Certifications have long been part of the IT world, but they’ve become even more relevant as organizations move to the cloud. For hiring managers and team leads, certifications provide a shorthand for trust. They signal that a person understands how a system works, can configure it correctly, and knows how to respond when something breaks.
Google released the Associate Google Workspace Administrator certification for IT engineers responsible for managing Workspace environments.. This certification is Google’s entry-level credential, aimed at IT professionals who are either managing Workspace day-to-day or preparing to move into such a role. But it’s not just about proving your skills - it’s also a way to stand out in a hiring process, build career momentum, or validate your experience in a measurable way.
For the individual IT pro, a certification like the Associate Google Workspace Administrator can help in several ways:
In addition, securing certain contracts, such as those with government agencies, may require organizations to have certified professionals in their team, making certification not just desirable but mandatory.
Preparing for the exam takes time, and it's important to choose the right learning path. Google offers an official course, and there are many alternatives available on various learning platforms.
Google offers a clear roadmap for certification preparation - all you need to do is go to the Google Workspace Administrator Learning Path webpage on Google Cloud Skill Boost.
It includes multiple courses that walk through the core tasks you’ll face in a typical admin role:
Dashboard view of Google Cloud Skill Boost portal featuring course modules for Google Workspace Administrator certification with navigation and progress indicators.
These courses include video lectures, guided labs, and quizzes, and the most important thing is that Google regularly updates its content, keeping the provided information up to date.
If the Google Cloud Skill Boost approach doesn’t suit your learning style, you may use courses provided by third-party platforms, such as Coursera or Udemy.
Udemy web page for Google Workspace Administrator exam practice course with course details, ratings, and enrollment options.
Alternatively, you can choose to prepare on your own rather than follow a structured course. Start by reviewing the certification exam guide to understand the list of covered topics. Then, study each area using a variety of available resources:
You don’t need to be a full-time administrator to take the exam, but hands-on experience definitely helps. If you're not in a current admin role, consider setting up a trial Workspace domain to practice.
The Associate Google Workspace Administrator exam could be taken in either a proctored online exam or at an authorized test center. It’s designed to test whether you can manage a Google Workspace domain, apply best practices, and troubleshoot common problems.
Exam Details:
Registration Process:
Online Testing Requirements:
During the test, you’ll be monitored via webcam. You’ll need to show your ID and perform a room scan before you start.
The exam questions cover a mix of real-world tasks and best-practice questions. For example, you might be asked what steps to take if an employee reports suspicious login activity or how to configure access for a new business unit. Sample questions can be found at the Associate Google Workspace Administrator Sample Questions webpage.
Sample exam question from the Google Cloud certification portal in multiple-choice format for the Google Workspace Administrator exam.
Technology changes quickly, especially cloud platforms. Google Workspace continues to evolve with new features, new interfaces, and new policy options. That’s why Google certifications have expiration dates. As of now, the Associate Google Workspace Administrator certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam.
To renew it, you’ll need to retake and pass the current version of the exam. Google will most likely update the question pool and adjust the focus areas to reflect the latest capabilities in Workspace. You can begin the recertification process starting 60 days before your certification expires.
It’s a good idea to subscribe to Workspace update bulletins or join admin-focused communities to stay informed. When new security options or admin tools roll out, being familiar with them can give you an edge, both for the renewal exam and in your daily work.
Tal is the Cofounder & CTO of Reco. Tal has a Ph.D. from Tel Aviv University with a focus on deep learning, computer networks, and cybersecurity and he is the former head of the cybersecurity R&D group within the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. Tal is a member of the AI Controls Security Working Group with CSA.
Set yourself up for success with these practical tips and policies around the Google Workspace Administrator certification.
The Associate Google Workspace Administrator certification is a valid credential for anyone responsible for managing a Workspace environment, whether you’re supporting 50 users or 5,000.
At a time when remote work and the use of SaaS solutions have become a common practice in the business environment, being able to configure and control Google Workspace is a meaningful skill. Getting certified is one way to show you can do it - and that you take the job seriously.
If you’re managing Google Workspace already, the certification validates what you know. If you’re looking to enter that world, it shows you’re ready to take it on.
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