In a world where many people offer services such as SEO and Google Ads management, it is important to stand out and be as educated as possible.
Seasoned professionals and newcomers alike can benefit from Google Ads certification.
As an industry standard with content that links directly to the Google Ads platform, it is the most reliable and reliable source of training in the industry.
What is Google Ads certification?
Google Ads certification is a process by which Google recognizes marketers as experts in online advertising.
After passing the advertising certification exams, individuals earn a custom certification and, if affiliated with a company, can contribute to the company’s Google Partner credentials.
Like many of Google’s products, properties, and initiatives, the program has evolved over the years.
The certification program was independent and had a cost associated with taking exams.
That changed with the creation of the Google Partners Program and evolved further with the move to the Google Academy for Ads in 2018, and most recently, the rebranding to ‘Academy’.
The Individual Certificate still operates in much the same way as it has for the past several years with training and examination content.
Over the years, certification has become a minimum or expected requirement for entry-level students Research into marketing roles For agencies and companies.
Even when I hire someone who will go through our training program, I know they are willing to invest the time and I see the importance of making the step towards certification as critical.
Getting this basic level of topic view from Google is more specific than a textbook on how Google Ads works can provide.
Furthermore, there is value in being able to join an individual who is already approved through my agency’s Google Partner account.
This step-by-step guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to get ads certified, as it can be a confusing process when doing it for the first time or when you come back yearly or occasionally for re-certification.
Step 1: Start the “Academy”
Navigate to the Google Ads certification platform within Academy.
In the upper right corner, click on “Sign In”.
Now, we are at a critical step right away. We want to make sure that the account you’re getting certified with is the exact account you want to be certified with.
If you work for an agency or company, you will likely be required to use your work email address.
No matter the agency, company, or any state, you’ll likely want to associate your certificate with the address you manage in Google Ads to keep things simple and clean.
If you haven’t managed Google Ads yet and don’t have an account, you can easily create a new one here To start.
If you’re a returning user, be sure to find your Academy profile and make sure your Google account is still properly linked, so you don’t accidentally take exams in a new account versus having your existing account re-certified.
The account management part can be confusing and frustrating because there are still separate profiles and accounts linked between this system and Google accounts and ad management systems.
If you’re interested in having your certification counted for a Google Partner badge, make sure you use your company email address that you use to manage ads for your Google partner company to properly link things up.
If you are interested, I encourage you to find out more about it Google Partner Program Details, requirements and logistics of the setup.
Step 2: Select your test
If necessary, go back through the “Academy” to Google Ads Certifications Again to get to the page containing the list of exam topics.
Here you can find the specific certificate you want to start with and click on it.
Under the specific certificate, read the overview information.
When you are ready to go, click on the start button.
Third step: preparing for the exams
Google provides both basic educational information and more comprehensive training content.
Specific Google Ads certifications include:
- seek.
- an offer.
- measurement.
- Video.
- Shopping ads.
- Apps.
- Creative ads.
If you are new to advertising and certification exams, I would recommend starting with a Google Ads Search Certification first.
Search ads are usually the most popular type of advertising a company will display.
But if you focus more on something like just shopping, start there.
Screenshot from Skillsshop.exceedlms.com, July 2022Training content is linked to each of these specific certifications.
When you click on any of them, you’ll be presented with options to get started, including a quick knowledge assessment and other sources.
You will need to plan to invest at least a few hours in order to follow the course content specialization.
If you’re running ad campaigns or have a deeper exposure, it’s still a good idea to review modules – even if you do it faster.
The sample questions are very helpful; They are written in the same format as they appear in the actual exams.
Unless you are pre-certified and/or have a moderate level of advertising experience, do not skip the training content!
Step 4: Pass the assessment
To become certified, you are required to pass the assessment in any of the relevant certification disciplines.
Your certification will then be awarded for that specific product focus area.
You can stop at one major or continue by going through additional specializations until you have mastered and achieved all those related credentials that you desire.
If you’re an overachiever or just love standardized tests, there’s no saying you can’t take them all.
Note that if you fail a test, there is a waiting period before you can try again. This is the only real penalty for not passing.
When you pass one or more assessments, I recommend that you download and save your digital certificate(s), so that you have proof of your certification.
Additionally, you can create a public profile page that showcases your proficiency.
You can turn on the public profile (if you haven’t already) by clicking in the upper right corner of the page and then on “My Account”. You’ll find a toggle for General to turn on if you choose to by following the prompts.
conclusion
The Google Ads certification provides basic-level credentials for new advertising management professionals.
It also provides an ongoing opportunity for industry veterans to maintain status and demonstrate longevity by maintaining certification and staying on top of platform and best practice changes over time.
Whether you’re looking for your first job in the industry out of school or leveraging certification to hire Google Associates, I recommend the Learn Program and maintain standard credentials.
There are other excellent training and educational programs available from third parties.
However, Google Ads certification still carries weight in the industry and is a common expectation for paid search practitioners.
More resources:
- 5 PPC Certification Course Options for Digital Marketers
- Google launches a new digital marketing certificate
- SEO for Beginners: An Introduction to SEO Basics
Featured image: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock
