A new skills qualification program for Google Analytics has been unveiled by the search engine.

The Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) scheme lets individuals take a free online course covering analytics techniques, the implementation and administration of Google Analytics and analysis tools, although there is a charge for taking the actual test that leads to a formal qualification.

A score of at least 75 per cent is required to pass the test.

It can be taken by Google Analytics users who work alone or are employed by an agency or other organisation as part of their professional development and is located at the ConversionUniversity.com website.

Google said that the IQ course has been specifically tailored for agencies looking to retain and train those who are knowledgeable when it comes to analytics, as well as for individuals wanting to improve their job prospects.

"Qualified users will be effective at leveraging Google Analytics within their organisations and at helping others to do the same," Google said in a statement.

Google Analytics was initially known as Urchin from Google and became a free tool in November 2005.

It can be integrated with a number of different Google services, including AdWords.