Top 11 Assistant Media Planner Certifications

Certifications are important for assistant media planners in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They show employers that the applicant has taken steps to become educated and certified in their area and that they are dedicated to their profession. Certifications also provide an opportunity for assistant media planners to network with other professionals in the industry, which can be beneficial when looking for work or seeking career advancement. Having certifications can also make an applicant more competitive when applying for positions, as employers may view them more favorably than those without such credentials.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Assistant Media Planners and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Assistant Media Planner Certifications?

Assistant media planner certification is a credential that provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an assistant media planner. This certification helps individuals develop their understanding of the various aspects of media planning, such as research and analysis, strategy development, budgeting, buying, and reporting. It also provides them with the ability to be able to work within teams and collaborate on projects with other professionals in the industry.

The certification program covers topics such as media planning fundamentals, digital media trends, data-driven decision making, campaign management tools and techniques, client relations, communication strategies, and more. By completing this certification program, individuals will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in these topics as well as their ability to think critically about different media plans.

Having assistant media planner certification can help an individual stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions within the media planning industry. It also serves to show potential employers that the individual is knowledgeable about current trends in the field and has a strong understanding of how to apply them in real-world situations. Furthermore, having this certification demonstrates dedication towards professional growth and development which can lead to better career opportunities over time.

Pro Tip: To become a certified assistant media planner, it is important to obtain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of media planning and research. Additionally, take advantage of professional development opportunities, such as attending webinars and conferences, to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does an Assistant Media Planner do?

Top 11 Assistant Media Planner Certifications

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

1. Certified Digital Media Planner (CDMP)

Certified Digital Media Planner (CDMP) is a professional certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of digital media planning and buying. The program is designed to help digital media professionals develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of strategy, analytics, budgeting, optimization, and reporting. It is offered by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).

The CDMP certification consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as digital media fundamentals, audience targeting, campaign measurement & optimization, and more. The exam tests your knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the course.

The cost for the CDMP program is $995 USD. This includes access to the online course materials, practice exams, and the exam itself.

It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the program depending on your individual learning pace. To get certified as a CDMP you must pass both parts of the program with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have completed all requirements you will receive your official CDMP certificate from IAB.

2. Certified Media Planning Professional (CMPP)

Certified Media Planning Professional (CMPP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in media planning. It is offered by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), and recognizes professionals with expertise in media planning, research, and analytics.

The CMPP program consists of an online course and exam that focuses on the fundamentals of media planning, including topics such as audience segmentation, media mix optimization, campaign measurement, and more. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and can be taken at any time.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass the CMPP exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam fee is $150 for 4A's members and $225 for non-members. Once certified, individuals will receive a certificate from the 4A's that acknowledges their achievement.

3. Certified Advertising and Media Planner (CAMP)

Certified Advertising and Media Planner (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 expertise in media planning and buying, as well as a commitment to continuing education in the field.

The CAMP program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person workshop. The online assessment covers topics such as media research, budgeting, targeting, and placement. Participants must pass the assessment with a minimum score of 80% in order to advance to the workshop.

The workshop is a one-day event that focuses on developing practical skills related to media planning and buying. It includes hands-on activities, case studies, and group discussions. At the end of the workshop, participants must complete an open book exam that covers all topics discussed during the day.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CAMP program from start to finish. To get started, you must register for both the online assessment and workshop through 4A’s website. The cost for registration is $1,500 USD for members of 4A’s or $2,000 USD for non-members.

4. Certified Social Media Planner (CSMP)

Certified Social Media Planner (CSMP) is a certification program offered by the Social Media Marketing Institute. It is designed to help professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop, implement, and measure effective social media campaigns. The CSMP program consists of an online course, an exam, and a certificate.

The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as understanding the basics of social media marketing, developing effective strategies for different platforms, creating content that resonates with target audiences, managing campaigns and measuring results. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSMP program is $299 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam for an additional fee of $99 USD.

