Top 10 Content Writer Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for content writers in the job market. They demonstrate a certain level of expertise, knowledge, and experience in the field. Employers want to know that their content writers have the necessary skills for the job, and certifications can provide them with this assurance. Certifications also demonstrate that a content writer has taken the time to invest in their professional development and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. As such, certifications can be a valuable asset when it comes to standing out from other candidates and showing employers that you’re serious about your career.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for content writers and explains how they can help to advance a content writer's career.

What are Content Writer Certifications?

Content writer certification is a professional accreditation that demonstrates an individual’s ability to write and create content for websites, blogs, articles, and other digital media. Content writers must be able to craft engaging copy that is both informative and persuasive. Having a content writer certification can help demonstrate a person’s proficiency in the field.

Having a certification allows employers to easily identify qualified applicants when hiring for content writing positions. The certification process requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of grammar, punctuation, style guidelines, SEO optimization techniques, and more. This helps employers determine whether or not an applicant has the necessary skills and experience needed to effectively create content that meets the company’s goals and objectives.

Additionally, having a content writer certification shows prospective clients that an individual has the necessary qualifications to produce high-quality work in a timely manner. Clients will be more likely to hire someone with a certification because it indicates they have been thoroughly trained in all aspects of content creation and are capable of producing excellent results.

Overall, obtaining content writer certification can help ensure potential employers or clients are confident in your abilities as a content creator. It can also help you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Pro Tip: Content Writer Certifications can be a great way to demonstrate proficiency in the field and showcase your skills to potential employers. Look for certifications from established organizations, such as the Content Marketing Institute, that offer comprehensive training and education on content writing best practices. Additionally, consider taking an online course or workshop related to content writing to further expand your knowledge and expertise.

Related: What does a Content Writer do?

Top 10 Content Writer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Content Writers today.

1. Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy

Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy is a free online certification course designed to help marketers master the fundamentals of content marketing. The course covers topics such as creating content that resonates with customers, measuring and analyzing the effectiveness of your content, and optimizing your content for search engine optimization (SEO).

The certification takes approximately four hours to complete. It is divided into five modules: Introduction to Content Marketing, Creating Compelling Content, Measuring & Optimizing Your Content, SEO Fundamentals, and Advanced Content Strategies. Each module includes videos, quizzes, reading materials, and other activities to help you learn the material.

To get the certification you must pass all five modules with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake any module as many times as needed until you reach the passing score.

The certification is free and there are no additional costs associated with it.

2. Content Strategy Certification from Brain Traffic

Content Strategy Certification from Brain Traffic is an online certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to become successful content strategists. The program consists of five modules that cover topics such as content strategy fundamentals, research and analysis, planning and development, implementation and measurement, and content optimization. It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete the program.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the course by completing an application form on Brain Traffic’s website. Once accepted into the program, individuals will be provided with access to all of the course materials, including video lectures, readings, activities and assignments. The cost of the certification program is $1,995 USD. Upon successful completion of all five modules and passing a final exam with a score of 80% or higher, participants will receive their Content Strategy Certification from Brain Traffic.

3. Copywriting Certification from American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI)

The American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI) Copywriting Certification is a comprehensive program designed to teach aspiring copywriters the fundamentals of successful copywriting. The program covers topics such as persuasive writing, marketing principles, and how to write for different types of media. It also provides an in-depth look at the process of creating effective copy from start to finish.

The AWAI Copywriting Certification consists of four main modules: Fundamentals of Copywriting, Advanced Copywriting Techniques, Writing for Specific Markets, and Professional Development. Each module includes several hours of video instruction, written materials, and interactive exercises. The program also includes access to a private online community where students can network with other copywriters and get feedback on their work.

The AWAI Copywriting Certification typically takes between three and six months to complete depending on the student’s level of commitment. To get certified, students must successfully complete all four modules as well as a final exam. Upon successful completion, students will receive their certificate in the mail.

The cost for the AWAI Copywriting Certification program is $1,997 USD. This fee covers all course materials and access to the online community.

4. SEO Writing Certification from SEOmoz

SEO Writing Certification from SEOmoz is a certification program designed to help content writers, copywriters, and digital marketers understand the best practices for writing content that is optimized for search engine visibility. The program covers topics such as keyword research, writing for readability and engagement, optimizing headlines and titles, creating meta descriptions, and understanding how to use HTML tags. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete the course and receive your certification.

To get certified you must first create an account on SEOmoz’s website. Once registered you can purchase the course which costs $99 USD. After completing the course you will be able to take an exam which consists of multiple choice questions about the material covered in the course. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your certification from SEOmoz.

5. Social Media Marketing Certification from Hootsuite Academy

Social Media Marketing Certification from Hootsuite Academy is an online course that teaches learners how to use social media to grow their business. The course focuses on the basics of social media marketing and provides a comprehensive overview of the different platforms, tools, and strategies available. It covers topics such as creating content, engaging with customers, building relationships with influencers, and measuring success.

The Social Media Marketing Certification from Hootsuite Academy takes approximately 10 hours to complete and consists of five modules. Each module includes video lessons, quizzes, and tasks that help learners apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Upon completion of the course, learners will receive a digital certificate that can be shared on LinkedIn and other professional networks.

To get the Social Media Marketing Certification from Hootsuite Academy, you must first register for a free account on the Hootsuite Academy website. Once registered, you can purchase the certification program for $199 USD. After purchasing the program, you will have access to all five modules which can be completed at your own pace.

Once all five modules are completed and all quizzes are passed successfully, you will receive your digital certificate via email within 24 hours.

6. Web Content Writing Certification from the University of California, Berkeley

Web Content Writing Certification from the University of California, Berkeley is a program designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to create effective web content. The certification consists of two courses: Web Content Writing and Advanced Web Content Writing. Both courses are offered online and take approximately 10 weeks to complete.

