Is the Google IT Support Certificate Worth It?

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The Google IT Support Professional Certificate has gained attention for its potential to open doors in IT support. But is it worth the investment?

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, costs, and overall value of the certification. By examining its curriculum, industry recognition, and job placement potential, we aim to help you determine if this certification aligns with your career goals.

What is the Google IT Support Professional Certificate?

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an online certificate program developed by Google and offered through platforms like Coursera. It aims to equip beginners with essential skills and knowledge required for entry-level IT support roles.

The self-paced program emphasizes practical experience through hands-on labs and exercises. Learners engage in simulated scenarios and real-world projects to apply their skills.

The certificate is recognized by top employers in the IT industry, including Google, who also support job placement for certificate holders. It serves as a stepping stone for various IT support roles and further IT certifications.

📌 Related reading: How to Become an IT Support Specialist

Overview of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Curriculum

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip learners with essential IT support skills. The certificate consists of five courses, each covering different aspects of IT support.

• Course One: The program begins with Technical Support Fundamentals, introducing students to IT basics, including computer hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and customer service.
• Course Three: In the Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking course, learners delve into the fundamentals of networking. This includes understanding protocols, cloud computing, and practical troubleshooting techniques essential for network management.
• Course Three: The Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User module focuses on operating systems, system management, and hardware configuration. This helps learners become proficient in managing and optimizing computer systems.
• Course Four: System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services covers infrastructure services and directory services. It also teaches how to manage computers and users in a business setting, providing the skills needed for efficient system administration.
• Course Five: Lastly, IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts introduces IT security concepts, tools, and best practices. Learners gain knowledge in protecting networks and data, crucial for maintaining cybersecurity in any organization.

Who is the Google IT Certificate For?

Is the Google IT certificate for you? We’re glad you asked because while the certificate program is worth it for some people, it’s not for EVERYONE.

So who is it for? The program has a beginner-level curriculum, perfect for individuals with little or no prior knowledge or experience. It will give you foundational knowledge that you can build upon in continuing education, like CompTIA A+, to progress your career.

Consequently, if you have prior knowledge or experience working at an IT support specialist, you may not find the certificate program worth the investment.

That said, if you fall into the former category, you may also be an excellent candidate for Merit America. Merit America guides candidates—like you!—through the learning and job search process ensuring your success.

📌 Related reading: Is Merit America Worth It?

CompTIA A+ versus Google IT Certificate: How Do They Compare?

Choosing between the CompTIA A+ and the Google IT Support Professional Certificate can feel like deciding between two delicious ice cream flavors. Both are great, but they each have their unique taste!

The CompTIA A+ certification is a well-established credential recognized in the IT industry for its comprehensive coverage of hardware, software, networking, and security. It’s ideal for those seeking a broad understanding of IT support.

On the other hand, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate targets beginners and career changers, emphasizing hands-on labs and practical skills with direct job placement support through Google’s partnerships.

How Much is the Google IT Certificate?

The massive search engine is free so the Google IT Support professional certificate is free, right? Not so quick—we’ve got news for you.

The IT professional certificate is not free. In fact, the cost of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate can vary depending on how long it takes you to complete the program.

Generally, the Google IT certificate costs about $234 since the certificate takes an average of six months to complete. 

How? The Google IT Support Certificate is hosted on Coursera which has a monthly subscription cost of $39 after a seven-day free trial. So if it takes you three months to complete, it will cost you about $117. And if life gets busy and it takes you nine months, it will cost you about $351.

📌 Related reading: Become an IT Support Specialist in 14 Weeks

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Google IT Support Certificate?

On average, the program takes about six months to complete. This estimate is based on dedicating approximately 10 hours per week to the coursework.

Keep in mind that this is the average. You may finish the IT certificate before six months or your priorities may shift and it can take you more months.

But there’s more!

Self-paced learning is a flexible continuing education opportunity. But in addition to your learning timeline, you should consider the completion rate. 

According to Coursera’s 2023 Learner Report, only 14% of US users complete a professional certificate. While you can finish the course in six months, many learners run the risk of never earning their Google IT Support Certificate on their own.

A structured program, like Merit America, can support you and ensure your job success. Merit America has an 80% completion rate, with learners going on to gain family-sustaining careers.

Can You Get a Job with the Google IT Support Certificate?

Yes, you can get a job with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate! The certificate prepares individuals for entry-level jobs in IT support and is recognized by many top employers in the IT industry.

The program covers essential IT support skills, including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and IT security. These are fundamental skills required for roles like IT support specialist, help desk technician, and technical support representative. Additionally, the certificate includes hands-on labs and projects that simulate real-world IT problems, providing practical experience highly valued by employers.

Even better, the Google consoritorium has more than 130 employers looking for talented professionals—like you. Participants who complete the professional certificate can share their resumes with recruiters from Anthem, Deloitte, Walmart, Accenture, and more. 

Overall, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate provides a strong foundation of knowledge and practical skills, making it a viable pathway to securing an entry-level job in IT support. And although the certificate program does not have a job guarantee, Merit America does. 

When you complete the Google IT Support Certificate and 1:1 career coaching with Merit America, you qualify for the Merit America Guarantee. Our job guarantee to you:if you don’t earn at least $40,000 per year within two years of completing the program, you don’t pay anything! 

📌 Related reading: A Q&A with IT Professional Molly McLoughlin

Is the Google It Support Certificate Worth It?

Yes, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is worth it! But that depends on your definition of “worth it.” 

Here’s why the Google IT Support Certificate is worth it—according to Merit America:

1. Industry Recognition: The certificate is recognized and valued by many leading employers in the IT industry. Google has partnerships with companies like Hulu, Sprint, and Walmart, which acknowledge the certificate’s credibility.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers a wide range of essential IT skills, including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and IT security. These skills are fundamental for various entry-level IT support roles.
3. Practical Experience: The certificate program includes hands-on labs and projects that provide practical experience by simulating real-world IT problems. This practical training is highly beneficial and makes you job-ready.
4. No Prior Experience Required: The certificate is designed for beginners, meaning no prior IT experience is necessary! This makes it an excellent option for career changers not ready for an advanced professional certificate like CompTIA+.

In summary, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is worth it due to its industry recognition, comprehensive curriculum, practical experience, and accessibility for beginners. It provides a solid foundation for starting a career in IT support.

Earn Your IT Certificate and Land the Job with Merit America

Key Takeaways:

• The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an online program designed to equip learners with essential skills for entry-level IT support roles.
• With a Google IT Support Professional Certificate, a person can secure entry-level jobs such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, and technical support representative.
• The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is worth it for those seeking to enter the IT support field due to its industry recognition, comprehensive curriculum, and practical experience.

Looking to break into the tech industry? The Google IT Support Professional Certificate offers comprehensive training and career resources, making it a great investment for your future. And, if you want 1:1 technical support and career coaching, Merit America is here to support you!

Merit America has $0 upfront cost, and our alums have seen an average annual wage gain of $24,000 just months after completing the program. IT Support roles are in high demand, so take the next step with Merit America and explore our IT Support Career Track!