What Is Google Skillshop?
Google Skillshop is an online training and certification academy for professionals who use Google’s marketing tools and other programs.
The courses cover Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google My Business, and Google Ad Manager.
You can also earn certifications that showcase your proficiency in a particular area of Google marketing.
Each certification has a set of related lessons to prepare you for a final assessment. Once you pass the exam, you are awarded a certificate.
Google Skillshop courses are free, online, and self-paced.
Are Google Skillshop Certificates Worth It?
Google Skillshop is worth your time and effort if you want to further your digital marketing career. It provides robust courses to build your skills and a set of certifications to validate your knowledge.
Google Skillshop certifications are recognized as official Google certifications.
When you pass a certification exam, your account receives a link to a digital copy of the certification.
The digital certification contains a completion ID, issue date, and expiry date.
You can use the link to the digital certification on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
You can also share your profile link, which will display a single page with all the different certifications you have earned.
Is Google Skillshop Free?
Google Skillshop courses and certifications are free. To access the material, you need to create a Skillshop account.
The program used to have a cost for taking the exams. However, since Google Academy for Ads has rebranded to Skillshop, the program is free for all users.
How to Get a Google Skillshop Certification?
Getting started with Skillshop and earning your certifications is a straightforward process.
Let’s go through the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Register for Skillshop
The first step is to sign up for Skillshop using your Google account.
Go to Google Skillshop, navigate to the course you're interested in, and click the Enroll button.
If you’re not logged in, you’ll be asked to sign in to your Google account and agree to the terms of service.
Once you do, you are taken to a page where you can create your profile. You cannot change your name or email, but add a company, company email, and recovery email.
Step 2: Prepare for the exam
Each certification includes a list of courses to prepare for the exam.
The lessons are easy to follow and designed with the assessment in mind. They are composed primarily of text, but there are some interactive elements, like flash cards.
Quick review questions are throughout each lesson, and a knowledge check is at the end. Passing the knowledge check signifies that you have completed the lesson.
You can track which lessons you’ve completed on the certification’s main page.
When you have reviewed all the material and passed all the knowledge checks, a checkmark will appear next to that lesson on the main page for the certification.
After you have completed all the lessons, you should review the material to prepare for the exam.
You can also take the Knowledge Check Assessment. This a practice test with around a dozen multiple-choice questions.
When you complete the practice assessment, you’ll receive a score and a list of questions you answered incorrectly.
This doesn’t include the correct answers to the questions, so you’ll have to go back to the appropriate lessons to review the topics.
Step 3: Take the exam
The assessment for each certification is available online directly through the Skillshop platform.
The exams follow a traditional multiple-choice format. You have a 75-minute time limit to complete the exam.
The number of questions for each exam varies between 46 and 50, depending on the certification.
The time limit for the exam is more than generous, given the total number of questions.
Once you answer a question, you cannot edit your answers.
Most exams require you to score 80% or better to pass. The only exception is the Google Ads Apps certification, whose exam only requires you to score 70% or higher.
You can take each exam as many times as you need; however, you must wait one day before retaking it after you’ve failed.
When you are ready, click the link to the assessment beneath the Pass the assessment and earn a certification heading.
The next page displays a disclaimer you’ll have to read before you can launch the exam.
Once you click the Launch button, the exam will open with the first question.
The top right corner of your browser shows you which question number you are on and the time remaining.
If you close the exam without completing all the questions, it is an automatic failure. You’ll then need to wait one day before you can retake it.
After you finish the exam, you are taken to a page where you can see whether you passed or failed. You will also receive an email notifying you of the results.
If you pass the exam, your certification will be immediately available on your My Profile page with Skillshop.
All certifications are valid for one year. This ensures that certificate holders are always up to date with the latest changes to Google marketing best practices. You can renew the certification by passing the assessment again.
Courses and Certifications Offered by Google Skillshop
Google Skillshop offers courses on a variety of topics. The most popular certifications offered by Google Skillshop are:
- Google Ads Display Certification
- Google Search Ads Certification
- Google AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification
- Google Ads Measurement Certification
- Google Ads Video Certification
- Google Ads Apps Certification
Google Ads Display Certification
The Google Ads Display certification validates your ability to create effective strategies and campaigns using the Google Display Network.
