Believe it or not, pay-per-click advertising has been around for over 10 years now. Understanding the basics of search engine marketing is hardly a unique skill anymore and it is becoming difficult to distinguish yourself from the hordes of digital marketers competing with you for jobs and clients. Fortunately, Google offers a certification that can help you stand out from the pack by guaranteeing employers and clients that you understand the fundamentals of the AdWords platform. With Google AdWords providing unrivaled reach online, an AdWords certification can be a very bright feather in your cap.
In order to get certified, you must pass two exams. The first exam is called the Google Advertising Fundamentals Exam, and covers the basic aspects of AdWords including account management, search advertising, and display networks. For the second exam, you are offered the choice of taking an advanced exam on search, display, or reporting and analysis.
In order to pass the Google Advertising Fundamentals Exam, you need answer at least 85% of the questions correct. With 113 total questions, that means you can get 16 wrong and still pass. You only have 2 hours to complete the test, meaning that you have around 1 minute and 4 seconds for each question.
I took the Google Advertising Fundamentals Exam last week. Even though I passed (woohoo!) it would have been easier if I had known a little more about how to prepare and how the test is administered. Here are some things I would have loved to know before taking the test.
Google Study Materials
Google provides all the study materials you need to pass the fundamentals exam at the Google AdWords Exam Study Learning Center. One look at the scope of the study guide and you’ll realize that there is a lot of material to wade through. Fortunately, Google breaks down each section of the test so you don’t end up studying material you won’t be tested on. There is also an option to print the materials you need to make studying offline easy. Don’t overlook the hyperlinks with videos and in-depth descriptions on topics like Quality Score, some of this material will pop up on the test!
You’re on your own
Google makes it as difficult as possible to cheat on the AdWords Certification exam by forcing your computer to shut all programs and browsers when launching the exam application. This sent me into a momentary panic attack since I thought I would be able to get some online help if I was really stumped. After taking the test I realized that even if I had printed notes or had a second laptop open I would have run out of time if I tried to look up answers to questions I didn’t know. Study hard because once the test starts you are on your own.
Don’t be a one-trick-pony
Although you can choose an area of focus for the advanced AdWords exam, the Fundamentals Exam covers a broad range of topics. Prioritize your studying to spend enough time to catch up on the parts of AdWords you’ve had less experience with. Knowing a lot about search and nothing about display or video is a surefire way to fail. And don’t forget to study account management best practices or account structures!
You will need the entire time
Even though there are some questions you will have an answer for immediately, expect to use the entire time. Some questions have many right answers, but only one “best” answer, so make sure you are taking enough time to read through all of the options. Don’t expect to be able to pause the test to use the bathroom either! Once the test starts, the clock keeps ticking. Use the bathroom before you start, find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted, and mark the questions you are stuck on to come back to later.
Stop putting it off!
One of the problems with being able to take the exam on your own time is that you can put it off if you don’t feel ready. For procrastinators (like myself) this can keep you from ever taking the test. If you are comfortable with the materials from the study guide, stop delaying! It will feel really good to get it over with.
If you have other tips to share or specific questions about the exam, leave them in the comments below. Study hard and good luck!
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