The Web Content Writing course covers topics such as SEO, keyword research, content management systems (CMS), writing for the web, and more. The Advanced Web Content Writing course builds on these skills by introducing more advanced concepts such as content strategy, usability testing, analytics, and more.

To get certified in Web Content Writing from UC Berkeley, you must successfully complete both courses with a grade of C or higher. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley.

The cost for the Web Content Writing Certification program is $1,500 USD for both courses combined.

7. Advanced Content Marketing Certification from Copyblogger

Advanced Content Marketing Certification from Copyblogger is an online certification program designed to help content marketers learn the skills they need to create high-quality content that drives results. The program covers topics such as SEO, content strategy, copywriting, social media marketing, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course and earn your certification.

To get started with the Advanced Content Marketing Certification from Copyblogger, you must first sign up for a free account on their website. Once you have an account, you can purchase the certification package for $399 USD. This package includes access to all of the course materials and videos, as well as a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the course. You also get access to exclusive resources such as webinars and other helpful information related to content marketing.

The Advanced Content Marketing Certification from Copyblogger is designed for experienced content marketers who want to take their skills to the next level. It provides in-depth knowledge about how to create effective content that drives results and helps businesses achieve their goals.

8. Technical Writing Certificate Program from Stanford University

The Technical Writing Certificate Program from Stanford University is a professional development program designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to create clear, concise and effective technical documents. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as document design, grammar and usage, writing for the web, and editing. Each course is offered online or in-person and can be completed in as little as six weeks.

To get the Technical Writing Certificate Program from Stanford University, you must complete all four courses with a passing grade. You can register for the program online or by mail. Once you have completed all four courses, you will receive your certificate of completion from Stanford University.

The cost of the Technical Writing Certificate Program from Stanford University depends on which courses you take and whether you take them online or in person. Generally speaking, each course costs between $400-$600 depending on the type of course taken.

Overall, the Technical Writing Certificate Program from Stanford University is an excellent way to gain valuable knowledge and skills in technical writing. It can be completed in as little as six weeks and provides a certificate of completion upon successful completion of all four courses.

9. Digital Storytelling and Content Creation Certificate Program from Northwestern University

The Digital Storytelling and Content Creation Certificate Program from Northwestern University is an online program designed to help students develop the skills needed to create compelling digital stories and content. The program consists of five courses that cover topics such as storytelling, video production, audio production, writing for digital media, and content strategy. Each course is self-paced and can be completed in as little as 8 weeks.

In order to get the certificate, students must complete all five courses with a passing grade. The cost of the program is $2,995 and includes access to all course materials and support from instructors. Students will also have access to career resources such as resume reviews, job search assistance, and networking opportunities. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate from Northwestern University that can be used to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in digital storytelling and content creation.

10. Professional Certificate in Digital Media & Storytelling from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Professional Certificate in Digital Media & Storytelling from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a comprehensive program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge to create effective digital media and storytelling projects. The program consists of five courses that cover topics such as digital media production, storytelling techniques, video editing, audio engineering, and social media marketing. The program can be completed in as little as one year or up to two years depending on the student’s pace.

To get this certificate, students must apply online via the MIT website. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution and submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Once accepted into the program, students will need to complete all five courses within two years in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for this certificate is $3,500 per course plus any applicable fees. This cost includes tuition, materials, and access to MIT resources such as library databases and career services.

Do You Really Need a Content Writer Certificate?

When it comes to content writing, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Content writers come from all walks of life and have varied backgrounds. However, if you are serious about pursuing a career in content writing, then you may want to consider getting a content writer certificate.

A certificate program can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field. It can give you an edge over other applicants because it will demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to gain formal qualifications in the subject matter. A good content writer certificate will include modules on topics such as SEO, copywriting, social media marketing, web analytics, and digital strategy. These disciplines are essential for any content writer looking to build their portfolio and get ahead of the competition.

Furthermore, many employers prefer candidates who have some form of certification or qualification when recruiting for content writing positions. This is because they can be sure that the candidate has been trained in the relevant skills required for the job – something that cannot be guaranteed with someone who has just started out as a freelance writer or blogger. A certificate also shows employers that you are committed to your profession and willing to invest your time into gaining additional expertise and knowledge.

In conclusion, if you are serious about making a career out of content writing then getting a content writer certificate could be beneficial for your professional development and long-term success in this industry. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to the craft but it also gives you an edge over other applicants by showing potential employers that you have taken the time to gain formal qualifications in this subject matter.

Related: Content Writer Resume Examples

FAQs About Content Writer Certifications

1. What is a content writer certification?

Answer: A content writer certification is an official recognition of a content writer's skills and expertise in creating written content for digital media. It involves completing a series of courses, exams, or other assessments to demonstrate knowledge in specific areas related to content writing, such as SEO, copywriting, and creative writing.

2. What are the benefits of getting a content writer certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a content writer certification include increased credibility and recognition among employers and clients, improved job prospects and higher salaries, access to specialized resources such as industry-specific databases and software tools, and more opportunities for professional development.

3. How long does it take to get a content writer certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get a content writer certification depends on the type of program you choose. Many certifications can be completed in just one or two weeks with full-time study; however, some programs may require up to six months or longer depending on the complexity of the material covered.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a content writer?

Answer: The cost of getting certified as a content writer varies depending on the type of program you choose. Some certifications may be free while others involve tuition fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the length and complexity of the coursework involved.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified content writer?

Answer: Generally speaking, there are no prerequisites for becoming certified as a content writer; however some programs may have specific requirements such as prior experience in writing or editing digital media or completion of certain courses before enrolling in their program. It’s best to check with each individual program for their specific criteria before applying for certification.