Top 10 Journalism Certifications

Certifications in journalism are important for a number of reasons. First, they demonstrate that the journalist has taken the time to acquire additional skills and knowledge beyond what they learn in school or on the job. This can be especially beneficial when applying for jobs, as employers are often looking for individuals who have gone above and beyond to become an expert in their field. Additionally, certifications can help journalists stand out from other applicants and give them an edge in a competitive job market. Finally, certifications can also provide valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals and open up new career paths.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Journalism and explains how they can help to advance a journalist's career.

What are Journalism Certifications?

Journalism certification is a program that is designed to help professionals in the journalism field gain recognition and accreditation for their work. The purpose of this program is to give journalists the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the field. It also provides employers with a way to identify qualified candidates for positions within their organization.

By completing a journalism certification program, journalists can prove their commitment and dedication to their profession. This can be beneficial when applying for jobs or seeking promotions. Certification programs provide an objective measure of a journalist’s qualifications and expertise in the field, which can be invaluable when competing against other applicants.

In addition, certification programs offer specialized training and education that can help journalists stay up-to-date on current trends in the industry. This type of education allows journalists to hone their skills and become more knowledgeable about topics related to their profession. By having this knowledge, they may be better equipped to address difficult questions or situations that arise during reporting assignments.

Overall, journalism certification can be a great asset for professionals looking to advance their careers. It offers recognition for hard work and dedication as well as specialized training that can help make them more competitive in today’s job market.

Pro Tip: When seeking a journalism certification, it is important to research the organization offering the certification. Look for accreditation and reviews from past participants. Additionally, make sure to understand all of the requirements associated with the certification before enrolling in any program.

Related: What does a Journalism do?

Top 10 Journalism Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Journalist (CPJ)

Certified Professional Journalist (CPJ) is a certification program for professional journalists that is administered by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA). The CPJ credential demonstrates mastery of the skills, practices, and principles of professional journalism. To earn the CPJ credential, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of journalistic ethics, standards, and best practices.

The CPJ exam is offered twice a year in April and October. It consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as journalistic ethics, legal issues, newsgathering techniques, writing style, reporting accuracy, and media law. Applicants must score at least 70% to pass the exam.

To be eligible to take the CPJ exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience as a professional journalist or have completed an accredited journalism program. Applicants must also submit two writing samples from published work along with their application.

The cost for taking the CPJ exam is $295 for ASJA members and $395 for non-members.

2. Certified Broadcast Journalism Professional (CBJP)

Certified Broadcast Journalism Professional (CBJP) is a certification program offered by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). It is designed to recognize and reward broadcast journalists who demonstrate excellence in their field. The CBJP certification is intended to provide a benchmark of professional achievement and to promote the highest standards of performance in broadcast journalism.

To obtain the CBJP certification, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with two letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their work as a broadcast journalist, including clips from at least three stories they have produced. Once the application is submitted, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in broadcast journalism.

The CBJP certification process takes approximately four months to complete. The cost for the program is $295 USD for RTDNA members and $395 USD for non-members.

3. National Press Photographers Association Certification (NPPA-C)

The National Press Photographers Association Certification (NPPA-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest standards of excellence in photojournalism. It is awarded to those who demonstrate a commitment to ethical and professional practices, as well as an understanding of the technical aspects of photography.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application and submit three samples of their work for review. The NPPA-C committee will then review the submitted materials and determine if the applicant meets the requirements for certification. Applicants must also pass a written exam covering topics such as ethics, copyright law, and digital imaging techniques. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be awarded with their NPPA-C certification.

The entire process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish. The cost for certification is $125 for members of NPPA or $175 for non-members.

4. Online News Association Certification (ONA-C)

The Online News Association Certification (ONA-C) is a professional certification for journalists, editors, and other media professionals who work in digital media. It is designed to recognize the skills needed to create and distribute content on digital platforms. The certification is offered by the Online News Association, an international organization dedicated to advancing digital journalism.

The certification process takes about two weeks and consists of three parts: an online assessment, a practical project, and an oral interview. The online assessment covers topics such as web design, multimedia production, social media management, analytics, and ethics. The practical project requires applicants to create a portfolio of their work that showcases their ability to produce high-quality digital content. Finally, the oral interview tests applicants’ knowledge of digital media tools and strategies.

To get the ONA-C certification, applicants must first complete the online assessment with a score of 70% or higher. They must then submit their portfolio for review by ONA-C reviewers and pass the oral interview with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the ONA-C certification is $500 USD for members of the Online News Association and $600 USD for non-members.

5. Society of Professional Journalists Certification (SPJ-C)

The Society of Professional Journalists Certification (SPJ-C) is a professional certification program that recognizes journalists who demonstrate excellence in their field. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their work and have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the highest standards of journalism.

The SPJ-C certification process requires applicants to submit a portfolio of their work, which will be evaluated by a panel of experts from the Society of Professional Journalists. The portfolio should include at least three samples of published work, as well as any awards or recognition received for journalistic excellence. Applicants must also provide evidence of their commitment to ethical journalism, such as participation in workshops or seminars related to ethical journalism.

The SPJ-C certification process typically takes between four and six weeks to complete. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants will receive their official certificate and membership card.

The cost for the SPJ-C certification is $75 for members and $125 for non-members. This fee covers the costs associated with reviewing applications, issuing certificates, and providing support services throughout the process.

