If you are curious about digital analytics and want to know the ins and outs of the Google Analytics platform, you might be wondering if Google Analytics certification is free.
The good news is that achieving certification is possible without breaking the bank.
In this article, we will cover what Google Analytics is, what Google Analytics certification is, the benefits of becoming certified, the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) exam, the topics covered in the certification exam, how to become certified, and how long the certification lasts.
With this comprehensive guide, you will have all the information you need to know to get started on your certification journey.
Lets dive in!
Short Answer
No, Google Analytics Certification is not free.
It is part of the Google Analytics Academy and costs $50 to take the exam.
The exam is an online, multiple-choice and open-book test that takes about 90 minutes to complete.
However, there are other free options available for those wanting to learn more about Google Analytics, such as the many tutorials and resources that are available online.
What is Google Analytics?
Google Analytics is a powerful web analytics tool that helps businesses measure and analyze the performance of their digital campaigns.
It can be used to analyze website traffic, track conversions, measure customer engagement, and more.
With Google Analytics, businesses can quickly gain insights into user behavior, customer preferences, and overall trends in their digital campaigns.
This data can then be used to inform decisions and optimize campaigns for better performance.
Google Analytics is a free service provided by Google, but businesses can also opt for additional features, such as custom reports, which come with a fee.
What is Google Analytics Certification?
Google Analytics certification is a form of recognition awarded to individuals who have successfully completed Google’s comprehensive online training program in data analysis and digital analytics.
The program is administered by Google Academy for Ads and is available to anyone with an Ads account.
The certification requires applicants to take the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) exam, which covers topics such as data analysis, digital analytics, and setting up goals and metrics.
Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals are awarded a certificate that is valid for 18 months.
Certification offers numerous benefits to those who seek it, such as a better understanding of data-driven marketing strategies, improved ability to analyze and report on data, and increased credibility among peers and employers.
It also provides the opportunity to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in digital analytics and data-driven marketing.
Google Analytics certification is a great way to stand out and set yourself apart from other marketers by demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in this field.
Having this certification on your resume or CV can give you an edge over other candidates and open doors to more job opportunities.
What are the Benefits of Becoming Google Analytics Certified?
When it comes to digital marketing, the Google Analytics certification is considered to be one of the most highly sought after skills. Becoming certified in this popular platform can open up a variety of opportunities, from helping businesses track their success to becoming a sought-after expert in the field. There are many benefits to becoming Google Analytics certified, including:
1. Demonstrated Expertise Being certified in Google Analytics shows potential employers and clients that you are an expert in this platform. It also demonstrates your commitment to staying up to date with the latest trends and features, as certification is only valid for 18 months.
2. Increased Earning Potential As Google Analytics certification is considered a highly sought after skill, it can open you up to higher-paying jobs, or even increase your rates as a freelancer.
3. Improved Efficiency Becoming certified in Google Analytics can help you improve your efficiency when it comes to collecting and analyzing data, as you will be more familiar with the platforms features and capabilities.
4. Better Understanding of Digital Marketing Through the Google Analytics certification exam, you will gain a better understanding of digital marketing and how to use data to drive better results.
5. Access to Advanced Features With the certification, you will gain access to more advanced features of Google Analytics, such as custom reports and advanced segmentation.
By obtaining the Google Analytics certification, you can give yourself a competitive edge in the digital marketing world.
Through the exam, you will gain a better understanding of the platform, increased earning potential, and access to more advanced features.
With the certification valid for 18 months, it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends and features in order to maintain your certification.
What Is the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) Exam?
The Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) Exam is an online assessment designed by Google to test a users knowledge of the Google Analytics platform.
The exam covers topics such as data analysis, digital analytics, and setting up goals and metrics.
It is comprised of 70 multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score of 80% or higher to achieve certification.
The exam is divided into four main sections: Data Analysis and Reporting, Digital Analytics Fundamentals, Implementation and Configuration, and Ecommerce and Conversion Funnel Analysis. In each section, users are tested on their ability to gather insights from data, create reports, and use the Google Analytics platform to analyze website performance.
The exam also tests users knowledge of digital marketing strategies, such as SEO and SEM, and their ability to set up goals and metrics in the Google Analytics platform.
Additionally, users must demonstrate their understanding of eCommerce and conversion funnel analysis in order to become certified.
By passing the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) Exam, users are able to earn a certification that is valid for 18 months.
This certification is a great way to demonstrate expertise in the Google Analytics platform and can be used to show potential employers or clients that the user has a thorough understanding of the platform and its capabilities.
What Topics Are Covered in the Google Analytics Certification Exam?
The Google Analytics IQ (Individual Qualification) exam covers a wide variety of topics related to data analysis, digital analytics, and setting up goals and metrics.
The exam includes multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of Google Analytics tools and features.
Some topics covered in the exam include data collection and configuration, reporting and analysis, and setting up goals and metrics.
You’ll also be tested on your understanding of user behavior, the types of data available in Google Analytics, and how to optimize your Google Analytics account for better tracking and reporting.
You’ll also need to know about data visualization and how to interpret the data in order to make informed decisions about your website.
Finally, you’ll need to be familiar with the different types of metrics available in Google Analytics, such as bounce rate, time on page, and conversion rate.
How Do You Become Certified?
Becoming certified in Google Analytics isn’t as difficult as you might think.
All it takes is a few simple steps and you’ll be on your way to becoming a certified Google Analytics expert.
The first step is to create a Google Ads account.
This will allow you to access the Google Academy for Ads, where you can take the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) exam.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as data analysis, digital analytics, and setting up goals and metrics.
After completing the exam, your results will be available immediately.
If you pass the exam, you will be given a certification that is valid for 18 months.
You can then use your certification to prove your expertise in Google Analytics and increase your chances of getting a job or promotion.
You can also use it to become a Google Analytics Certified Partner, which is a designation that is recognized and respected by many employers.
After 18 months, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification.
This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in Google Analytics.
It also ensures that your certification remains valid and useful.
So, to answer the question, yes, Google Analytics certification is free.
All you need is a Google Ads account, some time, and the willingness to learn.
With a little effort, you can become an expert in Google Analytics and take advantage of the many benefits that come with it.
How Long Does the Certification Last?
When it comes to Google Analytics certification, the individual qualification (IQ) exam is valid for 18 months.
After 18 months, the certification expires and individuals must retake the exam in order to maintain their certification.
It is important to note that the exam must be taken every 18 months in order to stay up-to-date with the latest Google Analytics features and best practices.
Once an individual has passed the exam, they will be given a digital badge to show off their accomplishment and a certificate to prove their expertise.
This certificate can be used to demonstrate Google Analytics proficiency to potential employers.
Additionally, it is a good practice to take the exam every 18 months to keep up with the latest industry trends and best practices.
Doing so will ensure that an individual’s knowledge and skills remain up-to-date and relevant.
Final Thoughts
Google Analytics Certification can be a great way to increase your knowledge and credibility in the digital analytics field.
With the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) exam, you can become certified in Google Analytics for free, through Google Academy for Ads.
The exam covers topics such as data analysis, digital analytics, and setting up goals and metrics.
After successful completion of the exam, individuals are given a certification that is valid for 18 months.
So, if you’re looking to become an expert in digital analytics and increase your value in the workplace, then becoming Google Analytics certified is a great way to start.