Google Certification Academy
You’ve worked hard to build digital teaching skills. Now, make it official.
Winter cohort: February 3 – 24, 2026
- Dates: Feb. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, and 24 (Tues / Thurs)
- Time: 8-9:30 PM EST
- Format: LIVE via Google Meet
Can’t make a LIVE session? No problem! All sessions are recorded for on-demand viewing. You will receive lifetime access to all of the video recordings and course resources.
Do you…
- Want credibility and credentials to elevate your status as an educator?
- Use Google Drive, Calendar, Classroom, or Chromebooks with your students?
- Want to understand how to effectively use AI to save time and improve learning?
- Want to use technology with confidence in your daily work as a teacher?
- See colleagues in meetings or social media say “I’m Google Certified” – and want to say the same?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then earning your Google Certification is the right decision.
 | “I’m a more confident teacher today than in January after Google Certification Academy. The strategies John taught fit seamlessly with my class instruction.” David Mouton, High School Science Teacher |
Level up your use of AI in the Classroom!
Your favorite Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Drive, and Classroom are now enhanced with the power of AI.
The GCA now includes an introduction to using Gemini to enhance your work as a teacher. ✨
Throughout this course you will learn powerful new ways to use AI to improve your workflow and support learning.
Validate your new AI skills by taking the Gemini Exam to become a Gemini Certified Educator!
Gemini Learning Objectives:
- Use Gemini to create content, such as rubrics and quizzes, for Google Classroom.
- Develop an AI policy for your classroom
- Integrate the Gemini App with Google Classroom
- Develop strategies for identifying AI content in student work
- Use NotebookLM to summarize information
Becoming a Google Certified Educator is a significant boost to your career. But…it’s not easy to do.
Whether you’ve been teaching with Google for years, or it’s all brand new to you, you might find yourself asking some common questions.
- Which certification should I take?
- What exactly do I need to learn?
- Is any of this free online material useful?
It’s a complex process
to navigate alone.
Fortunately, the Google Certification Academy (GCA) gives you everything you need to pass the Google Certified Educator L1 or L2 exams AND become an AI expert!
- Build your skills through detailed training
Each academy features focused instruction to help
you pass the L1, L2, AND the Google Gemini exam.
- Earn continuing education credit
Up to 11 hours of continuing education
credit is available in most states
- Learn from the best Google trainer
Work directly with John Sowash, one of the original
Google Certified Trainers and founder of the GCA.
- Get practical tech tips – not just for teachers
Technology integration specialists, technology directors, and administrators
can all benefit from the training provided at the GCA.
- Advanced level training
Go beyond the basics covered in boring PD. The GCA is for
intermediate / advanced users or anyone ready for a challenge!
- Find your path to Google Certified Trainer
Earning your L1 and L2 certifications is the first step toward becoming a Google trainer or coach!
“The Google Certification Academy was extremely informative and hands-on. It allowed all of our teachers and administrators to successfully pass Levels I & II of the Google Certification Exams.”
Kristin M. Flynn, Executive Director, Michigan Virtual University
“I enjoyed all aspects of this class. After taking a long break in my teaching career to be a stay-at-home mom for 5 years, this class introduced me to everything in the Google Workspace. I learned enough in each aspect of Google to pass the Level 1 Google Cert Educator test on the first try!” – Molly Brankin, Clarendon Hills, IL
“I truly enjoyed the online class. John is very knowledgeable and always willing to help answer questions either online or in class. Thank you for a wonderful experience I feel well prepared.” – Susanne Himstedt-Gilbert Instructional Technology Specialist Sierra Vista, AZ
“Excellent class! Learned so much from the interactive format. Thanks for taking time to answer all the questions asked.” – Pat Barros, Elementary teacher, Woodward, OK
“I enjoyed every minute of this training! John Sowash did a great job in presenting the course material and his lively personality encouraged engagement from everyone!” – Claudia Crisan, Elementary teacher ESL, Quebec, Canada
“I appreciate that you respected our time and that you know we have other things in our lives that take our time. Your videos were extremely helpful, and it was evident that you enjoy what you do.” Linda Hines, Middle School Teacher, Lancaster, Ohio
“This was my second time taking the class to prepare. It is definitely worthwhile.” Brent Schmitz, HS Teacher, Santa Clara, CA
How does the Google Certification Academy (GCA) work?
- Each live session is hosted using Google Meet (of course!).
- During the live sessions, John Sowash will guide you through a series of interactive activities and demonstrations to help you learn the skills necessary to pass the L1, L2, AND Google Gemini exam.
- Attendance at the live sessions is encouraged, but not required. Sessions are recorded and available for on-demand viewing.
- Following each live session, you will receive additional exam questions to practice your skills and a short homework assignment.
The GCA goes beyond “test prep.” Become a more creative,
innovative educator as you learn practical tips,
tricks and systems for…
Gmail
Get to “inbox Zero” with practical strategy for organizing and managing email. Use Google Gemini to strike the perfect tone!
Calendar
Learn advanced tips for managing parent conferences, virtual study sessions, office hours, and practice schedules. Unlock the power of Gemini to quickly add events to your schedule.
Google Drive
Develop strategies for managing student assignments and design engaging resources with Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms leveraging the power of Google Gemini.
Google Classroom
Explore the latest updates to Classroom and explore advanced instructional strategies including using AI to enhance instruction.
