Top 10 Digital Marketing Consultant Certifications
Updated 16 min read
Certifications are important for a digital marketing consultant in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and knowledge in a specific area. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the individual has been through a rigorous program that has tested their skills and knowledge, giving them confidence that the person is qualified to take on the role. Certifications also allow digital marketing consultants to stand out amongst their peers and show they have gone above and beyond in their education. Finally, certifications can often lead to higher salaries as employers recognize an individual's dedication to learning more about their field.
The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Digital Marketing Consultants and explain how they can help advance a digital marketing consultant's career.
What are Digital Marketing Consultant Certifications?
Digital marketing consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of digital marketing. It is designed to provide marketers with a comprehensive understanding of the various strategies, tactics, and tools used to successfully promote products and services online. As a certified digital marketer, individuals are able to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in this ever-evolving field.
Certification provides digital marketers with the opportunity to display their credentials and advance their career. With certification, employers have more confidence in the individual’s ability to create effective campaigns for their business. Additionally, certification allows individuals to stay up-to-date on new techniques and technologies being used in the industry so they can remain competitive.
Certification also helps digital marketers stand out from other applicants by providing them with an edge when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within a company. Certification validates an individual’s competence in digital marketing and shows potential employers that they are serious about working in this field. Additionally, it enables them to keep up with changes in the industry by providing them with continuing education opportunities that help them stay current on trends and best practices.
Overall, digital marketing consultant certification is an important asset for any marketer looking to stay ahead of the competition and increase their chances of success in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Pro Tip: Before committing to a digital marketing consultant certification program, research the organization that is offering the certification. Make sure it is an accredited and reliable source. Also, look into the curriculum offered and any additional resources or support services provided. Finally, check for any reviews or testimonials from past students to get a better understanding of what you can expect from the program.
Related: What does a Digital Marketing Consultant do?
Top 10 Digital Marketing Consultant Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Digital Marketing Consultants today.
1. Google Ads Certification
Google Ads Certification is a professional accreditation that Google offers to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced aspects of Google Ads. It is a way for businesses, agencies, and digital marketing professionals to prove their knowledge of the platform and show potential employers or clients that they are qualified to manage campaigns.
The certification process consists of two exams: one for the fundamentals of Google Ads (Google Ads Fundamentals) and one for advanced features (Search Advertising, Display Advertising, Video Advertising, Shopping Advertising). Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To pass each exam you must score at least 80%.
You can get your certification by signing up for an Academy for Ads account, which is free. Once you have created an account, you will be able to access the training materials and take the exams. You can also access additional resources such as practice tests and study guides on the Academy for Ads website.
The cost of getting certified depends on whether you choose to take the exams online or in-person at an authorized testing center. The online exams cost $50 USD per exam while the in-person exams cost $125 USD per exam.
2. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification is a certification program designed to help marketers learn how to use the HubSpot software platform to create and execute successful inbound marketing campaigns. It covers topics such as content creation, social media, SEO, lead generation, email marketing, analytics and more. The certification program consists of four courses: Inbound Certification, Content Marketing Certification, Email Marketing Certification and Social Media Certification. Each course takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any time.
The cost of the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification varies depending on the package purchased. The basic package costs $199 USD and includes access to all four courses as well as a certificate upon completion. The Professional package costs $499 USD and includes access to all four courses plus additional resources such as templates and guides.
To get certified, you must first register for an account on the HubSpot Academy website. Once registered, you will be able to access the four courses listed above. You must complete each course in order to receive your certification badge from HubSpot Academy. After completing each course, you will receive a score that will determine whether or not you have passed the course and are eligible for certification.
3. Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification
Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification is an online certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to successfully manage social media campaigns. The certification program is designed to help marketers, entrepreneurs and business owners understand how to use social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube for marketing purposes.
The Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification consists of four courses: Introduction to Social Media, Advanced Social Media Strategies, Content Creation & Management, and Measurement & Analysis. Each course takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.
