Whether you're a digital marketer looking to expand your skills or an agency professional seeking credentials, Microsoft Advertising certification validates your expertise on the platform. Unlike some pay-to-play certifications, Microsoft's program is completely free—requiring only your time and knowledge to earn.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting Microsoft Advertising certified in 2026.
Microsoft Advertising certification offers tangible benefits for both individual professionals and agencies.
Validated expertise: Certification proves you understand the platform at a professional level, not just through self-proclaimed experience.
Career advancement: Hiring managers and clients increasingly look for certified professionals when filling PPC roles or selecting agencies.
Stay current: The certification process requires learning the latest platform features and best practices.
Differentiation: With fewer marketers certified on Microsoft Ads compared to Google, your credentials stand out more.
For agencies, team certifications contribute to Microsoft Advertising Partner status, which provides:
Microsoft Advertising offers four certification tracks through the Microsoft Advertising Learning Lab. Each focuses on different aspects of the platform.
| Certification | Focus Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Search Advertising | Text ads, keywords, bidding | All advertisers |
| Shopping Advertising | Product feeds, Shopping campaigns | Ecommerce marketers |
| Native & Display Advertising | Audience ads, native placements | Brand advertisers |
| Video Advertising | Video campaigns, formats | Video marketers |
Earn all four certifications to receive the Microsoft Advertising Certified Expert badge—the highest recognition available. This comprehensive credential demonstrates mastery across all Microsoft Advertising solutions.
Individual certifications are different from agency Partner status:
Both matter. Certifications build toward Partner eligibility while demonstrating individual expertise.
Each certification exam tests specific knowledge areas relevant to that advertising specialty.
Successful candidates follow strategic preparation approaches.
Microsoft provides free learning paths within the Learning Lab for each certification. Complete these thoroughly before attempting exams:
Based on exam content, prioritize understanding:
Platform mechanics: How campaigns, ad groups, keywords, and ads work together
Targeting capabilities: Especially LinkedIn profile targeting, as this is Microsoft's unique differentiator
Bidding strategies: When to use manual vs. automated bidding
Measurement setup: UET tag installation, conversion goals, attribution
Optimization techniques: How to improve performance using platform features
Industry training experts recommend spending 70% of study time in hands-on practice:
Theory matters, but hands-on experience cements understanding.
Microsoft provides extensive free resources. Supplement with additional materials as needed.
Microsoft Advertising Learning Lab: Free courses, learning paths, and certification exams directly from Microsoft
Microsoft Advertising Help Center: Documentation on all platform features and best practices
Microsoft Advertising Blog: Latest updates, case studies, and strategic insights
Paid training courses: Platforms like Udemy offer comprehensive Microsoft Ads courses covering certification preparation
Industry blogs: PPC-focused publications regularly cover Microsoft Advertising strategies
Community forums: Microsoft Q&A and industry communities provide peer support
The best preparation combines learning with doing:
Certification opens doors and validates your professional standing.
Resume differentiation: Microsoft Advertising certification shows specialized expertise beyond general digital marketing claims
Interview confidence: Demonstrated platform knowledge helps you speak credibly about PPC strategies
Salary potential: Certified professionals often command higher compensation than uncertified peers
Client trust: Clients see certification as proof your team can manage their campaigns effectively
Team credibility: Agencies tout Microsoft Ads certification as evidence of platform specialization
Partner eligibility: Team certifications contribute to official Microsoft Advertising Partner status
Internal credibility: Certification validates your expertise to leadership and stakeholders
Platform expansion: Credential supports advocating for Microsoft Ads budget alongside Google
Professional development: Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning
Microsoft Advertising certifications require periodic renewal.
The platform evolves constantly. Recent developments include:
Certified professionals should continuously learn new features as they launch.
Microsoft Advertising certification is completely free. You only invest your time to complete the learning paths and pass the exams. There are no fees for testing or credential issuance.
Most professionals complete a single certification in 1-2 weeks of part-time study. Earning all four certifications for Expert status typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on your existing experience and study schedule.
Yes, certifications require periodic renewal. Stay current with platform changes and re-certify when required to maintain your credentials.
Yes, you can retake certification exams if you don't pass initially. Use unsuccessful attempts to identify knowledge gaps for additional study.
Want to work with certified Microsoft Advertising professionals? Contact our team of certified experts, or schedule a consultation to discuss how our certified specialists can improve your Bing Ads performance.
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