If you’re a teacher that’s been using google classroom for the past year or previous years and you have not been certified then you need to follow these simple steps to become certified. For the purpose of this blog post, I am talking about Google Certified Educator Level 1.

PREPARATION

1. Set up an account with google, if you don’t already have one, you can go to edu.google.com Teacher Center to set up an account. Once you have an account you can register for the test, however, I highly recommend that you complete the fundamentals training on their website. It will take you some time, it took me about 3-4 weeks to fully complete the training.

2.  If you have a personal google account, you can practice the skills in the fundamentals training in this account to help you prepare for the test.  There are tons of other paid google trainings out there but if you really take your time and work at the fundamentals training it should be enough.  If technology is completely brand new to you then an additional course may be needed based on your technology level. 

3.  You can also try the practice questions to test your knowledge to see if you’re ready for the exam. Once you feel prepared, register for the exam, it is only $10 that is a bargain compared to other certifications. Register for the exam as soon as you complete the training so that you don’t forget what you have learned.

4.  If you don’t practice what you have learned in the fundamentals training, the test might be difficult. You will have to demonstrate what you have learned and able to do with your knowledge of google applications. You may need all of the 3 hours that is allotted to take the test based on your skill level.

TEST DAY

1. Do it at a time of day when you are most focused.  The less distractions you have the better.  Check your work to make sure you completed all the steps of the task, especially if you have a lot of time left.

2.  It only took a couple of days to get my results but once you finish and submit the exam, google will notify you when you can expect your results.

ADVANTAGES OF BEING CERTIFIED

1. A lot of schools and districts are already using google classroom. If you’re a new teacher you’ll be well prepared to teach remotely or use google classroom if you’re a veteran teacher. It’s another tool you can add to your teaching toolbox and help you to build your teaching portfolio and skills.

2.  You can continue to build on this certification by pursuing level 2.  Most importantly, your students will benefit.  You will be able to deliver more engaging lessons to your students that incorporate 21^st century skills such as  communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking.  Your students will become more technologically proficient because they’re using the tools in the classroom.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to the google teacher and start the fundamentals training. You won’t regret it.