Google IT Support Professional Certificate

What is the Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a professional certificate developed by Google. It includes innovative curriculum designed to prepare you for an entry-level role in Computer and Information (IT) Support. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate introduces learners to troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration and security. A job in IT can mean in-person or remote help desk work in a small business or at a global company like Google. The program is part of Grow with Google, a Google initiative to help create economic opportunity for all. It is an online series of courses that is It is offered as a scholarship grant from Google to students who are part of the Computer Support Specialist Program. It is not required as part of the Computer Support Specialist Program but is highly recommended and will also soon qualify (by 2024) for additon college units by means of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Here is a single sheet flyer that describes the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

How much does the Google IT Support Professional Certificate cost?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate courses are normally $50 per month. Through a generous grant from Google, students who are in the Computer Support Specialist Program may participate for free.

Where can I sign up for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
All students that are part of the Computer Support Specialist Program are able to participate in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. There are links from the MJC Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) which will take you to it. The Google courses uses Single Sign-On from the Canvas LMS, so you do not need to sign in again for the Google courses.

How long does it take to complete the Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
The 5 required courses of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program can be completed in 6 to 8 months by dedicating about 5 to 10 hours per week. Depending on your previous knowledge and experience, it may take more or less time.

Are the 5 courses for Google IT Support Professional Certificate, the same as the 4 courses required for the Computer Support Technician (level 1) Certificate of the Computer Support Specialist Program?
No, the 5 courses for Google IT Support Professional Certificate are not the same as the 4 courses required for the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate (of the Computer Support Specialist Program. However, they are have some overlap and cover some of the same topics, so you will be learning the material in two different ways. They are very similar and compliment each other. There are also topics that the Google IT Support Professional Certificate covers that are not included in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) recognizes this and issues a special recognition for earning both CompTIA A+ Certification and the Google IT Support Professional Certificate (see below for more information).

What courses are required for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate consists of 5 courses that are hosted on the Coursera online learning platform. These 5 courses of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate are separate from the 5 courses of the Computer Support Technician Certificate, but they can be completed at the same time (in parallel).

Google IT Support Professional Certificate Courses
COURSE 1: Technical Support Fundamentals
COURSE 2: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
COURSE 3: Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User
COURSE 4: System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
COURSE 5: IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts

How do I qualify for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate scholarship grant?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate program is offered as a grant to students who are enrolled in the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate of the Computer Support Specialist Program. In order to qualify for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate grant, the student must complete the first course ELTEC 300 Introduction to Applied Technology with an “A” grade. Students may also qualify for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate grant if they have earned (passed) any of these certifications which are part of the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate of the Computer Support Specialist Program. These certifications include:

TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification
https://www.testout.com/certification/pro-exams/it-fundamentals-pro

CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/it-fundamentals/

CompTIA A+ Certification
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a/

TestOut PC Pro Certification
https://www.testout.com/courses/pc-pro/

Are all students in the Computer Support Specialist Program required to complete the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program?
No, but we highly recommend it because it is very valuable for your future. It is also required for the Computer Support Specialist (Level 2) Certificate and beyond.
https://www.testout.com/certification/pro-exams/it-fundamentals-pro.

What is the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and CompTIA A+ Dual Badge of Completion?

Google has teamed up with CompTIA, to provide a dual badge of completion. Employers widely recognize the CompTIA A+ certification as a valued credential for high-growth IT support roles. Now, learners who complete the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and pass the CompTIA A+ certification exams will have access to a new dual credential from CompTIA and Google: a badge that can be posted on LinkedIn to catch the attention of potential employers.