3 Reasons You Should Become a Google Apps Certified Sales Specialist

Over five million businesses currently use Google Apps. Just as we saw with Microsoft's Office suite (when Outlook was the cornerstone of the popular group of office software), email is still the center of a collaboritive business. But Google's vision of the social enterprise expands beyond the inbox to include true team collaboration in documents, spreadsheets and hundreds of integrated business apps. 

Google Apps Certification is a relatively new program for Google Apps Resellers and Google Partners. As the growth of Google's office suite, Google Apps for Business, continues to grow, so does the need for qualified local experts in Google's business products.  

The Google Apps Certified Sales Specialist exam certifies sales professionals at Google partner companies who demonstrate the skill and knowledge required to sell and service Google Apps for Business.

1. It looks Great on a resume.

Candidates who pass the exam receive a Google Apps Certified Sales Specialist badge and certificate. The program is limited to candidates sponsored by authorized Google Apps resellers, making the recognition a true career distinction. The badge is suitable for a candidate's online business profile and resume.

2. Cloud-based business apps are the future.

Acknowledgement from Google is worth its weight in gold. And the Google Apps Certification Program tells the world you have expertise in cloud technology—an achievement for anyone in a technology sales career. Candidates must not only demonstrate expertise in understanding and articulating the value of Google Apps for Business, but must also embrace the business applications of cloud technology.

3. Classes and exams are free through the end of the year.

The Google Apps Sales Specialist Exam is proctored by Kryterion and usually costs $100. If you register for two free Google Apps Sales classes this month you can also take the exam for free through Dec. 31, 2012. The Google Apps Sales Certification Classes are Nov. 26 and 27 in the Austin-San Marcos area. Availablity is limited, so sign up soon.

While experience with Google Apps and technology sales is the best exam prep, the free webinars make this month the best time to become a Google Apps Certified Sales Specialist.