My Honest Review of The Google Project Management Certification

Introduction

As someone who has managed several projects in my day-job, I decided I wanted to better understand the methodology behind project management. Even though my job title isn’t “Project Manager”, I’ve managed lots of projects and want to know be more effective.

Some might wonder why I would take the certification if I don’t plan on being a full-time project manager? 

Well, five years into working at start-ups I’ve realized that project management is a crucial skill in nearly all roles. Whether you work in marketing, web development, sales, or customer support, you’re managing projects. It’s a skill that will improve your career no matter what field you’re in.

So I decided to take the Google Project Management Certification. I recently completed it and tell you what I think and if it's worth taking.

Is the information relevant?

As I went through the course there were lots of familiar concepts that I had been using in my job without even realizing.

It was nice to understand the underlying concept behind what me and my coworkers have been doing all these yearss. 

The courses cover topics like Agile methodology, Scrum, RACI charts, stakeholder management, data-driven project management, Kanban boards, Asana, and Trello. Although you might not recognize some of these words, they are commonplace terms and technologies in any company that takes project management seriously.

So yes, the skills you learn in the course can be implemented in the workplace and are useful in all settings.

Is the certificate legit?

The Google Project Management Certification is a recognized certificate. A lot of people don’t realize how much Google invests in being an educational institution. And having a certificate from Google, a reputable leader in the tech space, will signal to employers that you are at the forefront of your field.

While the Project Management Institute holds the title of "industry standard" for project management certifications, it’s worth noting that the Google certification can help you prepare for an accreditated project management certification.

On the course page, Google has this statement:

Google is an approved member of the Project Management Institute’s Authorized Training Partner Program, which ensures practitioners have access to consistent and high-quality training experiences. Those who complete the Google Project Management Certificate will qualify for over 100 hours of project management education that apply directly to requirements for globally-recognized PMI credentials, like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification, at a discounted price.

Will the certification land me a job as a project manager? 

The certification will definitely make you more competitive in the job market. 

However, it's important to market the certification effectively. Simply adding the certification to your resume and LinkedIn profile is not enough. You also need to highlight the skills you gained on your resume and LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn profile has several places where you can showcase new skills, and many people overlook this step.

Ultimately, landing a job as a project manager requires creating a strong resume and LinkedIn profile that presents you as a skilled professional, as well as networking with others in the industry.

How long does the certification take?

Google estimates that it takes around six months to complete the course if you dedicate ten hours per week. But this is on the high end, and most people finish earlier.

The course videos and exams are the easy part. It’s the activities that will be the most time-consuming. For example, some activities may require you to create project plans, draft emails, or review meeting notes to extract action items.

If you watch the videos at a faster speed (around 1.5x to 2x), it's possible to complete the course in about 3 months with anywhere from 5-10 hours a week. But this will also depend on your other commitments and responsibilities.

What jobs can I get with this certification?

Having this certification will help you with any role that you apply to since project management is a fundamental skill all employees can benefit from. 

That being said, here’s a list of job titles that this certification is particularly beneficial for: 

Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Project Assistant, Operations Manager, Operations Associate, Program Manager, Scrum Master, Project Associate, Project Analyst, Project Administrator, Technical Project Manager, Business Analyst

How much does it cost? 

How much the course costs will depend on how long it takes you. The monthly subscription is $39, so if you finish in 3 months, it comes out to $117. 

This is fairly cheap for a certificate that can help you land a job making thousands more per year.

So, should I get the certificate?

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a project manager, the Google Project Management Certification can provide a helpful introduction to the field. Through the course, you'll gain a better understanding of the key skills and responsibilities involved in project management.

If you're still unsure about whether project management is the right career path for you, I recommend taking advantage of their 7-day free trial. This is a low-risk way to explore the field and see if it resonates with your interests and strengths.