Top 10 Advertising Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an advertising sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Employers look favorably upon individuals with certifications, as they often point to a higher level of education and experience than what is typically seen in the job market. Having certifications can also give an advertising sales manager an edge over other candidates during the hiring process, as employers will view them as more qualified for the position. Furthermore, certifications can help to open up new opportunities for an advertising sales manager, as certain employers may only consider applicants who have certain certifications.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Advertising Sales Managers and explain how they can contribute to the career development of an advertising sales manager.

What are Advertising Sales Manager Certifications?

Advertising sales manager certification is a professional credential for those who want to increase their knowledge and skills in the field of advertising sales. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the basics of advertising through to advanced strategies for increasing sales. Those who obtain this certification are better equipped to manage and lead teams, develop effective campaigns, understand the complexities of advertising regulations, and create successful marketing plans.

The certification covers topics such as media planning, account management, budgeting and forecasting, digital marketing trends, client relations and negotiation techniques. With this certification one can gain an edge over other candidates by demonstrating a level of knowledge and expertise that goes beyond what can be learned through experience alone. This credential also helps establish credibility in the industry and can open up new job opportunities or advancement possibilities within an organization. Additionally, having this certification may give one access to exclusive training programs or seminars that could further boost their career prospects in the field.

Pro Tip: When considering an advertising sales manager certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification and ensure that it is accredited by a reputable organization. Additionally, look for certifications that demonstrate knowledge of industry-specific skills, such as digital marketing and analytics. Finally, inquire about any additional resources or support available through the certification program.

Related: What does an Advertising Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Advertising Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Advertising Sales Manager (CASM)

Certified Advertising Sales Manager (CASM) is a certification offered by the Media Management Association (MMA). It is designed to help advertising sales professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in managing and selling advertising.

The CASM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in media sales and/or management, as well as a college degree or equivalent coursework. In addition, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as media planning, pricing strategies, client relations, and more.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $250 USD. Applicants who successfully pass the exam will receive their CASM certification within six weeks of completing the exam.

2. Certified Digital Advertising Sales Manager (CDASM)

Certified Digital Advertising Sales Manager (CDASM) is a certification program designed to help digital advertising sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing digital media landscape. This certification is offered by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).

The CDASM certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as understanding digital advertising, developing strategies for success, and optimizing campaigns. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the course.

The online course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience with digital advertising. After completing the online course, candidates must pass a 90-minute proctored exam to become certified.

The cost of the CDASM certification program is $795 USD.

3. Professional Advertising Sales Manager (PASM)

Professional Advertising Sales Manager (PASM) is a certification program offered by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA). The program is designed to provide advertising sales professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the digital advertising industry and its practices. It also provides them with the necessary skills to effectively manage, plan, and execute successful digital advertising campaigns.

The PASM program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as digital marketing strategy, analytics, targeting, optimization, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

The in-person exam is administered at a testing center and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics from the online course. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly.

The cost for taking the PASM program varies depending on your location. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for both parts of the program.

4. Certified Media Planning and Buying Professional (CMPBP)

Certified Media Planning and Buying Professional (CMPBP) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in media planning and buying. The CMPBP designation is awarded to those who pass the 4A's Certified Media Planning & Buying Professional Exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as media research, media planning, media buying, digital media, and analytics. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. To be eligible for the CMPBP certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of media planning and buying.

The cost of the exam is $495 for 4A's members and $695 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and a one-year subscription to Adweek magazine. After passing the exam, there is an additional annual renewal fee of $125 for 4A's members or $175 for non-members.

5. Certified Advertising Negotiator (CAN)

Certified Advertising Negotiator (CAN) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's). It is designed to help advertising professionals better understand the complexities of negotiating and managing advertising contracts. The CAN program provides an in-depth understanding of the negotiation process, including how to assess client needs, develop negotiation strategies, and close deals.

The CAN program requires participants to complete a two-day course, which consists of lectures and interactive workshops. Participants must also pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

To get Certified Advertising Negotiator (CAN), you must first register for the two-day course through 4A's website. The cost for the course is $1,000 and includes all materials and instruction. Once you have successfully completed the course and passed the exam, you will be awarded your certificate.

The cost for taking the CAN exam is $250, which can be paid directly on 4A's website or through PayPal. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate within four weeks via mail or email.

6. Certified Advertising Professional (CAP)

Certified Advertising Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Advertising Federation (AAF). It is designed to recognize and reward professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of advertising.

The CAP program consists of three levels: Certified Advertising Professional, Senior Certified Advertising Professional, and Master Certified Advertising Professional. Each level requires successful completion of a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as media planning, marketing research, creative strategy and tactics, digital media, and more.

It typically takes between 6-18 months to complete all three levels of the CAP program depending on how quickly you are able to complete the coursework.

To get started with the CAP program, you must first register with AAF and pay an application fee. After that, you will be able to access all course materials online or through printed textbooks. Once you have completed all required coursework for each level, you will be eligible to take the corresponding exam for that level. Upon successful completion of all exams, you will receive your CAP certification from AAF.

The cost for the CAP program varies depending on which level(s) you choose to pursue. The application fee is $50 and then there are additional fees for each course/exam taken ($100-$200 per course/exam).

