Top 11 Commercial Director Certifications

Certifications for a commercial director are important in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively. Certifications can give employers confidence that the candidate has a strong understanding of industry best practices, current trends, and regulations. They also show that the individual is dedicated to continuing their professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards. Ultimately, certifications can help a commercial director stand out from other candidates and make them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Commercial Directors and explains how they can help to advance a commercial director's career.

What are Commercial Director Certifications?

Commercial Director certification is a professional credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and experience in the field of commercial directing. It is awarded by the Commercial Directors Council (CDC), an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the field. This certification recognizes individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of the creative, technical, and business aspects of directing commercials.

Having this certification can help professionals stand out from other candidates when applying for commercial director jobs. It shows employers that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in this highly competitive industry. The CDC also provides resources and support to certified directors, helping them stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, directors with this certification may be eligible for discounts on production services or access to exclusive opportunities within the advertising industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for commercial director certification before applying. Most certifications require experience in the field and completion of courses or exams, so make sure you are prepared to meet these requirements before submitting your application.

Related: What does a Commercial Director do?

Top 11 Commercial Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Commercial Directors today.

1. Certified Commercial Director (CCD)

Certified Commercial Director (CCD) is a certification program offered by the American Film Institute (AFI). The AFI CCD program is designed to equip directors with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to create successful commercial projects. The program consists of three parts: an online course, a hands-on workshop, and a final exam.

The online course covers topics such as storyboarding, budgeting, scheduling, production design, casting and directing actors. It also includes lessons on how to develop creative treatments for commercial projects. The course takes approximately six weeks to complete and costs $1,500.

The hands-on workshop is held in Los Angeles and provides students with an opportunity to work on real-world commercial projects under the guidance of experienced professionals. During the workshop, students will learn how to pitch their ideas to clients and collaborate with other professionals in the industry. The workshop lasts two weeks and costs $2,000.

The final exam tests students’ understanding of all aspects of commercial directing including pre-production planning, production techniques and post-production processes. The exam must be passed in order for the student to receive their CCD certification.

In total it takes approximately 8 weeks from start to finish to become certified in Commercial Directing through AFI's CCD program and it costs around $3,500 USD.

2. Certified Professional Commercial Director (CPCD)

Certified Professional Commercial Director (CPCD) is a professional certification program offered by the American Advertising Federation (AAF). It is designed to recognize excellence in commercial directing and provide an opportunity for directors to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and experience in the field.

The CPCD program consists of three parts: a written exam, a portfolio review, and an oral interview. The written exam covers topics such as production techniques, pre-production planning, budgeting, post-production editing, and advertising principles. The portfolio review requires the submission of five commercials that have been directed by the applicant. Finally, the oral interview is conducted with a panel of industry professionals who evaluate the applicant's understanding of commercial directing and ability to communicate effectively.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three parts of the CPCD program. To get started on your journey towards becoming certified as a CPCD you will need to submit an application form along with payment for the required fees ($400 USD). Once your application has been accepted you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through each step of the process.

The cost for obtaining your CPCD certification is $400 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam or submitting your portfolio for review.

3. Certified International Commercial Director (CICD)

Certified International Commercial Director (CICD) is a professional certification program that provides aspiring business professionals with the knowledge and skills to become successful international commercial directors. The CICD program is designed to equip participants with the skills and experience necessary to lead international businesses in today’s global economy.

The CICD program consists of three levels of certification, each taking approximately one year to complete:

Level I: Certified International Commercial Director (CICD) – This level focuses on developing the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for international commercial directors. Topics covered include international trade law, finance, marketing, operations management, and strategy.

Level II: Advanced Certified International Commercial Director (ACICD) – This level focuses on developing advanced skills related to leading an international business. Topics covered include project management, risk management, negotiation strategies, and leadership development.

Level III: Executive Certified International Commercial Director (ECICD) – This level focuses on developing executive-level skills related to leading an international business. Topics covered include strategic planning, financial analysis, corporate governance, and organizational development.

The cost of the CICD program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs range from $2,000-$10,000 USD. To get certified as an International Commercial Director (CICD), you must first complete all three levels of the CICD program and pass a final exam administered by the institution offering the program.

