Earning a Google Ads certification is worthwhile if you’re a digital marketer looking to increase your value and get more opportunities.
While being Google Ads certified is valuable on its own, when paired with other certifications like SEO courses, or digital marketing courses, it provides you credibility.
There’s not a strict Google Ads individual qualification so you can easily do it without incurring much cost and become a Google Ads certified professional.
The process is very straightforward if you want to be Google Ads certified to add to your marketing toolkit.
There’s no lack of resources at your disposal so that you can prepare for the certification exam, get a Google Ad certification, and become a seasoned digital marketer.
In this blog article, you’ll learn about what is Google Ads certification, the benefits of being Google Ads certified, and how to get a Google Ads certification.
What is Google Ads Certification?
Google Ads certification is a professional credential from Google that shows you understand both the basics and advanced aspects of Google Ads. This certification proves your skills in creating, managing, and optimizing Google Ads campaigns. It’s not an honor badge, it shows your dedication to mastering Google Ads and keeping up with the platform’s best practices.
Google Ads certification, once called Google AdWords certification, is given to those who pass the certification exams. It confirms your ability to use Google Ads to get returns out of marketing efforts on Google and its partner platforms. Earning this certification means you have a solid grasp of the Google Ads platform and it certainly improves your career prospects in digital marketing.
Exam sections and topics
The certification has six exam sections, each covering different topics.
1. Google Ads Search– This exam checks your knowledge of running successful Google Search campaigns using tools like Smart Bidding and Audience Solutions to meet specific marketing goals.
2. Google Ads Display– This section tests your understanding of Google Display. It looks at how well you can use the tool to develop campaigns that meet marketing goals and ensure a good return on investment (ROI).
3. Google Ads Video– This exam measures your skills in using YouTube and Google Video to reach wide audiences. It includes strategies for creating product stories, increasing views, and boosting video engagement.
4. Shopping Ads– This part tests your ability to use shopping ads to reach many potential customers and optimize campaigns to get the most conversions.
5. Google Ads Apps– This exam focuses on using Google Apps to create effective ad campaigns. It covers the basic skills needed to run and optimize these campaigns for a greater impact.
6. Google Ads Measurement– This section checks your skills in using Google measurement tools to gain insights into successful ad campaigns and conversion rates. It looks at how well you use metrics to make marketing decisions.
Why you should get a Google ads certification?
Here are the benefits of being Google Ads certified.
1. Develop your professional skills
Earning a Google Ads certification helps you develop your skills in online advertising. You’ll learn how to create, manage, and optimize advertising campaigns effectively. This will help you become skilled at Google AdWords management, which is highly valued in digital marketing.
For example, you’ll become skilled at using features like Smart Bidding and Audience Solutions, which improve your campaign performance.
2. Build a strong resume
Adding a Google Ads certification to your resume makes you stand out to the recruiters. It shows that you have a solid understanding of Google Ads, which is a valuable skill in many industries. This certification makes you preferable to employers and increases your chances of getting hired.
A certified Google Ads professional may have a better chance of securing a position at a digital marketing agency, as the certification shows proven expertise.
3. Organizational success
Having a Google Ads certification means you can contribute more effectively to your organization’s advertising efforts. It helps your organization become a part of the Google Partners program.
Screenshot taken from McElligott Digital Marketing
Before partnering with an organization for Google Ads consultation, a business checks whether it’s a Google Partner or not.
You can create better campaigns, optimize ad spending, and achieve marketing goals with Google Ads certification. Your expertise can lead to better results and higher returns on advertising investments for your company.
4. Strong profile on LinkedIn
A Google Ads certification strengthens your LinkedIn profile, making it more appealing to your connections and employers. It is proof of your expertise and commitment to professional growth. A strong LinkedIn profile can lead to new job opportunities and networking connections.
For example, Google Ads certification can help you receive job offers from companies or invitations to join industry groups where you can share insights and learn from peers. People with good knowledge of Google ads and Taboola ads are preferred by businesses or employers.
Learn more about Taboola vs Google ads here.
5. Better communication with your team members
With a Google Ads certification, you can communicate with your team members about digital advertising strategies. You can share insights, work on campaigns, and contribute to team discussions. Improved communication can lead to better teamwork and more successful advertising projects.
For example, during a campaign planning meeting, you can provide data-driven recommendations and help your team understand the benefits of different ad strategies, making sure everyone is on the same page.
How to get Google AdWords certification?
Here’s a step-by-step process to get Google Ads certification.
1. Set up your Skillshop account
- Go to the Google Ads Certification platform within Skillshop.
- Click “Log In” at the top right corner.
- Choose the right account:
- Ensure the account you use is the one you want the certification linked to.
