When I hear the word, “cookies,” I generally think of warm, gooey homemade chocolate chip cookies. But when it comes to passing the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) test, I had to put my cravings for Mrs. Fields’ Nibblers aside and learn about the differences between first-party and third-party cookies.
Cookies are just one of the many topics covered on the exam, and passing can be a daunting task, especially for those unfamiliar with the program and its ever-changing features. The GAIQ test is one of the best ways to become a more knowledgeable user and deepen your understanding of Google Analytics. For those to new to GA or seeking additional tips & tricks, check out our Google Analytics Guide. Studying for the exam can be a fun process, and I would like to offer some advice so that you can pass as well.
The GAIQ Test
The test is limited to 90 minutes, consisting of 70 multiple choice questions with two to five answer choices. The trickiest part is that some questions ask you to select "all that apply," which means there can be up to 24 possible answer combinations for those questions (assuming you have to select one answer). The test can be accessed at the Google Testing Center, and each sitting costs $50. During the test, you have the ability to pause and come back anytime within the next five days. Although the questions vary in difficulty, it's an open book exam. The pass mark is 80%, which means you must answer at least 56 out of 70 questions correctly.
Preparing for the Exam
All the topics and content covered on the exam are available through Google’s Google Analytics IQ Lessons, formerly known as Conversion University, which consists of online lessons that are freely available for viewing at your leisure. There are 21 different presentations that are easily digestible and will last a total of roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes. However, these presentations move fairly quickly, so I recommend pausing and taking notes that you can use during the exam. A rough outline of topics is listed below:
- Accounts & Profiles
- Interface Navigation
- Tracking Code
- Interpreting Reports
- Traffic Sources
- Campaign Tracking & AdWords Integration
- AdWords
- Goals
- Funnels
- Filters
- Advanced Segments
- Cookies
- Regular Expressions
- E-Commerce Tracking
- Domains & Subdomains
- Custom Reports
- Motion Charts
- Internal Site Search
- Event Tracking & Virtual Page views
The GAIQ lessons are the best way to study for the test and should be your starting point. I recommend watching each video at least twice, and using your own Google Analytics profile in tandem with the videos, to practice and walk through each lesson to make sure you understand the topics. It is important to note that there have been many changes to Google Analytics over the past year, and Google has updated its exam in January 2012. The fundamental material covered on the exam has stayed the same, but if you are still using the old version of Analytics, you may want to get used to the new version and all of its new features before taking the exam.
I would not be surprised if Google started asking questions on features that are only available in the new version (multi-channel funnels, real-time analytics, social plugin analytics, and flow visualization). Also, there is always a chance that Google has made an update, but hasn’t changed the test question or GAIQ lesson videos. For example, the “__utmc” cookie is no longer used by the Google Analytics tracking code to determine session status, but it is still mentioned in the GAIQ lessons and could still be asked about on the exam as one of the cookies that Google sets. When in doubt, I would answer questions like this based on whatever has been taught in the GAIQ lessons. It is more likely that Google would not change the test without updating the videos first.
When Taking the Exam
For a “pass-the-exam” strategy, the most important thing to remember is to keep moving. Answer all of the easy questions first and don’t get tied down by any one question. You have roughly 1 minute and 16 seconds to answer each question, so if you answer all of the easy ones first, you can judge how much time you have left to finish the remaining, tougher questions. You have the ability to mark questions, answer them, or leave them incomplete. A good strategy is to answer the easy ones, mark the questions that require some research, and leave the questions you have absolutely no idea about blank. That way, during your second run-through, you can review all marked questions first and do the most difficult questions last. I feel safe in assuming that all questions are weighted equally in the score and that there is no penalty for guessing incorrectly.
During the test, I recommend having the following resources open on your computer: Google Analytics IQ Lessons, an Analytics account, the Google Help Center, and Jens Sorensen’s test notes. There will be some questions that require research, so keep these resources close.
