Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC) Certification
Review

Become an expert in PPC advertising with our Advanced PPC Course

Medium
  • Last updated 15/06/2025
by Simplilearn

What you'll learn ? Overview

We spent considerable time reviewing the Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC) Certification by Simplilearn, and here's what we discovered. This course positions itself as a comprehensive program for mastering PPC advertising, led by industry veteran Brad Geddes (author of "Advanced Google AdWords" and founder of CertifiedKnowledge.org).

The program covers everything from PPC fundamentals to advanced campaign strategies across multiple platforms. What caught our attention was the inclusion of Mimic Pro simulations by Stukent, which lets you practice PPC strategies in a risk-free environment. You'll work through modules on Google Ads (including Search, Display, Video, Shopping, and App campaigns), Microsoft Advertising, remarketing techniques, and even get a taste of social media PPC.

At $999, this is a high-ticket course, so we evaluated it against what you'd realistically expect at this price point. The course delivers approximately 50 hours of content with lifetime access to materials. You also get Harvard Business Publishing case studies (we appreciated this addition for quick reference) and hands-on capstone projects.

One interesting discovery: while marketed as "advanced," our research shows the content actually caters more to beginners and intermediate learners. Several experienced PPC professionals mentioned finding the material less cutting-edge than expected. The course structure follows a logical progression from foundations through to advanced features, but don't expect bleeding-edge tactics that only industry insiders know.

The flexibility stands out, you can choose between self-paced learning or live online classes with instructor interaction. For a high-ticket course, this dual approach makes sense, though we noticed the quality of live instructors can vary (a common issue with large-scale education providers).

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Intermediate (Some Foundational Knowledge Recommended)

👉

Time commitment

moderate Moderate (5–10 Hours/Week)

👉

Learning style

Hybrid (Mix Of Pre-Recorded Lessons & Live Workshops)

👉

Goal

Learn A New Skill

Best suited for:

Digital marketers transitioning to PPC specialization, marketing managers overseeing paid campaigns, small business owners managing their own advertising, career changers targeting PPC analyst or specialist roles

Instructor

Simplilearn

Global Leader in Digital Skills Training Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Simplilearn is a pioneering edtech company that has revolutionized online professional training since its inception in 2010. Headquartered in San Francisco and Bangalore, Simplilearn offers a wide array of digital skills courses, from cybersecurity and cloud computing to project management and digital marketing. The platform's innovative blended learning approach combines self-paced online courses with live virtual classes, providing learners with a comprehensive and interactive educational experience.
Founded in 2010, Simplilearn has grown from a project management blog to a global leader in digital skills training. The company has partnered with renowned universities and corporations to develop cutting-edge curricula. In 2015, Simplilearn acquired Market Motive, expanding its digital marketing offerings. By 2020, the platform had trained over 1 million professionals across 150 countries. In 2021, Blackstone acquired a majority stake in Simplilearn for $250 million, further solidifying its position in the edtech industry.
  • Trained over 3 million learners across 150+ countries
  • Partnered with top universities like Caltech CTME, MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, and Purdue University
  • Achieved a course completion rate of 75%, surpassing industry averages
  • Received multiple Stevie Awards for Customer Service Excellence (2018-2024)
  • Won the Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in Edtech (2020)
  • Named 'Education Company of the Year' by News Corp VCCircle
  • Recognized as a '2018 Top 20 Online Learning Library Company' by Training Industry Magazine
  • Acquired by Blackstone in a $250 million deal (2021)
  • N/A
    Simplilearn maintains a robust digital footprint across various social media platforms. The company regularly shares industry insights, course updates, and educational content on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Their YouTube channel features a wealth of educational videos, webinars, and expert interviews, covering a wide range of digital skills topics.

