What, Who, Where, When, Why--Google Partners

After last week's guest speaker, I wanted to find out more on how to become a certified Google Adwords user. Considering I have hopes on starting my own agency, one that focuses on the online advertising and analytics, I felt that being able to say that I am a Google Partner would only be beneficial to my brand.

What is Google Partners?

"Google Partners is Google’s platform for agencies, online marketing consultants and other web professionals who want to get the most out of their relationship with Google. Members receive exclusive access to a range of benefits including live training events, industry insights, extra support, promotional offers, beta test opportunities, professional networking and other tools designed just for agencies."

Who can join Google Partners?

"Anyone can join Google Partners. However, the program is specially designed to support agencies and web professionals who help advertisers with AdWords and other Google advertising solutions. Qualifying companies can achieve Google Partner status, earn the Google Partner badge, and receive leads from Google Partner Search."

Where can I sign up to be a Google Partner? <-- Link!

When do I officially become a certified Google Adwords user/Google Partner?

"To become Adwords or video advertising certified as a Google Partner, whether as an individual or as a company, you need to pass two out of the three tests:

Personal Screenshot

 Advertising Fundamentals: This test is a required test for all aspiring Google Partners. It consists of 90 questions with a time limit of 120 minutes. To pass, a user must score an 85% or higher. To prepare, Google provides 11 lessons that range from videos to PDFs.

Advanced Search: 98 questions in 120 minutes with an 80% passing score; 9 lessons to study from. 

Advanced Display: 88 questions in 120 minutes with a 70% passing score; 4 lessons to study from."

Why become a Google Partner? 

"With Partner status, your agency can get recognized as a trusted business partner by Google and by clients.

Partner status also gives agencies access to the Partner badge and Google Partner Search, helping to generate new client leads. Google Partner Search is a tool that AdWords advertisers can use to search for professionals to manage their accounts."