Do you enjoy helping others? Are you passionate about edtech? Do you consider yourself a Google tools expert? If you answered, “Yes,” becoming a Google Certified Trainer might be for you!

Google for Education Certified Trainers are education professionals who help other teachers effectively incorporate technology into their classrooms. You might be an especially good fit for the program if you’re an instructional technology coach or specialist, but anyone can apply!

Benefits include training and professional growth resources, exclusive looks at new Google product launches, the ability to collaborate with a community of trainers, and a Google Certified Trainer digital badge.

As an added bonus, you can earn extra income by presenting as a trainer. You’ll be featured in the Google for Education Directory, meaning organizations and schools can contact you about leading a training.

Interested? Read on to learn how to become a Google Certified Trainer!

Step 1: Certified Trainer Course

You’ll first have to work through Google’s Certified Trainer Course. The course features seven units, with a total of 20 lessons.

The first level of training takes about 10 hours to complete, while the second level requires 12 hours.

Step 2: Trainer Skills Assessment

Once you’ve completed the trainer course, you’re ready to take your Trainer Skills Assessment!

The exam is based on the course and consists of 25 multiple choice and matching questions. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and the fee is $15.

Step 3: Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2 Exams

In addition to passing the Trainer Skills Assessment, you must pass the Google Certified Educator Level 1 and the Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exams. Each exam takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Level 1 focuses on your ability to use Google tools to enhance teaching and learning, and it carries a fee of $10.

Level 2 tests more cutting-edge strategies for integrating a broader range of Google for Education technology in the classroom. This exam costs $25.

Step 4: Make a Trainer Video

Film a 3-minute video introducing yourself and showing off your Google training skills. The first minute should explain who you are and why you’d like to become a Google Trainer.

The next two minutes should teach one creative method for applying a feature of Google’s productivity suites, Android Tablets, Chromebooks, or Chrome in an educational setting. Screencasts are preferred!

Step 5: Apply

Finally, it’s time to submit an application! The application must include the materials listed above, and you’ll also answer a few short questions.

These questions will mostly center on your previous training experience. If you don’t have any experience yet, you may want to build up your resume before applying.

Bonus Tip: Make sure your documents and video are public before submitting! Many applications are rejected because the materials aren’t viewable.

Next Steps

4-6 weeks after you submit your application, you should receive a decision. If the application isn’t accepted, you can reapply at any time.

If the application is accepted, you’re officially a Google Certified Trainer! The certification doesn’t last forever, however.

In order to maintain your certification you must:

• Conduct and report at least 12 coaching/training sessions per year
• Share ideas and resources with Google’s community of trainers
• Resubmit your interest annually with a product update assessment

Joining this program does require time and effort, and Google is selective: There are only about 2000 certified trainers globally.

But don’t be discouraged. By carefully following the steps mentioned here, you should be well on your way to becoming a Google Certified Trainer!