How To Get Google Ads Certified

Want to boost your digital marketing skills? Here's how to get Google Ads certified:

1. Create a Google account and access Skillshop
2. Choose your certification path (Search, Display, Video, Shopping, or Apps)
3. Study using Google's free resources and practice tests
4. Take the online exam (80% pass rate for most, 70% for Apps)
5. Renew annually to stay current

Key points:

• Certification is free and valid for one year
• Exams are multiple-choice and timed
• You can retake failed exams after a short wait
• Apply your skills to real campaigns after certification

Quick Comparison:

Getting Google Ads certified can open doors to careers like Google Ads Specialist, PPC Manager, or Digital Marketing Consultant. Keep learning and applying your skills to stay ahead in this fast-paced field.

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Create Your Skillshop Account

Ready to become a Google Ads pro? Let's set you up on Skillshop, Google's learning hub.

Make a Google Account

First, you need a Google account. Already have one? Great! If not:

1. Go to accounts.google.com
2. Click "Create account"
3. Follow the setup steps

Use a professional email. It'll look better on your certification.

Log into Skillshop

Got your Google account? Now access Skillshop:

1. Visit skillshop.withgoogle.com
2. Click "Sign In" (top right)
3. Use your Google account to log in

Welcome to your new digital marketing playground!

Set Up Your Profile

Make yourself at home in Skillshop:

1. Click your profile icon (top right)
2. Select "Edit Profile"
3. Fill in your details:
   • Company name (if applicable)
   • Time zone
   • Preferred language (22 options)
   • Recovery email

Don't forget to select "Share your Skillshop profile with your company and Google". This links your certifications to your business - crucial for a Google Partner badge.

Pick Your Certification

Now for the fun part - choosing your certification path. Here's a quick look at your options:

New to Google Ads? Start with Search certification. It's the foundation of paid search marketing and a perfect starting point.

Study for Your Exam

Want to get Google Ads certified? You'll need to prep. Here's how to crush your certification tests:

Study Materials

Google's Skillshop is your go-to. It's packed with:

• Learning modules for each cert
• In-depth guides on Google Ads
• Interactive lessons with real examples

Don't just skim. Take notes. Engage with the content. It'll stick better.

Training Options

Skillshop's great, but mix it up:

Practice Tests

Test yourself before the real deal:

1. Skillshop: Official practice exams. Just like the real thing.
2. iPass Exam: Mock tests that feel like the actual exam.

"Mock tests are timed, just like the real exam. You'll get your score and explanations for every question." - Google Ads Certification Guide

Study Schedule Tips

Make a plan:

1. Set a timeline: Aim for about 2 hours of study before the exam.
2. Break it down: Short study bursts between tasks work wonders.
3. Target weak spots: Use practice test results to find what needs work.
4. Review often: Don't cram. Spread it out over days or weeks.

Learning Resources List

Here's your Google Ads cert study toolkit:

Don't just memorize. Understand concepts and how to use them. As Zachary Nussbaum from WordStream says: "Learn stuff you can actually use, not just test answers."

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Take the Exam

Ready to show off your Google Ads skills? Here's what you need to know about the certification exam.

Exam Format

The Google Ads certification exams are online and multiple-choice. They test your knowledge of Google Ads principles and best practices. You'll need to apply what you've learned to real-world scenarios, so make sure you're comfortable with practical applications.

Passing Scores and Time Limits

To pass, you'll need to score at least 80% on most exams. The Apps exam is a bit easier, requiring only 70%. Don't sweat it if you don't pass the first time - you can always try again after a short wait.

Here's a quick look at the exams:

Most people finish with time to spare, but it's smart to pace yourself. As Zachary Nussbaum from WordStream says:

"Read the questions carefully before making your choice and take your time to think about the answers."

Retaking Failed Exams

If you don't pass, no worries. You can retake the exam after 7 days (or just 1 day for the Apps exam). Use this time to brush up on areas where you struggled.

Exam Day Tips

1. Find a quiet spot where you won't be bothered.
2. Make sure your computer is charged and your internet is stable.
3. Keep water nearby to stay focused.
4. Have your study notes handy, but don't rely on them too much.
5. If you're stuck on a question, flag it and come back later if you have time.

Remember, once you start, you can't pause or come back later. Treat it like any other important test - be prepared, stay calm, and trust your knowledge.

