Google AI Essentials

You probably already know that AI is short for artificial intelligence. But what does that mean exactly? AI refers to computer programs trained to do complex actions that usually require human brain power — and potentially a lot of time and effort — to accomplish. Simply put, AI can help with challenging tasks. When you learn to use AI tools effectively in your job, it can help you speed through some of those not-so-fun, routine tasks you dread to tackle, which can give you the time and space you need to concentrate on big-picture thinking or reach your goals more quickly. For example, you can use AI tools to help summarize notes, analyze dense spreadsheets, and create an engaging presentation. You can even use AI tools to help draft a detailed sales report and highlight key insights that you can share with your coworkers and managers. By learning how to augment your work with AI, you can set yourself up for success — and you don’t even need programming skills to use it.

Generative AI is a specific form of AI that focuses on creating new content like text, images, or other media based on examples it’s been trained on. Some AI tools accept text or speech as input, while others also take videos or images.

An exciting feature of generative AI tools is that you can give them instructions with natural language, also known as prompts. So, no coding is needed. During Google AI Essentials, you’ll practice using a conversational AI tool like Gemini, where you’ll experience using natural language to ask Gemini questions or brainstorm with it.

In the workplace, you can use generative AI tools to get creative inspiration, boost your productivity, and make your ideas even bigger. For example, let's say you need to develop a new product. You can prompt the AI tool to help brainstorm ideas. Then, after reviewing the output, you can refine your ideas with additional prompts. You can use an AI tool to generate a presentation outline to explain the product further and an image generator to create visuals for your presentation.

AI can tackle routine tasks on your to-do list, help you enhance the quality of your work, empower you to make informed decisions, and generate new content for you. Stuck for ideas at the beginning of a project? Use AI as a creative collaboration tool. Drowning in a sea of emails? Use AI tools to help draft responses so you can clear out that inbox quickly. Need to make a quick promo video to market a new product? Prompt an AI tool with your ideas and assets.

Developing a strong understanding of how to use the generative AI could give you a competitive edge in a variety of industries.

Google AI Essentials is taught by AI experts at Google who are working to make the technology helpful for everyone. In under 5 hours, they’ll do more than teach you AI fundamentals — they’ll show you how to actually use it. You’ll get practical, hands-on experience augmenting your current and future work tasks with AI. Through videos, readings, and interactive exercises, you’ll learn how to use generative AI tools, create effective prompts, use AI responsibly, and select the right AI tools for your work needs.

This self-paced course is accessible to everyone and is designed to fit into busy schedules. You don’t need any technical experience to begin, and the skills you’ll learn can be applied to a variety of roles across industries. After you complete the course, you’ll earn a certificate from Google to share with your network and potential employers.

This course is for anyone who wants to use AI to help save time and work more effectively. You’ll learn the essential AI skills to be more productive in your job or business—all with zero experience required.

Within each module, there are hands-on activities to practice using AI tools across many different real workplace scenarios. These activities provide an opportunity to learn by doing. Learners will develop practical skills that can be applied immediately to their work or can be showcased to employers. For example, when you discover the art of prompt engineering in module 3, you’ll use a conversational AI tool to help develop ideas and generate content to promote a product. You’ll incorporate AI into creative tasks such as brainstorming ideas for a presentation.

Google AI Essentials includes 5 modules: Introduction to AI Maximize Productivity With AI Tools Discover the Art of Prompting Use AI Responsibly Stay Ahead of the AI Curve

After you complete the course, you’ll earn a certificate from Google to share with your network and potential employers.

Having a certificate from Google is a concrete way to show current and future employers your competency in AI, an increasingly essential skill set.

We understand that technology is moving fast, so we update our AI training to make sure it stays relevant.

Yes, Google AI Essentials is an online course that you can complete at your own pace.

In the U.S. and Canada, the subscription cost is $49 USD per month after an initial 7-day free trial period. All Google Career Essentials are completely self-paced, and many learners complete their certificate within one month.

In other countries where Google Career Certificates or Google Career Essentials are available, your cost may be lower. To see the exact cost in your local currency, please visit the Coursera page and view the enrollment options.

Google AI Essentials is available on Google Career Skills and Coursera.

Google AI Essentials was designed and built by subject-matter experts and AI practitioners at Google.