What it is
The Generative AI Leader is a Google Cloud certification aimed at business professionals rather than engineers: managers, strategists and staff in functions like HR, marketing, finance and sales who need a working grasp of generative AI without writing code. Google Cloud's own announcement calls it a "first-of-its-kind generative AI certification for non-technical learners," launched globally on 14 May 2025.
What you can do at the end
Passing certifies that you can explain core generative AI concepts, describe Google Cloud's generative AI product line, apply techniques to improve model output (such as prompting approaches), and make a business case for adopting gen AI responsibly within an organisation.
Format and syllabus
The exam is 50 to 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, split roughly across four domains per the announcement: fundamentals of generative AI (~30%), Google Cloud's generative AI offerings (~35%), techniques to improve model output (~20%), and business strategy for gen AI (~15%). It's available in English, Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese.
Prerequisites and preparation
No prerequisites are stated; it's designed for any job role, technical or not. Google Cloud publishes a free exam guide, a study guide, and a self-paced Google Cloud Skills Boost learning path to prepare, though none of these is mandatory before booking.
Delivery and price
The exam costs $99 USD plus applicable tax. It can be taken online-proctored through Pearson VUE OnVUE from home, or in person at a Pearson VUE test centre; Pearson VUE's UK site lists local test centres, so UK candidates can book directly. The certification is valid for three years, with a renewal option after that.