7. Accredited Media Planner/Buyer (AMPB)

Accredited Media Planner/Buyer (AMPB) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's). It is designed to certify individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the fundamental principles and practices of media planning and buying. The AMPB program is intended to recognize those individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in their profession that meets or exceeds industry standards.

The AMPB program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as media research, planning, budgeting, buying, negotiation, and evaluation. Upon completion of the course, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering the topics discussed in the course.

The cost for the AMPB program depends on whether you are a 4A's member or non-member. For 4A's members, it costs $495 for the online course and $295 for the exam. For non-members, it costs $595 for the online course and $395 for the exam.

It typically takes about six weeks to complete both parts of the AMPB program. However, this timeline may vary depending on how quickly you work through the material and how quickly you can take and pass your exam after completing your online coursework.

8. Certified Search Engine Marketing Professional (CSEMP)

Certified Search Engine Marketing Professional (CSEMP) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in search engine marketing. The CSEMP certification is awarded by the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO), a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of search engine marketing.

The CSEMP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as keyword research, SEO, PPC, content optimization, web analytics and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To apply for the CSEMP certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in search engine marketing or related fields, such as online advertising or web development. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of their professional experience and provide references from employers or clients who can attest to their expertise in search engine marketing.

Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to pay a one-time fee of $399 USD which covers the cost of the exam and materials needed for study. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their CSEMP certification valid for two years.

9. International Advertising Association’s Advertiser Certification Program (IAAACP)

The International Advertising Association’s Advertiser Certification Program (IAAACP) is a voluntary program designed to help advertisers ensure that their advertising and marketing campaigns are compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. The program provides certification for advertising and marketing professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to create, manage, and evaluate successful campaigns.

The IAAACP requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as consumer protection laws, advertising ethics, media planning, creative development, research techniques, and evaluation methods. Applicants must also complete a portfolio project demonstrating their proficiency in the areas covered by the exam. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and the portfolio project can take up to six months depending on the complexity of the campaign.

The cost of taking the IAAACP exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once certified, there is an annual fee of $100 USD for renewal of certification.

To get started with the IAAACP certification process, applicants should first review all of the requirements outlined by the association. This includes reviewing sample questions from past exams as well as any additional materials needed for portfolio projects. After completing all of these steps, applicants should register for an upcoming exam date online or through their local IAAACP chapter office.

10. American Marketing Association’s Certified Marketing Manager Program (AMCMCP).

The American Marketing Association’s Certified Marketing Manager Program (AMCMCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize marketing professionals who demonstrate mastery of the essential skills and knowledge required for success in today’s competitive marketplace. The program is administered by the American Marketing Association (AMA), a national organization dedicated to advancing marketing education and professional development.

The AMCMCP requires applicants to complete an online application, pass an exam, and meet certain experience requirements. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as marketing strategy, customer segmentation, digital marketing, market research, pricing, and more. Applicants must also have at least three years of professional experience in marketing or related fields.

The entire process typically takes four to six months from start to finish. The cost of the program varies depending on the applicant's level of experience and other factors; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Once certified, individuals are expected to maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every two years. This includes attending conferences and workshops, reading industry publications, participating in webinars or classes, or completing other approved activities.

Do You Really Need a Advertising Sales Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. An advertising sales manager certificate is not required for an individual to become a successful marketing and sales professional. However, that does not mean that a certificate or other type of credential would not be beneficial.

Having a certificate in advertising sales management can provide an individual with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to be successful in this field. A certificate program may include courses such as digital marketing, copywriting, customer relationship management (CRM), sales techniques, and more. These are all important topics that can help someone better understand the industry and learn how to develop effective strategies for their clients.

In addition to providing knowledge and skills, having an advertising sales manager certificate also shows potential employers that you have taken the time to invest in your career and are serious about your success in the field. It demonstrates commitment and dedication above what someone without the credential can offer. This could potentially give you an edge over competitors when it comes time for hiring decisions.

Overall, having an advertising sales manager certificate is not necessary for success in this field but it certainly can help open doors of opportunity and give you an advantage over others who do not have one.

Related: Advertising Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Advertising Sales Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an Advertising Sales Manager?

Answer: To become an Advertising Sales Manager, you must have a combination of education, experience and skills. You should have a Bachelor’s degree in marketing or advertising, along with sales experience and strong communication skills. Additionally, some employers may require certification as an Advertising Sales Manager.

2. What kind of certifications are available for Advertising Sales Managers?

Answer: Certifications available for Advertising Sales Managers include Certified Professional in Digital Media (CPDM), Certified Professional in Social Media (CPSM), Certified Professional in Online Marketing (CPOM) and Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP).

3. How much does it cost to obtain certification as an Advertising Sales Manager?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification as an Advertising Sales Manager varies depending on the type and provider of the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$2000 USD.

4. How long does it take to obtain certification as an Advertising Sales Manager?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain certification as an Advertising Sales Manager depends on the type and provider of the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete all requirements for certification.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Advertising Sales Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified as an Advertising Sales Manager provides many benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher earning potential and recognition among peers and employers that you possess specialized knowledge and expertise in the field. Additionally, having a professional certificate can help demonstrate commitment to your career development and provide motivation for continuing education within your chosen field.