300+ Free Google Cloud Skills Boost Badges [2026]: Full Catalog

Google Cloud Skills Boost (formerly Qwiklabs) is the most technically rigorous free learning platform Google runs. The key difference from every other certification platform on this list: when you start a lab, you get a live Google Cloud environment with real credentials, real APIs, and real infrastructure. You’re not clicking through a simulation. You’re running actual commands against actual GCP services.

As of May 2026, over 300 courses offer a free skill badge or completion badge. This is the complete catalog, organized by role and topic.

What are Skill Badges vs. Completion Badges?

This distinction matters — it affects how much the credential is worth on your profile.

Completion badge: Awarded when you finish all content in a learning path or course — videos, readings, and individual guided labs. You follow step-by-step instructions throughout.

Skill badge: Awarded only after you pass a challenge lab at the end of the path. A challenge lab gives you a GCP environment, a set of tasks to complete, and a time limit. No step-by-step instructions. You apply what you learned without guidance.

Skill badges are harder and significantly more valuable as proof of ability. When a hiring manager sees a skill badge on your profile, they know you actually did the work unassisted.

Career Paths and Where to Start

Before diving into the catalog, pick a path. Cloud Skills Boost organizes content into role-based learning paths. Starting with a path gives you structure instead of cherry-picking random courses.

AI and Machine Learning

The AI/ML catalog has expanded the most since 2024. Google added Gemini-focused content, expanded the Generative AI learning path, and added practical agent-building courses.

Start here if you’re new to AI: The five intro courses (Generative AI, Responsible AI, LLMs, Image Generation, Transformer Models) are each under 45 minutes and entirely on the free tier. Do those first before moving to the challenge labs.

Google Workspace

Infrastructure and Architecture

Data and Analytics

Security

Certification Prep

These courses are free prep paths for Google Cloud’s paid professional certification exams ($200 per exam). Completing the prep path before paying for the exam is the smartest use of Cloud Skills Boost.

API and Platform

How Cloud Skills Boost Profiles Work

Your Cloud Skills Boost profile is public and linkable. When you earn a badge, it appears on your profile at cloudskillsboost.google/public_profiles/[your-id].

Adding badges to LinkedIn:

1. Open the badge on your Cloud Skills Boost profile
2. Click Add to LinkedIn
3. Fill in the pre-populated certification form
4. The badge appears under “Licenses & Certifications” with Google as the issuer and a verification link

Recruiters can click the verification link and see the actual badge with completion date and challenge lab results. Skill badges show the challenge lab completion — that’s the signal that matters.

Getting Free Lab Credits

Cloud Skills Boost labs consume credits. Ways to get free credits without paying:

1. Google Cloud Next / Google I/O: Google offers free learning passes during major events. Check the event site for details.
2. Google-sponsored learning challenges: Periodic free challenges (like the “30 Days of Google Cloud” promotions) include free lab access. Watch the Cloud Skills Boost blog for announcements.
3. University partnerships: Students at partner universities often get free Cloud Skills Boost access through Google for Education.
4. Google Developer Groups: Some GDGs run sponsored learning sprints with free access codes.

FAQ

How long does each lab take?

Individual labs range from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on complexity. Learning paths with multiple labs typically take 8–20 hours total. The certification prep paths take 40–60 hours.

Do badges expire?

No. Unlike Skillshop certifications, Cloud Skills Boost badges do not expire. Once earned, they stay on your profile permanently.

Is the content accurate for current GCP versions?

Google updates labs when services change. Labs are generally current within a few months of major GCP updates. If you notice a lab is outdated (e.g., referencing deprecated UI elements), check the comments section — other learners usually flag it.

Can I share my Cloud Skills Boost profile publicly?

Yes. Your public profile URL can be added directly to your resume, LinkedIn, and GitHub profile. It shows all earned badges with completion dates.

What to Read Next

• 500+ Free Google Certificates: Full Platform Guide — all Google learning platforms in one place
• Kubernetes Cheatsheet — essential reference for the GKE and DevOps labs
• Docker Cheatsheet — pairs with the Cloud Run and containerization labs
• How to Use Google Cloud SMTP for Sending Email — practical GCP application

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