Practice Problems
I’ve included some original practice problems with solutions that will help you get ready for the exam. These problems are meant to challenge you, but do not necessarily represent how Google will test you on these topics. These problems should be a final test to take after watching all of the GAIQ lessons. They are available for download in the link below :-)
Passing the Exam
If you pass, Google sends you an email with an official certificate showing that you have passed the exam. The certificate is valid for 18 months from the date of the passed exam. Google does not give you the results for each question, but it lists the percentage of questions you answered correctly, and the four most missed topics on your exam.
Sometimes, the difference between passing and failing can be a matter of how you interpret some of Google’s questions. They can be quite tricky, so be sure to pay attention to detail on every question. If you fail, you may take the exam again, but you have to wait 14 days and can only take it twice within a 30-day period. You have to pay the $50 fee for each sitting, so do your best to pass it the first time.
If you’ve taken the exam, we’d love to hear your thoughts and study tips. Or if you have any other questions, please leave a comment!
Best of luck!
Great post! You provided all the resources I used when I took and passed the exam. Those practice problems are nice resource too!
Just my two cents:
The test isn't extremely difficult as long as you have been using Google Analytics for a while, however some topics can't be mastered through just using GA and require a lot of studying. I found that the test focused heavily on these topics when I took it:
Cookies
Filters/Profiles
Cross domain tracking
Event tracking/Goals/Funnels
Campaign variables
It is very theoretical, trying to ensure you understand when to use event tracking or when to use a goal for example. Or which campaign variables should be used in certain situations and how that will affect your reports. Having a complete understanding of how these things affects your reporting and segmenting of data is really the key.
My test focus on the same areas. If I remember correctly, I didn't have a single questions about RegEx on my test, which I was probably most concerned about going into it.
I can imagine some really simple questions like, "What function does backslash have in RegEx?" But I doubt you'll see anything complicated like writing a string to exclude a range of IP addresses.
I totally agree, basically the same thing happened to me. I spent all this time studying RegEx and I swear there wasn't even one question on it.
If you're thinking of taking the GAIQ test, or even if you just want a Google Analytics workout, check out the Google Analytics Test at https://www.googleanalyticstest.com.
You can choose to focus on one or more of the 27 topic areas (including SEO!), and you can choose how many questions you want.
It's absolutely free, and you don't even have to sign up (although it's recommended - more features available).
Full disclosure: I developed the site, and worked with a great team to post the 166 questions currently available in the question pool.
The test is very challenging. If you take the time to review and understand the detailed answer explanations, you should be well prepared for the GAIQ.
Here's my call to action:
Check it out!!!
Thanks Eric for the link,
Your guide is really awesome. Even you are providing which answers were wrong & the explanation to it. I just taken 20 questions test & they really tested my knowledge in GA.
Kudos to you!!
That test is great! I like that you can take it in "anonymous" mode without having to sign in, create an account, etc, but you still get to look at the detailed explanations for each question you answered right or wrong.
There are some seriously obscure questions in there, but it's a great workout.
A great resource Eric! Many thanks for sharing.
Hi!
I just passed the QAQI Test and I have to say that the googlenalyticstest.com was extremely helpful!
If you are thinking about taking the test, I urge you to use it. Great resource along side everything else that has been mentioned here.
Julio
I'd like thank everyone for the positive feedback and mention that there are now 225 questions total available in the test, along with new comment threads that help to clarify additional points.
The Google Analytics Tip of the Day blog, another resource that can help with GAIQ prep and ongoing GA skills building, is now up and running as well.
Eric
Thanks Eric, this test has been great for me. :)
Great Post,
A few pointers from my end -
Some key concepts that are not provided in conversion university -
Lastly to all the people who are giving the test, ALL THE BEST :)
- Sajeet
Sajeet,
With the excellent post and your detailed comment, I was able to pass on the first time. The key for me was:
I'm still a 'youngster' in this subject area. The test motivated me to dive into the subject and learn.
