The tests, which last several hours and consist of multiple-choice questions, are monitored live by a Google representative through the webcam. Results are computed as soon as the test is over. Those who pass, receive via e-mail a diploma and access to an official badge graphic. Those who fail are told which areas they need to improve upon.

IT professionals who pass the test are understood to be qualified for deployments of all Google Apps versions: Apps for Business, Apps for Education, Apps for Government, as well as the standard edition of the suite.

After obtaining the certification, IT professionals will have to attend a minimum number of Google Apps webinars. Google will keep tabs on this. The certification has to be renewed every year by taking the test.

While the certification is primarily aimed at channel partner staffers, it is also available for Apps customer organizations that want to make sure that their IT employees are qualified to deal with their Apps implementations.

Until now, Google only had a certification program for channel partner organizations, called Google Apps Authorized Reseller Program. This new program is aimed at individuals within those channel partners.