A realistic three-week plan at a few hours per week. All the training is free on Google Skillshop, and a real or test Google Ads account makes the concepts concrete. Compress this if you already run Search campaigns.
| Week | Focus | Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Search fundamentals, the auction, keywords and match types | You can explain Ad Rank and the three match types |
| 2 | Campaign build, responsive search ads and Smart Bidding | You can pick a Smart Bidding strategy for a goal |
| 3 | Measurement, conversion tracking + timed review | You can set up conversions and read key metrics |
Final tips
Bidding and measurement are where most people slip, so weight your time there in week 3. The Skillshop Search learning path is the only official material and is enough on its own, but practising in a real or test account turns definitions into experience. The pass mark is 80%, and retakes are free after a short wait - so do not over-prepare. Avoid third-party “exam answer” sites; they breach Google’s terms.