- Don
Thank you for this great post! I've been meaning to take the test for quite some time - guess I have no excuse now!
Same here, I even got free exam voucher.
Curious how you managed to get a free exam voucher...? If I could get me one of those I would be able to use my $50 for something more practical... like red bull and coffee.
I dunno whether you have already given the test, but for all you folks out there, here is a 50% discount code: BrianCliftonBook2010
Read this book - https://books.google.co.in/books?id=3OmIDmHgLH0C&lpg=PA492&ots=Lzj3g9jwNt&dq=google%20IQ%20voucher%20code&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=google%20IQ%20voucher%20code&f=false
All the best! :)
Tom, how did you get the voucher for taking the test? I'd love to apply for one if possible, thanks!
How did you get the voucher?
thanks very useful information
I passed the test a little over a year ago. Recently saw an interview with Annie Cushing and she said this about the tutorial videos, "It was at one time a great resource for newbies. But Google has only updated eight out of the 25 videos with version 5 screencasts, which renders it almost useless for neophytes in its current state. But it’s what I first cut my teeth on. However, if Google ever gets around to fully updating it, I’d recommend it again as a first step." So this is something to keep in mind in regards to answering the questions based on the video content.
One tactic to recommend is that when you're playing one of the videos, you can pause it and click on the Notes tab in the upper right corner and actually see the text. You can also click on Thumb tab and see the graphics. I copied and pasted these notes to have during the test. You're correct that the videos go very quickly and for an analytics newbie like me it was really hard to take notes. I prepared a list of all of the areas of focus and had the notes all in order for reference.
It's tough and nerve-racking. I was scared to hit the submit button when I completed the test but very excited when it said I had passed.
Good luck!
Wow - awesome resource. I'll have to add this to my to-do list.
Maybe I'm the only one that didn't know there was an exam. Anyway, thanks for the tips!
Don't worry you're not the only one. Now that I know there is an exam I'm going to start learning more about Google Analytics and hopefully try and sit the exam in a month or so. The certification would be great, but rest assured you're not the only one not to know this exam existed.
Thanks for sharing. I've been preparing for my exam for quite some time now. I would like to pass it the first time.
I Passed.
Thanks for the post. I was nervous about failing the test so I studied hard. I read every module on the Analytics help center. I watched all of the videos in the Conversion University video series. I read all of Jens Sorensen’s test notes. I read the Blastam reference guide a couple of times. I took the googleanalyticstest website test and read all of the comments for each answer. Yea, I took the googleanalyticstest practice test three times (30 questions, then 50 questions, then 221 questions). I also read a few other resources. I may have over done it with all of this because I had no life for about a week and a half, studying each waking moment.
Note: But in the end, I thought the test was kinda easy. I guess it was easy after all of that preparation. So, anyone out there trying to pass this test, get your grind on.
Chris - I have same a week to pass this test. Passed Adwords exams last week. Q: From the materials you used and amount you studied, what do you recommend I focus on in order to just pass the exam? thx!
I would say at least read the Google Analytics Self Service Help Center info. It’s located here https://support.google.com/analytics/?hl=en
On that page, devour each of the “Analyze Your Data” sections: Monitor, Analyze, & Tools. Then devour each of the “Manage Google Analytics” sections: Getting started with Google Analytics, Set up tracking for web properties, etc. They are listed at the link above.
Watching the “Conversion University” videos is definitely not enough. The Self Service Help Center link above is the foundation for those videos. If you read that info, watching the videos will make sense. Please note that I am commenting from a beginner’s point of view. Someone that is recertifying or that is very familiar with Google Analytics may be able to get away with just watching the videos. I think that is what is mandatory to pass.
If you have time, take the practice test at the googleanalyticstest link that is in this thread. They provide the reasoning behind the correct answers and other users make comments about those questions and answers.
