How To Get Google Ads Certification and Why Agencies Require It

If you’ve ever wondered why some agencies require their team to be Google Ads certified, here’s the truth: it’s not just about having fancy credentials. It’s a power move to qualify for something even bigger—Google Partner status.

Let’s break down why Google Ads certification matters and what it unlocks for agencies.

Blog Outline:

What It Takes to Become a Google Partner
Why Agencies Require Certification
What’s So Great About Google Partner Status?

What It Takes to Become a Google Partner

To qualify as a Google Partner, an agency needs to meet three major criteria:

Google Ads Manager Account (MCC) - This is the central hub where agencies manage multiple client accounts.
Minimum Spend Requirement - The agency must manage at least $10,000 USD in ad spend across accounts over a 90-day period.
Performance & Certification Standards
1. Google looks at optimization scores and campaign best practices.
2. AND at least 50% of account strategists (users managing ads in the account) must be Google Ads certified through Skillshop.
3. At least one user must be certified in Search Ads—but more certifications (e.g. Display, Video, Shopping) strengthen the agency’s profile.

Why Agencies Require Google Ads Certification

So when agencies push for certification, here’s what’s really going on:

It helps hit the 50% requirement to qualify as a Google Partner.
It ensures their team knows how to run campaigns that perform.
It’s a form of quality control and client protection.
It positions the agency to scale smarter and serve better.

What’s So Great About Google Partner Status?

Becoming a Google Partner unlocks major advantages:

Credibility: The Partner badge tells clients, "We know what we’re doing."
Access to Betas: Agencies can test new features before public release.
Dedicated Support: Google offers reps and faster response times.
Sales Enablement: Agencies can co-brand materials with Google, which helps close deals.

In short: requiring Google Ads certification isn’t just about learning—it’s about leveraging that learning to build a stronger business.

Get Certified Today

Disclaimer:

Digital Marketing Unicorn does not provide Google Certification but we provide Certificates for students attending our workshops.

Certificate vs Certification: What’s the Difference?

Certificate (noun) - A certificate is what you receive after completing a course or training.

Think: “Proof of attendance or completion.”
It shows you took part in an educational program, but it doesn’t necessarily prove mastery or competence.

Example: You took a 2-hour Google Ads bootcamp and got a certificate of completion at the end.

It’s like getting a diploma for attending class. You showed up, you finished, but no one tested your expertise to an industry standard.

Certification (noun) - A certification is a formal credential awarded by a governing body or certifying authority after you’ve passed an assessment or exam.

Think: “Proof of proficiency and verified skills.”
Certification usually requires passing a standardized test that validates your knowledge.
It also often expires or requires renewal (to prove you’re staying up-to-date).

Example: You pass the official Google Ads Search Certification exam through Skillshop and become Google Ads Certified.

It’s like getting licensed to drive—you don’t just show up, you prove you can operate the vehicle safely.