Compare courses

Detail	Build Foundational Generative AI Skills	Google AI Essentials
Provider	Microsoft	Google
Our rating	4.3	4.4
Cost	Free	Free
Time	2.3 hours	2.25 hours
Level	Beginner	Beginner
Credential	certificate of completion (free)	certificate of completion (free on Google Skills; included in Coursera subscription)
Open to	Worldwide	Worldwide
Free in	Worldwide	Worldwide
Content written for	Any country	United States
Summary	A short path for business users on the basics of generative AI and responsible use, followed by practical work in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. It covers how to write better prompts and how to use Copilot Chat safely inside a work account.	Google's entry-level course on using generative AI tools at work: generating ideas, researching, drafting and speeding up routine tasks. It also covers prompting basics and how to spot bias and other risks. The same course is sold on Coursera, but Google now offers it at no cost on its own Google Skills platform.
Objectives	Explain how generative AI produces content and why its output needs checking Open and navigate Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat Write clearer prompts using a simple structure and the Prompt Lab Use Copilot Chat features to speed up everyday work while keeping data secure	Use generative AI tools to brainstorm ideas and draft content Apply AI to research, organisation and planning tasks Write clearer, more specific prompts Recognise bias and other risks and use AI responsibly Keep skills current as AI tools change
Things to know	Microsoft 365 specific; features shown may differ by licence Microsoft account sign-in needed to track progress	Google Skills and Coursera versions list different durations (Google Skills: 2 hr 15 min; Coursera: about 8 hours across five short courses) Coursera version is subscription-based and cannot be audited US-centric examples Google Skills sign-in required
Our course page	Build Foundational Generative AI Skills	Google AI Essentials

Company names and logos belong to their owners and are used only to identify their courses. ApplyAI is independent and is not endorsed by, affiliated with or paid by any provider. Prices and details are as at the check date; confirm on the provider's site.