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.

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

Within each module, there are hands-on activities to practice using AI tools across many different real-world 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.

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.

Both courses are beginner friendly and have no prerequisite requirements, but both courses have a distinct focus.

Google AI Essentials teaches foundational AI concepts and definitions, and discusses common AI use cases for both individuals and organizations. Google Prompting Essentials focuses on teaching individuals how to effectively instruct AI by following 5 easy steps to build effective prompts that make AI work for them.

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

Google AI Essentials costs $49 on Coursera after an initial 7-day free trial period. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate from Google to share with your network and potential employers.

If you are interested in financial assistance for Google AI Essentials, you may be eligible for financial aid via Coursera through the course page. Recipients of financial aid have full access to course content and assignments required to earn a certificate. To apply, go to the course page on Coursera and click the “Financial aid available” link.