Google Analytics is the most well-known and widely-used analytics software in the industry.
However, it can still take time to get familiar with the platform.
With so many data visualizations and reporting options, it can take you a lot of time to find the best way to use Google Analytics to its full potential.
There are a few ways to solve this:
- Hire individuals that are already Google Analytics certified.
- Attempt to figure out analytics on your own without certification.
- Get someone on your team certified.
For most, option 3 is the quickest and most cost-effective option to make the most of analytics in the long run.
Google Analytics certification gives you an invaluable tool to improve your marketing, better serve your target audience, and increase your customer base.
What follows is a walk-through of the certification process and some of the biggest benefits of being certified.
The Certification Process
Step 1: Sign up for Google Partners
The first step you need to take is to sign up for Google Partners, because you have to be a Partner in order to take the GAIQ.
This in itself can be a career booster, because Google Partners comes with a badge that shows you’re certified in different areas of Google (providing you pass the content exams). Others will see your badge and recognize you as an expert.
In June 2021, Google Partners will be offering a new “Google Partners Badge” that will be offered to users and companies that meet the new requirements.
To receive the new badge, accounts will need to meet new thresholds in the three different categories:
- Performance.
- Spend.
- Certification.
Within the performance category, the Ads manager must have a minimum optimization score of 70%. An account must spend $10,000 over the course of 90 days. And at least 50% of account strategists must be Google Analytics certified.
If the business achieves the new standards, the account will achieve the new badge that proves their skill and expertise within the Google Analytics program.
Being certified in Google Analytics will make you more marketable to companies looking to receive the Google Partners Badge.
In short, definitely take this first step.
Step 2: Take the GAIQ Exam
Technically the next step after signing up for Partners is to take the exam, but unless you’re already an expert in Google Analytics, we recommend doing some studying in between steps 1 and 2.
At least take the time to learn about the exam – how it’s broken up, time limits, question formats, etc. (which we’ll explain below).
Search Engine Journal’s Google Analytics guide is a great starting-off point for anyone looking to learn more about Google Analytics.
Thankfully, Google offers IQ courses in order to teach people about their programs and to help prepare them for these certification exams.
These courses are targeted at everyone from beginners to the most experienced users, so there’s something for everyone.
We recommend reviewing material from the following courses (but you should tailor the study material to your skillset – no need to start at the beginning if you’re already an advanced user):
- Google Analytics for Beginners.
- Advanced Google Analytics.
- Google Analytics for Power Users.
- Getting Started with Google Analytics 360.
You can access the courses here.
