Is the Generative AI Leader exam hard for non-technical people? +
It is designed for business and technical leaders, so you do not need to code. It is still not just a strategy test. One section covers Google Cloud's gen AI offerings at product level, and another covers techniques like grounding, RAG, prompting and fine-tuning. Candidates who skip those because they sound technical lose marks on decisions leaders are expected to make.
What is the exam format? +
The exam is 90 minutes with 50-60 multiple-choice questions. It is available in English, Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese, and you can take it online-proctored or at a Pearson VUE test center. Google does not publish a passing score, so aim for comfortable margins on practice rather than a target number.
What does it cost and are there prerequisites? +
The registration fee is USD 99 plus tax where applicable, and there are no prerequisites. The certification is valid for three years. You can renew through Google Skills by completing designated courses or skill badges in the renewal learning path during the last year of the certification; renewal is valid for one year.
What topics does the exam cover? +
Four sections: fundamentals of gen AI, Google Cloud's gen AI offerings, techniques to improve gen AI model output, and business strategies for a successful gen AI solution. Expect questions on matching products to needs, choosing between grounding and fine-tuning, and driving adoption, managing risk and measuring value. Check the current exam guide for section weights.
Why do my study notes use different product names than the exam? +
Google updated the exam for branding changes, and Vertex AI is now Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform. Google advises checking the exam guide for current product names. Older courses and practice tests may reference names the exam no longer uses, so map old names to new ones as you study rather than memorizing outdated labels.
How long should I prepare for the Generative AI Leader exam? +
Most candidates prepare in 2-4 weeks. If you already work with gen AI projects and know Google Cloud, a couple of weeks reviewing the offerings and techniques sections may be enough. If you are new to both, plan for four or more weeks so you can learn the product lineup properly, not just the general concepts.