Top 10 Marketing Communications Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a marketing communications manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and skills necessary to do the job. Certifications provide proof of competency and can help set an applicant apart from other candidates. Additionally, certifications show that an individual is actively engaged in their professional development, which is an attractive quality for employers. Lastly, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement, as many organizations prefer to hire those with credentials related to their field.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the importance of the top certifications for Marketing Communications Managers in terms of career advancement and success.

What are Marketing Communications Manager Certifications?

Marketing Communications Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals improve their skills in marketing communications. This certification provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, develop, implement and manage successful marketing communications campaigns. It covers topics such as strategic communication planning, messaging development, media relations, digital marketing, public relations and crisis management.

The program helps individuals develop the competencies required to effectively coordinate multiple communication channels and create an effective integrated approach to marketing communications. It also provides guidance on how to measure campaign performance and evaluate results in order to make informed decisions about future campaigns.

The certification can help those already working in the field of marketing communications enhance their knowledge and understanding of the industry. It can also provide a valuable credential for those looking to break into the field or advance their career in this area of expertise. With this certification, professionals will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in marketing communications to employers or clients, making them more competitive in the job market.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a certification in marketing communications management can help you gain a competitive edge in the field. Certifications offer recognition of your expertise and demonstrate to employers that you have taken the extra step to become an expert in the field. Additionally, certifications can provide access to exclusive resources, such as industry-specific conferences and networks.

Related: What does a Marketing Communications Manager do?

Top 10 Marketing Communications Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Marketing Communications Managers today.

1. Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in digital marketing. It is issued by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), a leading global provider of digital marketing education and training.

The CDMP certification program consists of three levels: Foundation, Practitioner, and Master. Each level requires a certain number of hours of study and assessment to complete. The Foundation level is the entry-level certification and can be completed in as little as 8 weeks. The Practitioner level requires 16 weeks to complete, while the Master level requires 32 weeks to complete.

To get certified, you must successfully pass an exam for each level. The exams are administered online and consist of multiple choice questions covering topics such as search engine optimization, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, analytics, mobile marketing, and other digital marketing topics.

The cost of the CDMP certification program varies depending on which level you choose to pursue. The Foundation level costs $1,495 USD; the Practitioner level costs $2,995 USD; and the Master level costs $4,995 USD.

2. Certified Professional in Digital Advertising (CPDA)

Certified Professional in Digital Advertising (CPDA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the digital advertising industry. The CPDA certification is awarded by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA), an organization that promotes responsible digital advertising practices and sets standards for the industry.

The CPDA certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of digital advertising principles, including topics such as targeting, optimization, measurement, and legal compliance. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering these topics. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

Applicants must also submit proof of at least two years of professional experience in digital advertising or related fields. This can include experience in marketing, media buying, creative design, analytics, or other areas related to digital advertising.

The cost of the CPDA certification program is $299 USD for members of the DAA and $499 USD for non-members. The fee covers the cost of taking the online exam as well as any additional materials needed to prepare for it. Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years by submitting proof of continuing education credits earned through DAA-approved courses or activities.

3. Certified Social Media Manager (CSMM)

A Certified Social Media Manager (CSMM) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in managing social media accounts for businesses. The CSMM certification is awarded by the Social Media Marketing Institute, which is an international organization dedicated to providing education and certification in the field of social media marketing.

The CSMM certification program consists of four modules: Introduction to Social Media, Social Media Strategy, Content Creation & Management, and Measurement & Analytics. Each module includes a series of online lessons, quizzes, and assignments designed to help individuals gain knowledge and skills related to social media management. Upon successful completion of all four modules, individuals can earn their CSMM certification.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to complete the CSMM program. However, the amount of time it takes to complete the program depends on how much time an individual can dedicate to studying each module and completing each assignment.

To get certified as a CSMM, individuals must first register for the program at the Social Media Marketing Institute website. They will then be provided with access to all four modules as well as any additional resources needed for successful completion of the program.

The cost for the CSMM program varies depending on which package you choose. The Self-Study Package costs $399 USD while the Pro Package costs $599 USD. Both packages include access to all four modules as well as additional resources such as webinars and mentor support from industry experts.

4. Certified Content Marketing Manager (CCMM)

Certified Content Marketing Manager (CCMM) is a professional certification program designed to help content marketing professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage content marketing campaigns. This certification is offered by the Content Marketing Institute (CMI), a leading provider of content marketing education and resources.

The CCMM program consists of three courses: Introduction to Content Marketing, Advanced Content Strategy, and Measurement & Optimization. The program also includes an online exam that must be passed in order to earn the certification. The entire program takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate each week.

In order to get the CCMM certification, you must first register for the program on the CMI website. Once registered, you will have access to all of the course materials and resources needed to complete the program. You will then need to pass each of the three courses as well as pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for enrolling in the CCMM program is $1,495 USD. This fee covers all of your course materials, access to resources, and your exam fee.

5. Certified Inbound Marketer (CIM)

Certified Inbound Marketer (CIM) is a certification program offered by HubSpot Academy, the educational arm of HubSpot. It is designed to help marketers understand and implement inbound marketing tactics that generate leads, convert those leads into customers, and turn those customers into promoters of their brand.

The CIM certification consists of four courses: Inbound Marketing Fundamentals, Content Marketing Strategy, Lead Generation Strategy, and Conversion Optimization. Each course takes about five hours to complete and can be taken online at any time. After completing all four courses, you must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost for the CIM certification is free; however, if you would like to have access to additional resources such as practice exams or study guides, there are paid options available.

Overall, the Certified Inbound Marketer program is an excellent way for marketers to gain knowledge and skills in inbound marketing tactics that will help them generate more leads and convert those leads into customers.

