Marketing Certification
How to Verify a Google Ads Certification
Verify Google Ads certifications (Search, Display, Shopping, Video, Measurement) through Google Skillshop and the Google Partner badge. Understand what Google Ads certifications prove, expiration rules, and a credentialing checklist for digital marketing hiring.
Quick answer
Google Ads certifications are verified via the candidate's Google Skillshop profile link or a Credly digital badge. There is no centralized public lookup by name — the candidate must share their Skillshop profile URL or badge link. Certifications expire after 1 year and must be renewed annually by retaking the assessment. Confirm the specific certification type and expiration date.
Google Ads certification types
Google issues separate certifications for each Ads product. A candidate certified in Google Ads Search is not certified in Google Ads Display unless they have separately earned that certification:
| Certification | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Google Ads Search | Keyword targeting, search campaigns, bidding, ad copy |
| Google Ads Display | Display Network, audience targeting, remarketing |
| Google Ads Shopping | Shopping campaigns, Merchant Center, product ads |
| Google Ads Video | YouTube advertising, video campaign formats |
| Google Ads Measurement | Conversion tracking, attribution, Google Analytics integration |
| Google Ads Apps | App campaign management and promotion |
For roles managing paid search, confirm the Google Ads Search certification specifically. For e-commerce roles, confirm Google Ads Shopping. For full-funnel roles, confirm multiple relevant certifications — they do not automatically stack.
How to verify via Skillshop profile
Google Skillshop is the platform where all Google Ads certifications are earned and stored. Verification requires the candidate to share their profile:
- Ask the candidate to share their public Skillshop profile URL (found in their Skillshop account settings under “Share Profile”)
- Open the profile link — it displays all earned certifications, their names, and expiration dates
- Confirm the certification name matches what was claimed (e.g., “Google Ads Search” not just “Google Ads”)
- Confirm the expiration date is in the future — Google Ads certs expire after exactly 1 year from the date passed
If the candidate cannot share a Skillshop profile link, ask for the Credly badge URL instead. Both methods provide verified third-party confirmation of the certification.
Credly badge verification
Google issues Credly digital badges for Skillshop certifications. When a candidate shares a Credly badge link:
- Click the badge link to view the Credly badge page
- Confirm the issuer shows Google (issued by Google LLC or Skillshop)
- Confirm the earner name matches the candidate
- Confirm the specific certification title (Search, Display, Shopping, etc.)
- Check the expiration date — Google Ads Credly badges display the expiration date
Google Partner and Premier Partner status
Google Partners is an agency-level program, not an individual certification. Google Partner agencies must have employees with active Google Ads certifications and meet spend thresholds and performance requirements.
An individual stating they “work at a Google Partner agency” does not mean they personally hold a Google Ads certification. Always verify the individual's Skillshop profile for personal certification status — not the agency's Partner status.
Red flags
- Claiming “Google Certified” on a resume without a Skillshop profile link or Credly badge — ask for verification
- Google Ads certifications listed with no expiration date — all Google Ads certs expire in 1 year; if the candidate cannot provide an expiration, the cert may be fabricated or expired
- Listing a Google Ads certification from more than 1 year ago without renewal — confirm the recertification date
- Conflating Google Analytics certification with Google Ads certification — these are separate Skillshop certifications
Verification checklist
- 1. Request the candidate's public Skillshop profile URL or Credly badge link
- 2. Confirm the specific certification name — Google Ads Search, Display, Shopping, etc. as required for the role
- 3. Confirm the expiration date is in the future — all Google Ads certifications expire after 1 year
- 4. Confirm the earner name on the badge matches the candidate's identity
- 5. Do not accept Google Partner agency status as a substitute for individual certification verification
Verify marketing and business degree accreditation
Digital marketing professionals often hold degrees in marketing, communications, or business. Use VerifyED to confirm that a candidate's degree program was from a regionally accredited institution and that the school is not a diploma mill.
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