Top 11 Assistant Media Buyer Certifications

Certifications for an assistant media buyer are important for job market success because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that can make a candidate more attractive to potential employers. Certifications also provide proof of dedication to the field, as candidates must complete courses and pass examinations in order to earn them. Having certifications can help an assistant media buyer stand out from other applicants, as employers will be able to trust that the individual is knowledgeable in the field and has proven their abilities through the certification process. Furthermore, certifications can open up doors to higher-level positions within the industry, such as media planner or media director.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Assistant Media Buyers, and how these certifications can help them advance in their career.

What are Assistant Media Buyer Certifications?

Assistant media buyer certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a knowledge of the principles and practices of media buying. It is awarded by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) and is designed to give employers an indication of the level of expertise held by an applicant for a position as a media buyer.

Having an assistant media buyer certification indicates to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the purchase and placement of advertising space, time, or other media. This includes understanding various advertising options, negotiating with vendors, developing strategies to maximize return on investment, monitoring campaigns, and more. The certification also demonstrates that applicants have taken the time to learn about industry standards and trends in order to stay current with best practices.

For those seeking employment as a media buyer, having an assistant media buyer certification can give them an edge when competing for jobs. Employers may look favorably upon certified candidates because it shows they are knowledgeable about their field and committed to doing their job well. Additionally, many employers offer higher salaries for those with certifications since it reduces their risk when hiring new employees.

Pro Tip: When considering assistant media buyer certification, make sure to research the requirements and training courses available to ensure that you are getting a program that will provide the most up-to-date industry knowledge. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience in order to gain valuable practical skills.

Related: What does an Assistant Media Buyer do?

Top 11 Assistant Media Buyer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Media Buyers today.

1. Certified Digital Media Buyer (CDMB)

A Certified Digital Media Buyer (CDMB) is a professional certification that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of digital media buying and planning. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and optimization of digital media campaigns. It covers topics such as media planning, budgeting, targeting, optimization, analytics, reporting, and more.

The CDMB certification requires applicants to pass an online exam covering the fundamentals of digital media buying and planning. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in digital media buying or related fields in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of the CDMB certification is $399 USD. This fee includes access to online study materials as well as the actual exam itself. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). This certificate will demonstrate your expertise in digital media buying and planning to potential employers or clients.

2. Certified Advertising Media Professional (CAMP)

Certified Advertising Media Professional (CAMP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of media planning and buying.

The CAMP certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an in-person exam. The online self-study course covers topics such as media planning, buying, research, analytics, and more. This course takes approximately 20 hours to complete. Once the online course is completed, applicants must take the in-person exam which consists of multiple choice questions and case studies. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To get certified as a CAMP, applicants must be current members of 4A's or join 4A's prior to registering for the CAMP program. The cost for membership varies depending on the type of membership chosen but typically ranges from $150-$250 per year. Additionally, there is a one-time fee for the CAMP certification program which is currently $595 USD.

3. Certified Programmatic Media Buyer (CPMB)

A Certified Programmatic Media Buyer (CPMB) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in programmatic media buying. Programmatic media buying is the automated purchase and sale of digital advertising inventory through real-time bidding platforms, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and other ad exchanges.

The CPMB certification is offered by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). It is designed to provide professionals with an understanding of the fundamentals of programmatic media buying, including the technology, processes, and strategies involved. The certification also covers topics such as data-driven marketing, targeting strategies, and optimization techniques.

To become certified as a CPMB, individuals must complete an online course and pass an exam. The course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals will receive their CPMB certification.

The cost for the CPMB certification varies depending on whether you are an IAB member or non-member. For IAB members, it costs $299 USD; for non-members it costs $399 USD.

4. Certified Social Media Buyer (CSMB)

A Certified Social Media Buyer (CSMB) is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the area of social media buying. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of planning, executing, and managing social media campaigns.

