Top 11 Digital Marketing Manager Certifications
Updated 18 min read
Certifications are incredibly important for digital marketing managers in the job market. They demonstrate a commitment to staying current on best practices and trends in the industry, as well as showing that the candidate has taken the time to gain specialized knowledge and skills in digital marketing. Furthermore, certifications provide employers with tangible evidence of a candidate’s qualifications and can help them stand out from other applicants. In addition, certifications can be used to negotiate higher salaries or better positions since they show that the applicant is more experienced and knowledgeable than other candidates.
This article reviews some of the top certifications for Digital Marketing Managers and explains how they can help to enhance a digital marketing manager's career.
What are Digital Marketing Manager Certifications?
Digital marketing manager certification is a type of professional certification that teaches individuals how to effectively use digital marketing tools and strategies in order to promote businesses, brands, and products. This type of certification can be beneficial for those looking to expand their professional knowledge or for those simply wanting to stay up-to-date on the latest digital marketing trends.
Digital marketing manager certification courses cover topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, pay per click (PPC) advertising, email campaigns, analytics and reporting, online reputation management, and website design. With the help of these classes, individuals can gain an understanding of how to effectively target their audience through various digital platforms. Additionally, they will learn how to create effective strategies that are tailored to their business goals.
Having a digital marketing manager certification can also open up more job opportunities for individuals looking to work in the industry. Many employers look for candidates who have completed a certified course in digital marketing since it demonstrates that they have taken steps towards gaining a comprehensive understanding of this field. Furthermore, having this kind of certificate may give job seekers an edge over other applicants who do not possess one.
Overall, obtaining a digital marketing manager certification is an excellent way for individuals to gain valuable skills and knowledge in this ever-evolving field while also giving them an advantage when searching for jobs in the industry.
Pro Tip: Make sure to research digital marketing manager certification programs thoroughly before committing to one. Look for programs that offer up-to-date curriculum and demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Additionally, seek out programs with experienced instructors who have real-world experience in the field so you can get the most out of your certification.
Related: What does a Digital Marketing Manager do?
Top 11 Digital Marketing Manager Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Digital Marketing Managers 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. The certification is designed to help professionals show potential employers and clients that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage AdWords campaigns.
The certification process consists of two exams: the Google Ads Fundamentals Exam and one of the Advanced Exams (Search, Display, Video, Shopping, or Mobile). Both exams must be passed in order to become certified. Each exam takes about 90 minutes to complete, with a passing score of 80%.
To get started with the certification process, you’ll need to create a Google Ads account and sign up for an individual or company profile. Once you’ve done this, you can access the training materials and take practice exams. When you’re ready, you can register for the actual exams at any time from your profile page.
The cost for each exam is $50 USD. You can pay via credit card or PayPal when registering for an exam.
Once both exams are completed successfully, you will receive an email confirming your certification status within 7 days. Your official certificate will be available in your profile page within 14 days after passing both exams.
2. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification is a certification program designed to help marketers develop and hone their skills in inbound marketing. The certification focuses on teaching the fundamentals of inbound marketing, including content creation, SEO, lead generation, and more. It also covers best practices for using HubSpot's tools and features to create effective campaigns.
The certification consists of four courses that take approximately 10 hours to complete. Each course includes video lessons, quizzes, and practice exercises to help you learn the material. Once you have completed all four courses, you will be eligible for the certification exam which is taken online. Passing the exam earns you the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification badge which can be displayed on your website or social media profiles.
To get certified, you must first sign up for a free HubSpot account. You can then purchase access to the Inbound Certification Program from within your account by clicking on "Certifications" in the left-hand navigation bar. The cost of the program is $199 USD per person.
Once purchased, you will have access to all four courses and can begin working towards earning your certification whenever it's convenient for you. After completing each course, you'll receive a certificate of completion that serves as proof of your progress towards becoming certified. When all four courses have been completed and passed with at least 80% accuracy, you'll be eligible to take the final certification exam which will test your knowledge of inbound marketing principles and how they apply within HubSpot's platform. Upon passing this exam with at least 80% accuracy as well, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to download your official HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification badge for use on your website or social media profiles!
3. Hootsuite Social Media Certification
Hootsuite Social Media Certification is an online certification program that teaches individuals how to use the Hootsuite platform for social media management. It covers topics such as creating and managing campaigns, using analytics tools, and understanding best practices. The certification takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of a series of interactive lessons and quizzes. To get certified, you must complete all the lessons and score at least 80% on the final quiz.