YouTube
Unlock YouTube in your classroom by designing creative video assignments powered by Google Gemini.
Google Gemini + NotebookLM
Harness the power of Google’s AI tools to save time and generate creative content for your classroom.
Sheets & Forms
Master your data with easy to follow instructions on working with forms, formulas, and charts and level up your data capabilities with Google Gemini!
Google Sites
Learn how you can use Google Sites for project-based-learning and student portfolios with engaging images created with Google Gemini!
Google Forms
Quickly generate quizzes and assessments with Google Gemini and master your workflow with powerful automation.
Engaging LIVE discussion
Join John Sowash and a group of like-minded educators LIVE via Google Meet for a fun learning experience. This is NOT a boring online course!
- Seven virtual sessions (live OR recorded)
- 11 continuing education credits
- Earn your L1, L2 & Gemini certification!
- Get awesome classroom resources!
“I learned advanced features for Sheets and Google Classroom. I feel more ready to take the test now than when I was studying on my own. I would recommend the training to others.”
Sonya Jackson, Special Education Teacher
“I know that my Gmail will be way more organized now that I know how to filter out and organize certain emails.”
Stacy Johnson, Online Learning Mentor
“I love that I can go back to the material as often as I need to. I have already set up a Google Site with state testing information for teachers. My Google Sheet knowledge is priceless.”
Nicole LaSota, Assistant Principal
Get the materials and support you need
to supercharge your instruction and pass the exam
- 11 hours of hands-on instruction
- Optional practice assignments to build your skills
- Up to 11 continuing education credits (requirements vary by state)
- Certificate of completion documenting your learning
- A detailed roadmap to finishing your Google certification
- Custom study guide for the NEW Gemini certification
- Exclusive study guides and sample questions
- Access to a special Google Classroom resource course
- Exclusive AI resources you can use in your classroom
- Certification guarantee: everyone will successfully complete their Level 1 certification
- Optional office-hours where you can ask your specific questions
Educators Often Ask Us…
“Can’t I just prepare for the test on my own?”
Google offers four different certifications for educators. Each one features rigorous verification of your ability to use Google tools and services effectively. They are NOT easy. Don’t spend days and weeks studying, preparing, and figuring out how and where to register for your certification exam. Google’s free training course is 15-20 hours long, which mostly contains links to their text-based support articles. The GCA is a set of curated resources and engaging activities to help you learn best practice for teaching with Google tools and prepare for the L1 and L2 exams in a time-efficient way.
“Do I get continuing education credit
for completing the GCA?”
You’ll receive a certificate of completion for completing the GCA. In most states, this is sufficient to document the 11 contact hours. If you need further documentation, let us know. We’re happy to help!
“Have you updated your course for the current version of the L1 / L2 test?”
Yes! The course material has been updated to reflect significant changes made to the L1 and L2 exams in early 2026. The course is carefully updated to reflect all changes to the certification exam.
“Can’t I find this information online?”
Yes, you can find most of this information online. You’ll have to sort through thousands of free resources available, find the best stuff, and make sure you have all of the most important topics covered. John offers you the chance to save time and know you’re getting exactly what you need to know. The Google Certification Academy gives you a chance to join a community of educators also pursuing their Google Certified Educator credentials, as well as tips on taking the exams, practice exam materials, resources that aren’t readily available on the web, and help directly from John. John has already helped 3,000+ educators prepare for the exam.
“If I already know how to use Google why
should I get the certification?”
Get tangible proof of the quality of instruction you provide your students and the knowledge that you have. The Google Certification Academy specifically prepares you to pass the L1 and L2 test. John also goes beyond the certification exam, sharing examples you can use in your classroom and stories from his own use of these tools.
Are you a school administrator? Schedule this event for your school or district
We guarantee our course will help you pass the L1 or L2 exams. The GCA consists of seven highly engaging virtual sessions. Here’s what you can expect!
Certification overview + Intro to Google Classroom
Get a complete overview of the certification process and explore the latest updates to Google Classroom including Gemini and NotebookLM integrations.
Practice Activity:
- Google Classroom practice questions
- Use NotebookLM as a study assistant
Gmail & Google Calendar
Master your inbox and wrangle your calendar with practical tips using AI to manage your inbox and calendar.
Practice Activity:
- Practice creating a Google Group
- Use Gemini to write an email
Google Drive
Is your Google Drive account a hot mess? You’ll learn tips for organizing Drive and advanced methods for managing shared files and explore using NotebookLM to navigate your classroom material.
Practice Activity:
- Learn about and build a Google Site
- Create a personal notebook for your resources and files
Google Docs & Slides
Explore creative ways you can use Google Docs and Slides with your students and leverage the power of AI to create personalized learning activities.
Practice Activity:
- Google Drive practice questions
Google Forms
Dive into the world of Google Forms for creating assessments and surveys and learn how Gemini can create class quizzes based on your unique material.
Practice Activity:
- Learn about and set up your YouTube channel
Google Sheets
Master your data with Google Sheets and harness the power of AI to do complex data analysis.
Practice Activity:
- Google Sheets practice activity
Review & final tips
Get ready for your exam! This session will give you practical test-taking tips to help you pass the first time!
Practice Activity:
- Final review and register for your exam!
BONUS Material
- Integrating AI into Google Classroom
- Using Gemini as your teacher assistant
- Lesson ideas for elementary teachers
- Templates for MS and HS courses