The CSMB certification is offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as social media strategy, analytics, budgeting, and optimization. The exam tests your knowledge and understanding of these topics.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the program and pass the exam. To get certified, you must first register with AMA and pay a fee that varies depending on your membership status with AMA. Once registered, you will be provided with access to the online course materials and can begin studying for the exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Social Media Buyer depends on your membership status with AMA. For non-members, it costs $299; for members, it costs $199; for student members, it costs $99; and for life members, it is free.

5. Certified Mobile Advertising Buyer (CMAB)

Certified Mobile Advertising Buyer (CMAB) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage mobile advertising campaigns. The certification is administered by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing mobile marketing.

The CMAB certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as mobile advertising technology, targeting, optimization, analytics, and best practices. The practical assessment requires candidates to develop an actual mobile advertising campaign plan and present it in front of a panel of experts.

The CMAB certification typically takes one to three months to complete depending on the individual’s level of experience. To get certified, applicants must first register with the MMA and pay the applicable fees. After registration is complete, applicants can access study materials and practice tests online or purchase printed textbooks from the MMA store. Once they are ready to take the exam, they will need to find an approved testing center in their area and schedule an appointment for their written exam and practical assessment.

The cost for obtaining the CMAB certification varies depending on factors such as location, but typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD.

6. Certified Search Engine Marketing Professional (CSEMP)

Certified Search Engine Marketing Professional (CSEMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who have a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of search engine marketing. It is offered by the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO), an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the growth and development of search engine marketing.

The CSEMP program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as keyword research, SEO copywriting, link building, paid search advertising, analytics and reporting, and more. The exams are administered online through SEMPO’s website.

It typically takes between one to two months to complete all three levels of the CSEMP program. The cost for each level is $200 USD plus applicable taxes. Upon successful completion of all three levels, you will receive your official CSEMP certificate from SEMPO.

7. Certified Online Advertising Professional (COAP)

Certified Online Advertising Professional (COAP) is a certification program for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of online advertising. The certification is offered by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), an international trade organization that works to promote, develop, and support digital advertising.

The COAP program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. To get certified, applicants must first pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam covers topics such as digital media planning, search engine optimization, display advertising, mobile marketing, social media marketing, analytics and reporting.

Once applicants have passed the online exam, they must complete a hands-on project that demonstrates their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. This can be done through creating campaigns or managing campaigns for clients.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the COAP program from start to finish. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you are taking it as an individual or as part of an organization; however, it typically costs around $500-$600 USD for individuals and $1,000-$2,000 USD for organizations.

8. Digital Advertising Certification Program (DACP)

The Digital Advertising Certification Program (DACP) is an online certification program developed by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). The program provides comprehensive training and certification in digital advertising, including topics such as search engine marketing, display advertising, mobile marketing, social media, and analytics. It is designed to help marketers and advertisers understand the complexities of digital advertising and how to effectively use it for their businesses.

The DACP consists of four courses that must be completed in order to obtain certification: Digital Advertising Fundamentals, Search Engine Marketing, Display Advertising & Mobile Marketing, and Social Media & Analytics. Each course takes approximately two hours to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, a final exam must be taken in order to receive certification.

The cost of the DACP is $399 USD for individuals or $1,499 USD for groups of five or more. The fee includes access to all four courses plus the final exam. Once certified, individuals will receive a certificate from IAB that can be used as proof of their knowledge and expertise in digital advertising.

In order to get the DACP certification you must first register at iabdigitallearning.org/dacp-registration/. After registering you will need to purchase the course materials which include access to all four courses plus the final exam. Once purchased you will have 90 days from your date of purchase to complete all four courses and take the final exam in order to receive your certificate from IAB.

9. Google Ads Certification Program

The Google Ads Certification Program is a free online training program that allows individuals and businesses to demonstrate their knowledge of Google Ads. The program is designed to help users understand the fundamentals of Google Ads, including how to create effective campaigns, measure results, and optimize performance.

The program consists of two exams: the Fundamentals exam and one additional exam from a selection of five available specializations. Each exam covers topics such as campaign setup, targeting, bidding strategies, ad formats, optimization techniques, and reporting. To become certified in Google Ads, you must pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher.