The cost of the Hootsuite Social Media Certification is $199 USD. This fee includes access to all course materials and activities, as well as a digital certificate upon successful completion of the program.
4. Facebook Blueprint Certification
Facebook Blueprint Certification is a program created by Facebook to help marketers and businesses better understand how to use the Facebook platform for marketing, advertising, and customer engagement. It provides comprehensive training on the latest strategies and best practices for using Facebook products like Ads Manager, Business Manager, Audience Insights, and more. The certification program consists of two levels: Core and Advanced.
Core Level: This level covers the basics of Facebook marketing such as setting up campaigns, creating ads, understanding targeting options and reporting metrics. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete this level.
Advanced Level: This level covers advanced topics such as optimizing campaigns for different objectives, leveraging insights from analytics, managing multiple accounts with Business Manager, and more. It takes approximately 16 hours to complete this level.
To get certified in Facebook Blueprint you must pass both the Core and Advanced exams with a score of 70% or higher. The exams are taken online through the Facebook Blueprint portal. Each exam costs $150 USD per attempt.
5. Bing Ads Accredited Professional Program
The Bing Ads Accredited Professional Program is a certification program designed to help individuals and businesses demonstrate their expertise in using the Bing Ads platform. It is an industry-recognized credential that validates a person’s knowledge of the Bing Ads platform, as well as their ability to effectively manage campaigns and optimize performance.
The program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam tests your knowledge of the basics of Bing Ads, such as setting up campaigns, creating ads, targeting audiences, bidding strategies, budgeting and more. The practical assessment requires you to complete several tasks within the Bing Ads interface.
It typically takes around four to six weeks to complete the program depending on how quickly you can study and take the exams. It is recommended that you set aside at least 10 hours per week for studying and completing tasks in order to finish in this time frame.
To get started with the program, you must first register on the Microsoft Advertising website. Once registered, you will have access to all of the materials needed for the program including tutorials, webinars and practice exams. You will also be able to purchase vouchers for both parts of the program (online exam and practical assessment). The cost for these vouchers varies depending on which country you are located in but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD per voucher.
6. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ)
Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) is a certification program offered by Google to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in using Google Analytics. It is designed to recognize individuals who have an in-depth understanding of the platform and its features.
The exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as data collection, configuration, analysis, reporting, and optimization. The cost for the exam is $50 USD.
To get the certification, you must pass the IQ assessment with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email from Google confirming your qualification status and providing a link to access your digital certificate. You can also view your certificate on your profile page within the Google Analytics Academy website.
Google Analytics IQ is valid for 12 months after which time you must retake the assessment in order to maintain your certification status.
7. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Program
The Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) program is an official certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in using Adobe products. It is a professional certification that validates an individual’s expertise and knowledge of Adobe products.
To become an ACE, you must pass one or more exams that test your knowledge and skills in the use of Adobe products. The exams are available for different versions of the software, such as Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro DC, and Dreamweaver.
The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how much experience you have with the product and how much preparation you put into studying for the exam. Typically it takes between two to four weeks to complete all necessary steps in order to become certified.
To get certified, you need to register for the exam at the Adobe website and pay the associated fee. The cost of each exam varies depending on which product you are certifying for; however, most exams range from $99-$150 USD.
Once registered for an exam, you will be given access to resources such as practice tests and study guides that can help prepare for the actual exam. Once ready, schedule a date and time with Pearson VUE (the testing center) where you will take your ACE exam. After passing your ACE exam successfully, you will receive a digital certificate from Adobe confirming your status as an ACE.
8. Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Content Marketing Certification Program
The Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Content Marketing Certification Program is an online certification program designed to help marketing professionals develop their content marketing skills and knowledge. The program provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of content marketing, from strategy to execution.
The program consists of eight modules that cover topics such as content strategy, content creation, content promotion, and analytics. Each module includes video lectures, quizzes, and other resources to help participants gain a better understanding of the material. Participants must complete all eight modules in order to receive their certification.
The CMI Content Marketing Certification Program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. It can be completed at your own pace, but it is recommended that you complete each module within two weeks for best results.
To get the CMI Content Marketing Certification Program, you will need to register on the CMI website and pay the fee. The cost of the program is $399 USD. After registering, you will receive access to all eight modules via email. You can then begin working through the course material at your own pace until you have completed all eight modules and passed all quizzes with a score of 70% or higher.
