Key takeaways
If you’re still learning the ropes of project management, then Google’s Project Management certificate is worth pursuing. This affordable, straightforward course allows anyone to get started immediately. And unlike other credentials that target experienced professionals, Google’s offering has no prerequisites.
But despite the certificate’s easy accessibility, it’s not right for everyone. The beginner-centric curriculum delivers little value for more experienced project managers. Plus, employers may still require formal college degrees or other qualifications, making job hunting no less difficult. Think of it as a crash course to launch careers, rather than a growth initiative to score a promotion.
Let’s dig deeper to see if this certificate is right for you.
In this article...
All about the Google Project Management certificate
The Google Project Management certificate teaches the fundamental skills required for project management. Importantly, it does not require any prior knowledge. Anyone can start right away, making it one of the most accessible credentials in this career field.
If you’re pursuing a career in the construction or environmental sustainability fields, then you’re in luck. Google offers specialized add-on certificates in these two industries. But before pursuing this extra training, you’ll need the foundational Project Management certificate.
Curriculum
The certificate’s curriculum covers a range of introductory topics:
- Time and budget management
- Agile and Scrum frameworks
- Personnel supervision
- Project planning
- Basic Google and Microsoft software, such as Docs, Sheets, and Microsoft Office
- Brief introductions to specialized software, such as Asana and Smartsheet
All learning is entirely online and self-paced, allowing individuals to study at their convenience. College students and working professionals will certainly enjoy this flexibility.
We like Google’s emphasis on the Agile and Scrum project management frameworks. After all, these two strategies are perhaps the most commonly used and demanded by employers. So this is a key advantage to the certificate’s curriculum.
But the course’s lack of detailed software training is a weak spot. Project management tools are crucial to success, so more training is needed. Plan on learning titles such as Monday.com on your own.
Who needs the Google Project Management certificate
The certificate is a great choice if any of these situations describe you:
- Want to start a career in project management
- Own a business looking to hire or train project managers
- Work extensively with project managers in your current career
- Need education hours to apply toward Project Management Institute certifications
- Want general-purpose project planning skills
Indeed, Google’s offering is especially appealing thanks to its low price and self-paced, fully remote learning path. So, if you’re in one of the situations above, then your wallet will feel happy.
On the other hand, if none of these circumstances above apply to you, then Google’s certification isn’t worth your time. It’s too simple for experienced project management professionals. And the three- to six-month completion estimate is too lengthy for casual learners not otherwise involved in project management.
Instead, we’d recommend other options, such as those from the Project Management Institute.
Time and money requirements
If you have more time than money, Google’s certificate is a smart choice. Here’s why.
People usually earn the Google Project Management certificate within three to six months. Since it’s self-paced, your mileage may vary. Still, this timeframe is a meaningful commitment.
The tradeoff is its low price, which is comparatively more affordable than other project management offerings. Google’s program fee is $49 per month. So, with a three- to six-month completion time, you’ll pay a total between $147 to $294.
For comparison, many certificates, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute, can soar over $500. Some clear $1,000.
Bottom line, Google offers an affordable deal, but at a slower, time-consuming pace. As a result, if you can shell out more cash, you may wish to pursue a condensed, higher-priced alternative that takes only days to complete.
Small business considerations
Many small businesses opt to train existing staff on project management principles, vice hiring an outsider. This path saves money and keeps things simple. In this case, Google’s low price is particularly attractive.
For only $49 a month, you can get a staffer up and running in just a few months or less. This strategy is a far better deal than spending months recruiting a project manager. As a result, the Google Project Management certificate is a perfect solution for small businesses.
Similar certificates worth considering
While the Google Project Management certificate is attractive, it isn’t the only show in town. There are other highly regarded options, as well.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. This certification holds substantial weight in the industry and is well-regarded by employers. The PMP certification, however, has stricter eligibility requirements and a higher cost compared to the Google Project Management certificate. It’s not suitable for beginners.
Another certification to consider is the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), also offered by PMI. This certification is suitable for individuals who are new to project management and do not meet the prerequisites for the PMP certification. In this sense, it’s a worthy alternative for beginners.
Making the right choice
In conclusion, is the Google Project Management certificate worth it? Yes. The course is best for individuals looking to enter the field of project management. It teaches all the basics at an affordable price, and no prior experience is required. Plus, Google’s name recognition is particularly appealing, making a great addition to any resume.
Still, not everyone should pursue the certification. Experienced project managers won’t gain much. Nor will folks craving a quick crash course in only a few days or hours. For these individuals, other certifications, such as those from the Project Management Institute, will feel more valuable.
Looking for the latest in Project Management solutions? Check out our Project Management Software Guide.
Featured Partners
1 Wrike
Tackle complex projects with Wrike’s award-winning project management software. Break projects into simple steps, assign tasks to team members, and visualize progress with Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and calendars. Manage resource allocation and forecasting with software that’s easy to launch. Automation and AI features strip away time-consuming admin tasks so you can do the best work of your life. Streamline your practices, align your team, and ensure you hit deadlines and stay on budget.
2 Jira
Simple and powerful way to track and manage issues. It handles all kinds of issues (bugs, features, enhancements, and tasks) and can be used for bug tracking, development help, project management, or group task cataloging.
3 Trello
Organize anything, together. Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes your projects into boards. In one glance, know what's being worked on, who's working on what, and where something is in a process.
Google Project Management certificate FAQ
What is the Google Project Management Certificate?
The Google Project Management certificate is a self-paced, 100% remote credential for people just starting in the field of project management. It targets individuals with no relevant background. College students and career changers will particularly benefit. Some lessons taught in the course include time and budget management, common mistakes, the use of Microsoft Office, and personnel supervision.
Can you really get a job with a Google Project Management (PM) Certificate?
It depends on your other qualifications. Since the certificate has no prerequisites, some employers may still require college degrees and other separate qualifications. It’s unlikely the certificate alone, with no other experience or higher education, can land you a quality job. Ultimately, Google does not guarantee any job prospects.
Can I complete the Google Project Management certificate while working full-time?
Yes. The program is self-paced, so you can easily balance your studies and work commitments.
