Do you want to run all kinds of Google Ads campaigns like a pro? Looking to boost your resume and build trust with clients? Then the Google Ads Certification might be exactly what you need. It's the most official way to show you understand the platform and how to get results with it.

In digital marketing, being able to plan, launch, and optimize campaigns isn’t just nice to have; it’s expected. Getting certified proves that you know how to run smart campaigns, measure what matters, and adjust strategy when needed. It can also give you an edge when landing clients or applying for new roles.

In this post, we’ll explain what the certification is, why it matters, and how to get started. 

Key takeaways  

• There are currently 9 different certifications.
• All certifications are free to take.
• Each certification takes around 3-4 hours to complete and can all be done online.
• Getting certified can help give you an extra edge for landing jobs or impressing clients.

What is Google Ads Certification?

The Google Ads certification is an official accreditation offered by Google to individuals who show proficiency using the platform.

This program helps validate your expertise through several exams, each focused on a specific area like Search, Display, or Video. It’s a helpful credential if you’re aiming for a role that involves managing campaigns or reporting results.

It’s also a great starting point for business owners who want to learn how the platform works, even if they have no prior experience.

You can access all certification exams on Google’s Skillshop.

What is Google Skillshop?

Google Skillshop is the official online learning platform provided by Google. It offers free courses and certifications that teach you how to use its advertising tools effectively and reach your marketing goals.

Skillshop covers a variety of topics related to digital marketing, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Marketing Platform, YouTube, and more.

The platform is intended for beginners as well as experienced marketers looking to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest tools and best practices in the industry.

Key features of Google Skillshop include:

• Courses: Skillshop offers a variety of courses, each focusing on a specific Google product or marketing concept. These courses are interactive and consist of video lessons, text content, quizzes, and hands-on exercises.
• Certifications: Skillshop provides certification exams for various Google products, including Google Ads and Google Analytics.
• Learning Paths: Skillshop offers learning paths that guide you through a series of courses to build expertise in a particular area. For example, there might be a learning path for becoming proficient in Google Ads.
• Interactive Learning: The platform uses interactive elements like quizzes and simulations to reinforce your understanding of the material.
• Updated Content: Google regularly updates the content on Skillshop to reflect changes in its products, new features, and industry best practices.
• Free Access: Most of the courses on Skillshop are available for free, making it an accessible resource for anyone interested in learning about digital marketing with Google's tools.

Overall, Google Skillshop is a great way to learn directly from Google and gain official certifications that can enhance your credibility in the field.

How many Google Ads Certifications are there?

There are currently 9 different certifications available in 22 different languages, these are:

• AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification
• AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification
• Google Ads Apps Certification
• Google Ads Creative Certification
• Google Ads Display Certification
• Google Ads Measurement Certification
• Google Ads Search Certification
• Google Ads Video Certification
• Grow Offline Sales Certification

Each certification is composed of recommended study, a knowledge check, and an assessment to earn the certification.

To pass each assessment, you’ll need to score at least 80%—with the only exception being the Google Ads Apps assessment, which requires a score of at least 70%.

Is the Google Ads Certification worth it?

If you’re new to Google Ads, the certifications are worth it. They’ll teach you the basics and set a strong foundation for future experimentation.

Since the curriculum is made by Google, there's some bias toward what they consider the “right” strategy. Google often encourages broad targeting, even when it’s not ideal, and wants advertisers to spend more. So while the courses explain how the platform and ad types work, they may not teach the most efficient strategies.

Still, the certifications are valuable for the credibility alone. For individuals, they can help you stand out in job searches, build trust with managers, and show authority with clients. For agencies, they help establish trust and ensure account managers have a solid base.

🚨 Certifications are separate from the Google Partner badge. To receive the Google Partner badge, you’ll need to meet certain ad performance requirements on the Google Ads platform and spend at least $10,000 on ads within a 90-day period.

How hard is the Google Ads certificate exam?

The Google Ads certification exams aren’t too hard, especially since you’re allowed to search for answers during the test. But because of the time limit, you should still understand core concepts, definitions, and strategies.

Most questions are multiple-choice and not overly tricky, but some do require critical thinking. You can’t rely on Googling everything; some answers need context and experience.

Each assessment comes with its own certification.

Most people focus on the Google Ads Display, Search, and Measurement Certifications since these are areas most marketers use:

• If you’re frequently running ads for ecommerce brands, then you’ll definitely want to take the Shopping Ads certification.
• If running YouTube ads, take the Video certification.
• If running ads in apps, then take the Apps certification.

