Google has introduced a professional certification for AdWords account managers, known as the Google Advertising Professional program. For a fee of US$50, Search Engine Marketers who meet a short list of requirements can take an extensive exam to acquire a QGAP certificate. The designation is likely to become a necessity for SEMs looking to manage client AdWords accounts in the future.
Search Engine Marketers displaying the QGAP designation on their websites will have passed a lengthy exam that tests their knowledge of virtually every facet and feature of the AdWords system. Additional requirements ensure that marketers displaying the QGAP certificate have a minimum of three months experience working with paid-advertising on Google. At least one account in this three month period must have a total spend of US$1000 or more.
Google’s Learning Center provides an amazing series of AdWords tutorials for people ready to challenge the exam. These tutorials should be viewed by anyone who is interested in AdWords advertising, even those who do not intend to seek QGAP certification. Running approximately 5-minutes each, the 26 animated FLASH tutorials cover all aspects of the AdWords system from the basics to advanced account management.
The QGAP certification program is a wise move on the part of Google as it shows the business community that they are able to regulate marketers working in their environment. With the paid search arena expanding so quickly, Google and competing search firms need to offer the business and investment community varying degrees of accountability, including control over who markets services based on their products. The program will also offers SEMs displaying the certificate a strong measure of credibility in the eyes of advertisers and should make it easier to charge viable fees for what is becoming an increasingly complex service.
Jim Hedger has written a widely read search marketing column for over five years. Co-host of Webcology on WebmasterRadio.FM, Jim is a writer and SEO consultant with Metamend Search Engine Marketing in Victoria BC.
Read other articles by Jim Hedger
