Professional-Workspace-Administrator · ● Retired · Professional · Google Cloud
Exam facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | $200 USD (when active) |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Questions | ~60 |
| Passing | ~70% correct |
| Format | Multiple choice / Multiple select |
| Delivery | Kryterion Webassessor (online or test centre) |
| Languages | English |
| Valid | 2 years |
| Renewal | Retake exam |
| Prerequisites | Recommended: 1+ years of Google Workspace administration experience |
| Released | 2019 |
| Retiring | Retired 31 December 2024 |
| Replacement | Associate Google Workspace Administrator |
Vendor source — cloud.google.com/learn/certification/google-workspace-administrator ↗ Replacement exam — Associate Google Workspace Administrator ↗
About
The Google Cloud Professional Google Workspace Administrator certification (formerly G Suite Administrator) validated expertise in managing Google Workspace deployments, including Gmail, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and the Admin Console. This certification is no longer available as of 31 December 2024. Google has retired the Professional-level credential and replaced it with the Associate Google Workspace Administrator certification, which covers the same domains but at the Associate level. Professionals seeking Workspace administration credentials should pursue the Associate certification instead.
Domain context — Cloud
Hyperscale public cloud (GCP). Part of the Google Cloud certification track for business/productivity administrators.
Read full deep dive — Google Cloud →
Topics covered (Historical)
Exam Domain Distribution (when active):
- Managing User Accounts and Settings (~20%) – Create, manage, and deactivate user accounts; configure user account settings; manage organizational units; implement user provisioning and deprovisioning workflows
- Core Workspace Services (~22%) – Manage Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Classroom, and other core services; configure service settings; enable/disable services; manage sharing and permissions
- Data Governance and Compliance (~18%) – Implement data retention policies; configure eDiscovery and vault features; manage data export; ensure GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance requirements
- Security Policies (~20%) – Configure security settings; manage authentication and 2-factor authentication; implement security protocols; manage device policies; configure endpoint management
- Managing Endpoints (~10%) – Manage mobile devices and endpoints using MDM; configure device compliance; manage app policies
- Troubleshooting (~10%) – Troubleshoot common issues; analyze audit logs; diagnose service problems; use Admin Toolbox; manage support cases
Key Topics Covered (when active):
- Google Workspace Admin Console
- User and organizational structure management
- Gmail administration and security
- Google Drive and file sharing policies
- Calendar and video conferencing (Meet)
- Mobile device management (MDM)
- Security keys and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
- Audit logs and monitoring
- Recovery and business continuity
Status: Retired
This certification was retired on 31 December 2024 and is no longer available for new candidates.
Professionals who previously earned this credential retain their certification until its 2-year validity period expires. However, new candidates should pursue the Associate Google Workspace Administrator certification instead, which is the current Google Cloud offering for Workspace administration.
Recommended replacement
Associate Google Workspace Administrator
- Exam Cost: $125 USD
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Questions: 50–60
- Passing Score: 75%
- Validity: 3 years
- Status: Active
The Associate exam covers similar domains to the retired Professional exam and includes:
- Managing User Accounts (~20%)
- Core Workspace Services (~22%)
- Data Governance and Compliance (~18%)
- Security Policies (~20%)
- Managing Endpoints (~10%)
- Troubleshooting (~10%)
Common job-ready skills (historical)
- Manage Google Workspace user accounts, organizational units, and structures
- Configure Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and other core services
- Implement security policies, multi-factor authentication, and endpoint management
- Configure data loss prevention and data governance policies
- Manage mobile device compliance and security protocols
- Troubleshoot Workspace service issues
- Audit user activity and ensure compliance with regulations
- Plan and manage Workspace deployments
Books (historical)
- G Suite Administrator Study Guide: Google Admin Console and Security by Coursera/Google (various publishers, 2021–2024)
- Google Workspace Administration Essentials (various training platforms)
Job titles (historical)
- Google Workspace Administrator
- G Suite Administrator
- IT Administrator
- Cloud System Administrator
- Directory Administrator
- Workspace Operations Specialist
- IT Support Specialist
Salary
United States (USD)
| Level | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $60,000 | $75,000 | $90,000 |
| Mid | $85,000 | $105,000 | $130,000 |
| Senior | $120,000 | $145,000 | $175,000 |
South Africa (ZAR) (× 18)
| Level | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | R1,080,000 | R1,350,000 | R1,620,000 |
| Mid | R1,530,000 | R1,890,000 | R2,340,000 |
| Senior | R2,160,000 | R2,610,000 | R3,150,000 |
United Kingdom (GBP)
| Level | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £47,000 | £59,000 | £71,000 |
| Mid | £67,000 | £82,000 | £102,000 |
| Senior | £94,000 | £114,000 | £137,000 |
European Union (EUR)
| Level | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | €52,000 | €65,000 | €78,000 |
| Mid | €73,000 | €90,000 | €112,000 |
| Senior | €103,000 | €125,000 | €150,000 |
Australia (AUD)
| Level | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $100,000 | $125,000 | $150,000 |
| Mid | $145,000 | $175,000 | $215,000 |
| Senior | $205,000 | $245,000 | $295,000 |
Skills validated (historical)
- Manage Google Workspace user accounts, groups, and organizational units
- Configure and administer Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and Chat services
- Implement security policies, MFA, and device management
- Configure data governance, retention, and compliance controls
- Troubleshoot Workspace service issues and analyze audit logs
- Plan and execute Workspace deployments and migrations
- Ensure regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
- Manage endpoints and mobile device compliance
Related certs
- Google Cloud Associate Google Workspace Administrator (Recommended replacement)
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
- Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
Migration path
Professionals holding the retired Professional Google Workspace Administrator certification or seeking this credential should transition to the Associate Google Workspace Administrator certification, which is Google Cloud's current offering for Workspace administration expertise.
Sources
- Google Cloud Professional Google Workspace Administrator (Retired)
- Google Cloud Associate Google Workspace Administrator (Current)
- Google Cloud Certification Exam Retirement Notice
- CertificationPractice.com – Associate Workspace Administrator Quick Facts (2026)
- Glassdoor – IT Administrator Salary (2026)