How To Become A Google Ads (AdWords) Certified Professional?

Wondering how to become a Google Ads (AdWords), certified professional? I make sure you will have all the answers by the end of this post.

Let’s get straight to it…

What is Google AdWords Certification?

Google Ads certification is an accreditation program from Google. Someone who passes the certification exams gets certificates from Google which validate that the examinee has got proficiency and has the required set of knowledge to work with Google Ads.

So, if you are looking to make a career in digital marketing, Google Ads certification is definitely something you should prepare for. Passing the exams does not guarantee jobs, but it gives you confidence about your knowledge of Googe Ads. It makes your resume more relevant, of course.

Who is it for?

Google Ads, AdWords, certification program is available to anyone. In general, people who are looking for jobs in digital marketing or the ones who are professionals offering online marketing services prefer to get certified.

This certification program is very popular among marketing interns, students, digital marketers, consultants, business owners, marketing trainers, and freelance online advertising professionals. However, there is no limitation. The availability of the certification is not limited to specific individuals. Anyone interested can take the exams and get themselves certified.

Does getting certified for Google AdWords add any value?

Is Google Ads certification worth preparing for? Yes, it is.

Getting certified by Google definitely adds some additional value and credibility to your resume. However, it does not guarantee a job, nor does it mean assured success in advertising. An AdWords certification simply gives successful individuals the ability to demonstrate a recognition from Google. If you become an AdWords certified individual, it definitely means that Google recognizes you as an expert in online advertising. Moreover, your potential clients or employers will have a reason to see it in the same light.

Where to take the certification test? Is it available offline as well?

The certification exams are available online only, they are not available offline.

These exams were being conducted through the Google Partners portal and then via Academy for Ads till the very recent months, but now they are conducted through the Google Skillshop platform. You can prepare, take exams, and earn the certification through Google Skillshop.

Google Partners and AdWords Certification, how are they related?

You, as an individual, can get certified for AdWords and associate your certification with an agency. If you associate yourself with an agency, you can help it become or remain a Google Partner. Your association with an agency will allow it to flaunt you as a certified member of its team.

An agency cannot get itself certified for AdWords. The certification is available at the individual level only. The agency can get itself badged as a Google Partner. However, there are a few other requirements to fulfil before an agency gets the Google Partners badge.

How many exams are available?

A total of 7 exams are available which you can take. They are:

1. Fundamentals,
2. Search Advertising,
3. Display Advertising,
4. Video Advertising,
5. Shopping Advertising.
6. Mobile Advertising,
7. Digital Sales

How many exams to pass to become AdWords certified?

To become a Google Ads certified professional, you are required to pass only two exams. The Fundamentals exam is compulsory. So you will have to take and pass it for sure. Other than the fundamental, you will need to pass one more exam which you can choose from Search, Display, Video, Mobile, or Shopping to become certified.

Is there any fee for certification exams?

No, there’s no fee. You can appear for the exam without paying a penny. However, it used to be $50 a few years ago.

Is there any time limit for the exams?

Yes, every exam under the Google AdWords certification program is a timed assessment. You will need to submit your answers before your time is up to avoid an automatic failure.

However, there’s nothing to panic about. You will have enough time to answer questions. They all are objective questions. You simply need to pick the right option or options ad guided. There’s no need to type or write anything during the AdWords certification exams.

Let me tell you about the duration of exams, number of questions, and minimum passing marks you will need to score.

It is also important to note that if you end the assessment early or the timer runs out before you’ve answered enough questions correctly, you won’t pass. So make sure, you complete answering all the questions within the time given time frame. You will be able to see a timer on every page during the exam.

One more thing, once you start the exam, take all distractions away. Switch off your phone and make sure you don’t get disturbed by anything or anyone causing you to leave the exam midway. If the exam gets interrupted for any reason, like your laptop switching off, internet getting disconnected for more than a few minutes, you will lose the exam and will need to take it again.

How to get started?

You will first need to signup for Google Skillshop to take the available exams.

1. Sign in to Google Skillshop.
2. Next, select your company name. If you add the company name, you can see reports on your learning progress and view your earned achievements and certifications.
3. Select your timezone.
4. Select your language. The language you choose here will be used to filter the learning content and assessments that are localized in your language.
5. Select whether you want to get emails from Google Skillshop. Choosing yes is advisable as you will be getting updates about new features.
6. Click Save.

You are now ready to prepare and take the AdWords certification exams.

Where to find the study materials?

You have the entire internet world to read, learn, and explore. However, it would be overwhelming for you. You might go astray and easily influenced by self-called experts. It will only create confusions.

Here’s a handy list of the resources which you can bookmark and read through to prepare for AdWords certification, get certified, and become a certified AdWords professional:

• Fundamentals
• Search Advertising
• Display Advertising
• Shopping Advertising
• Video Advertising
• Mobile Advertising

And the direct links to PDF Guides…

Guide One | Guide Two | Guide Three | Guide Four

Learn through Video Tutorials from Google Partners: Learning through videos are very helpful. In addition to the above text study materials, make sure you watch the videos as well. It will prepare you for the AdWords certification in a better way.

AdWords Help YouTube Channel

Ask questions and connect with AdWords expert around the globe: While learning or working with Google AdWords if you come across questions, there can’t be a better place than Google’s official Advertiser Community. Join, ask, answer, and connect with experts thought leaders from around the world. You will find me as official Top Contributor for Google AdWords.

Official Google AdWords Community

Okay, that’s all for this post. All the very best for your AdWords certification exams. If you feel yourself stuck somewhere and need any guidance about it, leave your concerns or questions in the comment, I will do the best to be helpful to you.

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