Whether you are an individual hoping to launch a career in digital marketing or a member of the marketing team looking for new ways to attract new customers to your business, you may want to consider obtaining PPC certifications.
Not only will this help you solidify authority but what you will learn will be invaluable no matter what your industry is.
Even if you don’t immediately use PPC for your own projects, chances are your competitors will. So the more you know, the faster you will grow.
Read on to see how you can increase your online advertising knowledge and skills with what we feel are the five best PPC certification programs available.
We’ll guide you through the course overview, what you’ll learn, the cost of the programs, and how to enroll.
1. Google Ads Certification
A Google Ads certification is one of the few standardized ways to prove a certain level of knowledge or relevance.
Course overview
The certification proves that you, as a marketer, have acquired enough knowledge or experience to be recognized by Google as an expert in online advertising.
To become certified, you will need to pass advertising certification exams after passing the training content. Most agency and corporate marketing roles require Google Ads certification as a minimum requirement for entry-level placements.
What will you learn
Google Training covers both basic educational information and comprehensive, in-depth content.
The six specific Google Ads certifications include:
- Search.
- Show.
- Measurement.
- video.
- Shopping ads.
- Apps.
Search ads are the most popular type of ad a company will run, so this certification is a great place to start for beginners.
Every certification training starts with a quick knowledge assessment option. Even if you feel skilled, don’t skip this part! Many of the questions in the practice modules are the same as in the actual test.
Also note that if you fail a test, there is a waiting period before you can try again.
the cost
All Google Ads courses and exams are complete Free.
In the past, courses cost money, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of this opportunity while it’s still free.
registration process
You will need to create a Google Skillshop account using the appropriate account.
This could be the company you work for or a personal account that you want to publicly associate your certificate with.
If you need or want to create a new account, visit Google account.
Once your account is set and you are logged in with only that account, Go to “Academy” And select the certification training you want to complete first by clicking the Get Started button!
2. Microsoft Certified Advertising Professional
Course overview
The Microsoft Advertising Certification is for marketing or business professionals who want to learn more about Microsoft Ads and Bing.
It is recommended to download and review the Study Guide to prepare for the exam at your own pace.
The exam is an ‘open book’, so you can make use of a study guide during the exam.
In addition, you will have unlimited time to complete the test, including the option to pause and resume when it suits your schedule.
What will you learn
The Microsoft Advertising Learning Lab offers 2- to 7-minute modules covering various topics related to optimizing Microsoft advertising campaigns. Modules range from beginner to intermediate education.
As a Microsoft Certified Advertising Professional, you will have the opportunity to build your CV, raise your company profile and market your digital advertising knowledge and skills.
Upon passing the exam, you will receive:
- Use of the Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional badge.
- Placement in the member directory.
- An official printable pdf certificate to share on social media platforms.
If you achieve a score of 80% or higher, you will become a Microsoft Certified Advertising Professional for a full calendar year.
the cost
Complete Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional exams and courses Free.
registration process
You will need a Microsoft account to take the training and take the exam.
If your business has a single login to the Microsoft Advertising platform, it is suggested that you associate your individual login information.
You will find both the Study Guide and the Exam in Microsoft Advertising Education Lab.
3. Basics of Semrush PPC
Course overview
The Semrush PPC Basics course is designed for individuals who want to learn more about what it takes to become a PPC professional or to be able to launch and manage PPC campaigns themselves.
What will you learn
The course teaches you how to create effective, successful, and profitable PPC campaigns, which in turn helps you avoid losing money on Google Ads. You will learn all the basics of PPC advertising.
The 5-hour Semrush PPC Essentials course includes 36 video lessons made in collaboration with PPC expert Joel Bondorowsky, founder of PPC Designs.
Once you complete the courses (video lesson + additional reading + quiz) and pass the exam, you will receive a personalized certificate.
the cost
Complete Semrush PPC Fundamentals courses and exams Free.
registration process
You do not need a specific account to sign up for Smarsh Academy.
You can use any personal email to create an account. To register, visit here And click on the Register for Free button.
4. Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate
Course overview
The Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate exam – formerly at the Facebook level – covers core advertising concepts on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram.
Meta certified individuals demonstrate a high-level competency in various digital marketing aspects of Meta products.
You are the perfect candidate if you are interested in entry-level marketing jobs.
What will you learn
There are four resources to help prepare you for the certification exam:
- Online lessons. Organized by topic and weight to indicate how much focus the exam has on each topic. They are rated Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, and indicate the length of the lesson (average 15 minutes).
- Live training. The option to join a virtual and interactive training session with a Meta Certified Trainer.
- Study guide. It takes you through the meta ad planning skills needed for testing.
- practice test. 30 questions.
The duration of the official course exam is 90 minutes.
Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded a custom badge to digitally promote your certified status. Each badge image is associated with an explanation of what the badge represents and what the individual did to earn it.
If you fail the test, you can retake it after a five-day waiting period; However, you will need to pay the registration fee each time.
the cost
There are two types of exams: professional and associate exams.
The Professional Meta Certification exam costs $150, and the Associate exam costs the equivalent of $99, though the actual cost may vary by country.
registration process
You will need to have a Facebook account to register for the test (and access any preparation materials).
If your company is part of a managed partner agency, you will be given the option to add your company email to your profile after logging in.
When you select Register, choose your preferred test location (online or at a Pearson VUE Professional Test Center).
Select the Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate certification. At that time, you will be able to take any relevant practice exams to prepare for the exam.
visiting Facebook meta chart to sign up.
5. Amazon Advertising Certifications
Course overview
You can earn your Amazon Ads certification by completing modules in the Amazon Education Console.
The learning console and certification program are designed for all experience levels.
The general goals of Amazon Advertising certifications include validating your knowledge, highlighting your competence, and keeping up with new technologies.
What will you learn
The Amazon Advertising Certification course covers different topics – all of which will equip the individual with the skill set of identifying an advertising veteran versus a novice.
The six topics identified within the Learning Console include:
- Advertising overview.
- Campaign creation.
- Campaign optimization.
- reporting.
- sponsored brands.
- Advertising products.
- Shops.
The duration of the official course exam is 120 minutes.
If you achieve a score of 80% or higher, you will receive a certification badge dedicated to the selected topic to digitally promote your certified status.
The badge expires after one calendar year.
If you fail the test, you can retake it after a 24-hour waiting period. You will receive a detailed breakdown of areas for improvement.
the cost
Complete Amazon Advertising certification courses and exams Free.
Where to register
Register for a Learning Console account with your email and password to manage your Amazon Advertising campaigns. If you or your company doesn’t already have one of these accounts, you can create one for free.
visiting Amazon Learning Console and click sign in button to start.
For those just starting out, SEJ’s Complete Beginner’s Guide to Marketing is also a great resource – and it’s free.
More resources:
- Learn advanced SEO & PPC in new master classes on demand
- Is it still worth getting a Digital Marketing Certificate?
- PPC 101: A Complete Guide to the Fundamentals of Pay-Per-Click Marketing
Featured image: thanakorn_pae/Shutterstock
