Google Level 1 Certification -- The Time is NOW!

 If you have been kicking around getting the Google Level 1 Educator Certification, NOW is the time to do it! In the past, this certification has required an exam that was part multiple choice, part performance scenarios. However, the exam went through a big revamp recently, and it now consists of ONLY multiple choice-style questions. Those who have taken it have shared that while it is still a decent check of your knowledge and familiarity with Google Workspace tools, it is not as stress-inducing as the previous iterations of the exam. People are also reporting a higher passing rate than previous versions of the exam. In addition, there is still 3 hours allotted for the exam, but most people are reporting that they do not need more than 60-90 minutes for the test. So it sounds to me like anyone who wants to get this certification needs to strike while the iron is hot!

How do you do this?

• Review! Google has a free, online training site you can use. In addition, I have a website I use for boot camps (which needs to be updated with the newest exam information). There are also lots of free or paid resources out there. Do you HAVE to review for the exam? Not necessarily. If you feel pretty well versed with Google Workspace tools, then you can leap into the exam without reviewing! A nice thing to know is that you CAN use notes and you CAN use a second device to Google things or try things during the exam. You just CANNOT use another person to help you.
• Register! You register for the exam online. Once you do that, you will be sent a code, and you will have a week to complete the exam. The exam costs $10, which you can pay for yourself, or you can apply for reimbursement from the district (if we know ahead of time there are a lot of people who plan to take the exam, we can order vouchers so you each have a code you can use to pay the fee for the exam).
• Test! Once you take the test, you will need to know a few things:
• You have a 3 hour time limit to complete the exam.
• You sign an NDA, which means you cannot share specifics about the test.
• You need a webcam because your picture will be taken at the start of the exam and it will be checked at random times to ensure you are the only one working on the exam.
• You can use notes and another device to assist you during the test, but you cannot use another person for help.

Are you wondering why you should do this? Here are some reasons!

• Knowledge! This is a great way to learn about the Google Workspace tools! This familiarity will help make your work more productive, and you'll also be able to assist your students with confidence!
• Leadership! This is a great way to stand out as a professional in the education community. Google Certified Educators are well respected and recognized as top leaders in educational technology circles. Yes, YOU belong there!
• Badges! You get a cool badge you can use in your email signature, on your website, on a blog, etc. to show everyone what you have accomplished!
• Accomplishment! There is a great sense of accomplishment when you are recognized for your effort and expertise! 

I don't know if you know this, but I have long had a dream to have every teacher in Channahon School District 17 to be Level 1 certified. I don't know of any other school district where all teachers have accomplished this, and I think it would be a really cool way to distinguish the already impressive teachers in CSD 17 from everyone else!

Are you interested? Do you think you could do this by the time we start the 2022-2023 school year? If so, comment, "ME!" on this post!

P.S. Help me plan this by completing this form, please!