Are you considering getting the Google IT Support Certification but wondering if it’s still worth it? With the increasing demand for IT support professionals, the certification can help you stand out in the job market. However, weighing the benefits against the time and financial investment required is important.
The Google IT Support Certification is a comprehensive program covering various topics, including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, and security. It prepares you for an entry-level IT support role and includes hands-on labs and real-world scenarios to help you develop practical skills.
Additionally, the certification is recognized by major employers, such as Google, Walmart, and Hulu, who have partnered with Google to offer job opportunities to certified graduates.
What is the Google IT Support Certification?
If you want to start a career in IT or upskill in the field, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a program worth considering.
This program is designed to provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to kickstart their careers in IT support.
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an online program offered by Google through Coursera. It is designed to equip learners with the foundational skills required to work in IT support.
The program is comprised of 5 courses that cover a range of topics, including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security.
The program is self-paced, which means you can complete it at your own pace. The course material is delivered through a mix of videos, readings, quizzes, and hands-on labs.
Learners can also interact with other learners through discussion forums and receive support from the course instructors.
One of the key benefits of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is that Google and other industry leaders recognize it. Upon completion of the program, learners receive a certificate that they can add to their resume and LinkedIn profile.
The certificate demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in IT support.
It provides learners with the foundational skills and knowledge required to work in the field, and the certificate is recognized by Google and other industry leaders.
Benefits of the Google IT Support Certification
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in IT, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate could be a great way to get started. Here are some benefits you should consider:
Worth it?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is worth it if you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in IT.
The certificate program is designed to prepare you for entry-level IT jobs, and it’s recognized by many employers in the industry.
Affordable and Convenient
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an affordable and convenient way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in IT.
The program can be completed entirely online, which means you can study at your own pace and from anywhere with an internet connection. Plus, the cost of the program is much lower than traditional college courses or other IT certification programs.
Stepping Stone to IT Jobs
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a great stepping stone to IT jobs. The program is designed to prepare you for entry-level IT jobs, and it covers a wide range of topics, including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security.
By completing the program, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to start your career in IT.
Grow with Google
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is part of the Grow with Google initiative, which is designed to help people gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s digital economy.
In addition to these benefits, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate can also help you earn college credits. Some colleges and universities have partnered with Google to offer credit for completing the program.
This means you can earn college credits while gaining the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in IT.
Overall, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a great way to get started in IT. It’s affordable, convenient, and recognized by many employers in the industry.
Comparison with Other IT Certifications
If you’re considering an IT support career, you may wonder how the Google IT Support Certification stacks up against other IT certifications.
In this section, we’ll take a look at one of the most popular IT certifications, the CompTIA A+ Certificate, and compare it to the Google IT Support Certification.
CompTIA A+ Certificate
The CompTIA A+ Certificate is a widely recognized certification that covers a broad range of IT skills, including hardware, software, networking, and security. It is often considered a foundational certification for those just starting out in IT support.
In terms of content, the CompTIA A+ Certificate covers many of the same topics as the Google IT Support Certification, including computer hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting. However, the CompTIA A+ Certificate covers topics like mobile devices, printers, and basic networking.
One advantage of the CompTIA A+ Certificate is that it is vendor-neutral and does not focus on any specific hardware or software brand. This makes it a good choice for those who want to keep their options open when it comes to future job opportunities.
However, the CompTIA A+ Certificate is also more expensive than the Google IT Support Certification, with fees ranging from $219 to $438 per exam, depending on your location. The CompTIA A+ Certificate also requires passing two exams, while the Google IT Support Certification only requires passing one exam.
Choosing between the CompTIA A+ Certificate and the Google IT Support Certification will depend on your career goals and interests. If you’re interested in a broad range of IT skills and want a vendor-neutral certification, the CompTIA A+ Certificate may be a good choice.
However, if you’re specifically interested in IT support and want a more affordable and streamlined certification, the Google IT Support Certification may be the better option.
Skills and Knowledge Covered in the Google IT Support Certification
Here are the main sections covered in the certification:
Technical Support Fundamentals
Here, you will learn the basics of IT support, including troubleshooting, customer service, and communication skills. You will also learn about the different types of hardware and software commonly used in IT support.
Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User
This section covers the fundamentals of operating systems, including Windows and Linux. You will learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot operating systems. You will also learn how to manage files, use command-line tools, and customize your system.
System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
This section will teach you about IT infrastructure services such as DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory. You will also learn about virtualization, cloud computing, and network topologies. You will gain an understanding of how to manage and maintain servers and other IT infrastructure.
IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts
This section covers the basics of IT security, including threat analysis, encryption, and vulnerability assessment. You will learn how to protect against malware, phishing, and other cyber threats. You will also learn about security policies and best practices.
Cloud Computing
Finally, in this part, you will learn about cloud computing, including the different types of cloud services and how to deploy and manage cloud resources. You will also learn about cloud security and the benefits and challenges of cloud computing.
Overall, the Google IT Support Certification covers a wide range of skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in IT support.
Employer Recognition and Research
When considering whether the Google IT Support Certification is still worth it, it’s important to examine the level of recognition it holds among employers and whether there is any research to support its value.
According to Google, over 130 employers recognize the Google IT Support Certificate, including companies like Walmart, Hulu, and Sprint. However, it’s important to note that recognition may vary depending on the industry and region. It’s always a good idea to research the specific employers you’re interested in and see if they value the certification.
In terms of research, a study by the American Council on Education found that the Google IT Support Certificate is recommended for college credit equivalency. This means the certificate can be recognized as a substitute for a college degree in certain situations. Additionally, a search on job search websites like Indeed and LinkedIn shows that many job postings specifically mention the Google IT Support Certificate as a preferred or required qualification.
It’s important to remember that while some employers may recognize the Google IT Support Certificate and have research to support its value, it may not be a substitute for a college degree in all industries and regions. It’s always a good idea to research the specific requirements of the jobs and industries you’re interested in and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing the certification.
Take away
If you are interested in pursuing a career in IT and looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, the Google IT Support Certification is definitely worth considering.
It will help demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in an IT support role. It will help build a strong foundation in IT concepts and troubleshooting techniques. And it will increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
However, it’s important to note that the Google IT Support Certification does not guarantee employment or success in the IT industry. It’s just one piece of the puzzle, and you will need to continue developing your skills and gaining experience to advance your career.