It’s really hard to say specifically what to study for because they came from all angles. They hit you with tracking code questions, general account questions, dimensions and metric questions, advanced segment questions, profile filter questions, questions about tracking cookies, adwords/analytics linked questions, etc. I actually went over to the https://www.w3schools.com/ to learn about Java Script because that is what the GA tracking code is. If you understand JavaScript a little better, you’ll understand most of the code questions they ask. I hope the Java Script stuff didn’t stress you out just now, but I though is was necessary to know about it. It gave me a better understanding of the GA tracking code.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Take it back to college for a week where you had the many strong cups of coffee and consistent all-nighters. If you’re doing this in a week, you’ll be definitely doing a marathon session for the next seven days.
Thanks for info! College it is - minus the barf in the dorm's bathroom urinal.
Decent overview, but there are much more complete resources out there. I used this book to pass my test and referred many friends to it as well:
https://www.riseinteractive.com/internet-marketing-ebooks/google-analytics-exam/
thanks for the ebook link! +1 :)
Although I honestly have mixed feelings about the Google certifications, the training courses are really worthwhile. I got a lot out of the online AdWords courses. Best of all, studying is free :)
I realized that I didn't provide a direct link in my post above:
www.googleanalyticstest.com
As an addendum, I passed the GAIQ almost two years ago with a score of 92%, which means that I got six questions wrong. Honestly, this surpised me a little, because I had tried to prepare really, really thoroughly and thought that I had answered maybe only a couple of questions incorrectly.
I would have liked to know which questions I had gotten wrong, and why, but I guess that's not the point of a certification test.
There are no scoring mysteries at googleanalyticstest.com: you see exactly which questions you answered correctly and incorrectly, and you can review a very detailed explanation for each answer.
I wish I'd known about this practice test a few days ago, although I also just passed the GAIC with 92%. Still, I have now bookmarked your site to share with others. Great resource.
Thanks for the post - good stuff! I'm taking the text tomorrow morning - wish me luck!
I had a quick question, I noticed that the Google prep videos went from 21 to 18. Did the test change? I'm a little worried about taking the test with out having seen all the videos.
Thank,
Jason
This will be gr8 opportunity for me and I hihgly motivated to learn and certified from the Google.
Is there any discount available? Any 1 who can provide me details and preparation online ?
Hey its great man I am planning to do GAIQ and I was eagerly looking for this kind of blogs
Thanks
Thanks for Sharing a nice information about google analytics exam.
This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best , I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informations
What are the benefits of certification?? This is the first im hearing about such an exam...
You get Google-branded certificate verifying your achievement and you can add your Individually Qualified status to CV.
I don't see this helping me in oilfield career building. It might be useful such as one step in selfimprovement program.
I took this exam together with my girlfriend last year and we both passed, she wrote a post (Spanish) and compilated a 175 pages PDF (English) with the Conversion University material, marked in red the most frequent questions. The PDF is uploaded to Slideshare and you can grab it in the post.
Hope it helps
https://www.susanaaparicio.com/aprueba-el-examen-de-google-analytics/
Thanks, helped me a lot, since I will take it in English, but will study it in Spanish!
I've just passed as well with a 100% score, and here's a link to verify my test results.
I expected the test to be more difficult but it proved to be rather easy. I answered all 70 questions in less than 30 minutes, marking about 3 or 4 for more careful consideration.
Kudoz to the team behind googleanalyticstest.com - it's a very useful service, and I appreciated not only the test questions but also some very interesting comments and explanations.
Hi Marcin,
Did you find the questions in the GAIQ of the same level as googleanalyticstest.com or easier?
I seem to be getting 75% on their tests and don't know whether to risk taking the test yet.
Cheers,
J
I have the same question about the degree of difficulty for questions on googleanalyticstest.com vs the GAIQ. Some of the test questions seem designed to trick you - not so much test your knowledge, as make sure you are paying attention to the terminology used in the questions. This has been helpful, because it gets me to pay closer attention, but I do wonder if the GAIQ is as nuanced.
