We were a little perplexed when we saw iProspect’s announcement that all of their PPC staff had been given the new Google Advertising Professionals certification.
According to Danny Sullivan, they may just have gotten a little trigger-happy with their press release.
“…certification was only supposed to be awarded after an individual had been enrolled in the certification program for 90 days and passed its other requirements. So while the iProspect staff members have passed their tests, it seems like more time needs to be passed until they are actually granted official certification.
Some companies have been beta testing the program before its formal launch. However, my understanding from Google was that regardless of prior participation, all companies would still have to apply and be subject to the same 90 day period from when the program formally began.”
If iProspect does get a waiver for the 90-day waiting period, expect a whole host of SEMs to want their dues too.
Update: According to Danny…”iProspect tells me that it misinterpreted being told by Google that their staff had passed the test (one of three requirements for certification) to mean they were actually certified. The company is now pulling the press release and plans to reannounce once the 90 days have passed.”
Andy Beal is an internet marketing consultant and considered one of the world’s most respected and interactive search engine marketing experts. Andy has worked with many Fortune 1000 companies such as Motorola, CitiFinancial, Lowes, Alaska Air, DeWALT, NBC and Experian.
You can read his internet marketing blog at Marketing Pilgrim and reach him at andy.beal@gmail.com.