    Course Details

    • ⏱ Duration50
    • 📶 DifficultyMedium
    • ⌛ Access Lifetime
    • ⏰ Time investmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)

    🧠 Prerequisites

    No formal prerequisites required, though basic digital marketing understanding helps maximize value


    💻 Requirements

    Desktop or laptop computer, stable internet connection, Google account for practice


    💸 Hidden Costs

    You'll need an advertising budget for real-world practice (minimum $500 recommended), plus potential subscriptions to PPC tools discussed in the course


    🙋‍♂️ Support Options

    24/7 support via email, chat, and phone, plus access to community forums and live Q&A during online classes

    Course content

    • Module 1: Introduction to PPC and Search Engines, Understanding Ad Channels, Importance and Benefits of PPC Marketing
    • Module 2: Keyword Research Techniques, Competitor Analysis, Keyword Match Types, Keyword Organization and Grouping
    • Module 3: Role of Landing Pages, Conversion Tracking Setup, Designing High-Converting Landing Pages, A/B Testing
    • Module 4: Google Ads Account Setup, Writing Compelling Ad Copy, Utilizing Ad Extensions, Bidding Strategies
    • Module 5: Google Display Network, YouTube Advertising, Google Shopping Campaigns, Universal App Campaigns
    • Module 6: Remarketing Concepts and Strategies, Custom Audiences, Lookalike Audiences
    • Module 7: Dynamic Search Ads, Automated Bidding Strategies, Google Ads Scripts, Advanced Budget Management
    • Module 8: A/B Testing for Ads, Google Analytics Integration, Performance Monitoring, PPC Reports
    • Module 9: Microsoft Advertising Overview, Campaign Setup, Importing from Google Ads
    • Module 10: Social Media PPC Overview (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter integration strategies)
    • Module 11: PPC Management Tools, Comprehensive Capstone Project
    • Module 12: Mimic Pro Simulation for hands-on practice with budgets and optimization

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    Feedbacks

    Overall sentiment

    Our analysis of user feedback reveals a moderately positive reception, with Simplilearn maintaining a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating from over 50,000 reviews. Learners appreciate the structured approach but have mixed feelings about the "advanced" label.

    Praised points

    • Comprehensive curriculum: The breadth of topics from keyword research to multi-platform advertising gets consistent praise
    • Practical simulations: The Mimic Pro component allows risk-free campaign practice, which users find invaluable
    • Lifetime access: Students appreciate being able to revisit materials as platforms update their features

    Criticisms

    • Not truly "advanced": Experienced marketers report the content skews more intermediate than cutting-edge
    • Inconsistent instructor quality: Live sessions vary depending on who's teaching that particular cohort
    • Aggressive sales tactics: Multiple reviews mention persistent follow-ups from Simplilearn's sales team

    Testimonials

    "The course is excellent for learning PPC and SEM, especially if you're new to the field"

    "Faculty is very good and explanations are easy to understand, though advanced users might want more depth"

    "The course content is comprehensive and up-to-date, perfect for building a foundation"

    "It provides a solid foundation but might feel too basic for advanced learners expecting cutting-edge strategies"

    "The course materials and support are excellent, but be prepared for aggressive sales follow-ups"

    Social insights

    Reddit discussions reveal a pragmatic view, learners see value in the structured learning but emphasize that real-world experience matters more than any certification. Quora threads show prospective students questioning whether the high price justifies the content, with alumni suggesting it's worthwhile for career changers but potentially redundant for experienced professionals.

    Video review

    Marketing Analysis

    Claim Verification

    The "become an expert" promise falls short, expertise requires years of hands-on experience managing significant budgets. The course provides strong intermediate knowledge, not expert-level mastery.

    Price History

    Course pricing fluctuates between $799-$1099 depending on promotions, with discounts typically offered during major sale periods

    Upsell Practices

    Simplilearn aggressively promotes their Digital Marketing Specialist Master's Program, which includes this course plus others for a higher price point

    Student Success

    Alumni work at recognizable companies according to Simplilearn's website, though independently verifiable success stories specifically from this course remain scarce

    Platform & Delivery

    Learning Platform

    Simplilearn's proprietary LMS receives positive marks for reliability and user experience, with smooth video playback and well-organized content

    Content Accessibility

    Lifetime access to all materials, downloadable resources, and recorded live sessions ensures you can learn at your own pace

    Mobile Compatibility

    Full mobile app support for iOS and Android allows learning on-the-go, though complex exercises work better on desktop

    Technical Requirements

    Standard broadband internet (1 Mbps minimum), modern web browser, and basic computer specifications suffice

    Red flags check

    😬

    Complaints

    Our investigation uncovered persistent sales team issues, with multiple users reporting aggressive follow-up tactics even after enrollment. Customer support receives mixed reviews, some learners experienced generic responses to complex queries, with one Trustpilot reviewer noting "Customer service is a bit slow to respond and sometimes the answers are very generic."

