I’m curious where you acquired your “badge”? From everything I’m reading on the Google Analytics blog and Help forums, Google hasn’t actually issued an official badge image. It’s certainly something a lot of folks who passed the test would like to see!

I was listening to the last webinar from the Web Analytics Association. They were mentioning training, not understanding the importance and the scope of web analytics as well as the lack of technical expertise as some of the barriers for further adoption. This kind of initiatives can contribute to close these gaps.

We should also keep in mind that we are manly talking about how to use a tool. This Google Analytics certification work the same way as other basic or entry level technical certifications in the market. Companies like Microsoft, Oracle and others have been using this system for years. The price of the new Google certification is actually pretty low in comparison.

The partnership deals have always been something different, which makes sense. Actually many partners end up hiring certified professionals and even sell themselves as having certified staff.

May be this decision from Google may force consultants and partners to improve their game, offer added value, as the general knowledge is now at hand. That sounds good, isn’t it?

And after all, is only about the use of the tool that we are talking about here. The real value will come from the analyst that will work with this data to extract valuable business insights.