Top 11 Freelance Copywriter Certifications

Certifications are important for freelance copywriters because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They can be used to show potential clients that the copywriter has the necessary qualifications and experience to provide high-quality copywriting services. Certification also sets them apart from other freelancers who may not have taken the time to gain certification in their chosen field. In addition, certifications can be used to negotiate better rates with clients, as they show that the copywriter is well-versed in their craft and worth the higher rate.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for freelance copywriters and how they can enhance their career.

What are Freelance Copywriter Certifications?

Freelance copywriter certification is a type of professional designation that provides independent writers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their field. This certification is typically offered by organizations specializing in copywriting and marketing. It provides freelancers with an understanding of the fundamentals of copywriting, including writing techniques, grammar, and style guidelines. It also covers topics such as researching topics, creating content for various media outlets, SEO optimization, and working with clients.

The benefits of freelance copywriter certification include increased credibility among potential clients and the ability to charge higher rates for projects. With this certification, freelancers can demonstrate their commitment to their craft and showcase their expertise in the field of copywriting. Additionally, it allows them to stay up-to-date on best practices in the field by attending workshops and seminars related to copywriting. Ultimately, freelance copywriter certification can help freelancers stand out from the competition while providing them with the skills necessary to succeed as a professional writer.

Pro Tip: Many organizations offer certification programs for freelance copywriters. Doing your research and finding the right program for you can help you stand out from other freelancers, as well as showcase your expertise and commitment to the profession.

Related: What does a Freelance Copywriter do?

Top 11 Freelance Copywriter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Freelance Copywriters today.

1. Copyediting Certification from the American Copy Editors Society

The American Copy Editors Society (ACES) Copyediting Certification is a comprehensive program designed to recognize professional copy editors and provide them with the skills they need to succeed in their field. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course.

The written exam tests your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, word usage, style, and other aspects of copyediting. It consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Upon passing the written exam, you will receive a certificate from ACES recognizing your achievement.

The online course is designed to help you develop the skills necessary for successful copyediting. It includes video lessons on topics such as editing for clarity and accuracy, working with writers and editors, understanding style guides, and more. The course also includes practice exercises that allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. You must complete the course within six months of passing the written exam in order to be eligible for certification.

To get certified by ACES, you must first pass the written exam and then complete the online course within six months of passing the exam. The cost for both parts is $399 USD. Once you have completed both parts of the certification process, ACES will issue you a certificate recognizing your achievement as a professional copy editor.

2. Professional Copywriting Certification from the American Writers and Artists Institute

The Professional Copywriting Certification from the American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI) is an online program designed to teach aspiring copywriters the fundamentals of writing effective copy. The course covers topics such as understanding the principles of persuasion, creating compelling headlines, developing persuasive sales messages, and mastering the art of storytelling. It also includes hands-on projects and exercises to help students become proficient in their craft.

The program consists of six modules that are completed over a period of several weeks. Each module contains video lessons, written instruction, and practice exercises to help students learn the material. At the end of each module, there is a quiz that must be passed in order to move on to the next one. Once all six modules have been completed, students will receive their Professional Copywriting Certification from AWAI.

To get started with the Professional Copywriting Certification from AWAI, you will need to purchase a membership package which includes access to all six modules as well as additional resources such as templates and checklists. The cost for this package is $497 USD.

Once you have purchased your membership package, you can begin working through the course at your own pace. It typically takes between four and eight weeks to complete all six modules depending on how much time you are able to dedicate each week. After completing all six modules and passing all quizzes, you will receive your Professional Copywriting Certification from AWAI.

3. Certified Digital Copywriter from the Digital Marketing Institute

The Certified Digital Copywriter from the Digital Marketing Institute is a professional certification program that provides digital copywriters with the skills and knowledge they need to create effective online content. It is designed to help copywriters become more proficient in their craft and increase their value as professionals in the digital marketing industry.

The Certified Digital Copywriter program consists of four courses, which can be completed over a period of six months. The courses cover topics such as SEO fundamentals, content strategy, writing for social media, and optimizing content for search engines. Upon completion of these courses, students will receive a certificate from the Digital Marketing Institute.

To get the Certified Digital Copywriter certification, you must first complete all four courses offered by the Digital Marketing Institute. You can either take them online or attend classes at one of their training centers around the world. After completing all four courses, you must then pass an examination in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of the Certified Digital Copywriter program varies depending on where you take it and how quickly you want to complete it. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 and $2,000 USD for all four courses plus exam fees.

4. Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy

Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy is an online certification program designed to help marketers develop and hone their content marketing skills. The certification consists of a series of self-paced courses that cover topics such as content strategy, content creation, content promotion, and measurement. The program takes approximately 8 hours to complete, although the exact length will depend on the individual’s learning style.

To get the Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy, individuals must first create a free account on the HubSpot Academy website. Once they have created an account, they can access the courses and begin working through them at their own pace. As they progress through each course, they will be tested on their knowledge and must pass each test in order to move onto the next course. Upon completion of all courses and tests, individuals will receive their Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy.

The Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy is completely free to take and does not require any payment or subscription fees.

5. SEO Copywriting Certification from the SEO Writing Academy

SEO Copywriting Certification from the SEO Writing Academy is a comprehensive online training program designed to teach content writers, copywriters and marketers how to create effective SEO copy. The program is divided into four modules, each of which covers different aspects of SEO copywriting. The modules include:

1. Understanding Search Engines & SEO Copywriting Fundamentals

2. Optimizing Content for SEO

3. Advanced SEO Copywriting Strategies

4. Crafting Effective Calls-to-Action & Landing Pages

The program takes approximately 8 hours to complete and includes both video lessons and quizzes that help you test your knowledge as you progress through the course. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an official certification from the SEO Writing Academy that proves your mastery of SEO copywriting principles and best practices.

The cost for the course is $497 USD, which includes access to all four modules plus lifetime access to all updates and resources in the future.

6. Freelance Writing & Editing Certificate from UC Berkeley Extension

The Freelance Writing & Editing Certificate from UC Berkeley Extension is a professional certificate program designed to prepare students for a career as a freelance writer or editor. The program consists of five courses that cover topics such as writing and editing fundamentals, grammar, style, and copyediting. Students will also learn how to develop their skills in researching, interviewing, and pitching stories. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to create compelling content for any medium.

The program takes approximately six months to complete if taken at the recommended pace of one course per month. However, students can take up to two years to complete the program if needed.

To get the certificate, students must successfully complete all five courses with a minimum grade of C or higher in each course. Additionally, they must submit an original portfolio piece for evaluation by the instructor at the end of the program.

The cost of the Freelance Writing & Editing Certificate from UC Berkeley Extension is $3,495 USD for all five courses. This cost does not include any additional fees associated with enrolling in individual courses or submitting portfolios for review.

7. Advanced Copywriting Certification from AWAI

Advanced Copywriting Certification from AWAI (American Writers & Artists Inc.) is a professional certification program designed to help copywriters develop the skills needed to become successful freelance writers. The program consists of eight modules, each focusing on a different area of copywriting, such as persuasive writing, marketing strategies, and web copywriting. It also includes access to an online community of experienced copywriters and mentors who can provide guidance and feedback.

The program takes around six months to complete, but it can be done at your own pace. You will need to complete all eight modules as well as submit two pieces of written work for review in order to receive the certification.

To get started with the Advanced Copywriting Certification from AWAI, you’ll need to purchase the program materials which cost $497 USD. After that, you’ll have access to all the course materials including video tutorials and assignments that you’ll need to complete in order to progress through the course.

Once you have completed all eight modules and submitted your two pieces of written work for review, you will receive your Advanced Copywriting Certification from AWAI. This certification will demonstrate that you have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful freelance writer.

8. Advanced SEO Copywriting Certification from SEO Training Dojo

Advanced SEO Copywriting Certification from SEO Training Dojo is a comprehensive certification program designed to teach you the skills needed to become an expert in SEO copywriting. It is a self-paced, online course that takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

The Advanced SEO Copywriting Certification covers topics such as keyword research, content optimization, link building, and more. You will learn how to write effective copy for search engines and how to optimize your website for maximum visibility. You will also learn about the different types of content that can be used for SEO purposes and how to create engaging content that will attract visitors and customers.

In order to get your Advanced SEO Copywriting Certification, you must first complete the course and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate via email within 7 business days.

The cost of the Advanced SEO Copywriting Certification is $299 USD. This includes access to all course materials, including video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and a final exam.

9. Creative Writing Certificate from Stanford University

The Creative Writing Certificate from Stanford University is a program designed to help students develop their writing skills and gain insights into the craft of creative writing. The program consists of four courses, which can be completed in one year or less.

