Top 11 Campaign Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a campaign coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has attained a certain level of knowledge and skill in the area of campaign management. Certifications indicate that the candidate has knowledge of best practices, understands how to run a successful campaign, and is able to work effectively within a team environment. Additionally, certifications can also help showcase an individual’s expertise to potential employers and give them an edge over other candidates who do not have certifications. Ultimately, having certifications helps make a candidate more attractive to employers looking for someone with the skills and experience necessary to manage their campaigns successfully.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Campaign Coordinators and how they can help advance their career.

What are Campaign Coordinator Certifications?

Campaign coordinator certification is a type of professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively coordinate successful political campaigns. This certification helps to ensure that campaign coordinators have the necessary tools and expertise to manage a successful campaign. It also helps employers identify qualified candidates for political campaign positions.

The certification covers topics such as fundraising, budgeting, media relations, communications strategy, field operations, voter contact strategies, volunteer management, data analysis and more. Certification programs vary in length and content but generally involve an in-depth study of all aspects of campaigning. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate indicating their proficiency in campaign coordination.

Having a campaign coordinator certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for a position in politics or related fields. Employers appreciate the fact that certified individuals have demonstrated their knowledge and commitment to the profession through their participation in formalized training programs. In addition, having certification can give individuals greater credibility when engaging with potential contributors or voters on behalf of their candidate or organization.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different certifications available for campaign coordinators before deciding which one to pursue. Each certification program offers a unique set of skills and qualifications that may be beneficial for your career. Consider the cost, time commitment, and other requirements associated with each program before making your decision.

Related: What does a Campaign Coordinator do?

Top 11 Campaign Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Campaign Coordinators today.

1. Certified Campaign Manager (CCM)

Certified Campaign Manager (CCM) is a certification program developed by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of campaign management. The CCM program is designed to provide campaign managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage campaigns from start to finish.

The CCM certification requires applicants to complete an online course that covers topics such as budgeting, fundraising, message development, and media relations. Once candidates have completed the course, they must pass an exam in order to become certified. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and essay questions that test a candidate’s understanding of campaign management principles and practices.

The online course typically takes between four and six weeks to complete depending on the individual’s study habits. After completing the course, candidates must register for and pass the exam within three months in order to become certified.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Campaign Manager certification varies depending on the country or region where you are located. In the United States, it typically costs between $500-$1,000 USD for both the online course and exam fees combined.

2. Certified Political Campaign Professional (CPCP)

Certified Political Campaign Professional (CPCP) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD). The NICD is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting civil discourse in political campaigns. The CPCP certification program is designed to equip political campaign professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to run successful campaigns.

The CPCP certification requires completion of an online course that covers topics such as campaign planning, fundraising, messaging and communication, digital strategy, and voter engagement. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and includes interactive activities and assessments.

To get the CPCP certification, you must first register for the course on the NICD’s website. Once registered, you must complete all modules of the course within 90 days. Upon completion of the course, you will receive your certificate via email.

The cost of the CPCP certification is $250 USD.

3. Certified Digital Campaign Strategist (CDCS)

Certified Digital Campaign Strategist (CDCS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the planning, execution and optimization of digital campaigns. It is awarded by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), an internationally recognized body for digital marketing certifications.

The CDCS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of digital marketing concepts such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, analytics and more. To earn the certification, applicants must complete a four-day training program offered by DMI or its authorized partners. The program covers topics such as campaign strategy development, audience segmentation, creative development and budgeting.

The cost of the training program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD. After completing the training program successfully, applicants can then apply to take the CDCS exam which costs $399 USD. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions which must be completed within one hour. Once applicants pass the exam they will receive their official CDCS certificate from DMI.

Overall it takes approximately five days to get certified as a Certified Digital Campaign Strategist (CDCS).

4. Certified Fundraising Professional (CFP)

Certified Fundraising Professional (CFP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). It is designed to recognize fundraising professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in their field. The CFP program requires applicants to demonstrate their commitment to ethical fundraising practices, as well as their understanding of the principles and techniques necessary for successful fundraising.

It typically takes between three and five years to complete the CFP program. To become certified, applicants must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and submit a portfolio demonstrating their fundraising experience. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements, including completion of at least 25 hours of AFP-approved continuing education courses within the past three years.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of coursework or exam preparation materials used. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to become certified.

In addition to the cost associated with becoming certified, there are also annual fees for maintaining certification status which range from $50-$100 per year.

5. Certified Public Relations Strategist (CPRS)

Certified Public Relations Strategist (CPRS) is a professional certification offered by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). This certification recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of professional excellence in public relations. It is designed to recognize and reward individuals with superior knowledge and skills in strategic public relations planning, execution, and evaluation.

To become certified as a CPRS, you must complete an accredited two-year diploma program or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution. You must also have at least three years of professional experience in public relations or communications. Additionally, you must pass the CPRS Certification Exam.

The exam consists of four sections: Planning & Research; Writing & Editing; Media Relations; and Evaluation & Measurement. The exam can be taken online or in person at one of the designated testing centers across Canada. The cost of the exam is $400 CAD plus applicable taxes.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CPRS designation and be eligible to use the CPRS logo on your business cards, website, and other materials. You will also be listed on the CPRS website as a certified member of their organization.

6. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

A Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional credential that recognizes an individual's expertise in the field of social media strategy. The CSMS certification is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of social media, including content creation, audience engagement, and analytics.

The CSMS certification requires completion of a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as social media marketing fundamentals, content strategy, analytics and reporting, and more. The exams are designed to test the knowledge acquired during the coursework.

The CSMS certification can be obtained through an accredited institution or online program. Most programs require at least six months of study and cost between $2,000 and $4,000 USD.

In addition to completing the coursework and exams, applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience with social media strategy. This portfolio should include examples of successful campaigns they have managed or been involved in as well as any relevant research papers or articles they have written on the topic.

7. Certified Grassroots Organizer (CGO)

A Certified Grassroots Organizer (CGO) is a professional designation for individuals who have completed an approved training program in grassroots organizing. The CGO program is designed to provide organizers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively engage citizens in local, state, and national political action.

The CGO program typically lasts between three and six months. It includes a combination of online learning modules, field experience, and an assessment exam. The curriculum covers topics such as: community organizing principles, effective communication strategies, campaign planning and management, fundraising techniques, and building relationships with elected officials.

To become a CGO, you must first complete the required training program. After completing the program, you must pass the assessment exam in order to receive your certification. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500-$1,000.

8. Certified Voter Engagement Specialist (CVES)

A Certified Voter Engagement Specialist (CVES) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage voters in their local community. The program is offered by the National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD) and provides comprehensive training on voter engagement, voter registration, and civic education.

The program consists of four online courses that can be completed at your own pace. Each course takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, but the total time required to complete all four courses will vary depending on the individual’s learning style and commitment.

To become a Certified Voter Engagement Specialist, applicants must first register for the program through NICD's website. After completing all four courses, applicants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CVES certification program is $295 USD.

9. Certified Political Consultant (CPC)

Certified Political Consultant (CPC) is a professional designation awarded by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). It recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in political consulting, campaign management, and public affairs. The CPC designation is considered one of the most respected credentials in the field.

To earn the CPC designation, an individual must complete a comprehensive training program that includes courses on topics such as campaign strategy, fundraising, media relations, and digital advocacy. The program also requires participants to pass an exam demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of political consulting.

The training program typically takes about two months to complete. However, some individuals may be able to complete it in less time depending on their prior experience and knowledge.

Individuals interested in earning the CPC designation can register for the program through AAPC’s website or by contacting AAPC directly. The cost for the program varies depending on whether an individual registers as a member or non-member of AAPC. Generally speaking, members pay significantly less than non-members for access to the training materials and exam fees.

10. Certified Election Administrator (CEA)

A Certified Election Administrator (CEA) is a professional designation for individuals who have completed a comprehensive training program and passed an examination that covers the full range of election administration activities. This certification is offered through the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED).

The training program consists of four courses covering topics such as election law, voting systems, voter registration, ballot design, and post-election audits. The courses are offered both online and in person at various locations across the country. Each course must be completed within one year of starting the program.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by NASED. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is designed to test knowledge in the areas covered in the training program. To receive certification, applicants must score 80% or higher on the exam.

The cost of becoming a CEA varies depending on how many courses are taken and whether they are taken online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 to become a CEA.

11. Certified Political Analyst (CPA)

Certified Political Analyst (CPA) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in political analysis. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates the holder’s knowledge and understanding of the complexities of politics and policy. The CPA designation is offered by the International Institute for Political Analysis, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of political analysis.

To become a Certified Political Analyst, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as international relations, public opinion, and political systems. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and case studies. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as research methods and data analysis.

The CPA exam typically takes about three hours to complete and can be taken at any of the IIPA's testing centers around the world. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPA certification within two weeks.

Do You Really Need a Campaign Coordinator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a campaign coordinator certificate depends on your individual circumstances. If you are looking to gain employment as a campaign coordinator, then having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who don't have one. Employers often look for candidates with specialized training and experience in the field, so having a certificate could be beneficial.

On the other hand, if you already have considerable experience working in the political arena and are confident that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in this role, then a certificate might not be necessary. Many employers may be more interested in your experience than any type of certification. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether obtaining a campaign coordinator certificate will help further your career goals or not.

Related: Campaign Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Campaign Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Campaign Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Campaign Coordinator Certification is an official recognition of an individual’s professional knowledge and skills in the field of political campaigns. It demonstrates proficiency in campaign strategy, fundraising, communications, and compliance with applicable laws.

2. How do I become certified as a Campaign Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified as a Campaign Coordinator, you must complete a training program approved by the National Association of Political Consultants (NAPC). This includes passing an exam that covers the knowledge and skills required for successful campaign coordination.

3. Are there any prerequisites to becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, you must have at least two years of experience working on or managing political campaigns or related activities to be eligible for certification as a Campaign Coordinator.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified will depend on your prior experience and how quickly you can complete the required training program and exam. On average, it can take anywhere from three months to one year to achieve certification.

5. Do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Yes, certifications must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education courses or passing an updated version of the NAPC exam.