In order to get certified as a Certified Social Media Planner (CSMP), you must register for the program through the Social Media Marketing Institute website. Once you have registered for the program, you will be able to access all of the course materials online and take your exam when you are ready.

5. Certified Digital Advertising Strategist (CDAS)

Certified Digital Advertising Strategist (CDAS) is a certification program offered by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in digital advertising strategy and tactics. The program is open to anyone with an interest in digital advertising, including marketing professionals, creative directors, web developers, and more.

The CDAS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of digital advertising through a series of online exams. The exams cover topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), display advertising, mobile marketing, and social media marketing. To become certified, applicants must pass all four exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The CDAS certification process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish. Applicants must first register for the exam on the DAA website and pay the associated fee ($149). Once registered, applicants will receive access to the online exam platform where they can study for the exam at their own pace. After passing all four exams with a passing score of 70%, applicants will be issued their CDAS certificate.

The cost of the CDAS certification is $149 USD and includes access to all four online exams as well as one year of membership in the DAA network.

6. Certified Integrated Marketing Communications Planner (CIMCP)

Certified Integrated Marketing Communications Planner (CIMCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize marketing professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the development and implementation of integrated marketing communications plans. The CIMCP certification is offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA).

The CIMCP program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in developing an integrated marketing communications plan, including understanding the customer’s needs, determining the appropriate media mix, and creating a strategy for achieving desired results. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to measure and analyze results.

The CIMCP certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a written exam. The online assessment includes multiple-choice questions that test applicants’ knowledge of integrated marketing communications concepts, as well as their ability to apply those concepts in real-world scenarios. The written exam consists of essay questions that assess applicants’ ability to develop comprehensive integrated marketing communication plans.

The CIMCP certification program takes approximately 8–10 weeks to complete. Applicants must first complete the online assessment before taking the written exam. After completing both components, applicants will receive their certification within 4–6 weeks after passing the written exam.

The cost for the CIMCP certification program varies depending on whether or not you are an AMA member. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members, it is $395 USD.

7. Certified Radio Advertising Professional (CRAP)

Certified Radio Advertising Professional (CRAP) is a certification program offered by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of radio advertising principles and best practices. The certification process involves completing an online course, passing an exam, and submitting evidence of professional experience in radio advertising.

The CRAP course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete, depending on the individual's familiarity with the material. The course covers topics such as radio advertising fundamentals, research and planning, media buying and negotiation, creative development, campaign management and measurement. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their CRAP certification.

In order to obtain CRAP certification, applicants must first register for the program on the RAB website. Registration requires payment of a fee which varies depending on whether you are an RAB member or non-member. For members, the fee is $395 USD; for non-members it is $495 USD. After registration is complete, applicants can begin the online course at any time and take up to one year to finish it. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, applicants will be awarded their CRAP certification.

8. Certified Television Advertising Professional (CTAP)

Certified Television Advertising Professional (CTAP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF). It is designed to recognize professionals in the television advertising industry who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge. The program is designed to help professionals stay current on trends, technologies, and best practices in the television advertising industry.

The CTAP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as media research, marketing strategy, creative development, media buying, and more. The exam tests the participant’s knowledge of these topics and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the online course and take the exam. To get certified, participants must pass both the online course and the exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the CTAP program varies depending on whether you are an NABEF member or not. For non-members, it costs $299 for access to the online course and exam. For NABEF members, it costs $249 for access to the online course and exam.

9. Certified Out-of-Home Advertising Professional (COHAP)

Certified Out-of-Home Advertising Professional (COHAP) is a professional certification program for individuals who want to advance their knowledge and expertise in the out-of-home advertising industry. The program was created by the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) to help professionals demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of excellence in out-of-home advertising.

The COHAP certification is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of the fundamentals of out-of-home advertising, including legal and regulatory compliance, media planning and buying, creative development, campaign management, and measurement. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the current trends and best practices in out-of-home advertising.

The COHAP certification process takes approximately four weeks to complete. To become certified, individuals must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as legal and regulatory compliance, media planning and buying, creative development, campaign management, and measurement. Once they have passed the exam, they must then complete a series of assignments that are designed to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in out-of-home advertising.