You'll learn how to increase brand awareness, create a plan to reach new customers with Google Display Audiences and retain existing customers.
The course contains the following lessons:
- Grow Your Business with Google Ads
- Identify Campaign Types on Google Display Ads
- Reach Users on Google Display Ads
- Increase Efficiency with Automated Bidding
- Deliver the Right Message on Google Display Ads
- Increase Conversions with Performance Planner
Google Search Ads Certification
The Google Search Ads certification verifies your ability to create effective Google search campaigns. Upon completing the certification, you’ll understand everything from ad extensions to bidding strategies.
The following courses are used to prepare for the certification:
- Grow Your Business with Google Ads
- Explore the Value of Google Search
- Understand the Google Ads Auction
- Deliver the Right Message with Text Ads
- Make Ads Relevant with Search Ad Extensions
- Increase Efficiency with Automated Bidding
- Reach Valued Customers with Search Audiences
- Boost Performance with Optimization Score
- Increase Conversion with Performance Planner
Google AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification
The Google AI-Powered Shopping Ads certification validates your ability to create and optimize Google Shopping campaigns. Upon completing the assessment, you’ll know how to:
- Use Showcase Shopping Ads to reach customers at the start of their journey
- Use Smart Shopping Campaigns
- Drive shoppers to your local store
The following courses are used to prepare for the exam:
- Grow Your Retail Business with Google
- Reach More Customers with Shopping Campaigns
- Drive Shoppers In-Store with Local Product Ads
- Promote Your Brand With Showcase Shopping Ads
- Grow Your Business with Google Ads
- Increase Efficiency with Automated Bidding
- Increase Conversions with Performance Planner
In total, there is close to two hours of course material.
Google Ads Measurement Certification
The Google Ads Measurement certification showcases your ability to evaluate and optimize your digital ad performance using different Google measurement solutions. Upon completion, you’ll know how to:
- Set up tracking to measure sales, downloads, leads, and other conversions
- Choose the best attribution model for your business goals
- Translate your marketing objectives into measurable actions
- Take action on the insights gleaned through conversion data
The following courses will help you prepare for the exam:
- Turn Business Objectives into Marketing Goals
- Assign Value to What’s Being Measured
- Evaluate Results and Take Action
- Get Acquainted with Conversion Tracking
- Set up Conversion Tracking to Meet Your Goals
- Analyze and Optimize Conversion Data
- Get to know Google My Business
- Why They Love Google Marketing Platform
All this adds up to close to 3.5 hours of course material.
Google Ads Video Certification
The Google Ads Video Certification validates your ability to plan and manage successful campaigns using YouTube and other Google Video advertising solutions. Upon completing the certification, you’ll know how to:
- Use YouTube audiences to improve ad relevancy
- Use video formats to increase brand awareness and drive actions
- Develop creative strategies for telling brand stories.
The following courses are used to prepare for the exam:
- Discover the Value of YouTube
- Connect with Your Audience on YouTube
- Know Video Ad Formats
- Explore Creative Essentials for YouTube
- Understand YouTube for Action
There is a total of over 2.5 hours of course material.
Google Ads Apps Certification
The Google Ads Apps certification shows you how to use Google App campaigns to deliver business impact. Upon completion of the certification, you’ll know how to:
- Create App campaigns to achieve specific marketing goals
- Use advanced strategies to elevate performance
- Improve app quality and discoverability
The following courses will help you prepare for the final assessment:
- Understand the app ecosystem
- Explore Google App Campaigns
- Define Your App Campaign Goal
- Measure What Matters in App Campaigns
- Begin with App Campaign Settings
- Finish with App Campaign Ad Groups and Assets
- The Role of the Marketer in App Campaigns
- Guide the Machine for a Better App Campaign
- Create and Refine Your App Campaign
- Understand Your App Campaign Results
- Optimize the App Experience
- Expand App Reach Across Markets
There is a total of 1.5 hours of course material.
Google Skillshop Alternatives
Google Skillshop is not the only online training option for marketers looking to boost their knowledge and skills.
Other online courses can help you learn about Google and other marketing platforms while earning a certification.
Here are some of the best alternatives to Google Skillshop.
Digital Marketing Courses
Digital marketing training courses allow you to quickly build the skills required for a successful digital marketing career.
