Is the Google Ads Course 1 Certification worth it today? Costs, salary & FAQ
If you want to manage paid search confidently or prove your skills to employers and clients Google’s own training and certification track is the clearest path. This article explains what the Google Ads Course 1 should cover, how certification works via Skillshop, the pros and cons, costs for Australian learners, and practical next steps. All facts below come from Google’s official documentation and training portals.
What is the Google Ads Course 1 Certification?
Google provides free, self‑paced training and formal exams through Skillshop, its official learning hub. You can learn at your own pace and get Google Ads certified across campaign types (Search, Display, Video, Shopping, and Apps).
Certification is a professional accreditation that Google awards to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the basic and advanced aspects of Google Ads. It’s accessible via the Skillshop → Google Ads Certifications area and is available in 22 languages.
For most marketers, the first stop is the Google Ads Search Certification. Its official learning path covers the ad auction, responsive search ads, and AI‑powered bidding (Smart Bidding) among other topics; the assessment validates your ability to build and optimise Search campaigns.
Why is the Google Ads Course 1 Certification so popular?
- It’s the official route: Skillshop is Google’s own training and certification platform, designed by product experts and kept current with product features so you’re learning straight from the source.
- It’s free to study and certify: Google states that Skillshop courses and certifications provide free online training, and you can return at any time to pick up where you left off.
- It supports career signals: Google explains that certifications help demonstrate your expertise and can count toward the Google Partners program requirements for an employer (Search, Display, Video, Shopping, Apps).
Is the Google Ads Course 1 Certification worth it today?
Yes especially if you manage campaigns or advise on performance marketing. Google notes that Ads certifications recognise you as an expert in online advertising, provide a personalised certificate, and can support your organisation’s Partner badge credentials when linked correctly.
Additionally, Google’s Search learning path now explicitly addresses AI‑powered Search campaigns and Smart Bidding strategies, ensuring your skills align with how the platform optimises in real time.
Pros of Google Ads Course 1 Certification
Job availability
Google describes certifications as professional accreditations recognised by industry and connected to the Partners program useful for agencies and in‑house teams.
Salary potential
Google doesn’t publish salary tables, but certification helps you signal expertise with a verifiable certificate/badge. Employers use certifications as part of hiring filters and agency requirements (Partners).
Global recognition
Exams and courses are delivered via Skillshop and the Google Ads Help ecosystem, available in multiple languages and accessible online worldwide.
Career pathways
After Search, you can stack more certifications: Display, Video, Shopping, Apps, Measurement, each with dedicated learning paths and assessments.
Cons of Google Ads Course 1 Certification
Cost considerations (Australia)
Training and exams are free through Skillshop, but plan for your time investment and possibly tooling costs (e.g., landing‑page testing or analytics setup). Google’s Help Centre confirms Skillshop is free to access for training and certification.
Evolving platform
Google Ads changes frequently (bidding strategies, asset formats, new campaign types). While Skillshop updates content, you’ll still need ongoing practice to keep up with releases and best practices.
Exam difficulty/time pressure
Google states you must achieve 80% or higher within 75 minutes for each assessment; if you don’t pass, you can retake one day later. There’s no pause function once the timer starts.
Where to begin to get your Google Ads Certification
- Create/Log into Skillshop
Set up your Skillshop account to access Google Ads courses and the certification assessments. - Follow the Search learning path
Complete modules on the auction, responsive search ads, ad strength, and AI‑powered bidding; then take the Search certification assessment. - Understand bidding strategies
Google’s Help Centre explains choosing a bid strategy based on goals (e.g., conversions with Smart Bidding, clicks with CPC, visibility with Target Impression Share, views for video). - Set up measurement correctly
Link Google Ads with Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to see what users do after clicking your ads; GA4 supports event‑based measurement, privacy controls, and direct integrations that improve ROAS insights. - Know the policies
Review Google’s Advertising Policies for prohibited content, restricted practices, and editorial/technical standards to avoid disapprovals or account issues.
Key topics covered in Google Ads Course 1 (aligned to Google’s learning paths)
- How the ad auction works (Ad Rank, signals, assets; foundation to all optimisation).
- Responsive Search Ads & Ad Strength (creating relevant ads, testing assets).
- Smart Bidding (Target CPA/ROAS, Maximise Conversions/Value) with auction‑time optimisation.
- Keyword & audience strategies (intent targeting combined with audience signals).
- Performance tooling (Recommendations, optimisation score, planning).
- Measurement & GA4 linking (event‑based analytics, ROAS improvement via Ads↔GA4 integrations).
- Policies & editorial standards (quality criteria, enforcement, appeals).
Is a Google Ads certification enough to get a job?
It’s a strong signal, but employers want applied results: case studies, live account improvements, and clean measurement. Certification provides the baseline competency recognised by Google, especially valued in agency roles (Partners program), but pair it with demonstrable lifts in CPA, ROAS, or lead quality.
Is Google Ads Course 1 worth it in Australia?
Yes because it’s free, self‑paced, and globally recognised. You can train and certify online, then apply skills directly in Australian markets. Google’s Help Centre confirms Skillshop’s free access and certification pathways, making it low‑risk and high‑signal for local practitioners.
Does having a Google Ads certification pay well?
Google doesn’t set pay scales, but certifications help you signal expertise and may be used by employers (or clients) during hiring and vetting. Certification plus measurable performance outcomes is what typically moves compensation.
Is the Google Ads certification very difficult?
The content breadth is manageable with Skillshop’s structured modules. The main challenge is the assessment conditions you must score 80%+ within 75 minutes, with no timer pause. Practical account experience makes the exam significantly easier.
Is certification stressful?
It can be especially if you rush. Reduce stress by following the official Search learning path, completing practice activities, and rehearsing topics like Smart Bidding and responsive ads before you sit the exam.
How many fail?
Google doesn’t publish failure rates. The official guidance focuses on readiness and retakes (you can retake after one day if you don’t pass).
The future of paid search jobs in Australia
While Google doesn’t provide local job forecasts, their official training highlights AI‑powered bidding and event‑based measurement through GA4 the direction modern accounts are heading. Strength in Smart Bidding, creative assets, and privacy‑aware analytics will remain critical for Australian performance teams.