Top 10 Advertising Sales Certifications

Certifications for advertising sales positions offer a number of benefits to job seekers and employers alike. They demonstrate a level of expertise in the field, which can help increase marketability for job seekers, and provide employers with the assurance that the candidate has met certain standards of knowledge and skills. Additionally, certifications can give job seekers an edge over other candidates who do not have industry-recognized credentials. Furthermore, they often provide access to exclusive networks and resources, such as discounts on industry-related products and services. Finally, certifications may also serve as a way for employers to distinguish between qualified candidates when making hiring decisions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Advertising Sales and explains how they can help to advance an advertising sales career.

What are Advertising Sales Certifications?

Advertising sales certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in the advertising sales industry. It focuses on key topics such as understanding the fundamentals of media planning and buying, developing effective sales strategies, and using digital marketing tools. It also covers topics related to negotiation, customer service, presentation skills, and account management. This certification can help individuals who are looking to break into the industry or those who want to advance their careers by expanding their knowledge base. With this certification, candidates can demonstrate their expertise in the field and stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, they can use it to increase their earning potential by showing employers that they have the necessary skills and qualifications for higher-level positions.

Pro Tip: When considering an advertising sales certification, be sure to research the program thoroughly. Make sure it is accredited and that it covers all the topics you need to become successful in the field. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and job placement assistance.

Related: What does an Advertising Sales do?

Top 10 Advertising Sales Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Advertising Saless today.

1. Certified Advertising Professional (CAP)

Certified Advertising Professional (CAP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of advertising. It is the only advertising certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The CAP credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field of advertising, as well as their ability to apply current best practices.

The CAP program consists of a two-day workshop and a comprehensive exam. The workshop provides an overview of the fundamentals of effective advertising, including topics such as media planning, creative strategy, legal and ethical considerations, research methods, and more. The exam covers all aspects of the workshop content and requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the material.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete both the workshop and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also submit proof of at least two years of professional experience in advertising or related fields.

The cost for becoming a Certified Advertising Professional varies based on location, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD for both the workshop and exam fees combined.

2. Certified Advertising Sales Executive (CASE)

Certified Advertising Sales Executive (CASE) is a professional certification program designed to provide advertising sales professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive media landscape. The CASE program is administered by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), a trade organization that represents digital media companies and works to promote best practices in the industry.

The CASE program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Advertising Sales Professional (CASP), Certified Advertising Sales Manager (CASM), and Certified Advertising Sales Executive (CASE). Each level requires successful completion of an online exam, which covers topics such as digital media fundamentals, marketing strategy, customer service, and sales process management.

The exams are offered online through IAB’s website and typically take between one and two hours to complete. Candidates must pass all three exams to earn the CASE designation. The cost of each exam is $150 USD, for a total cost of $450 USD for all three exams.

3. Certified Digital Advertising Professional (CDAP)

Certified Digital Advertising Professional (CDAP) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful digital advertising professionals. The certification is offered by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA), an industry-led self-regulatory program for online behavioral advertising.

The CDAP program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as digital marketing fundamentals, search engine optimization, display advertising, mobile marketing, social media marketing, analytics, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course and it can be completed at your own pace.

To get certified, you must pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and takes about 90 minutes to complete. The cost of the exam is $199 USD and can be taken online or in person at select testing centers around the world.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CDAP certification which is valid for two years from the date of issue. During this time, you will need to maintain your knowledge by completing continuing education courses or attending other DAA events in order to keep your certification current.

4. Certified Media Planner (CMP)

Certified Media Planner (CMP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s). The CMP program is designed to recognize and promote excellence in media planning and buying. It is an advanced level of training that provides media professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to develop effective media plans for their clients.

The CMP program consists of three components: self-study, online courses, and an exam. The self-study component requires candidates to complete a series of readings and exercises on topics such as media research, planning, buying, and evaluation. The online courses are designed to supplement the self-study material and provide additional instruction on various aspects of media planning. Finally, the exam tests candidates’ knowledge of the material covered in both the self-study component and the online courses.

The CMP program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Candidates must complete all three components within this timeframe in order to qualify for certification.

The cost of the CMP program varies depending on whether or not you are a 4A’s member. For non-members, it costs $2,500 plus applicable taxes; for members, it costs $1,500 plus applicable taxes.

In order to get certified as a Certified Media Planner (CMP), you must first apply for admission into the program through the 4A’s website. Once your application has been accepted, you will be required to complete all three components within a specified timeframe in order to become certified.

5. Certified Online Advertising Manager (COAM)

Certified Online Advertising Manager (COAM) is a certification program designed to help online advertisers and marketers gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage online advertising campaigns. The program is offered by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).

It takes about 10 hours of study time to complete the COAM program, which includes reading course materials, taking quizzes, and completing a final exam. To get certified, applicants must pass the final exam with a score of 80 percent or higher.

The cost of the COAM certification program varies depending on how you choose to take it. It costs $299 for self-study, $399 for instructor-led online training, and $499 for in-person training.

Once you have completed the course and passed the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate that is valid for two years. After two years, you will need to renew your certification by passing an updated version of the exam.

6. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

A Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in developing and executing social media strategies. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of the latest trends and best practices in the field of social media.

The CSMS certification is offered by the Social Media Marketing Institute, which provides comprehensive training programs to help individuals prepare for the exam. The program includes courses on topics such as content creation, analytics, customer service, and more. The certification requires passing a two-hour online exam with a score of 80% or higher.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to complete the program and pass the exam. However, it can vary depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying for the exam.

