What topics are on the SEARCH-ADVERTISING exam?

Grow Your Business with Google Ads 15%

1.1

Google Ads Campaign Goals and Objectives

2 subtopics

1.1.1Business Goals Alignment

1.1.2Google Ads Principles

Learning Objectives

Convert brand's online marketing vision into coherent digital marketing strategy
Create Google Search strategy aligned with wider marketing plans
Design plans to increase sales, leads, or site traffic using Google Search

1.2

Campaign Types and Networks

1 subtopics

1.2.1Campaign Types

Learning Objectives

Select appropriate campaign types for specific marketing objectives
Understand where ads appear for each campaign type

Domain Hands-on Skills

Setting up Google Ads accountCreating first campaignSetting budgets and bids

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Misaligning campaign type with business goals
Not tracking conversions properly
Setting unrealistic budgets

Explore the Value of Google Search 12%

Keywords and Match Types 18%

Google Ads Auction and Ad Quality 15%

Ad Creation and Extensions 20%

Smart Bidding and Automation 10%

Audience Solutions 10%

How do I earn the Google Ads Search Certification certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Google Ads

Prerequisites

noneNo formal prerequisitesOptional

Next Steps

google-ads-measurementGoogle Ads Measurement Certification
google-analytics-4Google Analytics 4

Current Level

google-ads-searchGoogle Ads SearchCore
google-ads-displayGoogle Ads DisplayParallel
google-ads-videoGoogle Ads VideoParallel
google-ads-shoppingShopping AdsParallel
google-ads-appsGoogle Ads AppsParallel

Alternative Paths

google-ads-creativeGoogle Ads Creative Certification
google-marketing-platformCampaign Manager 360
google-ai-powered-performanceAI-Powered Performance Ads

Career Progression

Entry Level

Digital Marketing Assistant

Mid Level

PPC Specialist / SEM Manager

Senior Level

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

Expert Level

Head of Paid Search / Director of Digital Marketing

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Retake and pass the certification examMust recertify before expiration to maintain status

How do I study for the SEARCH-ADVERTISING Exam?

Practice the Google Ads Search Certification with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Study Tips

Create a demo account to practice hands-on
Focus on understanding Smart Bidding strategies
Master Responsive Search Ads creation
Understand all ad extension types
Practice with Performance Planner
Review Quality Score factors thoroughly

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Performance Max2025

Increasing focus on cross-channel automation

Released: 2025-01-01

AI-Powered Search2025

New questions on AI optimization features

Released: 2024-11-01

Responsive Search AdsEnhanced 2025

Default ad type with new optimization features

Released: 2024-10-01

Industry Trends

AI and machine learning becoming mandatory for competitive performance
Visual elements increasingly important in search ads
Privacy-first targeting replacing third-party cookies
Cross-channel integration through Performance Max
Automation reducing need for manual campaign management

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

On-the-job experience using Google Ads
Familiarity with online advertising concepts
Experience managing different types of Google Ads campaigns
Basic understanding of digital marketing

Experience Level: Intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$[object Object] USD
Testing Centers	Google Skillshop
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	1 year
Recertification	Retake and pass the certification assessment Assessment must be retaken before expiration date

Google Ads Search Certification

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details