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Google · Cybersecurity · Entry

Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate exam guide

Exam N/A (Coursera professional certificate)

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is a self-paced Coursera program covering security frameworks, network security, Linux, SQL, SIEM tools, incident detection and Python automation. It is designed to prepare beginners for entry-level SOC and security analyst roles and for CompTIA Security+.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scorePass all graded assignments in each course
Exam feeSee official page
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryOnline, self-paced on Coursera

Format: Self-paced online courses with graded quizzes, hands-on labs and projects; no proctored final exam. Fee note: US $49/month on Coursera after a 7-day trial; Google estimates most learners finish for under $300; included in Coursera Plus.

Who it's for

Beginners and IT support professionals with no security experience who want to move into entry-level security analysis.

What the exam covers

Foundations of Cybersecurity—
Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks—
Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security—
Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL—
Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities—
Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response—
Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python—
Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs—
Accelerate Your Job Search with AI—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: None. Google suggests under 10 hours a week for about 6 months.

Keeping it active

Does not expire.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • NIST CSF and risk management basics
  • Network security and protocols
  • Linux command line and SQL queries for investigation
  • SIEM log analysis and incident detection
  • Vulnerability and threat assessment
  • Python scripting for security automation

Job roles

Junior Security AnalystSOC Analyst (Tier 1)Cybersecurity AnalystInformation Security AnalystIT Security Technician

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Month 1: Courses 1-2 (foundations, risk and frameworks)
  2. Month 2: Course 3 networks; set up a home lab VM
  3. Month 3: Course 4 Linux and SQL - practice daily on the command line
  4. Month 4: Courses 5-6 threats, vulnerabilities, detection and SIEM
  5. Month 5: Course 7 Python automation
  6. Month 6: Course 8-9 job prep; schedule Security+ using the graduate discount

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • There is no proctored final exam; pair it with Security+ for HR filters and DoD roles
  • Treat the Linux and SQL course as the most job-relevant; employers test these skills
  • Save your portfolio activities (incident reports, Python scripts) for interviews
  • Use the Security+ discount offered to graduates

Key terms for this exam

All 45 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Google Cybersecurity Certificate cost?

$49/month on Coursera in the US; Google estimates under $300 total for most learners.

How long does it take?

About 6 months at under 10 hours per week.

Is it enough to get a cybersecurity job?

It is a solid start, but most entry security roles also expect Security+ or IT experience.

Google Cybersecurity vs Security+?

Google is a low-cost training program; Security+ is the proctored industry certification and DoD-approved baseline. Completing both earns a dual credential.

Does it give college credit?

It carries an ACE recommendation of up to 9 college credits; acceptance varies by school.

Official page: www.coursera.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.