Introduction
Ever wondered how to get Google Ads Certification for free? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer, getting certified can boost your career, increase your credibility, and open up new job opportunities.
The best part? Google Ads certifications are 100% free! Google offers training and exams through Skillshop, making it easier than ever to learn Google Ads best practices and prove your expertise.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
✅ How to access Google Ads certifications for free
✅ Which certifications are available
✅ How to prepare for the exams
✅ Tips to pass on your first attempt
1. What is Google Ads Certification?
Google Ads Certification is an official credential provided by Google that proves your knowledge of Google’s advertising platform. It covers topics like Search Ads, Display Ads, Video Ads, Shopping Ads, and Measurement & Analytics.
Once certified, you’ll receive a Google-issued certificate that can be added to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or personal website.
Who Should Get Google Ads Certified?
- Marketing professionals looking to boost their credentials.
- Freelancers & agencies managing paid ads for clients.
- Business owners running their own Google Ads campaigns.
- Students & job seekers who want to start a career in digital marketing.
2. How to Get Google Ads Certification for Free
Unlike other paid marketing certifications, Google Ads certification is completely free through Google Skillshop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Certified for Free
1️⃣ Go to Google Skillshop
- Sign in with your Google account.
2️⃣ Click on “Google Ads Certifications”
- Choose a certification that aligns with your goals.
3️⃣ Complete the Free Training Modules
- Study the provided materials, videos, and practice tests.
4️⃣ Take the Certification Exam (FREE)
- Each exam consists of 40-50 multiple-choice questions.
- The passing score is 80% or higher.
- You have 75 minutes to complete the test.
5️⃣ Get Your Certification
- If you pass, you’ll receive a digital certificate valid for one year.
- If you fail, you can retake the test after 24 hours.
Pro Tip:
You can pause the exam timer by switching tabs. This allows you to cross-check answers in study materials before submitting.
3. Google Ads Certification Types
Google offers multiple certification exams based on different advertising campaign types.
| Certification | Best For | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ads Search | Running text-based ads in Google Search results. | Beginner |
| Google Ads Display | Creating image-based ads on Google’s Display Network. | Beginner |
| Google Ads Video | Running ads on YouTube. | Intermediate |
| Google Ads Shopping | Managing eCommerce ads for online stores. | Intermediate |
| Google Ads Apps | Promoting mobile apps through Google Ads. | Advanced |
| Google Ads Measurement | Tracking campaign performance with Google Analytics. | Advanced |
Which Google Ads Certification Should You Get?
- If you’re new to Google Ads, start with Search Ads or Display Ads.
- If you run YouTube campaigns, go for Video Ads certification.
- If you manage eCommerce businesses, get certified in Shopping Ads.
4. How to Prepare for the Google Ads Certification Exam
Even though the certification is free, it’s essential to prepare so you pass on your first try.
Best Ways to Study for Google Ads Certification
✅ Google Skillshop Courses (Free)
- Google provides official training videos and study guides for each certification.
✅ Watch YouTube Tutorials
- Channels like Neil Patel, Surfside PPC, and MeasureSchool offer great video explanations.
✅ Take Practice Tests
- Websites like Udemy, ExamTopics, and Google’s own Skillshop provide free practice exams.
✅ Join Google Ads Forums & Groups
- Communities on Reddit, Facebook, and LinkedIn discuss exam questions and updates.
✅ Read Google Ads Help Documentation
- Google Ads Help Center has detailed guides on campaign setup, bidding strategies, and optimization.
Pro Tip:
During the exam, keep the Google Ads Help Center open in another tab to look up answers quickly.
5. Common Questions About Google Ads Certification
1. Is Google Ads certification really free?
Yes! All Google Ads certifications are 100% free through Google Skillshop.
2. How long does it take to get certified?
Most people complete their certification in 3-5 hours, depending on prior experience.
3. Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes, but you’ll have to wait 24 hours before retaking the test.
4. Is Google Ads certification worth it?
Absolutely! It adds credibility to your resume and helps you land jobs or freelance clients.
5. How long is the certification valid?
Google Ads certifications are valid for one year. After that, you’ll need to retake the exam.
6. Do I need to complete all certifications?
No, just take the ones that align with your goals. Search Ads and Display Ads are the most popular.
6. How to Use Your Google Ads Certification to Make Money
Once you’re Google Ads certified, here’s how you can monetize your skills:
💰 Apply for Digital Marketing Jobs – Many employers prefer candidates with Google Ads certifications.
💰 Offer Freelance Google Ads Services – Set up campaigns for businesses on Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn.
💰 Start Your Own Google Ads Agency – Help small businesses run profitable PPC campaigns.
💰 Teach Google Ads Courses – Create YouTube tutorials or Udemy courses for beginners.
💰 Become a Google Ads Consultant – Businesses pay for expert advice on optimizing ad campaigns.
Example:
A freelancer managing Google Ads campaigns for local businesses can charge $500 – $3,000 per month per client.
Conclusion
Getting Google Ads certified for free is a great way to prove your expertise, improve job prospects, and start a career in digital marketing.
By following this guide, you can:
✅ Enroll in Google Skillshop and take free courses.
✅ Pass the certification exam with the right preparation.
✅ Use your certification to get better jobs, freelance clients, or start a business.
🚀 Ready to get certified? Start your Google Ads journey today! 🚀