- Use your work email if you’re part of an agency or company.
- Link the certification to the email you use for managing Google Ads.
- Create a new account if you don’t have a Google Ads account yet.
- Verify account linking-
If you’re a returning user, ensure your Skillshop profile is linked to the correct Google account to avoid confusion.
- Manage account linking-
Be aware of the separate profiles and linked accounts between Skillshop and Google’s Ad management systems to avoid frustration.
- Google Partners badge
Use your company email to manage ads to count toward a Google Partners badge.
2. Pick your Google Ads certification
Once you have a Skillshop account, you can learn about the different Google Ads exams.
Click on the Google Ads certification and choose the exam that fits your career goals. Google offers both general and specialized exams.
You’ll see how many lessons there are, the length of each exam, and the types of questions to expect. This helps you plan your study time and prepare to pass each exam on your first try. It also shows you which specific areas to focus on for success.
3. Prepare for the certification exam
To prepare effectively, familiarize yourself with the topics, take notes, and set aside sufficient time to study.
Google Ads offers certifications in various topics, including video, mobile, display, and shopping advertising. The search advertising exam is the most important one as it’s widely used by marketers. The next most relevant is the Google Ads display certification.
Each exam typically lasts between 60 minutes and two hours. Most people finish in 50-75% of the allotted time, but newcomers or those focused on learning may take the full duration.
4. Pass the exam and earn your Google Ads certification badge
Once you clear the exam, you’re Google Ads certified and you can proudly show the badge on your LinkedIn profile.
Google Ads certification badge makes your LinkedIn profile more searchable and it adds to your credibility as a digital marketer and ad expert. Employers or your potential clients who need a Google Ads-certified professional will be able to find your profile easily with this badge.
5. Renew your Google Ads certification annually
You need to get a renewed Google Ads certification every year. To renew your Google Ads certification, ensure your current certification hasn’t expired by checking your Skillshop account.
Review the updated exam requirements and study materials provided by Google. Prepare by familiarizing yourself with any new features or updates in Google Ads. Upon passing, your certification will be renewed, and you’ll receive an updated certificate with a fresh expiration date. You can update the same in your resume.
Tips to prepare for the Google Ads certification exam
When preparing for the Google Ads exams, ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and have had a good breakfast on exam day. This helps maintain focus and reduces distractions during the test. Make sure your computer is fully charged and that you have a stable internet connection.
Here are some tips for the exam.
1. Take your time– Instead of rushing through each question, take a focused approach to ensure the quality of your answers.
2. Prepare your notes– Consider printing out your study notes for easy reference during the exam. While you shouldn’t depend solely on your notes, have them nearby.
3. Test when prepared– Rather than rushing through the material, take the time to understand the Google Ads principles. This approach will give you a deeper understanding and enhance the value of the certification.
Conclusion
The Google Ads Certification is great if you are starting in ad management and for seasoned pros looking to stay up-to-date. It helps you show your skills and stay certified by keeping track of platform changes and best practices.
Whether you’re just starting your career or aiming to become a Google Partner, this program is perfect for learning and keeping your credentials strong.
If you run a business and don’t want to spend your precious time learning Google Ads, you can partner with McElligott Digital Marketing, a Google Partner, for your Google Ads management.
Get a FREE consultation with our Google Ads experts now.
FAQs
1. Why get a Google Ads certification?
Getting certified in Google Ads helps enhance your skills in managing online advertising campaigns effectively, which increases your job prospects and credibility in the digital marketing industry.
It shows your expertise as an advertiser and it can help your organization in the Google Partner program.
2. Which Google Ads Certification Is Best?
The best Google Ads certification depends on your role and expertise level. The main certifications include Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, Google Ads Video, Google Ads Shopping, and Google Ads Measurement.
More often people begin with getting a Google Search Ads certification badge but you can pick any exam. For example, if you want to get certified in shopping ads, you can directly take the Google Shopping ads certification exam.
3. What is Google Skillshop?
Google Skillshop is an online learning platform where you can find various courses and certifications related to Google products and platforms, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Marketing Platform, and more.
4. How much it costs to get a Google Ads certification?
Zero, if you exclude your internet connection charges. The Google Ads certification exams are free to take. There is no cost associated with taking the exams themselves.
However, to prepare for the exams, you may choose to invest in study materials or courses, which could involve some expense depending on the resources you select.
5. How long does it take to earn a Google Ads certification?
The time it takes to get Google Ads certified depends on your prior knowledge and how quickly you understand the material. It can take a few days to a few weeks to prepare for and pass the exams.
Each exam typically allows you up to 75 minutes to complete, and you’ll need to pass at least two exams to earn the Google Ads certification.
