Becoming a Google Certified Educator is a worthy goal! If you plan on taking the level 1 or level 2 exams in 2026, there are some important details you should know.

Google made some major updates to both the level 1 and level 2 certification exams which means a lot of the existing advice and test prep material is out of date.

Here is a breakdown of all the latest Google Certification updates and how you can prepare without the stress.

Three Google Certifications

For the first time, Google now offers three core certifications for K-12 educators:

1. Level 1: The foundation. It covers essential productivity and classroom tools. The level 1 test is a very basic exam that is accessible to anyone who uses Google products on a regular basis. 
2. Level 2: The intermediate track for those looking to dive deeper into advanced features. This exam gets into more advanced features. I would consider the L2 test to be intermediate difficulty. 
3. Gemini Certified Educator: A brand-new certification focused entirely on AI literacy and the Gemini education app. This exam is also an intermediate difficulty level. You need a decent amount of experience using Gemini and NotebookLM to perform well. 

While the Gemini exam is separate, it is now considered an essential part of the “triple crown” of Google certifications. If you’d like to learn more about this certification, check out this blog post. 

Part 1: Multiple Choice

To become a Google Certified Educator, you’ll need to navigate 25-35 question multiple-choice questions on a variety of core Google products like Gmail, Drive, and Classroom. These questions are fairly straight forward and are designed to verify your familiarity with Google’s key products.

There’s no time limit on the multiple choice section and the exam is open book; Google wants you to understand their tools, not just memorize the correct answers. 

Ready to go beyond the study guide? If you prefer a live, guided experience to help you earn all three certifications in one go, check out my upcoming Google Certification Academy sessions.

I have been a Google Certified Educator since 2009 and I take the L1 and L2 exams several times every year to prepare for the Google Certification Academy. Based on my most recent attempt at the 2026 exams, here is the approximate breakdown of the questions you can expect:

Level 1 Question Breakdown:

• Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.): 19 questions
• Productivity Tools (Gmail, Calendar, Chat, Meet): 14 questions
• Google Classroom: 3 questions

Level 2 Question Breakdown:

• Google Drive (Advanced features): 15 questions
• Productivity Tools (Gmail, Calendar): 8 questions
• Google Classroom: 5 questions

The exams do have a large question bank, so you probably won’t get the exact same ratio of questions on your exam, but you can definitely tell that both tests heavily emphasize Google Drive.

Part 2: Performance Labs

The most significant update for 2026 is the reintroduction of performance-based labs.

While you might be able to research your answers for the multiple choice section, this portion of the exam will truly test your ability to use Google tools in real classroom situations. 

In these labs, you’ll be given a temporary Google account and asked to perform specific tasks – like setting up a Google Site, configuring a specific Calendar appointment schedule, or managing a Google Classroom stream.

You’ll receive 3-4 labs during your exam. Each lab can have anywhere from 1-5 different parts to it which you must complete in 60 minutes or less (plenty of time!). It’s very important that you read the question carefully and follow the instructions exactly as directed. 

Expert Tips for Exam Day

• Use a Laptop: Do not attempt these exams on an iPad or mobile device. A Chromebook, Mac, or PC with the latest version of Chrome is required for the labs to function correctly.
• Incognito is Key: Use an Incognito window to ensure your personal or school accounts don’t interfere with the special exam credentials provided to you.
• “Check My Progress” Button: The new lab interface includes a feature to verify your work as you go. If you complete a task, click the button to see that satisfying green check-mark! I did have a few times when I couldn’t get the green check-mark to appear, but I still received credit for the question. 

Don’t Go It Alone: Download the 2026 Study Guide

I want YOU to become a Google Certified Educator and pass your certification exam the first time! I’ve taken these exams dozens of times and have updated my Google Certification Study Guide specifically for the 2026 requirements. Make this free PDF your guide as you prepare for the L1 and L2 exams!

Earning your certification is about more than just a digital badge. It’s about the confidence that comes from knowing you are an expert in the tools that power your classroom. Whether you are looking to lead your department or simply want to feel more prepared for your students, now is the perfect time to start.

Ready to go beyond the study guide? If you prefer a live, guided experience to help you earn all three certifications in one go, check out our upcoming Google Certification Academy sessions.