Review of Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera

The Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera is a popular entry-level Google Career Certification for those looking to pursue and begin a career in the IT industry. You’ll learn everything you need to know about this Google Certification in this review. We’ve gone over the lessons and exams in detail, and we’ll show you what to expect when you sign up for this certificate. You’ll learn how the learning environment works and specifics about the course content and exam format to help you decide whether this is the right Google professional certificate for you.

If you want to work in the IT industry, the Google IT Support Professional certificate is a great place to start. It’s an easy-to-obtain entry-level credential that can lead to various job opportunities. This certificate can be completed in six months for less than $300 if you are dedicated and consistent with your studies.

What is a Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera, And What Does It Entail?

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a good way to start a career in IT. No prior experience or IT knowledge is required for the certificate program developed by Google and is available through Coursera. It’s intended to equip students with the skills they’ll need for an entry-level IT position. The certificate program covers topics such as computer construction and operating system installation, system administration and security, networking, and troubleshooting. The program is part of Google’s Grow with Google initiative, which aims to increase job training opportunities.

Since its inception in 2018, the program has attracted over 400,000 participants from around the world. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate can be used as a stepping stone into the IT field because it requires no prior experience or education and has a low monthly subscription fee. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate will assist you in developing the necessary skills to obtain an entry-level IT position. Google created the training program, which is part of the Google Career Certificates program. This certificate is appropriate for anyone who wants to begin a career in IT without any prior experience or knowledge.

After completing this course, you’ll have the basic IT skills needed to work as a help desk technician, junior database administrator, IT specialist, or system analyst. IT support jobs are in high demand, with the average annual salary for entry-level IT support professionals in the United States hovering around $50,000. The American Council on Education (ACE) has approved this certification, so you can use it to earn credits toward an IT university degree. You’ll learn the following by completing this Google certification:

• Building computers from the ground up, working with operating systems, and setting up networks are all examples of day-to-day IT support tasks.
• How to provide customer service and troubleshoot computer hardware and software issues.
• How computers and operating systems work and how to troubleshoot common problems.

What Is the Time Frame for Receiving the Certificate?

The course is designed to be completed in three to six months if you commit to learning for about five hours per week. According to Vandenbosch, the amount of time students devote to the course materials determines how quickly they complete the course. According to a 2020 Coursera study of online learners, those who spend more time watching and reviewing videos rather than skimming through the content complete more courses.

According to the report, the majority of learners who completed their course did so in 40- to 60-minute learning blocks in one to five learning sessions per week, though daily learning sessions were also beneficial. “With that in mind, we recommend that learners take advantage of a fully online program’s flexible pace to ensure that they understand foundational concepts before progressing,” Vandenbosch says.

What Is the Purpose of the Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera, and Who Should Get It?

IT support is a field with a lot of room for advancement and a lot of money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary in 2019 was around $55,000, compared to a median annual wage of around $40,000 for all workers. “Within six months, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate prepares learners for an entry-level IT support role,” says Betty Vandenbosch, Coursera’s chief content officer. The course, which is billed as a “launchpad to an IT career,” covers basic IT skills such as troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, and system administration.

According to her, it also aids students in their preparation for the CompTIA A+ exams, which are the industry-standard certification for IT professionals. By completing both, you can earn a dual certification. Since its inception in 2018, the certificate program has aided traditionally underrepresented groups in tech in their preparation for entry-level IT support positions, according to Vandenbosch. Fifty-eight percent of students in the United States identify as Black, Latino, female, or a veteran; more than 60% lack a college diploma, and 45 percent earn less than $30,000 per year.

“The IT support certificate is a stackable credential,” Vandenbosch explains, “meaning it is recognized by some degree programs, such as the University of London Bachelor of Computer Science, which is offered entirely online through Coursera.” “Learners can complete the Google IT program, find stable employment, and then pursue a degree, which often helps them advance in their field,” she says, emphasizing the value of this path for students.

According to Leroy Ware, co-founder and CTO of Knack.io, a personalized job board for engineers, “Once someone completes the program, Google also facilitates introductions with a number of employers who recognize the certificate.” According to him, the certificate is a stepping stone, and you should earn more certifications to advance your career. “Someone who takes the IT support course, for example, might start working in IT support while also pursuing one of the Google Cloud certification programs,” Ware says.

Overview of the Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate program is available entirely online and consists of five courses with video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on labs. It’s also available at over a hundred community colleges across the United States. “Learners can access course materials via desktop or mobile at any time,” says Vandenbosch. “In fact, about half of all Coursera users accessed the platform via mobile in the previous year.” After a seven-day free trial, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera costs $49 per month.

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate costs around $294 if you complete all five courses in six months. On a course-by-course basis, financial aid is available via the link on the course’s homepage. If your application is approved, you will receive an email notification and will be automatically enrolled in the course.

