I have noticed a pattern over the last few weeks of people asking, how do you become a Google Trainer and what does that mean.
The process to become a Google Apps EDU Trainer is fairly straight forward. I think of there being three stages to this process: Using the Training Center, becoming a Qualified Individual, and finally becoming aCertified Trainer. The Training Center is always available and it’s your choice if you want to go through all the stages.
The Training Center
The Training Center is available to “teach yourself to become an Apps expert in the classroom.” The great part about the Training Center is that it is broken up into six training modules: Google Apps Education Edition, Apps Mail, Calendar, Docs, Sites, and Other Tools. What does this mean for you? It means that if you are in the Training Center to find out more about Calendar, my favorite, you can. Just go straight to the Calendar Module and become a Calendar expert or look for that one piece of information that you needed. Don’t forget to use the “Search this site” button in the top right hand corner if you are looking for something specific. As a teacher you could use the the training center to become more proficient in the use of Google Apps for your classroom. So if you just want the information, it’s all there waiting for you in the Training Center.
Individual Qualification
If you are interested in testing your new knowledge acquired in the Training Center you can take all six exams. Passing all six exams will give you the honor of being “Google Apps Education Qualified” and earn you a certificate. 
The exams are $15 dollars each and you will need to pass each exam with a score of 80% or higher. You could give your students the chance to become qualified. I know there are Computer Application courses in high schools that allow students at the end of the course to take tests for certifications for various manufactures of software. Why not let the student take the tests and at $15 dollars per test, it is very reasonable compared to other exams.
Certified Trainer
You’ve passed all six exams and have decided to go for the gusto and become a Certified Trainer. Now what? According to Google, Certified Trainers have extensive experience in teacher training and Apps deployment. So, if this fits who you are and what you do, go for it. Here are the requirements from Google’s Program Details web page.
“Certified Trainer” individual applicants must:
- Have previously achieved ‘Qualified Individual’ status.
- Demonstrate work history and experience in technology instruction and/or professional development. Strong references from school or business clients are required.
- Create sample learning materials and provide a short video which demonstrates your ability to create and present instructional material.
- View the complete application here.
The application is not too difficult, but where most people get hung up is the short video. If you have given tutorials before in person then you are not that far away from creating a video. One of the video hang ups is what do I put in the video? My advice: pick a topic from the training center that you like, something you know how to do, that was new to you, or something that you know colleagues have had problems or questions about in the past. This will make the video have a personal connection. Use the Training Center to help you with your script. The other hang up on the video is how do I create it? There are numerous versions of screen recording software out there on the web for sale. There are also a few websites that will let you do the same thing. I would recommend Camtasia. It has lots of great tools to cleanup and put the professional touches on your video. Best part is that TechSmith gives you a 30 day trial with no limits. Here is the video from my application:
And what will you get out of this Certification:
What’s in it for you? As a Google Apps Certified Trainer, you will receive:
- Early access to technical training and support materials.
- A Google ‘badge’ for your online marketing, and other marketing collateral.
- Additional visibility in the Apps Marketplace as a Solutions Provider.
- Shared training resources from the community of fellow Certified Trainers.
I hope this helps to answer the question. How do you become a Google Trainer? Please feel free to ask more questions in the comments. Now get out there and do some training.
I Teach Ag Blog 
Goldy Arora
January 15, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Hi Danny – Thanks for putting light on the GA Certified Trainer Application, here is my position, kindly assist-:
About me-:
Google Apps Certified Individual
Have been a part of 40+ Google Apps deployments including few complex and bigger ones.
Level 3 Support professional at Google Apps help forums
Launched a Google Apps tutorial video series channel at youtube to assist community (Youtube/goldytips)
My blog ranks at first position in first page of google if you search for pros and cons of google apps
Have provided training to lot of “Google Apps for business” clients and have more than 10 verifiable recommendations.
Now I am going to apply for GA certified trainers but I have worked with Google Apps for business clients mostly, do you think, it would be a problem?
Is there anything else you want me to suggest before applying?
Regards,
Goldy Arora
Delhi, India
Danny Silva
January 17, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Hi Goldy,
Thanks for the comment. I have forwarded your question on to get a better answer for you.
I don’t think it would be a problem for you to apply. Especially, if you have worked or plan on working with educational training.
I will let you know more when if I get more information back on your question.