4. Certified Advertising and Marketing Director (CAMD)

Certified Advertising and Marketing Director (CAMD) is a professional certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The program is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in marketing, advertising, and communications for professionals who are looking to advance their careers.

The CAMD program consists of three levels: Certified Associate (CA), Certified Professional (CP), and Certified Executive (CE). Each level requires completion of a series of courses and exams. To become a CA, you must complete the Foundation Course and pass the associated exam. To become a CP, you must complete the Advanced Course and pass the associated exam. To become a CE, you must complete both the Foundation Course and Advanced Course, as well as pass both exams.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CAMD program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying and taking exams.

To get started with the CAMD program, you will need to create an account with AMA's online learning platform. You will then be able to purchase individual courses or bundles that include multiple courses at discounted rates. Once purchased, you will be able to access your course materials through your online account.

The cost of the CAMD program varies depending on which bundle or individual courses you choose to purchase. Individual courses range from $99-$399 each while bundles range from $400-$1,000+.

5. Certified Brand Management Director (CBMD)

A Certified Brand Management Director (CBMD) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of brand management. The CBMD certification is offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA) and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in all aspects of brand management, including strategic planning, creative development, market research, public relations, digital marketing, and more.

The CBMD certification requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of professional experience in the field of brand management or related disciplines. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the AMA which tests their knowledge and understanding of brand management principles.

To get certified as a CBMD, you must first complete an application form with the AMA. Once your application has been accepted, you will be required to complete an online training program that covers topics such as branding strategy, customer segmentation, market research, advertising effectiveness measurement, and more. You will then need to take and pass the CBMD exam in order to become certified.

The cost for obtaining the CBMD certification varies depending on whether you are taking the online training course or not. The cost for taking the exam only is $395 USD while taking both the online course and exam costs $595 USD.

6. Certified Digital Commerce Director (CDCD)

Certified Digital Commerce Director (CDCD) is a certification program offered by the Digital Commerce Institute (DCI). It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful digital commerce directors. The CDCD program consists of three levels: Foundations, Professional, and Executive. Each level requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework and can be completed in as little as six months.

To get the CDCD certification, applicants must first complete an online application and submit it to DCI for review. Once approved, applicants will need to complete all required courses in order to qualify for the certification. The courses include topics such as e-commerce strategy, digital marketing, website design, customer experience management, and analytics.

The cost of the CDCD program varies depending on which level you choose. The Foundations level costs $1,000 USD; the Professional level costs $2,500 USD; and the Executive level costs $4,000 USD. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid in full before beginning any coursework or taking any exams.

7. Certified eCommerce Director (CeCD)

Certified eCommerce Director (CeCD) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of eCommerce. The program is offered by the National Association of Certified eCommerce Directors (NACED). It was created to provide a standardized measure of knowledge and skills for those who are responsible for managing and developing successful eCommerce businesses.

The CeCD certification process involves completing a series of courses, exams, and projects that cover topics such as website design, user experience, marketing strategies, payment processing, customer service, analytics, and more. The program is designed to help participants become proficient in all aspects of running an online business.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CeCD certification program. During this time, participants must complete all coursework and pass all exams with a minimum score of 80%. They must also submit two projects demonstrating their understanding of the material covered in the coursework.

The cost for the CeCD certification program varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD. This includes fees for course materials and exam fees.

Overall, earning a CeCD certification can be an invaluable asset for anyone looking to advance their career in eCommerce management or development. It provides employers with proof that you have mastered essential skills needed to succeed in this field.

8. Certified Global Business Development Director (CGBDD)

Certified Global Business Development Director (CGBDD) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP). It is designed to recognize and reward professionals who demonstrate expertise in global business development.

The CGBDD certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person examination. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions related to global business development, including topics such as international trade, market analysis, and strategic planning. The in-person examination is conducted by IABDP-approved examiners and covers topics such as project management, marketing, finance, and negotiation.

To become certified as a CGBDD, you must pass both the online assessment and the in-person examination with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the certification program varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam. In most cases, it will cost between $500-$1,000 USD for both parts of the certification process.

