GCP – Google Cloud announces first-of-its-kind generative AI leader certification

Organizations are rapidly integrating generative AI in ways that directly impact all employees, not just technical teams. We’re seeing this across a variety of customer use cases. For instance, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs reports employees saving an average of five hours weekly using Gemini in Gmail for tasks like drafting emails. Hog Island Oyster is simplifying sales analysis for their teams by generating reports with Gemini in Sheets using simple prompts, and Formula E can automatically summarize 2-hour long race commentary into a 2-minute podcast in any language. 

These real-world examples underscore a growing expectation in the job market. In fact, reports indicate that 62% of employers now expect candidates and employees to possess at least some familiarity with AI.¹ This clearly signals that a basic understanding of gen AI is no longer confined to technical roles. Professionals across fields like HR, marketing, finance, sales, and beyond increasingly need this foundational knowledge to succeed and contribute effectively to their organization’s business goals. 

Recognizing this widespread need Google Cloud is announcing a first-of-its kind generative AI certification for non-technical learners—plus a new suite of no-cost training to help you prepare for that certification. That means you — and your company — can be among the first to take advantage of this opportunity to validate your strategic acumen in gen AI. 

Be among the first to get certified in generative AI from Google Cloud

This isn’t just another certification in a sea of technical qualifications. This is a first-of-its-kind credential, designed for visionary professionals like you — the managers, administrators, strategic leaders and more who understand that AI’s impact stretches far beyond code. 

No other major cloud provider, no other leading AI innovator, offers a certification specifically tailored to empower business professionals to strategically harness the potential of generative AI. Imagine confidently guiding your teams, articulating the strategic value of generative AI, and driving its responsible adoption — all backed by this pioneering (and confidence boosting) certification.

Experts you can trust — who built the generative AI technology you’re learning. 

You already know Google’s legacy in AI. For decades, we’ve been at the cutting edge, developing the technologies that are now reshaping industries. Now, you can directly benefit from that deep expertise. In fact, 8 in 10 Google Cloud learners report that Google Cloud significantly outperforms competitors in helping them stay ahead in the age of AI.² You’re not just learning about AI; you’re learning how to lead with it, guided by the true experts.

Becoming a certified leader enables faster promotion and more managerial opportunities 

Research shows Google Cloud certifications are powerful catalysts for career growth. An overwhelming majority of our learners — eight out of ten — confirm that earning a cloud certification equips them with the in-demand skills that open doors to new opportunities and accelerate their path to promotion. The Generative AI Leader certification is your distinct advantage, positioning you as the champion of AI innovation within your organization and beyond. 

Your moment to lead is now. 

The Google Cloud Generative AI Leader certification exam ($99 USD, 90 minutes) will be available globally starting today, May 14th. It’s structured to evaluate your understanding across four critical domains:

• Fundamentals of generative AI (~30%): Demonstrating a solid grasp of core concepts and terminology.

• Google Cloud’s generative AI offerings (~35%): Describing how Google Cloud enables AI powered work, improves the customer experience, and empowers developers to build with AI.

• Techniques to improve generative AI model output (~20%): Recognizing effective strategies for overcoming LLM limitations and optimizing results.

• Business strategies for a successful gen AI solution (~15%): Recognizing Google-recommended practices for a secure, responsible, and transformational gen AI solution.

To help you prepare for the Generative AI Leader certification exam, we’ve developed a comprehensive and no-cost learning path available on Google Cloud Skills Boost, enriched with all new ways of learning, like hands-on “try it” experiences, and podcast-style videos, that bring you straight into gen AI tools like NotebookLM and Gemini.

Generative AI Leader Learning Path (7-8 hours)

This thoughtfully designed path includes five key courses:

• Gen AI: Beyond the chatbot: You’ll establish a foundational understanding of generative AI, moving beyond common perceptions and exploring its diverse capabilities and the strategic advantages offered by Google Cloud.

• Gen AI: Unlock foundational concepts: This course demystifies core generative AI concepts like Large Language Models (LLMs), different machine learning paradigms, and various data types, all while maintaining a business-focused perspective.

• Gen AI: Navigate the landscape: You’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the broader AI ecosystem, including critical infrastructure considerations, different types of models and platforms, the role of agents, and diverse applications, with a specific focus on Google Cloud’s robust AI offerings.

• Gen AI Apps: Transform your work: This practical course explores tangible applications of generative AI within a business context, highlighting powerful Google Cloud tools like Gemini for Workspace and NotebookLM, and guiding you in constructing effective prompts and building automated workflows to drive efficiency.

• Gen AI Agents: Transform your organization: Taking a strategic lens, this course delves into how generative AI agents can drive significant organizational transformation. You’ll learn about customizing AI models, establishing key metrics for measuring impact, adapting to evolving trends, and effectively leading generative AI adoption initiatives.

Share with your team in chat or email: “Now, you can earn a first-of-its-kind Gen AI certification from Google Cloud starting May 14th. Let’s be the first to lead.” 

Don’t let this pivotal moment pass. Equip yourself with the strategic knowledge and validation you need to lead your organization into the AI-powered future. Begin your journey to becoming a Google Cloud Certified Generative AI Leader today.

<sup>1. Coursera Job Skills Report 2025
2. Google/Ipsos, Cloud Learning Services Market Pulse, Fielded Sept 17th – October 23rd 2024 (US, UK, FR, DE, IN, BR, MX, JP, AU/NZ)</sup>