Hands-on Google Ads experience
RecommendedGoogle recommends on-the-job experience using Google Ads and familiarity with core advertising concepts.
Google Ads Certifications
Validates knowledge of building, targeting, bidding and measuring Google Ads campaigns across Search, Display, Video and Shopping.
Summary
Google Ads certifications are free Skillshop credentials, one for each Google Ads product area. Each has its own free lessons and an online assessment of about 50 questions, and the Search, Display, Video, Shopping and Apps certifications count toward Google Partner status.
Good fit if
- You are new to digital marketing and want free training
- Your agency needs certified staff for Google Partner status
- You want a quick, free credential for one ad type
Look elsewhere if
- You already manage live ad budgets: your account results
- You want a proctored marketing credential: Meta Digital Marketing Associate
- You want to measure results, not run ads: Google Analytics
Salary & jobs
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Useful for beginners and Partner agencies
People new to marketing say the free lessons teach real terminology and campaign basics, and agencies push staff to certify because Google Partner status requires it.
Seen as partly product marketing
Experienced advertisers complain that the content favours features Google wants advertisers to adopt, which limits its value as a neutral skills test.
Little weight with experienced hiring managers
Because the assessments are unproctored and open-book, experienced practitioners treat them as a formality and look for account results instead.
Renewal
Each Google Ads certification is valid for one year.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Renewal requirement
- Pass the current assessment again
- Renewal fee
- Free
Each product area renews separately. Retake that area's assessment in Skillshop before your certification expires.
About Google Ads certifications ↗Alternatives
Google Analytics CertificationFree required · Entry
Google's free Skillshop credential for GA4 measurement and reporting.
Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate$99 required · Entry
A paid, proctored entry-level marketing certification from Meta.
HubSpot Academy CertificationsFree required · Entry
Free certifications from HubSpot for inbound marketing and the HubSpot platform.
FAQ
Is the Google Ads certification free?
Yes. The Skillshop lessons and every assessment are free, including retakes.
Which Google Ads certification should I take first?
Start with Search, the most widely used campaign type, then add Display, Video or Measurement depending on your work.
How long are Google Ads certifications valid?
One year from the day you pass. Renew by passing the current assessment for that product area again.
Which Google Ads certifications count for Google Partners?
Search, Display, Video, Shopping ads and Apps. Certification is one of several requirements for Partner status.
Do I need a Google Ads certification to get a job?
No, but it is a common resume line for entry-level PPC roles, and agencies need certified staff to keep Google Partner status.
Last updated October 2026