6. Certified Integrated Marketing Communications Manager (CIMCM)

Certified Integrated Marketing Communications Manager (CIMCM) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of integrated marketing communications (IMC). The CIMCM designation is offered by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), which is a global organization dedicated to advancing the practice of business communication.

The CIMCM certification requires completion of a two-day workshop, which covers topics such as IMC planning, research, strategy development, implementation and evaluation. In addition to the workshop, applicants must pass an exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CIMCM certification varies depending on whether you are an IABC member or non-member. For IABC members, the cost is $1,395 USD; for non-members it is $1,595 USD. This fee includes access to all course materials and the exam fee.

The entire process typically takes about 8 weeks from start to finish; however, this may vary depending on when you register for the workshop and when you take the exam.

7. Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP)

Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It is designed to recognize public relations professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the practice of public relations.

The CPRP certification process consists of three parts: an online application, a comprehensive exam, and a portfolio review. The online application requires applicants to provide information about their education, work experience, and professional accomplishments. The comprehensive exam tests applicants' knowledge and understanding of public relations principles and practices. Finally, the portfolio review assesses applicants' ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three steps of the CPRP certification process. During this time, applicants should prepare for the exam by studying PRSA's Body of Knowledge and taking practice tests. They should also create a portfolio that highlights their professional experience and accomplishments.

The cost for CPRP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a PRSA member. For members, it costs $299 for the initial application fee plus $399 for each subsequent year’s renewal fee. For non-members, it costs $499 for the initial application fee plus $599 for each subsequent year’s renewal fee.

8. Certified Email Marketing Specialist (CEMS)

Certified Email Marketing Specialist (CEMS) is a certification offered by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to create and manage successful email marketing campaigns. The certification covers topics such as email list segmentation, content creation, campaign optimization, automation, and analytics.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours of study time to complete the CEMS certification. To get certified, you must successfully pass an online exam that consists of multiple choice questions. The exam costs $250 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CEMS certificate from DMI.

The CEMS certification is ideal for digital marketers who want to gain expertise in email marketing and increase their value in the job market. It is also beneficial for business owners who want to ensure they are using best practices when it comes to email marketing campaigns.

9. Certified Search Engine Optimization Specialist (CSES)

A Certified Search Engine Optimization Specialist (CSES) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the principles of search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is the process of optimizing a website to make it more visible in organic search engine results. CSESs are knowledgeable about the latest SEO techniques, tools, and strategies that can help increase a website’s visibility and rankings in organic search engine results.

To become a CSES, you must complete an approved training course and pass an exam administered by a recognized certification body. The length of the course varies depending on the provider, but typically takes between one and two weeks to complete. The cost of the course also varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500 to $2,000 USD.

Once you have completed your training course and passed your exam, you will receive your official CSES certification. This certification is valid for three years after which time you must renew it by taking continuing education courses or re-taking the exam.

10. Google Adwords Certification

Google Adwords Certification is an official certification program offered by Google to demonstrate proficiency in the use of its Adwords advertising platform. It is designed to help businesses and individuals become more successful with their online marketing campaigns.

The certification process consists of two exams: the Adwords Fundamentals exam and one of the Advanced Advertising Exams. The Fundamentals exam covers basic concepts such as account structure, targeting options, ad formats, campaign settings, and reporting tools. The Advanced Advertising Exams cover topics such as search engine marketing (SEM), display advertising, video advertising, mobile advertising, shopping ads, and app promotion.

It typically takes around 4-6 hours to complete both exams depending on your knowledge level. You can take the exams at any time from your own computer or tablet device. You will need a valid Google account to access the exams.

The cost for taking the Adwords Certification exams is $50 USD per exam ($100 total). Once you have passed both exams you will receive a certificate from Google that is valid for one year.

Do You Really Need a Marketing Communications Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on the individual's career goals and current experience level. For those who are just starting out in their marketing communications career, a certificate may not be necessary. However, for those with several years of experience or those looking to pursue a more advanced role in marketing communications, a certificate can be beneficial.

A marketing communications manager certificate can demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of marketing. It can also provide valuable credentials that employers may look for when hiring for certain positions. A certificate can also provide a sense of accomplishment and demonstrate commitment to the profession. Those who have earned such a credential may find that they have better job opportunities and higher salaries than those without one.

On the other hand, obtaining a marketing communications manager certificate is not always necessary depending on one's career path. Those who already have experience and knowledge in the field may not need to obtain such certification if they are already qualified for certain roles. Additionally, many employers do not require certification as part of their hiring process, so it is important to research any position thoroughly before applying.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a marketing communications manager certificate will depend on their particular situation and desired outcomes. Those who are just beginning their careers may find that such certification is unnecessary or too costly at this time; however, those with several years of experience or those looking to pursue more advanced roles may find that the benefits outweigh the costs associated with acquiring such certification.

Related: Marketing Communications Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Marketing Communications Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Marketing Communications Manager?

Answer: To become a Marketing Communications Manager, you typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field and several years of experience in the field. You may also need additional certifications or specialized training depending on the position.

2. What are the benefits of getting certified as a Marketing Communications Manager?

Answer: Benefits of getting certified as a Marketing Communications Manager include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, better job security, more credibility and respect from employers, and more recognition from peers in the field.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Marketing Communications Manager?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a Marketing Communications Manager depends on your level of experience and background knowledge. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the certification process.

4. Are there any online courses available for certification as a Marketing Communications Manager?

Answer: Yes, there are many online courses available for certification as a Marketing Communications Manager. These courses generally cover topics such as strategic communication planning, digital marketing, public relations, content strategy, branding and creative development.

5. What is the cost of becoming certified as a Marketing Communications Manager?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Marketing Communications Manager varies depending on the type of certification program you choose and other factors such as course materials and exam fees. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500 - $2000 USD.