Google Educator Certification: Level 2 - What You Need to Know
2022 UPDATE: The Google Certified Educator exams have changed. You no longer need to complete the practical skills portion.
In a previous post, I wrote about my experience with the Level 1 Google Certified Educator process. If you're new to the Google Certification process, make sure to read that post first because it covers a lot of the basics.
If you’re looking for more information on Level 2 specifically, this post is for you. You'll learn about the differences between Level 1 and Level 2, and some key skills you'll need to rock the Level 2 training and exam.
The Training
Like Level 1, the training for Level 2 is completely free. You can access all the modules in the Certification Training Center and work at your own pace.
At the end of each module, there’s a little quiz that reviews the information from each section. The style of questions here are very similar to those you’ll find on part one of the exam. Unfortunately, those “Select all that apply…” questions aren’t going anywhere.
If you’re wondering whether you’re going to learn anything new in the Level 2 training, the answer is an emphatic YES. I consider myself pretty knowledgeable in the Google department, but I walked away with some interesting new ideas about both familiar and unfamiliar G Suite tools.
If you’re looking for a breakdown of the specific skills you’ll learn or what you’ll need for the exam, you can preview the modules in the Training Center. But since you’re here, I’ll list a few of the many skills you’ll learn or review in the Level 2 training.
Learn how to...
Use pivot tables and filter tools to analyze large data sets in Google Sheets
Create interactive slideshows in Google Slides
Use Google Docs as a multimedia text set (also known as a HyperDoc)
Share content to Google Classroom from a mobile device
Save time with templates in Gmail
Schedule Google Meet video conferencing in Google Calendar
Use the Research tool in Google Docs
Manage Google add-ons and extensions
Use advanced Google search tools
Add and edit YouTube playlists
Use Google Lit Trips and Tour Builder to bring class content to life
Embed media in Google Sites
Use Google Groups for discussions with students or colleagues
Create diagrams and charts in Google Drawings
Use “Go to Page Based on Answer” in Google Forms
….and much more.
The Exam
The style of the Level 2 exam is pretty much identical to the Level 1 exam. Like Level 1, there are two parts: multiple choice and practical skills.
For the practical skills portion, they’ll once again provide you with a Google Drive folder loaded with mock files. Like Level 1, they’ll ask you to perform a variety of tasks using these files.
Though I can’t divulge too much information about the exam (per Google rules), you should be able to determine which Google tools are best suited for specific tasks or goals. It’s not necessarily enough to know HOW to use the tools — you also need to know WHY you’re using them.
Most people want to know if the Level 2 exam is much harder than Level 1.
My answer: yes and no. Yes, because it requires a deeper level of understanding and a more advanced skill set— but no, because if you’re ready to take the Level 2 exam then you probably have the required skills to rock it like you did Level 1.
You’re allotted 3 hours for the exam, which is the same time frame you’re given in Level 1. The entire exam took me about 2 hours and 20 minutes, which was slightly longer than the Level 1 exam. I consider myself a slower test taker, so this might be different for you — but 2 hours-ish seems to be the general consensus among those I’ve spoken to.
The Cost
Like Level 1, the Level 2 training is free.
The Level 2 exam is $25, which is $15 more than the Level 1 exam. This scares a lot of people because the stakes are higher, but don’t be intimidated by the increase in cost. Go through the training, take your time on the exam, and you’ll be fine!
I mentioned this in my post about Level 1, but it’s worth asking your administrators if they’ll cover the costs of the exam. If your district is supportive of outside PD endeavors, it’s likely they’ll be supportive of this too.
The Benefits
In my original post, I wrote about what I feel are the benefits of becoming a Google Certified Educator. To summarize that sentiment, it’s beneficial if you use Google tools in your classroom, and if you’re the type of person who likes to learn new things and help others learn new things too.
I recommend the Level 2 process because it really deepens your understanding of G Suite for Education and tech integration as a whole. It encourages you to think less about the WHAT and more about the WHY and HOW.
And even if you don’t take the exam, the knowledge you’ll gain from the training is 100% worth it.
Next Steps
After passing Level 2, you can take the Trainer Skills Assessment and apply to become a Certified Trainer. I’ll be detailing that process in a future post.
Did I miss anything? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
How to become a Google Certified Educator (Level 2)