Google Launches Generative AI Certification for Business Leaders

Google Cloud has introduced a new AI certification aimed at business professionals, offering a structured path to understanding and leading generative AI initiatives—no coding required.

The new Generative AI Leader certification is designed for non-technical learners such as executives, team leads, and managers. It focuses on how to discuss, adopt, and implement generative AI effectively within an organization. While the certification itself costs $99, Google is also offering a free training series to help users build the necessary knowledge—whether or not they choose to take the exam.

A New Kind of AI Credential

Announced last week, the Generative AI Leader certification is part of Google Cloud’s effort to expand AI literacy among decision-makers. It’s described as a "first-of-its-kind" credential tailored specifically to leaders rather than engineers.

Exam Details:

• Cost: $99

• Length: 90 minutes

• Format: Online or in-person proctored exam

• Validity: 3 years

• No prerequisites required

Google positions its cloud certifications as strong assets for career growth, noting their value in formalizing skills that are increasingly seen as essential across industries.

Free Learning Path Included

To prepare for the certification—or simply learn the material—Google Cloud offers a free learning path on its Skills Boost platform. The course series totals about 7 to 8 hours and includes videos, practical examples, and optional study materials.

The five-course curriculum includes:

• Gen AI: Beyond the Chatbot: Foundational concepts of generative AI, expanding beyond common public use cases.

• Gen AI: Unlock Foundational Concepts: An introduction to key terms and tools, including large language models and data types.

• Gen AI: Navigate the Landscape: A guide to the broader AI ecosystem—covering models, platforms, and emerging trends.

• Gen AI Apps: Transform Your Work: Practical use cases for generative AI in day-to-day business operations.

• Gen AI Agents: Transform Your Organization: A forward-looking look at how AI agents could drive organizational change.

While the exam provides a formal credential, users can complete the courses on their own without taking the test. This makes the learning path useful for professionals looking to apply AI concepts in their work, regardless of certification.

How to Register

The certification and learning path are available now:

• Free courses: Visit Google Cloud Skills Boost to access the full Generative AI Leader curriculum.

• Certification exam: Register via the Google Cloud certification site for an online or on-site test. A free study guide is also available.

There are no prerequisites, and the certification remains valid for three years after passing the exam.

Other AI Learning Options

Google’s announcement comes as more platforms expand access to AI education. LinkedIn recently made its 10 most popular AI courses free through the end of May, and other free and low-cost certification programs continue to grow across the web.

What This Means

As generative AI moves deeper into business strategy and operations, it’s no longer just developers who need to understand it—it’s decision-makers. Google’s Generative AI Leader program reflects a growing push to equip managers and executives with the language, frameworks, and context to lead AI adoption responsibly.

The certification signals that AI literacy is becoming a professional baseline—not a bonus—and companies that want to compete in an AI-enabled economy may need leaders who can speak the language, even if they don’t write the code.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.