Is the Google Project Management Certificate Worth it?

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. It teaches the fundamental skills required for project management, so it doesn’t require any previous experience or education. This level of accessibility is particularly beneficial for college students and career changers.

If you’re pursuing a career in the construction or environmental sustainability fields, Google offers specialized add-on certificates in these two industries. But before pursuing this extra training, though, you’ll need the foundational Project Management certificate.

Will you get hired with a Google PMP 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.

Curriculum

The certificate’s curriculum covers a range of introductory topics:

• Time and budget management
• Agile and Scrum frameworks
• Common project management mistakes
• 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.

Small business considerations

Many small businesses opt to train existing staff on project management principles instead of 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.

Instead, we’d recommend other options, such as those from the Project Management Institute.

How much does Google PMP cost?

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. In 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.

How long does the Google project management course take?

The Google Project Management Certificate program consists of six courses that add up to about 180 hours total:

• Foundations of Project Management: 18 hours
• Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project: 23 hours
• Project Planning: Putting It All Together: 33 hours
• Project Execution: Running the Project: 30 hours
• Agile Project Management: 28 hours
• Capstone: Applying Project Management in the Real World: 47 hours

Even at a super-human pace with no time for breaks or sleep, the course would take over a week to complete. Most people — especially those who pursue the certificate on the side — usually complete the course within three to six months. Since it’s self-paced, your mileage may vary.

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.

What is the best project management certification?

While the Google Project Management certificate is attractive, 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.

Read more: Is the CAPM Certification Worth It?