KUPASONLINE.COM–In a world where many people provide services such as SEO and Google Ads management, it is critical to stand out and be as knowledgeable as possible.
Google Ads Certification can benefit both seasoned veterans and new professionals.
It is the most trusted credential and source of training in the industry, as it is an industry standard with content directly tied to the Google Ads platform.
What Does Google Ads Certification Entail?
Google Ads certification is a process through which Google recognizes marketers as online advertising experts.
Individuals who pass the Ads certification exams receive a personalized certificate and, if affiliated with a company, can contribute to the company’s Google Partner credentials.
The program, like many other Google products, properties, and initiatives, has evolved over time.
The certification program was self-contained, with a fee for taking exams.
That changed with the creation of the Google Partners program, which evolved further with the migration to the Google Academy for Ads in 2018 and, more recently, a rebranding to Skillshop.
Individual certification continues to operate in the same manner as it has for several years, with training content and exams.
The certification has become a minimum or expected requirement for entry-level search marketing roles in agencies and corporations over the years.
Even when I hire someone to go through our training program, I know they are willing to invest time and understand the significance of taking the step of becoming certified.
Google’s basic level of subject matter exposure is far more specific than what a school textbook can provide on how Google Ads works.
Individual certification continues to operate in the same manner as it has for several years, with training content and exams.
Furthermore, there is value in affiliating with someone who is already certified with my agency’s Google Partner account.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of becoming Ads certified, which can be a confusing process if you are doing it for the first time or returning only annually or occasionally for recertification.
Step 1: Begin Using Skillshop
Navigate to the Google Ads Certification platform within Skillshop.
Click “Log In” in the upper right corner.
We’ve arrived at a critical juncture. We want to make sure that the account you are certified through is the one you want to be certified through.
If you work for a company or an agency, you will almost certainly be required to use your work email address.
To keep things simple and clean, regardless of agency, corporate, or whatever status you have, you should probably link your certification to the address where you manage Google Ads.
If you haven’t yet managed Google Ads and don’t have an account, you can easily create one here to get started.
If you’re a returning user, make sure to locate your Skillshop profile and that your Google account is still properly linked, so you don’t take exams in a new account instead of recertifying your current one.
Because there are separate profiles but linked accounts between this system and Google’s accounts and Ad management systems, account management can be confusing and frustrating.
If you want your certification to count toward a Google Partners badge, use your company email address that you use for managing ads for your Google Partner company to properly link things.
If you’re interested, I recommend learning more about the Google Partners program’s details, requirements, and setup procedures.
Step 2: Choose Your Exam
If necessary, navigate back through Skillshop to the Google Ads Certifications page to see the list of exam topics.
Step 3: Exam Preparation
Google offers both basic educational information and more in-depth training content.
Google Ads certifications include the following:
Search. Display. Measuring. Video. Shopping Ads. Apps. Creative Ads
If you’re just getting started with Ads and certification exams, I recommend starting with the Google Ads Search Certification.
Search ads are the most common type of ads that a company will run.
However, if you are more focused on something specific, such as shopping, begin there.
Each of these certifications has its own set of training materials.
When you click on one of them, you’ll be given options for getting started, such as a quick knowledge assessment and other resources.
You should budget at least a few hours to complete the training content specialization.
Even if you’ve managed Ads campaigns before or have more experience, it’s still a good idea to go through the modules – even if you do it faster.
The sample questions are very useful; they are written in the same format as the actual exams.
Do not skip the training content unless you have previously been certified and/or have a moderate level of Ads experience!
Step 4: Complete the Assessment
To become certified, you must pass the assessment in any of the certification specialties.
Your certification for that specific product focus area will then be awarded.
You can choose to stop at one specialization or progress through additional specializations until you have mastered and achieved all of those relevant to your desired credentials.
If you’re a high achiever who enjoys standardized tests, there’s no reason you can’t take them all.
If you fail an exam, there is a waiting period before you can retake it. That is the only real consequence of failing to pass.
When you pass one or more assessments, I recommend downloading and saving the digital certificate(s) as proof of your certification.
You can also create a public profile page that highlights your expertise.
If you haven’t already, you can enable the public profile by clicking in the top right corner of the page and then on “My Account.” If you follow the prompts, you’ll find a toggle switch for “Public” to turn on.
Conclusion
Google Ads Certification is an entry-level credential for new ad-management professionals.
It also provides an ongoing opportunity for industry veterans to maintain their status and demonstrate longevity by remaining certified and staying up to date on platform and best practices changes. if you haven’t already) by clicking on “My Account” in the top right corner of the page.
If you follow the prompts, you’ll find a toggle switch for “Public” to turn on.
I recommend the program for learning and maintaining education and standard credentials, whether you are looking for your first job in the industry right out of school or leveraging the certification for a Google Partners designation. (*)