Folks, I can tell you that Google Analytics Test (GAT) is significantly harder than the GAIQ. This is, in part, because GAIQ is designed not only to help in GAIQ prep but also to really challenge your practical knowledge of GA in real-world business and technical contexts.
None of the questions are designed to be needlessly tricky or obscure. The objective for each question is to illustrate a specific aspect of GA or a closely related concept, and some of the answers are not necessarily intuitive or immediately obvious.
Also, the GAT setup screen indicates which of the 30 categories are unlikely to be included on the GAIQ, so you can exclude these categories from your tests.
Because you're encouraged to post comments (and even your own questions), several participants have pointed out flaws in certain questions (which have been revised) and have otherwise provided a great deal of useful input. In this way, the site continues to grow and improve as a learning tool.
But to get back to the original point, don't sweat your scores on the GAT, especially on your first attempts. You can repeat the same tests as often as you like (if you have opted to sign up), and as long as you have a good understanding of the answer explanations, and you can readily navigate to the corresponding reports and views in GA, you should be in very good shape for the GAIQ.
Hi Eric.
I would like to thank you for your so valuable resource to practice for the GAIQ test.
Now I've joined to the GAIQ Community ;)
Thanks again
Rene
I had not heard of this test, but I can see it as a great way to learn more about how to utilize GA as well as proving to my boss that I can get indepth information from the GA data provided. Now I just need to start getting more information and study, study, study.
Does anyone have any idea or a rough estimate of what perfent of SEO companies using Google Analytics actually have this certification? I would love to see some info on how it influences customer decision to purchase a service.
Hi Scott,
Any company listed as a Google Analytics Certified Partner likely has one or two people who have passed the GAIQ. Hard to say what percentage of companies have this or how it affects customer decisions, but if you're using GA as your primary analytics tool, it can't hurt to throw your GAIQ badget up on your site.
Tim
Amazing guide on how to pass the GAIQ test! Everyone who want to take or at least try the GAIQ test must read this gem. Still I hope I can add some value to it :)
Thanks to Eric Fettman for sharing https://www.googleanalyticstest.com/ - amazing site for GAIQ training! I've already bookmarked it and I'll definitely share it with all my colleagues! I'll also include it my company trainings, because it's a "must have" resource!
As already noted in the main post, "Jens Sorensen’s test notes" are very useful when you're taking the exam. But I wanted to be uberprepared before the GAIQ exam, so I digged the whole (I think so) Google SEPRs for "how to pass GAIQ test" and "how to pass Google Analytics Individual Qualification test/exam". I've spent about 2 hours searching for another great piece of info and from the many out there, I found this one - https://www.zansule.com/2010/10/gaiq-ultimate-guide/
I hope this info will give you even more knowledge on how to pass the GAIQ exam. Good luck to everyone going for the test! Fingers crossed!
While the GAIQ test is good to improve working knowledge of GA and great for branding purposes I think certifications that Market Motive have to offer are far more valuable. Nonetheless, this is something that I'll be taking in the days to come.
Thanks for sharing! I've been looking for some pratice exams online and this helps a lot!
Thank you, Slingshot SEO, for the helpful tips. I really appreciate it and will use this to help prep for the exam.
Also, I have the same question as isalaman (above). You mention that the certification is good for 18 months. What happens after that point? Do you need to take the exam again to maintain your credential?
Thanks again!
Hi Linda,
Yes, you have to take the test again every 18 months; but you can take it before the 18 months are up so that you're never uncertified.
Have fun!
Just passed! Wooooo! My advice is to not worry too much - the study material makes it seem a bit more difficult than it is.
If you've got a decent working knowledge of Analytics and can get your head around the cookies, regex, filters and profiles you should be ok....
So, what happens after the 18th month? you have to take the test again? or how do you keep your certification going?