Once you have passed both parts of the certification process, you will receive your official CGBDD certificate from IABDP. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or attending conferences related to global business development.

9. Certified Media Planning and Buying Director (CMPDD)

Certified Media Planning and Buying Director (CMPDD) is a certification program designed for professionals in the media planning and buying industry. It is offered by the International Advertising Association (IAA). The CMPDD certification provides recognition to experienced media planners and buyers who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and expertise in their field.

The CMPDD certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as media research, strategy development, budgeting, negotiation tactics, campaign management, and more. Candidates must also demonstrate experience in the field by submitting documentation of their work history.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any IAA-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

To maintain the CMPDD certification status, holders must recertify every three years by completing continuing education activities or taking additional exams.

10. Certified Sales and Distribution Management Director (CSDDM)

Certified Sales and Distribution Management Director (CSDDM) is a certification program offered by the Professional Association of Sales and Distribution Managers (PASDM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in sales and distribution management. The CSDDM certification is highly sought after by employers as it demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully manage a sales and distribution team.

The CSDDM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer service, inventory management, pricing strategies, marketing plans, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Applicants must also have at least five years of professional experience in sales and distribution management or related fields.

In order to obtain the CSDDM certification, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume or CV. After submitting the application form, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered for the exam, applicants will be able to access study materials online or purchase printed study guides from PASDM.

The cost of obtaining the CSDDM certification varies depending on which study materials are purchased. The cost of registering for the exam is $295 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing printed study guides or other materials needed for preparation for the exam.

11. Certified Strategic Planning and Execution Director (CSPED).

Certified Strategic Planning and Execution Director (CSPED) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to successfully plan, execute, and manage strategic initiatives. It is offered by the International Association of Professional Strategic Planners (IAPSP).

The CSPED certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Strategic Planning, Advanced Strategic Planning, Strategic Execution, and Project Management. Each course covers topics such as goal setting, resource allocation, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and project management. The total time required to complete the entire program is approximately 80 hours.

To get certified as a CSPED you must first submit an application to IAPSP. You will then be required to take all four courses and pass an exam at the end of each one. Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exams you will be eligible for certification as a CSPED.

The cost of the CSPED program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,500 USD. This includes all course materials as well as access to online resources such as webinars and discussion forums.

Do You Really Need a Commercial Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on the type of work that you plan to do and the level of expertise that you want to demonstrate as a commercial director. If you are just starting out in the field and want to gain some basic knowledge and skills, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are an experienced commercial director or have significant experience in other aspects of filmmaking, then having a certificate can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the craft.

Having a commercial director certificate can also be beneficial when applying for jobs or seeking promotion within the industry. It shows employers that you are serious about your career and have taken steps to further develop your skills. It also helps demonstrate your dedication to staying up-to-date with current trends in filmmaking technology and techniques. In addition, having a certificate can help build credibility with potential clients who may be looking for someone with demonstrated expertise in directing commercials.

Overall, while having a commercial director certificate is not necessarily required, it can certainly help enhance your credentials and provide additional opportunities for advancement within the field of filmmaking.

Related: Commercial Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Commercial Director Certifications

1. What is a Commercial Director Certification?

Answer: A Commercial Director Certification is a professional certification that provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to direct commercials, films, television shows, or other media projects.

2. How do I become certified as a Commercial Director?

Answer: To become certified as a Commercial Director, you must complete an approved course of study in directing and production. Many courses can be found online or at universities and colleges around the country. Additionally, many film schools offer specialized courses in directing commercials.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Commercial Director?

Answer: Yes, some certifying organizations may require applicants to have prior experience in directing or producing commercials before they can apply for certification. Additionally, many organizations require applicants to pass an exam demonstrating their knowledge of commercial production techniques and methods.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Commercial Director?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified as a Commercial Director varies depending on the program chosen and the applicant's experience level in the field. Generally, it takes anywhere from two weeks to six months to complete the necessary training and exams required for certification.

5. What are the benefits of being certified as a Commercial Director?

Answer: Being certified as a Commercial Director provides recognition from employers and peers that you are knowledgeable about commercial production techniques and methods. Additionally, certification can lead to career advancement opportunities such as higher pay or more challenging assignments within the industry.