"Treat the test as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than just a task for your resume." - Google Ads Certification Guide

Good luck!

Keep Your Certification Current

Google Ads certification isn't a set-it-and-forget-it deal. You need to stay on top of your game in the ever-changing world of digital advertising.

How to Renew

Your certification lasts for one year. After that, it's time to prove yourself again. Here's what you need to do:

1. Log into Skillshop with your existing account
2. Pick the certification you want to renew
3. Take the test (it's similar to your first one)
4. Pass with at least 80% (70% for Apps)

"Renewing your certification isn't just a formality. It's a chance to refresh your knowledge and stay current with the latest Google Ads features." - Google Ads Certification Guide

Required Updates

Google Ads doesn't stand still, and neither should you:

• Retake the exam every year (no exceptions)
• Keep an eye out for exam updates
• Don't wait for exam time to learn - keep at it all year round

Here's how initial certification stacks up against renewal:

Check Your Status

Don't let your certification slip away. Here's how to stay on track:

Log into Skillshop and check your certification dashboard. Look at the expiration dates and set reminders in your calendar app for one month before they expire.

Some agencies use spreadsheets to track certification dates for their whole team. Not a bad idea if you're managing multiple people.

Next Steps

Once you've renewed, why stop there? Here's how to keep pushing forward:

Try a new certification. If you're Search certified, give Display or Video a shot. Join online communities of Google Ads pros. Run real campaigns to put your skills to the test. And always stay curious - follow Google Ads blogs and tune into webinars.

Next Steps

You've got your Google Ads certification. Great! Now let's put that knowledge to work and boost your digital marketing career.

Apply Your Skills

Don't let that certification collect dust. Start using what you've learned:

Set up your own Google Ads account and play around with different campaign types. It's the best way to get hands-on experience.

Want to level up? Offer to manage campaigns for friends, family, or local businesses. Nothing beats real-world practice.

And if you're looking for extra support and networking, check out the Climb Hire program's Paid Search Marketing Program.

Stay Current

Digital marketing moves fast. Keep up:

• Check Google Skillshop regularly for new courses and updates.
• Follow industry blogs like WordStream and Simplilearn for the latest trends.
• Connect with other Google Ads pros on LinkedIn and industry forums.

Showcase Your Expertise

Make that certification work for you:

Put it front and center on your resume. Start a portfolio to show off your campaign wins and lessons learned. And why not start a blog? It's a great way to prove you know your stuff.

Explore Career Opportunities

Your certification opens doors. Here's what's out there:

Take it from Yusuf Can Kazancioglu, a Google Ads Specialist: "Whatever you do, be honest, realistic, and humble. There are a lot of Google Ads accounts out there that need a captain to steer them."

Consider Advanced Training

Want to take it further?

Look into other Google certifications like Display, Video, or Shopping ads. And for a deep dive, check out programs like Simplilearn's Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC) Certification training.

FAQs

Is the Google AdWords certification test hard?

The Google Ads certification test can be tough, but you can definitely pass it if you prep right. Here's what one expert said:

"Attempting to pass the Google Ads certification exam can sound tricky, but as long as you put in the hard work, you'll pass. Even if you've never used Google Ads in your life, if you spend enough time studying, then you will pass."

To ace the test:

• Put in the study time
• Use Google's Skillshop
• Take practice tests
• Focus on getting the concepts, not just memorizing stuff

Which Google ad certification should I start with?

If you're new to this, go for the Google Ads Search Certification. Here's why:

"If you're brand new to Ads and the certification exams, I recommend starting with the Google Ads Search Certification. Search ads are one of the fundamental and traditional types of ads from the Google Ads platform."

Here's a quick look at your options:

Can anyone be a Google Ads specialist?

Sure, anyone can take the tests. But being a real specialist? That's a different ball game. Google says:

"We recommend that you have on-the-job experience using Google Ads. You should be familiar with online advertising concepts and best practices, and should have experience managing different types of Google Ads campaigns."

Want to be a Google Ads pro? Here's what to do:

1. Pass those certification exams
2. Get your hands dirty managing real campaigns
3. Keep up with new features and best practices
4. Maybe focus on one type of ad (like Search or Display)
5. Never stop learning - use Skillshop and read industry blogs