The courses cover topics such as fiction writing, poetry, nonfiction, and playwriting. Each course is taught by an experienced instructor who provides feedback on student work and offers guidance on how to improve writing techniques.

In order to receive the certificate, students must complete all four courses with a passing grade. Students are also required to submit a portfolio of their work at the end of the program in order to demonstrate their mastery of the material.

The cost for the Creative Writing Certificate from Stanford University varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. Online courses typically cost around $1,000 per course while in-person classes range from $2,000-$3,000 per course.

To get started with the Creative Writing Certificate from Stanford University, students must first apply for admission through the university's website and submit transcripts and other required documents. Once accepted into the program, students can begin taking classes and working towards completing their certificate.

10. Web Content Writer Certificate Program from University of California, Irvine

The Web Content Writer Certificate Program from University of California, Irvine is a comprehensive program that teaches students the fundamentals of writing for the web. It covers topics such as SEO, copywriting, content strategy, and more. The program is designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to become successful web content writers.

The program consists of four courses that can be completed in as little as six months. Courses include Introduction to Web Writing, Copywriting for the Web, Advanced Web Writing Strategies, and Content Strategy and Planning. Each course is self-paced and can be taken at any time.

To get the certificate, students must complete all four courses with a passing grade of 70% or higher. Upon completion, students will receive their certificate from UCI’s Division of Continuing Education.

The cost for the entire program is $1,499 USD. This includes all four courses plus access to online resources and support from instructors throughout the duration of the program.

11. Social Media Copywriter Certificate Program from Rutgers University

The Social Media Copywriter Certificate Program from Rutgers University is an online program designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to become successful social media copywriters. The program consists of four courses that are completed over a period of six months.

The first course in the program introduces students to the basics of social media copywriting, including topics such as writing for different platforms, understanding the purpose of each platform, and how to create effective content. The second course focuses on developing strategies for creating compelling content that will engage audiences and drive conversions. The third course covers topics such as SEO optimization, analytics, and measuring success. Finally, the fourth course provides an overview of best practices for managing campaigns across multiple channels.

To get the Social Media Copywriter Certificate from Rutgers University, students must complete all four courses with a minimum grade of B or higher. Students can take up to two years to complete the program if needed.

The cost of the Social Media Copywriter Certificate Program from Rutgers University is $1,200 USD for all four courses combined.

Do You Really Need a Freelance Copywriter Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A freelance copywriter certificate is not necessary for success in the freelance copywriting field. However, there are some benefits that could come with having a certification in this area.

One of the main advantages to having a freelance copywriter certificate is that it can give you an edge over other freelancers who do not have one. Having a certification can make you stand out from the crowd and show potential clients that you are serious about your craft. It also shows that you have taken the time to learn more about the profession and hone your skills in order to become a better writer. This could help give you an advantage when it comes to landing jobs or getting higher rates for your work.

In addition, having a freelance copywriter certificate can also be beneficial if you decide to pursue further education in this area. Many colleges and universities offer courses or even degree programs dedicated to copywriting, so having a certification could help open up doors for further study and career advancement opportunities.

Finally, having a freelance copywriter certificate can also be beneficial if you want to network with other professionals in the industry or join professional organizations such as The Freelance Writers Association (FWA). Being part of these groups can provide invaluable resources and connections that could help further your career as a freelance writer.

In conclusion, while having a freelance copywriter certificate is not absolutely necessary for success in this field, it does have its advantages and may be worth considering depending on your individual goals and aspirations as a writer.

Related: Freelance Copywriter Resume Examples

FAQs About Freelance Copywriter Certifications

1. What is a freelance copywriter certification?

A freelance copywriter certification is an accreditation that demonstrates the holder has acquired specialized knowledge and skills related to writing for businesses and organizations. It can be obtained through a variety of programs, such as those offered by professional associations or through online courses.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Becoming certified as a freelance copywriter shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to produce quality work. It also provides recognition for your expertise, which can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Additionally, it can provide access to resources, networking opportunities and support from peers in the field.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

The length of time needed to become certified varies depending on the program chosen and individual learning speed. Most online courses take between 3-6 months to complete, while some in-person programs may require up to two years of study before completion.

4. How much does it cost to become certified?

The cost of obtaining a freelance copywriter certification varies depending on the program chosen; however, most range from $500 - $3000 USD depending on the length and complexity of the program.

5. Is there an exam involved in obtaining certification?

Yes, most certifications require successful completion of an exam at the end of the program in order to obtain full accreditation status as a freelance copywriter.