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 summarise notes, analyse 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 in today’s dynamic workplace — 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 practise 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 promotional 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 even 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 is quickly transforming today’s workplace. It makes sense, then, that developing a strong understanding of how to use the technology could give you a competitive edge in a variety of industries. But beyond helping you cultivate a fruitful career, AI can make your days at work more productive, too.

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? Just prompt an AI tool with your ideas and assets.

Google AI Essentials is taught by AI experts at Google who are working to make the technology helpful for everyone. In under 10 hours, they’ll do more than teach you about AI — 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 designed for anyone who feels swamped - like there’s never enough time to tackle the work that actually matters to them and their company. It’s created for anyone who wants to supercharge their skillset and improve their productivity. With Google AI Essentials, you can develop the essential AI skills you need to be successful in today’s workplace, zero experience required.

You’ll gain hands-on experience using a variety of AI tools to accomplish different workplace tasks. From conversational AI tools to text-to-image generators, each activity comes with a list of AI tools you can choose from to learn how to get the job done.

Within each module, there are hands-on activities to practise 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, in module 3 where you’ll discover the art of prompt engineering, 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
• Maximise Productivity With AI Tools
• Discover the Art of Prompt Engineering
• 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 this essential skill set, like using generative AI tools, prompt engineering, and using AI responsibly.

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

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

In Australia, the subscription cost is $49 USD per month after an initial 7-day trial period at no cost. All Google Career Essentials are completely self-paced, and many learners complete their course within one month.

In other countries where 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 enrolment options.

Google AI Essentials is available on Coursera, an online learning platform that offers access to online courses. Google has worked with Coursera to make Google AI Essentials available on their platform.

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

Google Career Essentials help you build in-demand skills to grow your career. Whether you’re looking to add a skill to your resume, apply a new skill to uplevel your work, or simply learn something new, the course will help you quickly gain valuable competencies.

In contrast, Google Career Certificates prepare you for entry-level jobs in specific career fields like Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Project Management, IT Support and others. They take about three to six months to complete.