Compared with the requirements for the Facebook Blueprint Certification, the requirements for the Google Ads assessment are far less restrictive.

For example, to take a Facebook assessment, you’ll need to be in an empty room, on a desk clear of any unnecessary items. You’ll also need to install a program that will prevent you from running other programs while taking the certification and keep your webcam turned on throughout the assessment.

The Facebook Blueprint certifications aren’t free, but are worth looking into if you plan to be running Meta ads at some point.

How much does it cost to get Google Ads certified?

In the past, certifications used to come with a price tag. Only recently has Google made the certifications free. So if you’re planning to expand your knowledge about Google Ads and increase your credibility, it’s a good idea to get certified as they don’t cost you a dime.  

How long does Google Ads certification take

You have 75 minutes to complete each assessment, with around 46 to 50 questions.

Your computer won’t be restricted during the assessment (like with the Facebook Blueprint certifications), so you can search for answers while taking the assessment.

The catch is that once you select an answer, you can’t go back to change it.

If you pass the assessment, you receive the certification immediately. If you don’t, you’ll need to wait 24 hours to retake it.

💡 Before taking the test, make sure your internet connection is stable. Going offline for even a second will automatically disqualify the session. 

How to prepare and study for your Google Certification assessment

First, start off by taking the recommended lessons in each certification.

They are short and give a background as to what the test will cover and quickly get you familiar with the most important parts.

Then, the best way to learn the concepts required to pass the assessments is by gaining firsthand experience running Google Ads. If you don’t have a live account to practice with, you can always set up a new account yourself. You’ll be able to go through the steps of creating complete campaigns without turning them on and spending money.

Whether it’s on an existing account, or your newly created practice account, you should practice setting up what a real campaign would look like and go through all the actions as if you’d actually launch it.

That way, you can connect what you need to learn with the context of running an actual campaign.

Tips to prepare for the assessment smarter (not harder):

• Practice by building out full mock campaigns in a real or test account. You don’t have to publish them. Just go through the motions to get familiar with the platform.
• Take notes as you study. If you see terms or acronyms you don’t recognize, write them down and look them up right away.
• Once you feel confident, take a practice assessment. Or dive straight into the real one since it's free and you can retake it the next day if needed.
• Even if you don’t pass on your first try, the experience helps you understand the test format and what to expect next time.
• Need extra help? There are tons of free Google Ads beginner tutorials on YouTube.

Where and how to display the Google Certification badges

Add your certification badges to the LinkedIn certifications section, and near the bottom of your resume. Just don’t overdo it by putting them everywhere. It’s a free certification and shouldn’t be your main proof of credibility.

Many employers do value certifications, but your experience should always come first. For agencies, it’s okay to mention that your account managers are certified, but keep it subtle. Leading with it can make you seem less experienced than highlighting real client results.

What to do after getting Google Ads certified

Keep getting familiar with the platform and delve deeper into strategies real companies in your space use. You can also explore tools like Bïrch—that's us!

You’ve probably heard of scripts for Google Ads or automated rules. That’s what Bïrch simplifies. We help you manage Google ads automations without writing code.

Learn more about our Google ads automation and set up a test account with our 14-day free trial.

Additionally, Google is known for constantly making changes to its ads platform, typically at the expense of the advertiser.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep track of the latest Google Ads news through official Google updates.

Beyond certifications, Google has curated a ton of different online courses, free and paid, to expand your marketing skills.

Keep in mind that some of these courses cover intermediate and advanced topics, and will not come with a certification. These courses are best used if you want to deepen your knowledge in certain areas but aren’t interested in earning a badge that can be shown on your social media to potential employers or clients.

FAQ

What is the Google Ads Certification?

Google Ads Certification is a free program that validates your skills and knowledge in using Google Ads. It's a valuable credential for anyone who wants to demonstrate their expertise in online advertising.

How many Google Ads Certifications are there?

There are nine different Google Ads certifications available:

• AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification
• AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification
• Google Ads Apps Certification
• Google Ads Creative Certification
• Google Ads Display Certification
• Google Ads Measurement Certification
• Google Ads Search Certification
• Google Ads Video Certification
• Grow Offline Sales Certification

How long is the Google Ads Certificate exam duration?

Each exam is 75 minutes long and contains approximately 46 to 50 questions. You can't change answers once you've selected them.

How much does it cost to get Google Ads certified?

There’s no Google Ads certification cost; all certifications are free.

How long is the Google ads certification valid for?

All of their certifications are valid for one year after completion.