Google Ads Search Professional Certification 2026 - October

AI Overviews

Synthesizes information from multiple sources to provide generative summaries in search results.

AI Mode

A conversational interface designed to accommodate long-form queries and iterative follow-up questions.

High Intent Signals

Prioritizing search-driven actions to credit touchpoints influencing final purchase decisions.

Four Pillars of Search Excellence

Data Strength, Bidding Goals, AI Targeting & Creatives, Demand-Led Budgets.

Performance Max (PMax)

AI-powered campaign type that maximizes performance across all Google channels.

Value-Based Bidding (VBB)

Focuses on generating conversions that bring the most value rather than just the highest number.

Target CPA

Focuses on maximizing conversions at or below a specified cost per lead.

Smart Bidding

Automated bidding strategies using Google AI to set precise bids for every auction.

Optimization Score

A metric from 0 to 100 indicating how well a campaign is optimized.

Maximize Clicks Strategy

Bidding strategy aimed at driving as many clicks as possible for a budget.

Ad Rank Components

Includes bid, ad rank thresholds, contextual factors, asset impact, and quality score.

Data Strength

The measurement foundation that supports Google's AI to achieve the best ROI.

Demand-Led Budgets

Budgets that dynamically scale based on real-time demand signals in the market.

Goal Classification

Helping Google AI to understand what type of event is being valued in the campaign.

CPC (Cost Per Click)

The maximum amount you are willing to pay for each click on your ad.

AI Targeting & Creatives

Automatically finds right users and delivers personalized experiences that scale.

Performance Planner

Tool that enables planning across multiple campaigns based on shared goals.

Campaign Type: Search

Campaign focusing on search advertising and reaching customers actively looking.

Final URL Expansion

Allows Google to use a more relevant landing page based on user query to enhance user experience.

Dynamic Search Ads (DSA)

Ads that use basic website-based targeting and reporting to match user queries.

Primary Actions

Goals that campaigns are optimizing for, reported in the conversions column.

Secondary Actions

Observable metrics that are tracked but not used for bidding.