    😬

    Refund policy issues

    The 7-day refund window with a 25% content access limit feels restrictive for a $999 investment. Several users expressed frustration about discovering the course didn't meet their "advanced" expectations after passing this threshold.

    😬

    Marketing practices

    The "become an expert" claim raises eyebrows. While comprehensive, no single course creates experts, that requires years of real-world campaign management. The "advanced" label also misleads, as content better serves intermediate learners.

    😬

    Community feedback

    The promised community aspect feels minimal compared to smaller, specialized providers. Some learners report feeling isolated despite the large student base.

    Is this course legit?

    Value For Money

    At $999, you're paying high-ticket prices for what's essentially intermediate-level content. The value equation works if you need structured learning, lifetime access, and the Mimic Pro simulations. However, experienced PPC professionals can find similar knowledge through free resources and platform certifications.

    Conclusion

    After thorough analysis, we can confirm the Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC) Certification by Simplilearn is legitimate, though not without caveats. The course delivers comprehensive PPC education suitable for beginners to intermediate learners, despite its "advanced" branding.

    The $999 price tag puts it firmly in high-ticket territory, where expectations rightfully run high. What you get: 50 hours of structured content, lifetime access, practical simulations, and instruction from Brad Geddes (a recognized industry expert). The Mimic Pro component alone provides valuable hands-on experience typically missing from online courses.

    However, we must address the elephant in the room, this isn't truly an "advanced" course. Experienced PPC professionals seeking cutting-edge strategies will likely feel disappointed. The aggressive sales tactics and restrictive refund policy also concern us.

    For the right person (career changers, marketers adding PPC skills, or those wanting structured learning), this course offers solid value. Just enter with realistic expectations about the "advanced" label and be prepared to supplement your learning with real-world practice. The certification carries some weight in the industry, though practical experience remains paramount.

    Our recommendation? If you're committed to PPC as a career path and prefer structured learning over self-study, this course justifies its price. But if you're already running campaigns professionally or extremely budget-conscious, explore Google's free Skillshop certifications first.

    FAQs about this course

    Mimic Pro by Stukent gives you a $10,000 virtual budget to manage PPC campaigns for a fictional company. You'll conduct keyword research, write ads, adjust bids, and analyze performance in a realistic interface without risking real money.

    Simplilearn offers career assistance services including resume review and interview prep, but doesn't guarantee job placement. The certification adds credibility to your resume, though employers value practical experience more.

    Google Skillshop offers platform-specific certifications at no cost, focusing purely on their tools. Simplilearn provides broader strategic education, cross-platform training, and structured learning paths, justifying the premium for those needing comprehensive guidance.

    If you already manage PPC campaigns professionally, you'll likely find the content more refresher than revelation. The course best serves those with basic marketing knowledge looking to specialize in PPC.

    The course contains 50 hours of content, but factor in assignments, simulations, and practice time. Most students complete everything in 10-12 weeks at 5-10 hours weekly.

    Yes, budget at least $500 for actual ad spend to practice real campaigns. Some recommended PPC tools also require paid subscriptions after free trials.

    You get permanent access to all course materials and future updates. However, live instructor sessions are only available during your initial enrollment period.

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    Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC) Certification screenshot
    Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC) Certification Review
    $ 999
    Total score: 7,4/10 ⭐
    • Duration50
    • DifficultyMedium
    • Release Date01/2020
    • Format Self-Paced
    • AccessLifetime
    • Time InvestmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)
    • Payment Options One-Time
    • LanguageEnglish
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    Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC) Certification Review