Google is expanding its education AI footprint with three new Gemini certifications designed to validate how students and educators use Google’s AI tools across learning, creativity and productivity. The certifications go live today globally — and they’re completely free.
The new credentials arrive as Google positions Gemini as a core skill for classrooms, universities and early workforce preparation.
Three certifications, three audiences
Google’s new certification suite targets the full education pipeline:
- Gemini Certified Educator – Focused on teaching innovation, classroom impact and student success.
- Gemini Certified University Student – Built to support academic work, research tasks and early career readiness.
- Gemini Certified Student (K12) – Designed for high school learners to demonstrate responsible and informed AI use. A foundational course must be completed before taking the exam.
Each assessment is multiple choice, available online, and awards an easy-to-share digital certificate upon completion. Educators, Google says, can use the credential for professional development (PD) credits, while students can use it to signal AI competency within their academic communities.
Available today — in 12 languages
The exams launch today in 12 languages, giving the program immediate global reach. Google also confirmed that localization for student certifications is coming soon, while a separate university faculty exam is scheduled to arrive next month.
Registration is open now via the Google for Education Certifications portal at Google Education.
What Google says the certifications are for
The company frames the certifications as a way to:
- Build core AI literacy using Gemini and Google’s education tools
- Strengthen creativity, productivity and research skills in classrooms
- Encourage responsible AI use, especially for younger learners
- Provide verifiable credentials educators and students can showcase
The move underscores Google’s strategy to weave Gemini deeply into lesson planning, academic workflows and student projects across all grade levels.
Why this matters
Education systems worldwide are scrambling to establish AI standards and responsible-use frameworks. By launching free credentials with built-in verification, Google is effectively shaping:
- What “AI proficiency” means in schools
- How educators demonstrate AI-readiness
- How students show competency as AI becomes embedded in curriculum
The fact that the certifications cost nothing — and support 12 languages at launch — positions Google to influence global adoption at scale.
Fast facts
- 3 new certifications: Educator, University Student, K12 Student
- Free multiple-choice exams
- Digital certificate issued after passing
- 12 languages available at launch
- K12 exam requires a prerequisite course
- Faculty exam arrives next month
- Registration: goo.gle/gfecerts
Conclusion
Google’s new Gemini certifications mark one of the company’s most straightforward pushes to formalize AI literacy across education. The offer is simple — free exams, global access, and verifiable credentials — but the long-term impact could be anything but. If schools and universities adopt these at scale, Gemini may quickly become the default AI skill standard in classrooms around the world.