New Google AdWords Fundamentals Exam
Recently Google rolled out their new tests for advertising professionals. There are now four different tests to take in order to become fully certified.
- Google Advertising Fundamentals Exam
- Search Advertising Advanced Exam
- Display Advertising Advanced Exam (Not available yet)
- Reporting & Analytics Advanced Exam (Not available yet)
Google Advertising Fundamentals Exam was the one I took first. When you sign in to take the test you are now required to download Google’s Chrome browser. Chrome will freeze your computer. So you can’t access anything (including email) when taking it.
The new version of this exam, although called “Fundamentals” is much more advance than the previous GAP exam. It definitely dives into a lot about the new interface as well as the new mobile and video technology that is currently out there. While there are a lot of study materials through Google’s new AgencyLand, you will want to review that material along with keeping up with the new interface. Also, this exam really focuses on the agency and not just an individual running an advertising campaign. A lot of what is on the exams deals with the application of AdWords towards a client.
You will have 120 minutes to take the exam. This really allows you to take your time when reviewing questions that might appear to be similar but are vastly different when you really read it. You are able to “mark” a particular question that you may want to review at the end of the exam. Also, you are able to comment at the end of each question.
When I passed my exam it exclaimed “Congratulations You Passed!” The only problem was, however, that I wasn’t able to see exactly which area I excelled in and which area I could have improved. Let’s be honest, I didn’t get 100% so there are areas where I could improve. Although I understand Google’s principle in not giving away all the answers, I would still like to have an understanding of where I could improve, because I will be taking this exam in approximately 18 months when my certification expires again.
Good luck to all those taking their certifications exams now!
~Jennifer
on March 9th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Hi Jennifer,
I recently took the Fundamentals Exam as well. I found many questions related to location and language targeting.
Shawn Livengood also has a good article related to the exam:
http://ppcwithoutpity.com/so-youre-thinking-about-adwords-certification/
Thanks for the insight!
on March 10th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Great article Jennifer,
Personally I welcome the new format Google have introduced and the new tougher Fundamentals exam – anything that gives the “Google Professional” status more credibility is a good thing!
on March 11th, 2010 at 4:31 am
Hi Jennifer,
Congrats on passing the exam! It is a bit of a “pain in the butt” not knowing where you lost your points, especially for the conscientious amongst us. I used http://www.ipassexam.com to prepare for my exam…. and their mock papers do show you where your knowledge gaps are. maybe a bit late for you now, but def worth a try next year.
on March 22nd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Congrats on the pass! It is certainly not a breeze anymore. A minimum of 85% really ensures that test-takers are PPC whizzes! I recently wrote a very informative Google AdWords Exam Blog, which details all the recent changes and modifications to the test. Check it out here: http://www.trimarksolutions.com/inside/tips-tools/google-adwords-exam-tips-from-an-adwords-qualified-individual/
on June 13th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Jennifer, thanks for the tips and overview of the process. I tried the AgencyLand link you gave but it looks like it’s for existing advertising professionals. I know they have a ton of other resources though so I will check those out. Thanks again.
on June 28th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hi Jennifer
Congrats on passing, if you wanted to see your strengths and weaknesses your could use our service at iPassExam. If your doing the new exams (Reporting & Analysis, etc), drop me a line and ill organise reviewer access (no strings attached
Re: Rebecca
Thanks for your kind words regarding http://www.ipassexam.com (we aim to please).
Practise makes perfect
Courtenay Probert
on July 16th, 2010 at 6:21 am
I just passed Google Adwords Fundamental Exam & Search Advertising Advanced Exam! I have the material from the exam fresh in my head, so if there are any SEM’s, SEO’s or account managers looking to take the exam within the next week contact me via email for pointers, relevant material, and hints on what to focus on.
creativeoptimizations@gmail.com
Jerold Hawkins