6. Digital Media and Journalism Certificate Program

Digital Media and Journalism Certificate Program is a program designed to give students the skills required to pursue a career in digital media and journalism. It is an intensive program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create, manage, and publish digital content for a variety of platforms. The program takes approximately six months to complete and consists of four courses: Introduction to Digital Media, Writing for Digital Media, Multimedia Storytelling, and Social Media Strategies.

To get the certificate, students must complete all four courses with a passing grade. They must also submit a portfolio of their work at the end of the program. The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most institutions charge around $2,500 for tuition and fees.

7. Investigative Reporting Certificate Program

The Investigative Reporting Certificate Program is an online program offered by the University of California, Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism. It is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue investigative reporting careers. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as data journalism, public records research, interviewing techniques, and multimedia storytelling. Each course is six weeks long and requires a minimum of 10 hours per week for completion.

To get the certificate, students must successfully complete all four courses and pass a final exam. The cost of the program is $2,000 USD. This includes access to all course materials as well as one-on-one guidance from instructors throughout the program. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an official certificate from UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.

8. Science Writing Certificate Program

Science Writing Certificate Program is a program designed to help students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful science writers. The program is offered by the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), a professional organization dedicated to advancing medical writing. The program consists of four online courses that cover topics such as scientific writing, editing, communication, and marketing. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete and includes an exam at the end.

To get the Science Writing Certificate Program, you must first join AMWA and pay the annual membership fee. Then you can register for each of the four courses through their website. Once you have completed all four courses and passed their exams, you will receive your certificate from AMWA.

The cost of the Science Writing Certificate Program varies depending on your AMWA membership status. For non-members, it costs $395 per course for a total of $1,580 for all four courses. For members, it costs $295 per course for a total of $1,180 for all four courses.

9. Magazine Writing Certificate Program

The Magazine Writing Certificate Program is an online program designed to help aspiring writers develop the skills they need to become successful magazine writers. The program covers topics such as researching and writing articles, interviewing techniques, pitching stories, and more. It is offered through a partnership between The Writers Store and Writer's Digest University.

The program takes approximately six months to complete and consists of five courses: Introduction to Magazine Writing, Researching for Articles, Interviewing Techniques, Pitching Stories, and Editing Your Work. Each course is self-paced and can be completed in two weeks or less.

To get the certificate, students must complete all five courses with a passing grade of 70% or higher. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion from Writer's Digest University.

The cost of the program is $299 USD. This includes access to all five courses plus additional resources such as bonus webinars and one-on-one coaching sessions with industry professionals.

10. Multimedia Storytelling Certificate Program

The Multimedia Storytelling Certificate Program is an online program designed to help students develop their skills in creating and producing multimedia stories. The program focuses on the use of video, audio, photography, and digital media to create compelling stories. It covers topics such as storytelling techniques, visual design principles, digital production tools, and more.

The program consists of six courses that can be completed in as little as 12 weeks or up to 18 months depending on the student’s schedule. Each course is self-paced with no set deadlines and can be taken at any time. The courses cover topics such as story structure, writing for multimedia, video production techniques, editing software basics, audio recording techniques, and more.

To get the certificate students must complete all six courses and pass a final exam. The cost of the program varies depending on which courses are taken but typically ranges from $600-$900 USD for all six courses.

Do You Really Need a Journalism Certificate?

The short answer is no. You do not necessarily need a journalism certificate to become a journalist. However, it can be beneficial for those who are serious about pursuing a career in the field.

Journalism is an ever-evolving industry, and staying up to date on the latest trends, technologies, and practices is essential for success. A journalism certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to stay ahead of the curve. It can also help you stand out from other job applicants by demonstrating your commitment to your craft.

A journalism certificate will give you an edge over other applicants because it shows employers that you take your profession seriously and are willing to invest time and effort into learning more about it. It also provides a structure in which to learn key concepts such as research techniques, writing styles, interviewing techniques, media law, ethics, and more. This type of education will make you a more well-rounded candidate when applying for jobs or internships in the field.

In addition to providing you with practical skills, a journalism certificate can also open doors to networking opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable. Most programs offer internships or mentorship opportunities with experienced journalists that can help you develop professionally as well as personally.

At the end of the day, whether or not you choose to pursue a journalism certificate is ultimately up to you; however, it can certainly prove beneficial for anyone looking to break into the field or advance their career further down the line.

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FAQs About Journalism Certifications

1. What is a journalism certification?

A journalism certification is an official recognition of a journalist's proficiency and knowledge in the field. These certifications, typically offered by professional organizations, validate that a journalist has achieved a certain level of competency in their chosen area of expertise.

2. How do I obtain a journalism certification?

In order to obtain a journalism certification, you must meet the requirements set forth by the professional organization offering the certification. This may include completing courses or exams, having several years of experience in the field, or other criteria specified by the organization.

3. What are some common journalism certifications?

Common journalism certifications include Certified Professional Reporter (CPR), Certified Broadcast Journalism Professional (CBJP), Certified Digital Storyteller (CDS), and Certified Investigative Reporter (CIR).

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a journalism certification?

Yes, most professional organizations that offer certifications will require applicants to have completed certain courses or exams prior to applying for their certification programs. Additionally, many require applicants to have several years of experience in their chosen field before they can be considered for certification.

5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining a journalism certification?

Yes, depending on the program you are applying for there may be costs associated with taking courses or exams required for obtaining your desired certification. Additionally, some organizations may charge an application fee as well as an annual membership fee once you’ve been certified.