Useful for learning GA4, especially from scratch
People new to analytics, or who only knew Universal Analytics, describe the free lessons as a real way to learn GA4's event-based model and reports.
Google Analytics Certification
Validates knowledge of Google Analytics 4 setup, data collection, reports, explorations and connected tools for measuring website performance.
Summary
The Google Analytics Certification is Google's free Skillshop credential for GA4 setup, data collection, reports and explorations. It is one online test of 50 questions in 75 minutes that covers connected tools, and it lapses after 12 months unless you pass again.
Good fit if
- You are new to marketing or analytics and want free GA4 training
- You want to show current GA4 knowledge on your resume
- You moved from Universal Analytics and need to learn GA4
Look elsewhere if
- You already build GA4 reports at work: a portfolio of real dashboards
- You want a proctored exam: Meta Digital Marketing Associate
- You want broader data analysis skills: Google Data Analytics
Salary & jobs
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Weak proof of skill on its own
Reviewers point out that the assessment is unproctored and can be passed without using a real GA4 property, so hiring managers give it little weight compared with real analysis work.
Renewal
The Google Analytics Certification is valid for 12 months.
- Validity
- 12 months
- Renewal requirement
- Pass the current assessment
- Renewal fee
- Free
Skillshop shows when your certification expires. Retake the current version of the assessment before then to keep it active.
Alternatives
Google Ads CertificationsFree required · Entry
Google's free Skillshop certifications for the advertising side of digital marketing.
HubSpot Academy CertificationsFree required · Entry
Free marketing certifications from HubSpot, built around inbound marketing and the HubSpot platform.
Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate$99 required · Entry
A paid, proctored entry-level marketing certification from Meta.
Google Data Analytics$294 required · Entry
A longer course certificate in general data analysis with spreadsheets, SQL and Tableau.
FAQ
Is the Google Analytics certification free?
Yes. The Skillshop lessons and the assessment are free, including retakes.
How many questions are on the Google Analytics certification exam?
50 questions in 75 minutes. You need 80% to pass.
How long is the Google Analytics certification valid?
12 months. Renew by passing the current assessment again.
What happened to the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ)?
GAIQ tested Universal Analytics. It was retired when Universal Analytics shut down in 2023, and the GA4-based Google Analytics Certification replaced it.
Is the GA4 certification worth it?
It is worth a few free hours if you are new to GA4 or want to show current knowledge. On its own it is weak proof of skill for experienced roles, because the assessment is unproctored.
Last updated October 2026