AdWords Search Exam gets an update: What you’ll need to know

By Ginny Marvin

Published: March 23, 2016 at 9:55 am

This month, Google refreshed the AdWords Search Advertising exam to bring it up to date with newer platform features and industry trends. This is one of the Google Partners tests that goes toward AdWords certification — AdWords Fundamentals being the other.

So what’s new in the latest Search Advertising exam? We asked Google for a a rundown, and here’s a list of some of the new topics that are now included:

search advertising trends;
call-only ads;
mobile ads (app extensions, mobile app installs, mobile app engagement);
remarketing lists for search ads (RLSA);
enhanced cost-per-click (ECPC), flexible bid strategies;
auction insights, paid and organic report, segments;
cross-device conversions; and
opportunities tab.

The format hasn’t changed. There are still 100 questions and a 120-minute time limit, and to pass, you’ll need a score of at least 80 percent.

The study guide and refresher guide have both been updated to include the new exam content, so never fear if you’re coming up for renewal or planning to take the exam for the first time.

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Editorial disclosure

Contributing authors are chosen for their expertise and work under the oversight of the editorial staff. Search Engine Land is owned by Semrush. The contributor was not asked to mention Semrush; the opinions expressed are their own.

About the author

Ginny Marvin

Ginny Marvin was Third Door Media’s former Editor-in-Chief (October 2018 to December 2020), running the day-to-day editorial operations across all publications and overseeing paid media coverage. Ginny Marvin wrote about paid digital advertising and analytics news and trends for Search Engine Land, MarTech and MarTech Today. With more than 15 years of marketing experience, Ginny has held both in-house and agency management positions. She can be found on Twitter as @ginnymarvin.