Google to Remove Practice Problem Structured Data from Search in January

Google announced it will deprecate practice problem structured data in January 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to streamline search results. The change comes alongside clarification that Dataset markup is exclusively for Dataset Search, while Book actions will continue to be supported in Google Search.

Search Advocate John Mueller explained that Google regularly evaluates features to ensure they provide significant value to users. "We're constantly working to simplify the search results page," Mueller wrote, noting that some features aren't being used frequently enough to justify their continued support.

What's changing in Google's structured data landscape

Google's approach to structured data is evolving with three key updates affecting how websites implement and benefit from rich results:

Practice Problem structured data elimination

Google has added a deprecation notice to the practice problem documentation, signaling the end of this markup type. Starting January 2026, practice problem structured data will be removed from:

• Search Console rich result reporting
• The Rich Result Test tool
• Search appearance filters in reports

The Search Console API will temporarily continue to support this data type during the transition period before complete removal.

For website owners using practice problem markup, this change means they should plan to remove or ignore this implementation and redirect those resources elsewhere. The deprecation reflects Google's assessment that this feature wasn't providing substantial value to search users. Webmasters should consider implementing other SEO principles that deliver more meaningful results for their websites.

Dataset structured data clarification

In an important distinction, Google has removed the deprecation banner from Dataset documentation. The company clarified that Dataset structured data is exclusively used by Dataset Search and does not influence Google Search results.

This clarification helps content creators understand the appropriate context for implementing Dataset markup, preventing misaligned expectations about its impact on general search visibility.

Book actions remain supported

Google confirmed that Book actions structured data will continue to function in Google Search by removing the deprecation banner from its documentation. This decision indicates that Google still sees value in providing enhanced book-related features in search results.

Why these changes matter for SEO professionals

These adjustments to Google's structured data ecosystem reflect the search giant's ongoing refinement of its results pages. While the changes may seem technical, they have practical implications for digital marketers:

• Resources previously allocated to implementing practice problem markup can be redirected to more impactful SEO initiatives
• The distinction between Dataset Search and Google Search helps prevent misguided markup implementation
• The retention of Book actions suggests continued value in this vertical-specific enhancement

"For most searches, you likely won't notice a difference, and the update should improve speed," noted Matt G. Southern in his report for Search Engine Journal, highlighting Google's focus on performance improvements.

Understanding these changes is crucial for those looking to increase traffic to their websites through effective structured data implementation.

How to adapt to Google's structured data changes

Website owners and SEO professionals should take several steps in response to these changes:

1. Monitor the documentation changelog for updates on structured data used by specific features
2. Phase out practice problem markup implementations before January 2026
3. Ensure Dataset structured data is only implemented when targeting Dataset Search visibility
4. Continue leveraging Book actions for relevant content

These changes reinforce the importance of staying current with Google's evolving search features and being selective about which structured data types to implement.

The deprecation of practice problem markup is part of Google's broader initiative to simplify search results while maintaining useful features. Like Marie Kondo's famous question about items that "spark joy," Google appears to be asking which features truly provide value to search users.

What this means for your SEO strategy

These structured data changes highlight the importance of an adaptive SEO approach that:

• Focuses on implementing markup that delivers clear user benefits
• Regularly reviews deprecated or changed features to avoid wasted resources
• Maintains awareness of which structured data types influence which Google properties

By staying informed about Google's evolving structured data ecosystem, SEO professionals can prioritize implementations that provide genuine search visibility benefits while avoiding those that no longer serve their intended purpose.

For optimization success, consider utilizing Google's essential tools for business growth to monitor these changes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Structured Data Implementation Best Practices

In light of these changes, implementing a data-driven approach to structured data becomes even more important. According to Google's Structured Data Guidelines, the most effective implementations focus on relevance rather than volume.

Website owners should regularly audit their structured data implementations to ensure they're supporting current search features. With Google's continuous refinement of search result elements, maintaining awareness of which markup types deliver actual benefits is essential for efficient resource allocation in your SEO efforts.