To get certified in Hootsuite Social Media Marketing, you must first register with Hootsuite University. Once registered, you can access the four courses and take the required exams at your own pace. You must pass all four exams in order to receive your certification.
The cost of the Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification is $199 USD per person. This fee covers access to all four courses as well as the exams needed for certification.
4. Facebook Blueprint Certification
Facebook Blueprint Certification is a professional certification program from Facebook that recognizes individuals who have the skills and knowledge to effectively manage campaigns on the platform. The certification program consists of two levels: Core and Advanced.
Core level certification focuses on the fundamentals of advertising on Facebook, including setting up campaigns, targeting audiences, creating ads, measuring performance, and more. This level takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $150 USD.
Advanced level certification covers more advanced topics such as optimizing campaigns, using creative strategies, understanding analytics and insights, and more. This level takes approximately eight hours to complete and costs $300 USD.
To get certified at either level, you must pass an exam administered by Facebook. The exams are available online or at select testing centers around the world. Exams must be taken within six months of registering for the program and can be retaken if necessary. Upon passing the exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be shared on your resume or other social media platforms.
5. Bing Ads Accredited Professional Certification
Bing Ads Accredited Professional Certification is a program offered by Microsoft to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate expertise in the Bing Ads platform. It is designed for professionals who have a thorough understanding of the Bing Ads platform, including its features and capabilities.
The certification process consists of two parts: an online training course and an online exam. The online training course takes approximately five hours to complete and covers topics such as account setup, campaign optimization, keyword research, ad copywriting, reporting and more. After completing the training course, candidates can take the online exam which tests their knowledge of the platform. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. Candidates must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam and become certified.
In order to get certified, candidates must first register for the program on Microsoft's website. There is no cost associated with registration or taking the exam; however, there may be a fee associated with taking the online training course depending on where it is taken from. Once registered, candidates can begin their journey towards becoming a Bing Ads Accredited Professional by completing the training course and passing the certification exam.
6. Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Digital Marketing Certificate Program
The Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Digital Marketing Certificate Program is a comprehensive online program designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in digital marketing. It is designed for marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital marketers who want to gain an understanding of how to use content marketing strategically.
The program consists of 8 modules that cover topics such as content strategy, SEO, social media, email marketing, analytics, and more. Each module includes video lectures, quizzes, and assignments. The entire program takes approximately 30 hours to complete.
To get the CMI Digital Marketing Certificate Program you must first purchase the program from their website. The cost of the program is $399 USD. After completing all 8 modules and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher you will receive your certificate from CMI.
7. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ)
Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) is a certification program offered by Google that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in using the Google Analytics platform. It is designed to help individuals understand how to use the features and functionality of Google Analytics to measure website performance. The certification covers topics such as setting up analytics, creating reports, tracking goals, analyzing data, and interpreting results.
The exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and takes about 90 minutes to complete. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam is free to take but you must have a valid Google account in order to access it.
To prepare for the exam, you can take advantage of the free resources available from Google such as their online tutorial videos and practice exams. Additionally, there are many third-party training courses available online that can help you prepare for the exam. These courses typically cost between $50-$200 depending on the provider and length of the course.
Overall, obtaining your Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of website analytics and gain recognition from employers or clients who are looking for qualified professionals in this field.
8. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Digital Marketing
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Digital Marketing is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expert-level knowledge and skills in digital marketing. This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in Adobe’s suite of digital marketing products and services.
The ACE in Digital Marketing exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as web analytics, email marketing, search engine optimization, content management systems, and social media marketing. To become an ACE in Digital Marketing, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.
To prepare for the exam, Adobe offers online training courses and practice exams to help individuals gain a better understanding of the material covered on the test. Additionally, there are several study guides and books available to help individuals prepare for the exam.
The cost of taking the ACE in Digital Marketing exam varies depending on where you take it. It typically costs around $180 USD to take the exam at an authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Certiport.
