admins has focused on managing human usersβprovisioning their accounts, assigning their licenses, and locking down what they can and cannot do. We are now crossing into an entirely new era of domain administration: managing AI agents that act autonomously across Google Workspace. Google recently rolled out a new Agent Control section in the Admin Console. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what these policies do and how to use them. π...
β¨ Earn your Gemini Certification...Join me for Wednesday webinars! β¨ Hi Reader! After a busy back-to-school travel season, I'm taking a vacation with my family to explore Disney World in Orlando! I was able to type up this month's EDU Update right before we left. As you return to your schools and start the new school year, you might have noticed a few changes in Google Classroom. I decided to share a summary of some of the big updates and features that you can use this year. Everything listed...
β¨ Join me for Wednesday Webinars with John! β¨ Hi Reader! As July wraps up, the start of the school year is right around the corner. This week I am in Honolulu, Hawaii to provide some back-to-school training for a school (rough assignment, I know πΈ). This trip kicks off my 2026 back-to-school tour! Iβll be heading to schools all across the US helping teachers just like you get ready for the 2026-27 school year! This monthβs EDU update is full of FREE resources to help you prepare for the new...