How to Get a Google Ads Certification

Google Ads is one of the most effective advertising tools to get more traffic to your website, and generate more leads. In fact, it’s estimated that for every $1 a business spends on an ad, generate $8 in profits.

To create better, more powerful ads on Google, it can be helpful to receive a Google Ads certificate. Additionally, it's a great resume booster.

If you want a Google Ads certificate, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we‘ve created a guide that'll explain why a Google Ads certification is helpful, and how you can prepare and get certified. And if you’re in a pinch, jump right to the information you need.

Acquiring it demonstrates a strong understanding of the Google Ads platform and can enhance career prospects in digital marketing.

Why get a Google Ads certification?

Years ago when I was applying for work, I interviewed a couple dozen people who worked in the digital marketing industry to learn about their jobs and the application process. Many emphasized the importance of getting a digital marketing certificate and in particular Google Ads certification.

The truth is that many employers search for people with this certification on LinkedIn to find employees for their marketing team. Plus, the demand for marketers skilled in Google Ads is high, while the supply of qualifying candidates is relatively low.

To find qualified employees, then, many hiring managers use LinkedIn‘s search engine to find anyone with a Google Ads certification because it’s one of the few defining qualifications that can show proven knowledge and skill. The certification shows the hiring manager that you're somewhat savvy about the industry.

Additionally, having an understanding of neighboring areas of marketing helps with your communication among team members, and empathy. Ultimately, having that certification under your tool belt will only make you look better to employers.

How to Get Google Adwords Certification

1. Get started in Google Skillshop.

Accessible via Google Skillshop, the home for all e-learning courses offered by Google product experts, professionals can access the materials to earn this certification.

Log in to your preferred email address, preferably one tied to your LinkedIn or business account to keep them all in one place.

2. Select the Google Ads certification.

Explore the topics that Skillshop has to offer or search for the “Google Ads” topic.

Click the Google Ads certification and choose the exact exam you wish to take for your career goals. There are broad exams you can choose but Google also offers:

3. Prepare for the exam.

To better prepare yourself, familiarize yourself with the topics, take notes, and set aside the time necessary to naivagate that information.

Google Ads Exam Topics

There are Google Ads certifications for different topics, including video, mobile, display, and shopping advertising. The most important version is the search advertising exam since that's the area marketers use most often on the platform. The second most applicable Google Ads test for marketers is likely Google Ads display certification.

Google Ads Certification Exam Duration

Each exam has a different time limit, but it‘s usually between 60 minutes and two hours. I’ve got a good sense for how long it actually takes since I‘ve sat in a classroom with a dozen people taking the exam and have seen how quickly people finish. It usually takes 50–75% of the allotted time. A small percentage of people will use up to all the time if they’re new or focused on learning from each question.

4. Pass the assessment and display your badge.

Google Ads Certification Badge

Once you‘ve passed the exam, you get a certification badge that you can show off on your LinkedIn profile. Adding this badge to your profile adds credibility and makes your profile more search-engine friendly. As mentioned, recruiters look for this certification and care about it, so you’ll be showing up more often when they search.

Google Adwords Exam Tips

1. Take notes.

Have printed notes on hand that you can consult quickly whenever you forget minor details here and there (don't expect to rely on these for the entire exam, though). These notes are useful in case Google decides to implement restrictive browsing limits for exam takers in the future.

2. Plan for plenty of battery.

Make sure your computer is plugged in so it doesn‘t run out of battery life while you’re taking the exam. This tip may seem obvious, but you don't want to find yourself in that painful situation.

3. Pace yourself, while answering.

Take your time with each question. Most people end up with extra time. Remember — it‘s a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll be answering multiple-choice questions for at least an hour.

4. Practice self-care, pre-test.

Hydrate. Get enough sleep. Some people overlook simple things, like making sure you have enough water and food before the exam, which can affect brain performance. Foods high in omega-3 are great for brain power.

Ultimately, getting a Google Ads certification is a worthwhile investment for your career growth. Digital marketing employers look for any valid evidence that you're above entry-level applicants.

5. Don't rush through without understanding the topics.

While it‘s possible to pass the exam without understanding many of the principles, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice in the long run. Treat the exam as a learning process and an opportunity to shore up your knowledge and application of PPC terms and methodology because it'll help you during the job interview, and in your career.

You don't have to know everything about Google Ads since real-world experience can help you learn. But the knowledge you gain in preparing for this exam will give you a head start.

Build Your Knowledge with the Google Ads Certification

Treat the Google Ads exam as an opportunity to learn rather than a task to check-off a list. Your mindset shift will make all the difference because you'll be learning from every question asked, while others rush through the exam just to finish it.

Editor's note: This article was originally published January 2023 and has since been updated for comprehensiveness.