They cover all major aspects of digital marketing, including:
- Content marketing
- SEO and keyword research
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing
- Paid advertisements
- Analytics
A structured education program lets you learn essential topics without wondering what to study next.
There is no shortage of free and paid digital marketing courses available. If you want to learn more, we’ve compiled a guide to the best digital marketing courses.
Digital Marketing Certifications
Upon completing the course requirements, certain online marketing courses award participants a digital marketing certificate.
Like the Skillshop certifications, digital marketing certifications can help boost your career. They validate your proficiency and help you stand out from competitors when looking for jobs or clients.
Digital marketing certificate programs are taught by experienced digital marketers and professional organizations. The more reputable the certification provider, the more valuable the certification.
Check out our guide to digital marketing certifications. It details the 10 best digital marketing certifications, including what the course entails and how much it costs.
Google Analytics Certifications
Google Analytics certifications show that you know how to use Google Analytics to analyze and act on data to improve your business’ performance.
With mastery of the platform, you’ll understand the following:
- Data collection
- Conversion and attribution
- Reports
- Metrics
- Dimensions
- How to configure properties and views
The Google Analytics Certification is available within Skillshop in the Analytics Academy.
There are two courses, each about an hour’s worth of material you’ll want to review to prepare for the exam.
The assessment consists of 70 questions. It has a 90-minute time limit, and you must score 80% to pass.
Google Ads Courses
Google Ads is a robust advertising platform, and separate courses provide more detail on the subjects covered in the Skillshop courses.
Good Google Ads courses will typically cover the following:
- How to set up and manage your accounting
- How to target the right keywords
- Bidding strategies
- Budget optimization
- How to create effective ad creatives
- Real-world examples of Google Ads campaigns
Here are some places you can find high-quality Google Ads courses:
- Udemy
- Alison
- Chartered Institute of Marketing
Meta Blueprint Certifications
Facebook Blueprint is a professional training and certification program run by Meta.
The courses cover the ins and outs of how to use the Facebook advertising platform.
The certifications are some of the most worthwhile digital marketing certifications you can pursue.
Here are the available Facebook Blueprint Certifications:
- Digital Marketing Associate
- Marketing Science Professional
- Creative Strategy Professional
- Media Planning Professional
- Media Buying Professional
- Marketing Developer
- Advanced Marketing Developer
- Advertising API Developer
Facebook Blueprint Courses are all free. On the other hand, the exams require a fee, which varies depending on the exam level. Professional exams cost $150, and associate exams cost $99.
The exam process is a bit more thorough than other digital marketing certifications. You must schedule an online proctored test or visit the closing testing center.
You won’t be able to have open materials like notes in your testing spaces during the exam.
The test is scored from 300 to 1,000. A score of 700 or higher is required to pass.
After you complete certification, you will receive a digital badge that you can showcase on platforms like Linkedin.
Google Professional Certificates
Google offers professional training and certifications for in-demand career fields.
Enrolling requires no experience, and you can learn the material at your own pace.
Professional certificates are available in the following categories:
- IT Support
- Data Analytics
- Project management
- UX Design
- Android Development
The courses for each certification are run through Coursera. They contain a mix of readings, videos, assessments, and hands-on activities.
To sign up for a certification program, you’ll need to enroll on the appropriate Coursera page.
All certifications offer a full seven-day free trial. After that, you pay a $49 monthly fee to access the courses.
Each certificate takes around six months to complete if you spend 10 hours a week learning. Because you are paying a recurring fee to access the courses, the quicker you complete the certification, the less it will cost.
Once you finish the course, you will receive an online certificate with a shareable link.
Google professional certificates can prove a valuable investment. Google reports that 82% of Career Certificate graduates have a positive career event, such as a new job or promotion, within six months.
Conclusion
Google Skillshop is a worthwhile platform for digital marketers seeking to bolster their careers.
The courses are easy to follow and provide in-depth analysis on how to use different Google solutions.
You can earn certifications in different areas of Google marketing, allowing you to validate your skills to employers or clients.
Plus, Skillshop is completely free. You can study the courses whenever you like, and there is no fee to take the certification exam.
You only need to sign up with your Google account and review the courses.
Whether you get Skillshop certified or not, there are plenty of online training tools for digital marketers to grow their knowledge.
