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How I Became Google Level 1 Certified Educator (Part 2)

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Level 1 Google Certified Educator Badge
Last week, I discussed why I decided to become Google Level 1 Certified Educator and how I prepared for the test including some resources I used. This week I will go over the actual testing process itself. 

The Testing Process
Google is in the midst of changing its online testing proctors, and I took it through ProctorU who are the new proctors.  Because it is a very recent change, I have not seen a lot of people highlighting some of the aspects of the ProctorU system.  Here are some tips I have for you. 
  1. It use to be you signed up the day before you wanted to take the test and within 24 hours you had access to the test and had a week to take it. Now you sign up for a date and time. (I prefer it this way.)
  2. You do need a working webcam with sound.  They will be watching you ensure testing integrity. You will also have to take a picture of your driver's license before beginning the test.
  3. If you have a multi-monitor system set up at your home you need to unplug your extra monitors. I was using my husband's set up and I could not launch the test because multiple monitors were detected. I panicked and had to call my husband for help.  Luckily, he was able to come home and take care of it rather quickly. 
  4. One tip I tried was to use the incognito mode so that my personal Google Account would not interfere with the testing Google account they give you.  You are unable to do this because ProctorU will only work with their Chrome Extension installed; therefore, you have to be logged in with a Google account. I did end up having issues with my personal account overriding my testing account, and I didn't have the password to log back into the testing account.  Luckily, I was about to use their online support to get back into the account very quickly.  However, if you only use one of these tips it needs to be this one: WRITE DOWN YOUR TEST ACCOUNT AND PASSWORD INFORMATION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TEST. That way if you have this problem, you won't have to waste time with the help desk, and it will probably save you some stress. 
  5. Lastly, the change to the new system also means it takes longer to get results than it use to. Before you would get the results almost instantly. Now you may have to wait as long as seven business days.  I took my test on a Saturday afternoon and didn't get my results until the following Thursday. 
The Test
The test is 180-minutes (3 hours) long.  It includes 20 multiple choice or matching questions and 12 scenarios with anywhere between 1-7 parts each. The scenarios test to see if you can successfully use certain products and features, and can cover multiple products in one scenario. When you are given your testing account you are provided a Google Drive that will have documents that you will need to complete these tasks. Make sure you read all directions carefully.

It took me a little over 2 hours to complete the test, and I double-checked my answers to all the questions and scenarios. It may take you a little bit longer to complete the test if you are a newer user of Google.  I know that I have heard from others that they took longer or ran out of time.  So time management is something to consider. 

I hope that you found this week's and last week's articles helpful in your journey to become a Google Certified Educator. If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.  I am currently, preparing for the Level 2 exam and will share my experience with that test when I have complete it.  Good Luck!

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  1. UnknownJune 20, 2020 at 12:42 PM

    I heard yesterday, that they backed off the second monitor rule, and you could use a second monitor now. Have your heard that?

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    1. Good Chicken TeachingJune 20, 2020 at 12:57 PM

      I don't know if they have backed off the second monitor rule. When I took the Level 2 exam I used my laptop and didn't even try. I would love if someone could confirm this for us.

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