Google Analytics is a powerful tool and knowing how to use it can be very useful! The Google Analytics Individual Qualification, or GAIQ, demonstrates expertise in Google Analytics. To earn this certification, you must pass the GAIQ exam. This can seem a little daunting but do not worry, by following these tips you will be certified in no time.

What to Expect from the Exam

You can access the GAIQ exam through Google Skillshop and it is free to take. You have 90 minutes to answer 70 multiple choice or true/false questions, and you will need a minimum 56 correct answers to achieve the 80% and above required to pass. Once you have passed, your certification will remain valid for 12 months.

Preparing for the Exam

Take Advantage of the Study Material

Once you have registered, you can access the exam study guide with links to the Google Analytics Academy courses “Google Analytics for Beginners” and “Advanced Google Analytics”. Both courses have four units with an assessment at the end. They are comprised of video lessons, guided tours, and activities.

Going through these lessons is the most effective way to familiarise yourself with the topics that will be on the exam and your scores on the assessments will give you an idea of which sections you need to brush up on. If you want to feel even more prepared, you can read the articles provided in the ‘read further’ section of each unit or explore some of the other courses that Google Analytics Academy offers.

Space Out Your Preparation

The courses recommended by the study guide allow you to complete them at your own pace so give yourself time to review the material properly. Try to cover one unit at a time and make notes to help you digest the information. It can be hard to motivate yourself to study so try to block out study sessions on your calendar and hold yourself accountable.

Get Some Hands-On Experience

The questions on the GAIQ exam are a mix of theory based and practical questions which check your understanding of features available in Google Analytics. The best way to prepare for these questions is to get some hands on experience testing features and reports on a real Google Analytics account.

If you do not have a company Google Analytics account, you can gain access to the Google Merchandise Store demo account via the Analytics Academy courses. The Google Analytics YouTube channel also has several videos of walkthroughs of the interface.

During The Exam

Avoid Interruptions

When you feel ready to take the exam make sure you block out 90 minutes in a quiet place. Try to ensure you have no interruptions because once you have started the exam you cannot pause it.

Use Resources

You may find it useful to have your Google Analytics account open in a second browser tab while you’re taking the exam. If you get stuck on a question you can try to get the information directly from the interface.

Don’t Panic

The most important tip is to not panic! You have plenty of time to answer all the questions, even if you take a little longer on some of the more difficult questions, don’t rush. Remember that you cannot skip a question and come back to it or make changes to questions you’ve already answered so read every question carefully.

Good luck!

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