How long did it take people to pass? I'm thinking about studying at weekends and a couple of evenings during the week. Would a month be enough?
Thanks
I'm sure it depends on your unique study habits, but at our office we are setting aside 1-2hrs per day to study in pairs and we plan to take the test in one week which seems manageable (for us).
Excellent article, thanks for sharing. I am doing the course right now and had a question I hope you could help with:
In the second preso Working with Report data slide 3/21 it references a search button with drop down options for filtering for tables. The problem is however this button or even the View button are no longer present. How can I filter, tried to replicate the example they used but in custom reports and it didn't work. Can you help?
Interesting info!
I have just gained Adwords Certification I'm about to go for GA but I want to know aside from the certificate do we get that added to our public profile like the adwords with a link etc? (I realise there is no badge)
I read this post, it a good resource for Google Analytics.
Thanks for the great resources.
Great resource. Thanks for sharing it. Thanks to everyone who shared additional information in the comment section.
This is really awesome post, I have great resource and guides to follow up the way. Thanks every one
Cheers,
I took the GAIQ test a couple weeks ago and read through your post before and it really helped, thanks.
A coworker of mine just created a Google Analytics reference guide that would also be helpful:
https://www.blastam.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/handy-google-analytics-reference-guide-80-tips/
The last time I took the GAIQ was April and I expected to see Universal Analytics questions, but nope! Surely that’s coming soon enough. Some commenters (Tim Kelsey and Dan Peskin) report they didn’t see RegEx questions, but I can say it was covered in mine so anyone prepping for the GAIQ now shouldn’t ignore it.
I just passed today! The test was easier than expected. I know I had to look crazy because I utilized 2 laptops and an iPad to ensure my success. GoogleAnalyticTest.com was a great tool along with the Google Analytics Help Center.
There were some tricky questions and some that I over-thought and had that "Aha!" moment.
All-in-all if you are an online marketer, take the exam...it's significantly cheaper than the GMAT lol.
A few topics that were missing from the GA slide were
these topics cover like 10% of the questions in GAIQ and are worth mentioning in the slides
Thanks for passing along this advice based on your own GAIQ test experience! I'm preparing to take the test soon and found your post and the study resources that you linked to it to be very useful.
You saved me, many many thanks for your amazing guide, I was in search of this kinda guide to pass GAIQ test and my search ended here, hope it will help me in my coming exam.
Thanks Again.
Thanks for your post. I am also preparation for GA test, but i am not able to find the right material for learning. Can you please help me to find it?
Moz could do with a 2014 version, I'm getting confused between the two main courses, and the studying materials...
Thanks for this informative post.I am a beginner in seo & google analytics.Now i am planning to do the exam.From reading this,i got an idea.But i have a doubt about the timing.In this post,you mentioned that we get only 1 minute and 16 seconds to answer one question but at the same time you mentioned that we can pause the examination and return back with in 5 days.If we are doing so, we will get more than one hour to answer one question.If you don't mind,please explain me about this section.I am really confused about this.looking forward to your reply.
Hello! Apologies if I have missed this being mentioned already but I have been using GA for years now on a self taught capacity so...I have decided to take the lessons and do the GAIQ.
The issue I have is that the lessons are all in the old interface, I am struggling to match what they are telling me to do....I am using my GA account alongside the lessons.
I have started from the beginning as although I want to know the advanced stuff, I actually am enjoying filling in the gaps of my knowledge, even on some basic stuff! Plus, I want to pass the exam!
Are there no updated lessons available...?
PS. thanks for the stuff provided here, really fabulous!
Tracy, what lessons are you referring to? The videos, GA help center, the googleanalyticstest lessons? The GA interface seemed to have been changing as I prepared for the test. A few times, I logged on and I could tell something had changed. I couldn’t tell if something was removed or added. I don’t think that’ll be an issue on the test.
