Google

Beginner: Introduction to Generative AI

Beginner: Introduction to Generative AI is a self-paced online course delivered by Google Cloud (Google Skills). It is free, takes about 4.75 hours, and awards a digital badge (Credly etc) (free).

Our rating3.9How we rate courses
Relevance to work
1.8 / 3
Cost and access
2 / 2
Provider
1.6 / 2
Credential
1.2 / 1.5
Currency
1.05 / 1.5
Total
7.7 / 10

Provider learner rating: Not published by the provider

Key facts

CostFreeFree. Formerly on Google Cloud Skills Boost (cloudskillsboost.google/paths/118 now redirects here).
Time4.75 hours (estimated from modules)
LevelBeginner
Formatself-paced online
Prerequisitesnone
Credentialdigital badge (Credly etc) (free)
Open toWorldwide
Free inWorldwide
Content written forAny country
Last checked2026-09-29

Topics:AI basics

FreeGoogle skill badgesUnder 5 hoursShort micro-courses

Things to know

  • The prompt design activity is a skill badge with a hands-on Google Cloud lab, which is more technical than the rest
  • Google Skills sign-in required
  • Some content promotes Google Cloud tools

Summary

A four-part Google Cloud path that explains what generative AI and large language models are, how prompting works and how to apply responsible AI principles. It is conceptual rather than tool training, which makes it a neutral primer before picking a specific product.

You will be able to

  • Explain how generative AI differs from traditional machine learning
  • Describe what large language models are and where they are used
  • Understand the basics of prompt design
  • Apply Google's responsible AI principles to real decisions

Modules

  1. Introduction to Generative AI
  2. Introduction to Large Language Models
  3. Prompt Design in Agent Platform
  4. Responsible AI: Applying AI Principles with Google Cloud

Who it suits

Beginners and managers who want a clear conceptual grounding in generative AI.

Who is behind it

Delivered by
Google Cloud
Hosted on
Google Skills (skills.google, formerly Google Cloud Skills Boost)
Funded by
Not stated
Partners
Not stated

Related courses

Questions

Is Introduction to Generative AI (Google) free?
Yes. It is free as at our last check. Free. Formerly on Google Cloud Skills Boost (cloudskillsboost.google/paths/118 now redirects here).
How long does it take?
About 4.75 hours (estimated from modules).
Do you get a certificate?
Yes. It awards a digital badge (Credly etc), free.
Who is it for?
Beginners and managers who want a clear conceptual grounding in generative AI.
Can I take it from outside Australia?
Yes. It is open worldwide. It is free in: Worldwide.
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Sources

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