Hello!

One of the questions I’m asked most often via LinkedIn or through my mentoring practice is whether the Google Project Management Certificate is enough to get a job.

People are worried that they’ll invest time and energy and it still won’t be enough. So is it?

I’ve taken it myself (as well as many other project management exams over the years) and I used to lead a team of project managers, so this is my take on the job prospects linked to the Google Project Management Certificate.

Key things to know

• The Google PM Certificate can open doors to a new job (phew!).
• You’ll build a better, stronger application if you can show practical experience and interpersonal skills as well.
• A lot depends on your potential employer’s expectations and industry norms.

What does the Certificate teach you?

The Google Project Management Professional Certificate teaches you the basics of project management in an easy-to-consume, accessible way. You’ll learn:

• Practical project skills: planning, execution, kick off and close
• Agile ceremonies and basic Agile principles
• Documentation
• Soft skills like stakeholder communication

The Capstone project helps you apply your learning and gives you an example you can talk about at interview (although a real example is 100 times better than one from your studies).

Do employers recognize the Google Certificate on Coursera?

OK, on to the big question! Do employers recognize the Google Project Management Certificate?

On the plus side:

• Google’s brand is highly credible.
• Anyone who has looked at the training will know that it is good quality.
• Many recruiters see Coursera certificates on resumes these days, so it’s a well-known and common training provider.

But employer practices vary. Some will insist on PMI credentials or APM credentials, or train you in their in-house method and look for potential rather than courses.

Employability reality check – are you likely to get a job?

So, is there evidence that employers recognize the Google Project Management Certificate when hiring for project management roles?

Actually, there is quite a lot!

1. Employer recognition through Google's Career Certificates Employer Consortium

Google has established a Career Certificates Employer Consortium, comprising over 150 U.S. companies, and there is a UK version as well – I’m not sure if there are others but it’s worth checking for your country.

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2. Job listings on employment platforms

Job platforms like ZipRecruiter list lots of positions that mention the Google Project Management Certificate. For instance, when I did a search for "Google Project Management Certificate" I got over 350,000 job listings across various industries and locations.

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3. Academic institutions incorporating the Certificate

Some educational institutions, such as Purdue Global, have integrated the Google Project Management Certificate into their programs, offering students the opportunity to earn the certificate alongside academic credentials.

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What employers say

I interviewed 3 employers. Click to read what they had to say, including one with Ukrainian team members and an inspiring example of what makes a good project manager under fire.

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What jobs can you get with the Google Project Management Certificate?

The Certificate is an entry-level course – you aren’t going to get a Senior PM job or be hired to manage a major infrastructure program as a result, especially if you don’t have any prior project management experience.

Look for entry-level project management roles:

• Project Coordinator
• PM Assistant
• Junior Project Manager
• Program Assistant
• Scrum Team Support roles

Salaries for these jobs vary by geographical region and industry. The APM salary survey (2025) reports that consultancy, energy and utilities and the legal profession have the highest project management salaries, so if you’re not bothered about what sector you work in, check those out!

How to boost your job prospects after the Certificate

Let’s say you’ve completed the certificate and are looking for a job. In this article I share 5 tips for how to boost your job prospects and make your application more attractive to employers.

The bottom line

Yes, you can get a job – but the certificate is just the first step. You won’t necessarily walk into a job, but it can certainly help you get hired.

Many employers still look for PMI credentials, so get the Google certificate first as it’s cheaper and counts towards your professional learning study hours requirement for PMI credentials, and then consider the PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®.

Your next steps

Want to kickstart your PM career? The Google Certificate is beginner-friendly and flexible – enrol now on Coursera.

Read, watch YouTube, go to conferences. I recommend starting with some accessible project management books like Managing Multiple Projects that will help you get job ready for a busy workplace.

Keep learning and applying your knowledge. You’re on the right path, and a job is just around the corner!

Have a lovely week,

Elizabeth