Course 1: Technical Support Fundamentals

You’ll get an overview of the program in the first course of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. Learners will be introduced to the field of information technology and its various aspects, such as computer hardware and software, the internet, troubleshooting, and customer service. You’ll be able to understand the inner workings of the internet, how the binary system works, and how to build a computer from the ground up, including how to choose and install an operating system, once you’ve completed the course.

You’ll learn about applications, how computers create and use them, and common problem-solving techniques used by IT pros. It includes 99 videos, 23 readings, and 22 quizzes and is expected to take 21 hours to complete over six weeks.

Course 2: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

This course gives students an overview of computer networking, from modern networking fundamentals and protocols to the cloud and its applications. You’ll learn about computer networks’ five-layer model, standard transmission control protocol/internet protocol communications protocols, various network services, and network troubleshooting tools and techniques. You’ll learn about cloud computing and storage as well. The course is designed to be completed in six weeks, with five to six hours of learning time per week for a total of 34 hours of learning time. There are 96 videos, 22 readings, and 34 quizzes in this course.

Course 3: Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate program’s third course delves deeper into operating systems and the critical tasks that IT professionals perform on them, such as software management and hardware configuration. You’ll discover how system processes function and how to manage them. You’ll also be able to set up users, groups, permissions and disk partitions, and file systems once you’ve completed the course. You’ll troubleshoot common IT issues using system logs and remote connection tools.

You’ll also learn how to navigate Windows and Linux file systems using a graphical user interface and a command-line interpreter and how to install, configure, and remove the software from these operating systems. The course is designed to be completed in six weeks, with four to seven hours of learning time per week for a total of 35 hours of learning time. There are 112 videos, 51 readings, 26 quizzes, and hands-on practice in this course.

Course 4: System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services

This course teaches students how to work on multiple computers through system administration rather than just one. It introduces large and small businesses to the multiuser environment and infrastructure services. Learners better understand the cloud, including setting up cloud infrastructure and managing cloud resources. You’ll be able to manage and configure servers and manage computers, user information, and productivity with industry tools by the end of the course.

You’ll also learn how to restore an organization’s IT infrastructure in the event of a disaster. The course will take six weeks to complete, with 31 hours of learning time and a 14-minute final project. There are 90 videos, 36 readings, 35 quizzes, and a final project included.

Course 5: IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate program‘s final course introduces various computer system threats and how to protect against them. It gives an overview of encryption algorithms and how they can protect data. You’ll also learn about the “three A’s of information security,” which include authentication, authorization, accounting and a variety of network security solutions, such as firewalls and Wi-Fi encryption.

Finally, participants will understand how each component fits into a multi-layered, in-depth security architecture. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to tell the difference between authentication and authorization and recognize various authentication systems and types. You’ll also learn how encryption algorithms and techniques work and the advantages and disadvantages of each. You’ll be able to assess potential risks and make recommendations for reducing them.

You’ll also be able to assist others in better understanding and protecting themselves from security threats. The course is designed to be completed in six weeks, with three to seven hours of learning time per week for a total of 29 hours of learning time. There are 74 videos, 37 readings, and 29 quizzes in this course.

Is It Worth It to Get a Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera?

It is well worth the money to obtain the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. It will assist you in developing job-ready skills that will allow you to begin a career in the IT industry. The certificate is provided by Google and is accepted as a valid credential for obtaining an entry-level position in the industry. Furthermore, it is ACE-approved and can provide you with up to 12 college credits (the equivalent of four degree-level courses) if you decide to continue your education and pursue a Bachelor’s degree.

This certificate will also prepare you for the CompTIA A+ certification exams, which are the industry standard for IT certification. As a result, if you pass one more exam, you’ll have two recognized certifications on your resume. The cost of certification is low (less than $300), and the time commitment is about six months (a few hours per day), which is reasonable for a globally recognized accreditation. Finally, certified IT specialists are in high demand around the world, so you should have no trouble finding work.

The average annual salary for entry-level IT jobs is around $50,800, which is a decent starting salary. According to Indeed’s independent student reviews, 42% of students said the certification helped them earn more money. My advice is to sign up for the certificate and use the 7-day free trial to go over the material and determine if this is the right certification for you. If you want to use the certificate to get a job in IT services, it might be a good investment.

As part of the program’s job support, certificate holders can share their information with employers hiring entry-level IT talents, such as Hulu, Infosys, Intel, and Walmart. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate may also be beneficial to students who are not yet ready to begin their careers. “Because the American Council on Education accredits the program,” Vandenbosch explains, “learners can earn 12 college credits or the equivalent of four associate degree-level courses.”