If you go through the lessons and understand the concepts in the GA help center, you should be fine. If there is a specific user interface question, you have an option to pause the test, go research what seems somewhat fuzzy, then un pause the test and answer the question. They give you 120 hours to take the test, but only 90 minutes total. Therefore, you can pause and un pause the test to stop the clock over a period of 120 hours. Hope this helps.
I am really confused about the timing statement.You mentioned that they will give us 120 hours to take the test,but only 90 minutes total.How it will happen at the same time.Please help me to recover from this confusion.Looking forward to see your reply.
Hello there,
very interesting blog post on Google Analytics exam, with interesting resources to be downloaded :)
As it's time for me to take that certification, I really enjoyed it!
Thanks
Emanuele
Great post - Thanks! Question: Does anyone know of a method for employers to verify individual certification? Aside from asking individuals to present their certificates.
You can go to https://google.starttest.com/ and click Search for Qualified Individuals.
I was interested in Google analytic test but we have to purchase it first... :P
thanks for valuable tips and resources. Gonna start studying soon and give the test
Great post, and I myself passed the GA test though in the second attempt but finally did it.
I did went through your post before I took the test
BTW, the link to Google's tool for IP filtering referenced in Sajeet's comment above is no longer active, throws a 404 saying this answer doesn't exist etc:
https://support.google.com/googleanalytics/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=55572
Anyone know if Google has an alternative/equivalent?
Edit:
I think I found it:
https://support.google.com/analytics/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1034771
Your use of the badge under "Passing the Exam" is extremely misleading as I've just learned that using that badge is in violation of Google's terms of service. I just passed the exam and was expecting a link to the "official" source of the badge, only to eventually find no such badge is supported: https://www.google.com/analytics/faq.html.
Instead Google offers a link to your test score. I am underwhelmed. There's no specific reference to whether it's legal to post a copy of the certificate, but I guess that's what I'll do. The main reason I took the test is that I see those badges everywhere and wanted to use it as a marketing tool. I'm amazed, to say the least, that Google doesn't have an official badge for us.
I think you should remove the badge from this blog post to reduce the confusion.
FYI, I asked earlier in these comments if the Google Analytics Test site is much harder than the actual test and I can say now that yes it definitely is. I took my third practice test this morning and got 65% but passed the Google test with 97%. Google's test questions are more straightforward, but the test site definitely helps the studying.
I just passed, but as proof I've passed the test, I'd like to link to my GAIQ test record (which shows my score) but for the life of me I can't find it.
Here's one's guy's test record: https://www.starttest.com/9.0.0.0/transcriptview.aspx?r=1&code=I006A025E0064F662FF66FB63056211210A19
Thanks for the great resources. This is on my to-do list for 2012 as well, so the resources in the posts & in the comments will help a lot!
I downloaded the practice questions! Looks like I need practice using the regular expressions.
Thanks!
First time I've heard of this. I don't see much of a point to it besides as an added way of patting yourself on the back for a job well done. I can't imagine there is much benefit from besides an extra notch in your belt but I guess any extra little logo/branding you can add to your collection of resume is never a bad thing.
Hey Slingshot,
Thanks for the guide & links. Even so many people provided links in their comments whic are awesome.
I think now I'm ready to give GAIQ exam without fear.
Great Post! - After preping for the test for a few weeks, I decided to document my resources. The article will give you all the resources you need and more. Plus some tips on what to watch out for and how to study the content. Most important, it also has a link to the updated notes for the GAQT 2012 (v5)...so that should save you a few hours in copying and pasting. Google Analytics Qualification Test – How To Pass Test?
When I'm using GA I get the same feeling as when I'm using Excel. I can't help but feel there is a smarter and quicker way to do everything that I'm trying to achieve.
No excuses now, I should really get onto getting GA certified! If not just for personal growth then it's good for clients to see you're somewhat versed and your skills have been recognised. It goes a long way in the trust factor that is generally quite hard to get as an SEO due to all the cowboys that give us a bad name.