The cost for the COHAP certification program varies depending on whether or not you are an OAAA member. For nonmembers, it costs $1,500; for members it costs $750.

10. Certified Search Engine Marketing Professional (CSEMP)

A Certified Search Engine Marketing Professional (CSEMP) is a professional certification that demonstrates a deep understanding of search engine marketing principles and practices. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and execute search engine marketing campaigns.

The CSEMP certification program is administered by the Search Engine Academy, an internationally recognized organization dedicated to providing education and training for search engine marketing professionals. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as keyword research, SEO techniques, PPC advertising, analytics, and more. The online course provides hands-on experience with various tools used in search engine marketing campaigns.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSEMP certification program. During this time, students will need to study for and pass the written exam as well as complete the online course. In addition, they will need to submit their portfolio of work samples for review by the Search Engine Academy’s panel of experts. Once all requirements have been met, students will receive their official certification from the Search Engine Academy.

The cost of the CSEMP certification program varies depending on which components you choose to participate in. The written exam alone costs $299 USD while the full program including both the written exam and online course costs $599 USD.

11. Google Ads Certification

Google Ads Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in Google Ads. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of the platform, and to help employers identify qualified professionals who can effectively manage their Google Ads campaigns.

To get certified, 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 administered online through the Google Partners platform.

The Fundamentals exam covers basic and intermediate concepts, including best practices for creating and optimizing ads. The advanced exams cover more specialized topics related to each type of advertising.

The exams take about 90 minutes to complete and consist of multiple choice questions. You must score 80% or higher on each exam in order to pass.

The cost for taking the exams is $50 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Media Planner Certificate?

When considering whether or not to pursue an Assistant Media Planner Certificate, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. On one hand, having a certification could provide valuable credentials that may open up job opportunities in the media planning field. It could also provide employers with the assurance that the individual has knowledge and experience related to the field. On the other hand, obtaining an Assistant Media Planner Certificate may require a significant investment of time and money in order to obtain, and may not be necessary depending on one’s experience level in media planning.

In general, if you are looking for a way to differentiate yourself from other applicants in the media planning field, then obtaining an Assistant Media Planner Certificate might be worth considering. Having a certificate could demonstrate your commitment to professional development and show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to gain specialized knowledge in this area. Additionally, having a certificate could make you more competitive when applying for jobs or promotions within media planning organizations.

On the other hand, if you already possess several years of relevant experience in media planning and have developed sufficient expertise without a certification, then obtaining one may not necessarily add much value to your resume. Depending on your current role and career goals, it may be better to focus on developing additional skills through industry networking or continuing education programs instead of investing time and money into obtaining an Assistant Media Planner Certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an Assistant Media Planner Certificate depends on your own individual situation; however, it can certainly help distinguish yourself from other applicants when looking for jobs or promotions within media-planning organizations.

Related: Assistant Media Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Media Planner Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Media Planner Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Media Planner Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of media planning. It demonstrates proficiency in topics such as strategic media planning, media buying, budgeting, research and analytics.

2. How do I become certified as an Assistant Media Planner?

Answer: To become certified as an Assistant Media Planner, you must pass the Certified Media Planning Professional (CMPA) examination administered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The exam covers topics such as strategic media planning, media buying, budgeting, research and analytics.

3. What are the requirements for earning a CMPA certification?

Answer: To earn a CMPA certification, you must have at least two years of experience in the field of media planning or related fields, complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework from a recognized institution and pass the CMPA examination with a minimum score of 70%.

4. Is there any additional training required for becoming an Assistant Media Planner?

Answer: Although there is no additional training required to become certified as an Assistant Media Planner, it is recommended that professionals take advantage of continuing education opportunities available through organizations such as the American Marketing Association to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

5. How long does it take to get certified as an Assistant Media Planner?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as an Assistant Media Planner depends on your individual situation. Typically it takes about six months to complete all of the necessary steps including coursework and taking the exam.