The cost for the CSMS certification program is $399 USD. This fee covers all course materials and access to practice exams, as well as one attempt at taking the actual exam.

7. Digital Marketing and Advertising Specialist Certification (DMASC)

Digital Marketing and Advertising Specialist Certification (DMASC) is a professional certification program designed to provide digital marketers with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the industry. This certification is offered by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), an international organization dedicated to providing professional training and certifications for digital marketing professionals.

The DMASC certification consists of four modules, each covering different aspects of digital marketing and advertising. The modules include Digital Strategy & Planning, Content & Social Media Management, Paid Advertising & Performance Analysis, and Analytics & Reporting. Each module contains multiple topics that are tested on a final exam.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the DMASC certification depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying. You can also choose to take courses online or attend in-person classes at one of DMI's locations around the world.

To get certified as a Digital Marketing and Advertising Specialist, you must pass all four modules of the DMASC exam with a minimum score of 75%. Once you have passed all four exams, you will receive your official DMASC certificate from DMI.

The cost of the DMASC certification varies depending on whether you choose to take classes online or in person, but it generally ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

8. Google Ads Certification

Google Ads Certification is an official Google program that allows individuals and organizations to demonstrate their proficiency in using Google Ads. It is a globally recognized credential that shows employers, partners, and customers that you have the skills needed to effectively manage and optimize Google Ads campaigns.

To receive the certification, you must pass two exams: the Fundamentals exam and one of the advanced exams (Search Advertising, Display Advertising, Video Advertising, Shopping Advertising, or Mobile Advertising). The exams are multiple-choice and take approximately 90 minutes each to complete.

You can take the exams online at any time by signing up for a free Google Ads account. There is no cost associated with taking the exams; however, if you fail an exam three times within 12 months, you will be required to pay a fee of $50 per exam before attempting it again.

Once you have passed both exams with a score of 80% or higher, your certification will be valid for 12 months from the date of completion. To maintain your certification status after this period expires, you must retake both exams every year.

9. Microsoft Advertising Certification

Microsoft Advertising Certification is a program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in the Microsoft Advertising platform. It is an online certification program that assesses an individual’s ability to create, manage, and optimize campaigns using Microsoft Advertising tools.

The certification process consists of two exams: Fundamentals and Advanced Search. The Fundamentals exam covers topics such as account structure, targeting options, campaign optimization, and reporting. The Advanced Search exam covers topics such as keyword research, ad copywriting, bid management, and budgeting.

It typically takes two to three weeks to complete both exams depending on the individual’s level of experience with Microsoft Advertising. To get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the Microsoft Advertising Certification is $99 USD for each exam.

10. Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing & Advertising

The Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing & Advertising is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to become successful digital marketers. The program covers topics such as website design, search engine optimization, social media marketing, email marketing, content creation, and analytics. It also provides hands-on experience through real-world projects and case studies.

The program typically takes around six months to complete, depending on the student's prior experience and learning speed. It is offered both online and in-person at accredited universities or colleges around the world.

To get the certificate, students must complete a set of courses that cover all aspects of digital marketing & advertising. These courses include topics such as website design, search engine optimization (SEO), content creation & management, social media marketing & advertising, email marketing & automation, analytics & reporting, and more. After completing all of the coursework, students must pass an exam to earn their certificate.

The cost of the Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing & Advertising varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more for tuition alone; additional costs may include textbooks and other materials needed for coursework.

Do You Really Need a Advertising Sales Certificate?

The short answer is that it depends. If you are looking to enter the field of advertising sales and have no prior experience in the field, then an advertising sales certificate could be beneficial. It could give you the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this competitive field. On the other hand, if you already have some experience in advertising sales or the related fields, then a certificate may not be necessary.

In any case, it’s important to consider what type of certificate would best suit your needs. There are a variety of options available, ranging from basic introductory courses to more advanced programs that can provide specialized training. Additionally, many universities and colleges offer certificates in advertising sales, so doing some research on which program would be most beneficial for your unique career goals is essential.

Overall, whether or not an advertising sales certificate is necessary will depend on your individual situation and goals. However, for those looking to break into the field with no prior experience or knowledge, obtaining a certificate could be very helpful in increasing your chances of success as an advertiser salesperson.

Related: Advertising Sales Resume Examples

FAQs About Advertising Sales Certifications

1. What is an advertising sales certification?

Answer: An advertising sales certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of advertising sales. It involves taking classes and passing tests to demonstrate knowledge of the industry’s best practices and techniques.

2. What are the benefits of getting an advertising sales certification?

Answer: Earning a certified advertising sales professional designation can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs, provide recognition for your skills and experience, and give you access to exclusive resources and support networks.

3. How do I become certified in advertising sales?

Answer: Generally, individuals interested in becoming certified must take courses in specific topics related to the field of advertising sales such as media planning, marketing research, communications and customer service. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass a written test in order to receive their certification.

4. Is there an age requirement for getting an advertising sales certification?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for getting an advertising sales certification. However, it is important to note that certain certifications may require completion of specific educational requirements or work experience before being eligible to take the exam.

5. How long does an advertising sales certification last?

Answer: The length of time a certification lasts depends on the type of program you choose; however, many programs offer certifications that are valid for two years before needing to be renewed or updated with continuing education credits or exams.