Good information and tips here. Thanks for putting this together and glad to see it promoted to the SEO blog.
Thanks for sharing all the topics and content covered for preparation of Google Analytics Certification. Thanks for great work. Its really help us.
Thanks for the post, it's so great to hear from someone who has sat the exam and is sharing some sound and practical advice. I have been going through the GAIQ test material and I have found that the material is a bit dated in parts and also feels as though it skims quite alot. You really do need to have had experience with Analytics to be fully answer the theoretical questions.
I didn't know about this exam. Thanks a lot for usefull info!
This is one of my goals for 2012 so thank you for sharing the example problems.
me too :)
Thanks for sharing the information! I'm planning on taking the adwords certification soon and now i'm considering adding analytics to my plans.
Perfect timing! i was just looking at this test to assist with my skillset and i've already printed this post out to refer to..Awesome!
Simon
Great post! Thanks for sharing your insights with us. It seems to be quite interesting , I liked it. As we all know that Googlle Analytics & how it is important for any website. But now it comes to passing the GAIQ test. This post had remembered the school days when we are preaparing for the exams, taking a review at the all the lessons & the most important this is the guide that helps a lot. Here also google anaytics guide that help us to pass the GAIQ test.
Thanks very much for this. A really useful guide to GA, and it spurred me on to look a lot deeper.
Very informative post. Thanks for the post on this test and links.
This is very helpful information provided those who are looking for take up the GA test and thanks for sharing this such a valuable info.
Thanks,
Link to download GAIQ Practice Problems is not working.
Thanks anyway.
Good post, I always learn one or two things whenever I visit this site.
I guess what I want to confirm is: are the number of pauses and time paused truly unlimited?
I have a question for anyone who has written the exam (i'm about to write it)
From what I understand you are able to pause the exam at ANY time and AS many times as you want - is this correct?
So if this is true isn't it possible to screencapture each question, pause the exam and take as much time as needed to research each question?
thanks
That could work. The pause time may be limited though, I'm not sure. If I remember correctly, you have to finish the test within a certain timeframe from when you start. Good luck.
Hi Evan, thanks!
Yes from what people are saying the timeframe is 5 days
" you have the ability to pause and come back anytime within the next five days``
so if thats true then that is tons of time to screenshot, pause and look up any answers you`re not sure about.
So this has nothing to do with getting some free cookies from GA? I'm a little upset now :(
But on a plus note, thanks for a great article and a good starting point to learn more about taking the GAIQ exam, its something I have been meaning to retake for a while now, so I guess its time to pull all my resources together and knuckle down to it, without free cookies from GA lol
Oshhh! I have missed alot for not visiting this site for a long time, well I am back
great hep, i passed it yesterday!
How do you go about applying to take the exam?
do you have to meet a set criteria?
check out the Google Analytics page www.google.com/analytics/education.html for study materials and a link to the Google Testing Center.
Also check out the Google Analytics IQ Lessons at www.google.com/intl/en/analytics/iq.html
"If you pass, Google sends you an email with an official certificate showing that you have passed the exam. The certificate is valid for 18 months from the date of the passed exam."
Does this mean I would have to take the example every year and a half?
ONLY IF you would like to maintain your certificate.
great one; maximum chances (in time) and time duration?
Hi, Jeremy
Very helpful post for me from your tips i passed Google Anaytics exam, check my blog profile: About me and guide where i send to mail for official certificate
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I'll try to pass this in the few next month. Thank you for the tips and ressources.
Aspiring for GAIQ test. This is the stuff I was looking for. Thanks a lot.
Can anyone recommend an in depth article about passing the Adwords exam?
Great Post. I have been willing to take up this test a long time before. The book "Analytics an hour a day" by Avinash Kaushik is also one of the best resource for clearing the exam.
Also Visit this site to know more about analytics. This is what experts say.
https://www.kaushik.net/avinash/