Google's New AI Certificate Could Be Free For Your Business - Here's Who Qualifies

Google AI Professional Certificate

The Google AI Professional Certificate is a self-paced online program with seven modules, each designed to take about one hour. It focuses on practical tasks such as data analysis, content creation, research, visual communication, and building simple apps without writing code. Google says no prior AI experience is required.

• Participants receive three months of access to the Google AI Pro workspace.
• The curriculum includes more than 20 hands-on activities across productivity, marketing, research, and data use cases.
• Activities cover creating presentations, marketing materials, and infographics using Google's AI tools.
• Learners also practice building custom applications with no-code methods supported by Google AI.
• After completing all modules, learners earn a Google-branded certificate that can be shared with employers.

The certificate is available through Coursera, Google Skills, and Udemy. In the United States and Canada, standard access on Coursera costs $49 per month. The program centers on tools such as Gemini, NotebookLM, and Google AI Studio.

Free access for eligible U.S. small businesses

Google and Coursera are offering the certificate at no cost to eligible U.S. small and medium-sized businesses. The offer covers organizations with 500 or fewer employees that are registered in the United States. These businesses can request access through a dedicated application on Coursera.

• Applicants must submit a valid Employer Identification Number during the online application process.
• Coursera states that business verification typically takes five to seven business days.
• Approved organizations receive three months of free access to the Google AI Professional Certificate for their employees.
• The promotion also includes three months of Google Workspace Business Standard for new customers, covering up to 300 seats.

Businesses can apply through Coursera's business portal or the Grow with Google small business site. Google reports that it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and America's Small Business Development Centers for outreach. The free access allows staff to complete AI-focused training using Google's tools.

Background and official sources

The new certificate is part of Google's catalog of AI and digital skills training delivered through partners such as Coursera. Google previously introduced a Generative AI Leader certification for Google Cloud, which carries a $99 exam fee. The new Google AI Professional Certificate does not require a separate exam fee.

Google describes the AI Professional Certificate and small business promotion in an official blog post on its company site, available here. Details about pricing and enrollment are listed on Coursera's program page and the Coursera business application page. Additional information for small firms is available via the Grow with Google announcement and related small business resources.