Once you have successfully completed the program, you will receive your official CMI Content Marketing Certification certificate via email and will be listed on the CMI website as an official certified content marketer.
9. Salesforce Digital Marketing Cloud Consultant Certification
Salesforce Digital Marketing Cloud Consultant Certification is a certification program offered by Salesforce that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of digital marketing, including email, social media, mobile marketing, and analytics. The certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in using the Salesforce Digital Marketing Cloud platform to develop and execute effective digital marketing campaigns.
The certification exam consists of 60 questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience working with the Salesforce Digital Marketing Cloud platform.
To get certified, applicants must first register for the exam through the Salesforce website and pay a fee of $200 USD. After registering, applicants can access study materials such as practice exams, webinars, and e-learning courses to prepare for the exam. Once they have completed their studies, they can schedule an appointment to take the exam at a testing center near them. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certification from Salesforce.
The cost of getting certified is $200 USD for the exam fee plus any additional costs associated with studying for the exam (e-learning courses or other resources).
10. Oracle Marketing Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist
Oracle Marketing Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist is a certification program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement, configure, and manage Oracle Marketing Cloud solutions. This certification validates that individuals have the expertise needed to successfully design, build, and deploy marketing campaigns using Oracle Marketing Cloud technology.
The certification process typically takes 3-4 months depending on the individual’s experience level. The first step is to complete an online training course which covers topics such as campaign management, segmentation, email marketing, mobile marketing, analytics, and reporting. Once the training is completed, candidates must pass an exam in order to become certified.
In order to get certified as an Oracle Marketing Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist, you must first purchase a training package from Oracle University. The cost of the training package varies depending on the type of package purchased but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. After completing the training course and passing the exam you will receive your official certification from Oracle University.
11. Twitter Flight School Certification
Twitter Flight School Certification is a certification program offered by Twitter that helps users learn how to use the platform more effectively. It provides an in-depth look at the best practices for creating, managing and optimizing campaigns on Twitter. The program consists of three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.
The beginner level focuses on setting up a Twitter account, understanding the basics of Twitter Ads Manager, and learning about targeting options. The intermediate level covers topics such as creating effective campaigns, optimizing performance and using advanced targeting techniques. Finally, the advanced level dives into topics like creative optimization, analytics and measurement tools.
It takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete all three levels of the certification program. To get certified, users must pass a series of quizzes at each level with a score of 80% or higher.
The cost for the Twitter Flight School Certification program is free.
Do You Really Need a Digital Marketing Manager Certificate?
The answer to this question depends on what your goals are and how much you already know about digital marketing. If you are just starting out in digital marketing and have little to no experience, then a Digital Marketing Manager Certificate could be beneficial. It could help you gain an understanding of the fundamentals of digital marketing such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and more. Additionally, it can provide a way for you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers or clients.
On the other hand, if you already have a good understanding of digital marketing or have been working in the field for some time, then a Digital Marketing Manager Certificate may not be necessary. It may not add any additional value to your existing knowledge or skillset. Instead, it might be better to focus on continuing education courses or specialized certifications that will give you an edge over other marketers.
Ultimately, the decision whether or not you need a Digital Marketing Manager Certificate should come down to what your goals are and how much experience you have in the field. If it’s something that would benefit your career path or help open new doors for opportunities, then it may be worth pursuing.
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FAQs About Digital Marketing Manager Certifications
1. What qualifications do I need to become a Digital Marketing Manager?
A: To become a Digital Marketing Manager, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field, plus experience in digital marketing, such as SEO, SEM, web analytics and social media marketing.
2. What types of certifications are available for Digital Marketing Managers?
A: There are several certifications available for Digital Marketing Managers, including Google Ads Certification, Hootsuite Social Media Certification, Hubspot Inbound Certification and the AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program.
3. How long does it take to get certified as a Digital Marketing Manager?
A: The amount of time required to get certified as a Digital Marketing Manager depends on the type of certification you choose. Some certifications can be completed in just a few days while others may require up to six months or more of study and practice before taking an exam.
4. Do I need to renew my certification?
A: Yes, most certifications must be renewed periodically in order to remain valid and current with industry standards. Renewal requirements vary by certification but usually involve completing additional courses or exams within a certain timeframe in order to maintain your status as certified.
5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Digital Marketing Manager?
A: The cost of getting certified as a Digital Marketing Manager varies depending on the type of certification you choose and how quickly you want to complete the program. Generally speaking, prices range from around $200-$1,000 USD for each individual certification course or exam fee.