If you’re reading this, you’ve likely already done the hard work to prove your qualifications with a Google Cloud certification. And good for you — research shows that’ll help you get ahead. Certified individuals report more responses from recruiters, faster promotions, and higher salaries. In fact, 81% of organizations say certifications from Google Cloud increase their confidence in a job candidate's knowledge or ability. But the pace of change in cloud technology today means getting certified once isn’t enough. The average half-life of a skill used to be about 6 years; today, it’s about 2.5, according to Harvard Business Review research.
That’s why recertification matters more than ever.
And thanks to some new technological approaches, we’re making it easier than ever to keep those certifications up to date. Tools like skill badges and work-based training are just some of the ways we’re recognizing the progress you’ve already made.
We know that the traditional recertification model — studying for a multi-hour, proctored exam every two years — is a significant commitment of time and resources. And let’s face it: Exams are stressful. You need your skills to stay current. But you need a better, more flexible way to prove it.
That’s why we’re transforming the recertification process. You can now use Google Skills to take up-to-date courses and skill badges to renew your Google Cloud credential.
Google Skills now lets you select the most vital courses and skill badges behind each certification so that you can prioritize specific products and competencies most aligned to your role.
Deepen your knowledge with select courses: If you want to brush up on new topics, you can take the latest courses and labs to learn what’s changed.
Fast track with skill badges: If you’re already using new cloud technologies in your daily job, you can jump straight to skill badges. Earning a skill badge entails interactive, hands-on labs that validate your ability to apply your knowledge to a real-world problem. The practical approach of skills badges helps you recertify faster than taking courses.
This streamlined recertification opportunity is now available to individuals holding the following certifications: Cloud Digital Leader, Associate Cloud Engineer, Professional Cloud Architect, and Professional Data Engineer.
Once you’ve completed the required activities while your certifications are active, your certification will automatically be extended by one year. You can learn whatever helps your career the most, whenever you have the time.
In a fast-moving job market, an active certification is a living credential. It tells employers not just what you knew once, maybe even years ago — but that you’re ready for any challenge you’ll face today.
Keep your career growing and get recertified through this new program today on Google Skills.