Earning your Google Ads Certification is an excellent way to prove your skills in managing Google Ads campaigns. Begin your learning path and gain an advantage in the competitive digital marketing landscape.
Achieving certification highlights your foundational knowledge and exposure to PPC and Google Ads management.
Whether you’re fresh out of school, stepping into a career involving Google Ads, or simply eager to learn, this certification is a strong starting point.
Some employers may list it as a basic requirement on job postings, while others include it as part of their onboarding and training process. It can also serve as a valuable resource for individuals pursuing independent learning or developing their skills outside of a corporate setup.
Many agencies and businesses are members of the Google Partners program, which requires them to meet certain standards. These include maintaining team-wide certifications, achieving different badge levels, and ensuring a specific number of strategists are certified in key specialty areas.
This guide focuses on individual certification for professionals. If you are earning certification as part of your company’s Google Partner requirements, ensure your account is correctly linked to your organization.
What Is Google Ads Certification?
Google Ads Certification is a credential that recognizes marketers as skilled professionals in online advertising.
By successfully completing the certification exams, individuals receive a personalized certificate and, if connected to a company, can help strengthen that company’s Google Partner status.
Over time, Google Ads has undergone significant changes. The range of certification exam topics has expanded, though in some cases, the fast evolution of the platform has outpaced updates to the training and exam material.
If you want to explore Google Ads further or begin your own journey toward certification—whatever your motivation may be—there are four main steps to follow. Be ready to set aside the time needed to work through the process effectively.
How to Earn Your Google Ads Certification
Step 1: Start with Skillshop
Begin by accessing the Google Ads Certification section within Skillshop.
Click on Log In at the top right corner.
At this stage, it’s important to make sure the account you use is the one you want to be certified under. If it’s your first time on Skillshop, you’ll need to create a new account.
Be sure to review all instructions before entering details or linking accounts. Google recently shifted from skillshop.exceedlms.com to skillshop.docebosaas.com, which may require new account linking or migration, even if you already have an account.
If you’re employed with an agency or company, you’ll likely need to sign in with your work email address.
No matter your situation—corporate, agency, or independent—it’s best to connect your certification with the same email you use to manage Google Ads. This keeps everything consistent and organized.
If you’re new and haven’t used Google Ads before, you can quickly create an account to begin.
For returning users, double-check your Skillshop profile and ensure your Google account is correctly linked. This helps you avoid taking exams on a fresh account instead of renewing your existing certification.
You may still need to complete additional linking or verification steps due to Google’s recent system migration, so keep that in mind.
Managing accounts can sometimes feel confusing, as there are multiple profiles connected to Google Ads and related systems. To avoid issues, make sure everything is properly linked.
If you want your certification to contribute toward a Google Partners badge, it’s important to connect your account using the same company email address you use for managing ads within your organization.
For those interested, it’s worth reviewing the details of the Google Partners program, including its requirements and how to get set up. Remember, the certifications that count toward Google Partners are more specific than the broader ones required to become a certified Google Ads Professional.
Step 2: Choose Your Exam
Go back into Skillshop and open the Google Ads Certifications section to view the full list of available exams.
You’ll see an introductory page that outlines background information, helping you decide which certification best suits your needs. Google also provides different categories and recommended exam levels to guide your choice.
If your only objective is to earn the certification, simply follow the navigation steps until you reach the dedicated page for the certification exams.
Here, you’ll see a list of available certifications. Select the one you’d like to begin with and click on it.
Each certification page provides an overview section—take a moment to read through it before starting.
When you’re ready, click the Get Started button to move forward.
Step 3: Prepare for the Exams
Google offers both introductory learning resources and in-depth training materials to help you prepare.
The available Google Ads certifications include:
- AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification
- AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification
- Google Ads – Measurement Certification
- Google Ads Apps Certification
- Google Ads Creative Certification
- Google Ads Display Certification
- Google Ads Search Certification
- Google Ads Video Certification
- Grow Offline Sales Certification
If you’re completely new to Google Ads, a good starting point is the Google Ads Search Certification, since search ads form the foundation of the platform.
However, if your focus is specifically on shopping campaigns, you can begin with the Shopping Ads Certification.
For those more interested in the latest innovations, such as AI-powered ads, you can start there. Just note that these may require extra time and training since they build on traditional ad concepts.
Each certification includes linked training resources to guide you through the learning process.
When you select a certification, you’ll find options to begin, including a quick knowledge check and additional learning resources.
You should plan to spend at least a few hours working through the training modules for your chosen specialization.
Even if you already manage Ads campaigns or have advanced experience, it’s still worthwhile to review the material—though you may move through it more quickly.
The sample questions are especially useful, as they are presented in the same format as the real exam. This matters because, with the pace of new features and updates in Google Ads, some exam content may feel slightly outdated compared to what you see in the live platform.
Unless you’ve been certified before or have solid hands-on experience, it’s best not to skip the training resources.
Step 4: Pass the Assessment
To earn certification, you’ll need to pass the exam in your chosen specialization by meeting the minimum required score within the allotted time.
Keep in mind that the timer cannot be paused, so make sure you have uninterrupted time available before you begin.
Once you pass, you’ll be certified in that specific product area. You can stop at one specialization or continue taking additional exams until you’ve achieved all the certifications that fit your goals.
If you enjoy testing yourself, there’s no restriction—you’re free to complete every available certification.
Should you fail an exam, the only penalty is that you must wait one day before attempting it again.
For each certification you earn, you’ll receive at least an email confirmation of your achievement. In the past, Google has provided downloadable badges and certificates as well.
Since these formats may change over time, it’s a good idea to keep a digital record of your certifications. You can always access your dashboard later as proof of completion if needed.
The Ever-Changing Google Ads Platform
Whether you’re brand new to Google’s paid search advertising or an experienced marketer now considering certification, it’s worth taking time to follow the outlined steps and decide if certification is a valuable investment for your skills and career.
As mentioned earlier, be prepared for some differences between the exam material and the live platform, since Google Ads continues to evolve rapidly with new features, updated interfaces, and changing functionalities.
No matter where you are in the certification process, I encourage you to keep learning and growing with Google Ads. Wishing you success, growth, and profitable outcomes for your business or organization!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long does it take to get Google Ads certified?
It usually takes a few hours to go through the training modules and complete an exam. However, the time may vary depending on your prior knowledge and experience with Google Ads.
Q2. How much does it cost to earn Google Ads certification?
Google Ads certifications are completely free. You just need a Google account to access Skillshop and take the exams.
Q3. How long is Google Ads certification valid?
Each certification is valid for one year. After it expires, you’ll need to retake the relevant exam to renew your certification.
Q4. Can I retake a Google Ads certification exam if I fail?
Yes. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 24 hours.
Q5. Which Google Ads certification should beginners start with?
The Google Ads Search Certification is often recommended for beginners, as search ads form the foundation of most campaigns.
Q6. Does Google Ads certification help in getting a job?
Yes. Many employers value certification as proof of foundational skills in PPC and digital advertising. Some companies even list it as a requirement in job descriptions.
Q7. Is Google Ads certification required for the Google Partners program?
Yes. For a company to qualify as a Google Partner, a certain number of employees must hold valid certifications in specific areas.
Q8. Can I earn multiple Google Ads certifications?
Absolutely. You can complete as many certifications as you’d like, depending on your areas of interest or specialization.