9. Market Motive’s Master Certificate in Digital Marketing
Market Motive’s Master Certificate in Digital Marketing is a comprehensive online program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful digital marketers. The program consists of 12 courses, each focusing on a different area of digital marketing such as SEO, PPC, Social Media, Content Marketing, and more. The entire program takes approximately 6 months to complete and requires an average of 10-15 hours per week studying.
In order to get the Master Certificate in Digital Marketing, students must complete all 12 courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon completion of the program, students will receive their official certificate from Market Motive.
The cost for the program varies depending on which payment plan you choose. The full price for the program is $2,997 but there are also monthly payment plans available starting at $299/month.
10. AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) in Digital Marketing
The AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) in Digital Marketing is a certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to help marketers demonstrate their expertise in digital marketing and gain recognition for their skills.
The PCM in Digital Marketing certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as digital marketing strategy, social media marketing, search engine optimization, analytics, web design and development, and content marketing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.
To be eligible for the PCM in Digital Marketing certification, candidates must have at least two years of professional experience in digital marketing or related fields. Candidates must also have completed at least three courses from the AMA’s online education program or equivalent coursework from other accredited institutions.
The cost for the PCM in Digital Marketing certification exam is $399 USD for members of the AMA and $499 USD for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for the certification and taking the exam.
Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate indicating your successful completion of the PCM in Digital Marketing program. You will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles to show potential employers that you are certified in digital marketing.
Do You Really Need a Digital Marketing Consultant Certificate?
When it comes to making a decision on whether or not to obtain a digital marketing consultant certificate, the answer is not so clear cut. There are numerous factors to consider when making this decision and ultimately, it’s up to you as an individual to decide if this is something that will benefit your career and help you reach your goals.
On one hand, having a digital marketing consultant certificate may be beneficial in showcasing your expertise and knowledge in the field of digital marketing. This can be especially helpful for those who are looking for employment as a digital marketer or want to demonstrate their value to potential employers. Additionally, potential employers may view having a certificate as evidence of dedication and commitment to the profession.
On the other hand, obtaining a digital marketing consultant certificate can be time consuming and costly. Depending on the type of coursework you choose, completing such certification programs can take anywhere from several weeks up to several months, depending on how much time you have available. Furthermore, courses can also range in cost from hundreds of dollars up into the thousands.
Ultimately, it’s important for you to weigh out all of the pros and cons before deciding if obtaining a digital marketing consultant certificate is right for you. If you feel like doing so could potentially help your career or give you an advantage over other applicants then obtaining a certification may be worth considering. However, if time or money are tight then it might be wise to focus on other areas of developing your skillset instead.
Related: Digital Marketing Consultant Resume Examples
FAQs About Digital Marketing Consultant Certifications
Q1. What is a Digital Marketing Consultant Certification?
A1. A Digital Marketing Consultant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of digital marketing. It is typically awarded by an accredited institution or organization after completing a course of study and passing an examination.
Q2. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Digital Marketing Consultant?
A2. Becoming a Certified Digital Marketing Consultant provides many benefits, including increased credibility and recognition from peers, improved job prospects, access to exclusive resources and networks, and more opportunities for growth within the industry.
Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a Digital Marketing Consultant?
A3. The amount of time required to become certified as a Digital Marketing Consultant will depend on the specific program or certification you pursue. Generally speaking, most programs require at least 12-18 months of study before you can sit for the final exam.
Q4. What type of topics are covered in a Digital Marketing Consultant Certification program?
A4. Topics covered in these types of programs may include digital marketing strategy, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, web analytics, email marketing, mobile marketing, online advertising and more.
Q5. Is there any cost associated with becoming certified as a Digital Marketing Consultant?
A5. Yes - depending on the program you choose to pursue there may be fees associated with obtaining your certification such as registration fees or tuition costs for the coursework itself.