The exams can be taken at any time and there is no time limit for completing them. It typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete each exam depending on your familiarity with the material.

The Google Ads Certification Program is free to take but does require an active Google Ads account in order to access the exams. Once you have passed both exams with a score of 80% or higher you will receive an official certification badge that can be displayed on your website or social media accounts. This badge serves as proof that you are certified in Google Ads and helps demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers or clients.

10. Bing Ads Accredited Professional Program

The Bing Ads Accredited Professional Program is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in using the Bing Ads platform. The program is open to anyone who wants to prove their proficiency in using the Bing Ads platform, from marketing professionals and business owners to students and digital marketers.

To get certified as a Bing Ads Accredited Professional, you must complete an online exam that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as account structure, campaign management, optimization techniques, targeting methods, reporting, and more. You will also need to demonstrate your knowledge of best practices for managing campaigns on the Bing Ads platform.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $50 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a certificate that is valid for one year. To maintain your certification status after one year, you must retake the exam each year or take additional courses offered by Microsoft Advertising Academy.

In addition to the exam fee, there may be other costs associated with becoming a Bing Ads Accredited Professional such as purchasing study materials or taking additional courses offered by Microsoft Advertising Academy.

11. Facebook Blueprint Certification

Facebook Blueprint Certification is a professional certification program designed to help digital marketers, advertisers, and developers build their skills and knowledge in using Facebook products. It covers topics such as creating effective campaigns, understanding the Facebook Ads Manager, leveraging insights from analytics tools, and more.

The program consists of two levels: Core and Advanced. Each level requires passing an exam that tests your knowledge on the subject matter. The Core level exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and the Advanced level exam takes approximately 120 minutes to complete.

To get certified, you must first register for an exam through the Facebook Blueprint website. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. You can take the exam online or at a testing center near you. Once you have passed both exams, you will be eligible for certification.

The cost of each exam varies depending on your location; however, it typically ranges from $150-$250 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Media Buyer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an assistant media buyer certificate to be successful in the field. However, there are some advantages to having one. An assistant media buyer certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have a basic understanding of the principles and practices associated with media buying. It can also show potential employers that you are committed to furthering your education in the field and have taken the time to learn the skills necessary for success.

Having a certificate may also open up more opportunities for advancement within a company or give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. This is especially true if the certificate comes from a recognized institution or program with accreditation. Employers may see this as evidence that you have received formal training in the field and are capable of making sound decisions when it comes to purchasing media.

Overall, while having an assistant media buyer certificate can be beneficial, it is not necessarily required to be successful in the field. What will ultimately determine your success as a media buyer is your knowledge of industry trends, ability to negotiate deals, and understanding of how different forms of advertising work together to reach consumers.

Related: Assistant Media Buyer Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Media Buyer Certifications

1. What is an assistant media buyer certification?

Answer: An assistant media buyer certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual's expertise in the field of media buying. It demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques involved in negotiating and executing successful media buying campaigns.

2. What qualifications are required to become an assistant media buyer?

Answer: Generally, a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field is required for entry-level positions. Additional qualifications may include experience in advertising, digital marketing, market research, or other related fields.

3. Is there an official certification program for assistant media buyers?

Answer: Yes, there are several organizations that offer certifications for assistant media buyers such as the Media Buying Association (MBA) and the International Advertising Association (IAA). These programs provide comprehensive training on various aspects of the profession such as planning strategies, budgeting, negotiating contracts, and evaluating performance metrics.

4. How do I prepare for a certification exam?

Answer: Preparation for certification exams typically involves studying relevant materials such as textbooks, industry publications, online resources, and attending workshops or seminars. Additionally, hands-on experience with a real-life campaign can be beneficial in gaining a better understanding of how to succeed in this field.

5. How long does it take to complete a certification program?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete a certification program varies depending on the organization offering it and the individual's level of commitment and dedication to learning the material covered by the program. Generally speaking however, most programs take anywhere from six months to two years to complete depending on course load and other factors.