Mike Warren
November 17, 2011 at 12:16 am
I think I must take a look in training center. I’m sure, I can get more idea how to be certified edutrainer
Danny Silva
November 18, 2011 at 3:22 pm
This might be a good place to start for more information. http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/edu/certification_details.html
Sarah
December 9, 2011 at 8:42 am
I have just found your blog….I am having trouble finding information on becoming a Certified trainer in Google Apps – Do you know if the cost of the test is still $15? And do you have any contacts at Google who can help with this endeavor?
Danny Silva
December 10, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Here are the best two sites I can point you to. http://edutraining.googleapps.com/ http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/edu/certification_details.html
I believe the tests are still $15 dollars each (6 total). As far as the contact goes, the best thing I can recommend to do is to go through the training center, take the tests, fill out the applications and if this is truly something you are passionate about it will happen. You can also check out http://cue.org/cuetoyou/googleapps to see if there are any trainings in your area or if you would like to host an event.
Hope that helps
Danny
Nathalie roy
June 10, 2012 at 6:06 am
The certificate says it’s valid for 12 months… What happens after that? Have to take all the exams again?
Brian Farrell
November 7, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Great post and video Danny. The video provides good insight into what’s expected in the application process, and was something that I could immediately put to use. I’m still working my way through the initial qualification exams, but am looking to pursue certified trainer qualifications eventually. Thanks for sharing!
Gillete
March 16, 2013 at 9:41 pm
Hi there
What are some benefits once you obtain the Google Certificate Program AdWord? I had recently registered but not so sure when I can official take the Exam for the certification.Does it improve my marketing ideas?
Thank you
Gillete Nevado
Danny Silva
March 16, 2013 at 9:54 pm
I’m sorry, I don’t know enough about the AdWords program to answer. I got my training and certification in Google Apps For EDU. Maybe someone else can help.
Pamela Pereira
April 18, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Hi Danny, I am currently unemployed and wish to get ‘qualified’ in Google Apps for EDU and Business – However, when I register it askes for an affiliation which I do not have at this time. I have emailed Google and received a form response about how to sign up. Do you know if there is a way to get ‘qualified’/’certified’ without being affiliated with a school or business?
Danny Silva
April 19, 2013 at 9:14 am
I would list my former job in education. I believe they want to make sure you have a background in education to become Apps Certified for Education.
Christine
May 15, 2013 at 7:31 am
Hi Danny,
Do you know if there are any sample questions from the Google Apps for Education Certification test? I found a few for the Google Apps Deployment Specialist but so far none for the Education tests.
Danny Silva
May 16, 2013 at 12:16 pm
I am not aware of any. The only thing would be if someone put some questions up on their blog. The questions are not designed to be tricky and have been geared to check your knowledge on the information provided by the Training Center. Remember, even though there might be an update to a product the Test Questions are tied to the information in the training center. When the training center is updated so are the questions that correspond to that information. – Hope that helps
Trent Roberts
June 6, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Danny,
For my Case study I talk about training I do with the students such as a huge unit that I taught on Google Sites that they use as a eportfolio. Is it ok if I use that in my case study? That does count as technology training right? Its just a lot more interesting then a PD I did with teachers. 🙂
Rob Clarke
June 10, 2013 at 11:15 am
Hi Danny, great description mate. Rob
minelson1
August 6, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Danny, great video. I spend about 50% of my time on tech-related activities, including trainings. I am not a teacher, rather a professional trainer with a Dale Carnegie certification. I already approved the qualification exams. DO you foresee that nbot being a teacher will be a problem to reach GAFE cert trainer status?
vrkaylor
August 13, 2013 at 4:50 pm
What is the difference between a certified teacher and a certified trainer? You have both listed.
Danny Silva
August 14, 2013 at 12:10 pm
A Google Certified Trainer is something you can choose to be, by taking the online exams and going through the process. The title of Google Certified Teacher is given to you after applying, getting accepted, and attending a Google Teacher Academy. There is only one way to become a GCT and that is by attending a Google Teacher Academy. Here is more information on the becoming a Google Certified Teacher and attending a Google Teacher Academy. http://google.com/edu/gta
Danny Silva
August 14, 2013 at 12:13 pm
If the majority of your work is training teachers then I don’t think it would be a problem. However, I don’t approve applications so I can’t say for sure.