Ware emphasizes that the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is only a starting point. Certificate holders should add cloud-based credentials as soon as possible, such as the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certificate, which requires six months of cloud work experience and can be followed by higher-level Google certifications. Consider pursuing Amazon Web Services certifications as well. He claims that earning more certifications will boost your earning potential and expand your job options.

In January 2020, Google launched a follow-up program for the IT support certificate, called the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate, to provide beginner-level training in Python in recognition of IT support as a career path rather than just a job. The company also announced a new set of project management, data analytics, and user experience design certificates in early 2020.

Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera Exams

You must pass all graded exams to be certified and complete all courses and lessons. There will be a total of 54 assignments for you to complete. There are several types of graded assessments. Some of the questions are simple question-and-answer, while others are lab-based, and some are multiple-choice. All exams are taken online, so there is no need to travel to a testing center. You can retake an exam if you don’t pass the first time. In general, if you study the course material, passing an exam should not be a problem. The majority of the questions are taken directly from the course, while others require you to use some basic problem-solving techniques to complete a task.

What is the Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera Difficulty Level?

It is not difficult to obtain the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. It’s a foundational certificate that introduces students to the world of computing. You must, however, put forth the necessary effort to complete the certification in a reasonable amount of time (6 months) and pass all graded assignments. As previously stated, many of the quizzes and assignments are practical, which means that in addition to the theory, you’ll need to have the necessary practical skills to complete all tasks successfully.

Some topics, such as networks and operating systems, may be confusing to beginners at first, but everything will start to make sense with practice. If you don’t want to work with hardware or customer service, consider a career in digital marketing. When compared to IT support specialists, digital marketing is suitable for anyone with basic computer skills and can open up new career opportunities with a higher salary. Even if you have no prior experience or marketing knowledge, there are plenty of digital marketing certifications to pursue to get started.

Are IT Support Skills in High Demand?

For the past decade, there has been an increase in the demand for technical skills. According to a 2017 Brookings Institution report, employment in high-level digital content more than tripled from 2002 to 2016. According to the think tank’s report, digitization has also resulted in the creation of hundreds of new jobs, including solution architect, cloud services specialist, and app developer. According to the report, nearly one out of every three new jobs created since 2010 required advanced digital skills.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these trends are likely to accelerate as employers report greater digital adoption, resulting in increased demand for IT support skills. According to industry trade group CompTIA, about 40% of companies say they need workers with security skills, and 38% say they need database/information management skills. Thirty-six percent want workers with PC support experience, 33 percent want storage and backup experience, and 31 percent want networking experience.

All of this points to a bright future for IT support professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job of computer support specialists will grow at an annual rate of 8% over the next decade, which is double the average for all occupations. Between 2019 and 2029, it expects 67,300 new computer support specialist jobs to be created.

Will This Certificate Assist Me in Landing a Job?

“When asked how it helped them advance their job search or career within six months,” Vandenbosch says. This is thanks in part to the Google hiring consortium, which matches certificate holders with employers looking for entry-level IT positions. More than 50 national companies have committed to hiring Google IT certificate holders for entry-level IT positions as part of the consortium. Walmart, T-Mobile, the Cleveland Clinic, Hulu, and Google are among the partners. However, while the consortium can connect you with potential employers, you are not guaranteed a job.

Those who have completed the program advise that you apply to other programs as well. “In the engineering space, certifications are definitely something employers look at when hiring,” Ware says. “For engineers, a recent certification (one earned within the last year or two) signifies a commitment to staying current in their field and engaging in ongoing education and training.”

“A handful of certifications can carry as much impact as a bachelor’s degree,” according to Ware, “because traditional degrees tend to focus on theoretical topics and don’t usually produce skills that can immediately translate to workforce productivity.” A bachelor’s degree is, of course, still required. “B.S. in computer science or equivalent experience” is a phrase that many hiring managers will use. “Certs like (the) Google IT support cert, and especially some of the higher cloud-focused ones, can give a candidate an edge for employers who recognize workforce experience as a form of education,” Ware says.

According to him, the most well-known certifications are probably those from Google and Amazon Web Services, or AWS. To attract hiring managers and turn their resumes into marketing tools, Ware advises certificate holders to use specific Google-related keywords and services throughout their resumes. Throughout your resume, you might use phrases like “Google Cloud Platform,” “Google IT support,” and “IT support.”

“More important than anything else for job seekers is that they take an inbound approach to career development, turning their resume into a lead generation mechanism rather than spending time looking for and applying for jobs,” says Ware.

Conclusion

It is well worth the money to obtain the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. It will assist you in developing job-ready skills that will allow you to begin a career in the IT industry. The certificate is provided by Google and is accepted as a valid credential for obtaining an entry-level position in the industry. Furthermore, it is ACE-approved and can provide you with up to 12 college credits (the equivalent of four degree-level courses) if you decide to continue your education and pursue a Bachelor’s degree.

Frequently Asked Questions