Refresh on the Google Partner Exams

Most agencies will already be across the Google Partner exams and the certification process. These exams are provided by Google and are open to agencies to help them leverage Google’s tools. Once the exams are completed, agencies are rewarded with certification. The exams are designed for agencies, but can also be taken by individuals to test their skills and demonstrate their understanding of Google Analytics and Google AdWords. For those wanting to find out more about accessing the resources, or if you’ve been out of the loop, here’s a breakdown of what’s available.

Resources for end users and agencies

Although the certification only applies to agencies, we think all users should make the most of the free resources available online. We highly recommend these study guides to help you understand the fundamentals of digital marketing.

1. Use this study guide by Google to get a good grasp on Google AdWords.
2. Google Analytics can be tricky at times, this study guide will help you keep on top.
3. From experience, we believe one of the more difficult Google AdWords exams is the Mobile Advertising exam. Go through this study guide in detail.

Tips for passing

Feeling nervous about the exams? Here are some quick tips to boost your confidence!

• Create a Google AdWords/Google Analytics account to familiarise yourself with the interface
• Read the questions carefully and choose an answer that is most correct
• Think like an agency – if you are managing multiple accounts, make sure you are applying best practices to those accounts
• Keep an eye on time, exams are either 90 or 120 minutes
• The exams are based on a pool of questions that are rotated, so you may see the same question twice
• Don’t be scared to fail – you can retake the exam in seven days.

If you need a little more help, take a look at our 10 Tips for the Google AdWords Fundamentals Exam.

Types of Exams

Google AdWords Fundamentals

Covers basic Google AdWords knowledge along with some best practices to run efficient Google AdWords campaigns.

Time: 120 minutes Questions: 100 Pass mark: 80% Length of validation: 1 year (12 months)

Display Advertising

Covers successful display campaigns on Google AdWords and optimising them to reach more potential customers.

Time: 120 minutes Questions: 100 Pass mark: 80% Length of validation: 1 year (12 months)

Search Advertising

Deliver strong search campaigns to ensure more visitors land on your website from Google’s search engine results page.

Time: 120 minutes Questions: 98 Pass mark: 80% Length of validation: 1 year (12 months)

Shopping Advertising

Covers the fundamentals of advertising your product using Google shopping campaigns.

Time: 90 minutes Questions: 63 Pass mark: 80% Length of validation: 1 year (12 months)

Mobile Advertising

Learn about delivering effective mobile campaigns, add diverse ads available on mobile devices.

Time: 90 minutes Questions: 70 Pass mark: 80% Length of validation: 1 year (12 months)

Video Advertising

Learn about Google AdWords video campaigns to help your business grow.

Time: 90 minutes Questions: 74 Pass mark: 80% Length of validation: 1 year (12 months)

Google Analytics: tests your knowledge on the fundamentals of Google Analytics and preferred methods of using the Google Analytics tool.

Time: 90 minutes Questions: 70 Pass mark: 80% Length of validation: 1.5 years (18 months)

Bonus Resources

Here are some additional resources to help you with the exams:

• Analytics Academy is for anyone who’s keen to dive deeper into analytics based courses, including Google Tag Manager, Mobile App Analytics, Ecommerce Analytics and Digital Analytics.
• You can test your basic Google AdWords skills by having a go at this Google AdWords Fundamental Sample Test.
• Take that step further and learn via video tutorials through our online training course.
• Get some great tips for leveraging Google AdWords and Google Analytics in this incredible book by Benjamin Mangold.

Best of luck for the exam! Let us know how you went in the comment section below.