With the right credentials, you can advance your career in the marketing industry. There are hundreds if not thousands of testimonials for marketing professionals. We've put together this guide to getting trusted marketing certifications to help you improve your skills and grow your career. We have chosen this course to introduce you to the most respected marketing degree universities, a free way to learn how to use the most important digital marketing skills, and the most trusted professional marketing organization in today's economy.
What is a Marketing Certificate?If you feel you need more formal training in marketing skills such as media marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing, customer development, market research, and strategic brand management, a marketing certification may be helpful. The Marketing Certificate course introduces marketing tools including social media platforms, Google Ads, Hootsuite, Huspot, and other web analytics tools. Certificate courses are designed for professional marketers and newcomers and can be taken at universities or specialized online institutions such as the Hootsuite Academy or major marketing associations.
What certificates are required?The most requested certifications are in digital marketing. Among the most popular are HubSpot's Email and Inbound Marketing, Google Ads and Analytics, and Social Media Marketing certifications. You can learn more about digital marketing certifications below.
Should You Get a Digital Marketing Certification?Although there is no definitive answer to this question and it may vary from person to person, there are many things to consider when deciding to obtain a degree in digital marketing. If you are considering expanding your business presence on the internet, a digital marketing degree will be relevant to your career. Additionally, if you want to learn some digital marketing tools like Hootsuite, Google Ads, and HubSpot for email marketing, getting a digital marketing certification will help you explore these platforms on your own schedule, often for much less than the cost of the course. training. student. . However, if your business needs to use small or basic internet platforms for marketing purposes, a digital marketing degree may not be right for you.
How to become a certified marketing professional?You don't need a degree to work in marketing, but if you do, there are many ways to become a certified marketer. You can take specialized face-to-face classes at universities, online programs at marketing and corporate forums, or well-established industry organizations and professional associations in the field of marketing. Learn more about each certification type below.
Certificate from a recognized universityMarketing degrees are in great demand, and many accredited universities and colleges provide answers to this question. Some college degrees are designed for marketers, while others are designed as a stepping stone for career transitions or recent graduates. Whether you've been an expert in marketing for a long time or are just starting out in the field, having a reputable university on your resume can boost your professional reputation.
Ivy League schools like Cornell and Harvard offer comprehensive continuing education programs that allow students to earn degrees in areas such as marketing strategy and marketing management. Cornell's six-part program lasts three months and costs $3,600. This program is called “TCM Strategic Marketing Training” and is aimed at professionals who want to rise to the next level. The Harvard program includes four graduate credits (can be applied to a bachelor's degree), lasts an average of 1.5 years, and costs approximately $10,800.
Other popular colleges with marketing degrees include Duke University, MIT, Baruch College, University of Illinois, University of California at Berkeley, University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University, University of Georgia, and Oregon State University to name a few. Programs at these schools vary in cost, duration, medium (online or face-to-face), and focus. Most degree programs pay between $2,000 and $5,000, but some go as high as $15,000.
Before enrolling in a degree program at an accredited university, make sure you understand what you will enroll in. Some programs last a week or less and do not qualify for college credit, while others are in the same price range as the last month and count toward college credit.
Certifications for specific digital marketing skillsA specific program or service certification will enhance your resume and help you keep up with the ever-changing world of digital marketing. Certifications for many specialized skills are free or inexpensive.
The type of degree that will benefit your career will largely depend on the area of marketing you work in and your agency or company. Here are some of the most common and popular skill-based certifications for marketers:
Accredited by industry organizations and associationsIt is worth paying attention to the certificate of an independent trade association. Many of the organizations that offer certifications are not-for-profit educational companies that are not branches of the industry, while others are legitimate professional organizations that offer valuable certifications. Other marketers who keep abreast of industry developments will take note of receiving certifications from the organizations listed below.
American Marketing AssociationThe American Marketing Association is one of the most respected professional marketing organizations in the country. In addition to hosting educational networking events and disseminating industry information through its publications and partnerships, it offers the American Marketing Association-accredited Professional Marketing Program.
The AMA certification program consists of four areas: digital marketing, marketing management, sales management, and content marketing. All programs begin with a summary of the skills required for certification and free practice exams.
To maintain your degree in any field of study, the AMA requires you to complete 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years, with a minimum of 10 units annually and to rehabilitate every three years. CEU is determined by the AMA and may include participation in events, webinars, virtual conferences, and training sessions.
interactive advertising deskThe Interactive Advertising Bureau has more than 650 media and technology companies among its members and offers four certificate programs: Digital Media Sales, Digital Advertising Operations, Digital Data Solutions, and Digital Media Purchasing and Planning. Members and non-members can obtain certification through the IAB, but the rate is higher for non-members.
The IAB requires accredited marketers to re-accredit within 9-24 months of initial certification. Retention of certifications may lead to enrollment in CEU or certification exams. Most IAB exams and training packages cost $699 for members and $899 for non-members, but some certifications have specific eligibility requirements, so read the instructions carefully before choosing a program.
4APer Year Founded in 1917, 4A's is one of the oldest and largest professional marketing organizations in the United States. It serves 740 members in 1,400 offices and its benefits division secures more than 164,000 marketing agency professionals. 4A offers a variety of learning and development programs, including webinars, workshops, conferences, and multi-day networking events. The main certification they offer is the IPA Foundation Certification in partnership with the UK's sister organisation, the Institute of Advertising Practitioners.
The IPA Foundation Certificate Program consists of 35 hours of online coursework and is recommended for recent graduates and new professionals in the marketing industry. 4A certification costs $600 for members and $850 for non-members.
Mona Bushnell contributed to the preparation and writing of this article.