On Google Certification. Is it worth it for your business?

Google’s new certification requirements: what you need to know

If you’re considering taking the Google Ads Certification exam, be prepared for stricter testing conditions.

Google now requires online proctoring via Honorlock, meaning:

• You must record yourself during the exam
• A valid photo ID is required
• A quiet, distraction-free space is mandatory
• No notes, headphones or second screens allowed

Live proctors monitor the exam via webcam and screen-sharing, and suspicious activity (like looking away) could flag your test for review.

While this adds an extra layer of security, it also makes certification more exclusive, meaning when you work with a certified Google Ads expert, you know you’re getting real, proven PPC knowledge.

Should your business invest in Google Certification?

The value of Google Certification depends on your goals.

• For individuals – it enhances career potential and prospects, making you more competitive in the digital marketing space.
• For businesses – it ensures in-house marketers understand PPC best practices, improving campaign efficiency..

If you’re looking for immediate, high-performing Google Ads results, hiring a certified Google Ads agency is the way to go.

Not sure if you should train your team or outsource PPC? See how our certified Google Ads specialists drive real ROI through strategic campaign management. 

How many times can you take the Google Certification exam?

Unlike some professional certifications, Google Ads Certification allows multiple attempts:

• Fail? No problem. You can retake the exam after 24 hours.
• No limit on retakes. You can try as many times as needed.
• Valid for 1 year. You’ll need to recertify annually to stay Google-certified.

For professionals managing PPC campaigns daily, passing the test is straightforward. 

But for businesses, the question remains: is in-house training worth the investment, or is outsourcing to certified experts the smarter choice?

How long does it take to get certified?

Certification times vary based on experience:

• Beginners: 6–12 hours per module + study time
• Intermediate Marketers: 3–6 hours
• Experienced PPC Pros: 1–2 hours

Each exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, with a 75-minute time limit.

While individuals can self-study via Google Skillshop, businesses often find that hiring a certified Google Ads PPC agency delivers faster, more cost-effective results than training an in-house team from scratch.

Is Google Certification worth it?

For digital marketers, freelancers, and PPC professionals, Google Ads Certification is a credibility booster that opens doors to more job opportunities and client projects.

For businesses looking to scale quickly, hiring a certified Google Ads team offers an immediate competitive advantage.

With expertise, data-driven strategies, and ongoing optimisation, a certified agency delivers high-performance PPC campaigns from day one.

Need a team of experts to manage your Google Ads? Let’s talk. At HeightOn, we don’t just manage PPC – we master it.

At HeightOn, our Google-certified team runs high-performing PPC campaigns that deliver measurable ROI. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, optimise ad spend, or unlock Google Ads’ full potential, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen.

Get in touch today and let’s supercharge your Google Ads strategy – with certified expertise that drives real results. If you’re ready to stop wasting budget on underperforming ads and start seeing real PPC growth, let’s talk.