Google Analytics (GA4) study plan

Map the GA4 data model end to end: distinguish users, sessions, events, and parameters, and explain how a single event becomes a row in reporting

Set up a free GA4 property with a demo or personal site and confirm realtime event flow within the first session

Configure at least three custom events and two custom parameters, then verify each appears in DebugView

Explain the difference between event-scoped, user-scoped, and session-scoped dimensions and predict how each behaves in reports

Install and validate GA4 through Google Tag Manager, including a working trigger and variable for a key conversion action

Distinguish automatic, enhanced measurement, recommended, and custom events, and decide which category each of your events belongs to

Configure conversion events and confirm they register in the conversions report

Compare client-side tagging with server-side tagging at a conceptual level and state one tradeoff of each

Build an exploration that answers a specific business question using at least two dimensions and one metric

Create a funnel exploration and interpret where users drop off

Create a path exploration and describe the most common next step after a landing page

Segment users by acquisition channel and compare engagement metrics across segments

Explain how GA4 attributes conversions across the default and paid channels, including the role of the reporting attribution model

Interpret acquisition reports from user, session, and session-source perspectives and explain why totals differ

Identify and reconcile a discrepancy between two reports caused by scope or attribution

Configure a custom channel group and justify each rule

Audience and property settings: configure data retention, data filters, and internal traffic exclusion, and state the effect of each

Build and publish at least two audiences and one predictive audience, explaining eligibility criteria

Explain consent mode at a conceptual level and how it affects data collection

Link Google Ads or Search Console and verify the linked data appears in reports

Build a custom report or a Looker Studio dashboard that surfaces one metric per acquisition, engagement, and monetization stage

Compare GA4 with the prior Universal Analytics model on sessions, bounce rate, and pageviews, and state the replacement metrics

Calculate and interpret engagement rate, average engagement time, and event count per user

Explain how BigQuery export differs from the standard reporting interface and when each is appropriate

Answer 60 mixed practice questions across the full domain and log every miss with the underlying concept

Re-derive the correct answer for each missed question without looking at the explanation first

Review the five weakest concepts and build a one-page reference sheet for each

Explain sampling, thresholding, and data freshness in your own words

Take two full timed practice exams and score at or above your target on both

Review every remaining weak area and close each gap with a targeted re-read or hands-on check

Recite the definitions of key terms (event, parameter, conversion, audience, attribution, thresholding) without notes

Restate the setup steps for a new property from memory in under ten minutes