The Google Ads search assessment is an exam given by Google to certify individuals in using Google Ads for search advertising campaigns. Passing this assessment demonstrates your ability to successfully manage Google Ads search campaigns.
What is the Google Ads search assessment?
The Google Ads search assessment is a multiple choice exam consisting of about 100 questions that test your knowledge and skills in managing search campaigns on Google Ads. It covers topics such as:
- Setting up and structuring search campaigns
- Managing keywords, ads, and ad extensions
- Optimizing campaign performance
- Using campaign settings
- Analyzing reports
Passing the assessment by getting a minimum score of 80% designates you as a Google Ads certified professional in search advertising. This certification validates your expertise to potential employers and clients.
Why get Google Ads search certified?
Here are some key reasons to get the Google Ads search certification:
- Prove your skills: The certification demonstrates your in-depth knowledge in managing Google Ads campaigns for search.
- Increase employability: Many companies look for Google Ads certified candidates when hiring for marketing roles.
- Higher salaries: Certified professionals command higher pay compared to those without the certification.
- Stand out from competition: The certification helps you differentiate yourself in the competitive job market.
- Gain credibility: You can build trust and credibility with clients by touting your Google-issued credential.
Who should take the assessment?
The Google Ads search assessment is suitable for:
- Current practitioners looking to validate and enhance their search advertising skills.
- New candidates trying to break into a search marketing career.
- Marketing professionals wanting to demonstrate search advertising capabilities.
- Agency account managers and specialists who manage Google Ads accounts.
No specific work experience is required. However, some hands-on experience running Google Ads campaigns is highly recommended to pass the assessment.
How long is the Google Ads search certification valid?
The Google Ads search certification is valid for 12 months from the date you pass the assessment. To renew, you will need to retake the updated assessment annually.
What is the cost of certification?
The Google Ads search assessment costs $150 USD to take. However, Google provides a free retake in case you don’t pass on the first attempt.
How do I register and schedule the assessment?
Follow these steps to register and schedule your Google Ads search assessment:
- Go to the Google Skillshop site and log into your Google account.
- Search for the “Google Ads Search Advertising Assessment” course.
- Click “View Course” and then “enroll” to sign up.
- Make the $150 exam payment with a credit card.
- Once enrolled, go to your account settings and schedule a time to take the online proctored exam.
- Choose a one or two hour window for your assessment.
You can take the exam from the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a computer with a webcam and high speed internet.
How should I prepare for the Google Ads search assessment?
Here are some tips on how to prepare for the Google Ads search certification exam:
Study the course materials
Google provides free study materials including videos, articles, and practice quizzes as part of the enrollment. Go through all the modules, take notes, and complete the quizzes. Focus on concepts you find difficult to understand.
Get hands-on experience
Apply what you learn using a free Google Ads demo account to run practice search campaigns. Actively managing accounts is the best way to learn.
Read the help center articles
Browse Google’s advertising help center and read the articles, especially on topics you lack familiarity with. Understanding the nuances in Google’s own guidance is crucial.
Review sample questions
Google provides a few sample questions to show the format and complexity of questions you can expect on the actual exam. Review these to get a feel for the test.
Take practice tests
Taking practice tests helps assess your knowledge and identify areas of weakness you can work on. Some websites like Simplilearn offer paid practice tests.
Apply digital marketing fundamentals
Review core concepts like keywords research, competitive analysis, campaign optimization, and performance analysis. These fundamentals are key to effective search campaigns.
Focus on key tools
Know how to use essential Google Ads tools like Keyword Planner, shared libraries, ad customizers, and Google Analytics. Familiarity with these tools will be required.
Watch video tutorials
YouTube has many educational video tutorials on managing Google Ads campaigns. Watch videos to reinforce concepts and learn best practices.
What topics should I study for the assessment?
Based on the exam blueprint, these are the key topics to focus your studying on:
| Campaign creation | Use campaign types like search, display, shopping, video appropriately. Structure campaigns with right settings. |
| Bidding strategies | Know when to use manual bidding, enhanced CPC, target CPC, maximize clicks, target ROAS, etc. |
| Ad groups | Organize ad groups around themes, match types, products. Use negatives for better quality score. |
| Keywords | Research and select keywords. Use match types strategically. Analyze search terms report. |
| Ads | Write effective headlines, descriptions. Use ad extensions. Make ads relevant. |
| Quality Score | Optimize landing page experience, relevance, expected CTR to maximize quality scores. |
| Tools | Use Keyword Planner, Google Analytics, Editor, etc. |
| Measurement | Calculate and analyze metrics like CPC, CTR, ROI, conversion value. |
Campaign creation
You need a solid grasp of which campaign types and structures are optimal for different goals and situations. Know how to set up search, display, shopping, video, app, etc. campaigns properly.
Bidding strategies
Choosing the right bid strategy is key to maximizing campaign performance. Brush up on which strategies work best for different objectives and scenarios.
Keywords
Managing keywords is central to Google Ads, so know how to effectively research, select, and organize keywords. Understand match types and how to structure ad groups.
Ads
Creating compelling, relevant ads is crucial. Study best practices for writing text ads and extensions. Make your ads motivating and aligned to keywords and landing pages.
Analytics & Optimization
You need to be able to analyze campaign data to identify optimization opportunities. Know how to calculate ROI, read reports, implement optimizations, and enhance quality scores.
What study resources should I use?
Here are some recommended study resources to utilize:
- Google Skillshop – Free course materials provided by Google.
- Google Ads help articles – In-depth guidance from Google.
- Google Ads demo account – Get hands-on experience.
- YouTube tutorials – Many creators offer free video lessons.
- Udemy – Paid online courses taught by experts.
- Google Ads Community Forum – Discuss with other advertisers.
- Blogs – Read articles from reputed digital marketing blogs.
Combine multiple learning resources to get well-rounded knowledge. Prioritize free resources from Google Ads itself to understand concepts accurately.
What is the passing score for the assessment?
You need to achieve a score of at least 80% in the Google Ads search assessment to pass and get certified. This means correctly answering around 80 out of the 100 multiple choice questions.
The assessment uses adaptive scoring, so the difficulty level adapts based on your ongoing performance. With every correct answer, the next question gets slightly tougher. So focus on your areas of strength to consistently get easier questions.
When do I get my results and certificate?
You will see your pass/fail result on the screen as soon as you finish the exam. If you passed, you can download your certificate from your Google Ads account within 2 days.
How do I renew my certification?
The Google Ads search certification is valid for one year from the exam date. To renew, you will need to retake the updated assessment version.
Google refreshes the exam periodically, so simply retaking the same test will not work. Review the new study materials and re-take the exam next year to renew your credential.
Can I retake the assessment if I fail?
If you fail to achieve the minimum 80% score, Google allows you one free retake. Make sure to thoroughly review the study materials again before your retake attempt.
If you fail twice, you will have to wait 60 days before retaking the test again. For this third attempt, you will have to repay the $150 exam fee.
Conclusion
Preparing for the Google Ads search certification requires dedicating time to study online courses, getting hands-on practice, and taking practice tests. Focus on campaign setup, bidding, keywords, ads, optimization, and analytics.
Leverage free learning resources like Google Skillshop, help articles, and demo accounts. With diligent preparation over 2-3 weeks, you can feel confident to pass the assessment and get certified in Google Ads search advertising.
