Top 11 Marketing Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a marketing specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They provide employers with proof that a candidate is qualified to do the job, as well as having the specialized skills required for success. Certifications also show potential employers that a candidate is committed to staying on top of industry trends and has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on marketing best practices. Additionally, certifications can help set apart candidates from their competition when it comes to landing their dream job.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Marketing Specialists and explains how they can help to further a marketing specialist's career.

What are Marketing Specialist Certifications?

Marketing specialist certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a person’s knowledge and skills in marketing. It demonstrates to employers, customers, and peers that the holder has the necessary know-how to perform marketing tasks effectively.

Marketing specialist certification can help professionals in many ways. For starters, it shows employers that they have the qualifications needed for a particular position. Additionally, having a certificate can boost one’s resume, making them more competitive in the job market. Furthermore, certified individuals are more likely to be promoted or receive higher pay than those without certifications.

Certification also provides access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. These connections can lead to career advancement and new business opportunities. Finally, a certification can help marketing professionals stay up-to-date on trends in their industry by providing access to continuing education courses, webinars, seminars, and other learning materials. All of these benefits make pursuing a marketing specialist certification an attractive option for those looking to advance their careers in marketing.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements and benefits of the marketing specialist certification you are interested in before committing. Check for prerequisites, such as relevant experience or educational qualifications, as well as any additional training or knowledge that may be required to obtain the certification. Additionally, research what type of recognition the certification will provide and how it can help advance your career in marketing.

Related: What does a Marketing Specialist do?

Top 11 Marketing Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Digital Marketing Institute. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to develop and implement successful digital marketing strategies. The program covers topics such as SEO, content marketing, social media, paid search, analytics, email marketing, and more.

The CDMP certification requires a minimum of 80 hours of study time to complete. This includes completing course modules and passing an online exam. The course modules are divided into four sections: Foundations of Digital Marketing, Digital Strategy & Planning, Digital Execution & Optimization and Professional Development & Leadership. Each module contains lectures, case studies and assessments that must be completed in order to earn the certification.

In order to get the CDMP certification, you must first register for the program on the Digital Marketing Institute website. You will then be able to purchase the course materials which include access to all course modules as well as an online exam voucher. Once you have completed all course modules and passed the online exam with a score of 75% or higher, you will receive your CDMP certificate via email within 2-3 weeks.

The cost of the CDMP certification depends on your location but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD depending on whether you opt for self-study or instructor-led training.

2. Google Ads Certification

Google Ads Certification is a program offered by Google that allows individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in the use of Google Ads. It is designed to help businesses and professionals get the most out of their advertising campaigns on Google’s search engine and other platforms.

To become certified, individuals must pass two exams: one on the fundamentals of Google Ads, and another on one of four specializations (Search, Display, Video, or Shopping). The exams are multiple-choice and take approximately 90 minutes each to complete.

The cost of certification varies depending on the country in which you reside. In the U.S., it typically costs $50 per exam ($100 total). However, if you are a student or nonprofit organization, you may be eligible for discounted pricing.

Once you have passed both exams, your certification will remain valid for 12 months from the date of completion. You can renew your certification at any time by completing additional training courses or taking new exams as needed.

3. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification is an online certification program that provides marketers with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their inbound marketing efforts. It is designed to help marketers understand the fundamentals of inbound marketing, including content creation, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), lead generation, and analytics.

The certification consists of a series of six courses that take approximately 10 hours to complete. Each course covers a different topic related to inbound marketing and includes video lectures, quizzes, and other activities. Upon completion of all six courses, you will receive a certificate from HubSpot confirming your successful completion of the program.

You can get the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification by enrolling on the HubSpot Academy website. The cost for the certification is free; however, you may need to pay for any additional materials or resources used during your coursework.

Once enrolled, you will have access to all course materials and resources necessary to complete the program. You can complete each course at your own pace as long as you finish within 6 months of enrollment. Once completed, you will receive your certification via email from HubSpot Academy.

4. Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification

Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification is a professional certification program designed to help marketers demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in social media marketing. It is offered by Hootsuite, a leading provider of social media management software. The certification consists of an online course and an exam that tests your understanding of the topics covered in the course.

The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as social media strategy, content creation, analytics, and more. Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to take the exam which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive your certification.

The cost for the Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification is $199 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam for an additional fee of $99 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification which is valid for two years from date of issue. This certification can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in social media marketing to potential employers or clients.

5. Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional Program

The Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional Program is a certification program designed to help professionals in the advertising industry demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of Microsoft Advertising products. The program consists of two levels: the Microsoft Advertising Fundamentals Certification and the Microsoft Advertising Advanced Certification.

The Microsoft Advertising Fundamentals Certification requires that you have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of online advertising, including topics such as campaign setup, targeting, optimization, and reporting. To obtain this certification, you must pass an online exam that tests your knowledge on these topics. The exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and costs $99 USD.

The Microsoft Advertising Advanced Certification requires that you have a more advanced understanding of the features and capabilities of Microsoft Advertising products. To obtain this certification, you must pass an online exam that tests your knowledge on topics such as campaign management, optimization strategies, and advanced reporting techniques. This exam typically takes about 120 minutes to complete and costs $149 USD.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded with the Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional badge which can be displayed on your website or other digital platforms to show potential customers or employers that you are knowledgeable in the field of online advertising.

6. Facebook Blueprint Certification Program

Facebook Blueprint Certification Program is a certification program offered by Facebook to help digital marketers, agencies, and businesses learn how to use the Facebook platform for marketing campaigns. The program offers courses and certifications that cover topics such as ad creation, campaign optimization, targeting strategies, and more.

The program consists of two levels: Core and Advanced. Each level requires you to complete a series of courses before you can become certified. The Core level includes four courses: Fundamentals of Advertising on Facebook, Creating Ads with Ads Manager, Optimizing Ads for Results, and Advanced Targeting Strategies. The Advanced level adds an additional five courses: Audience Insights & Reporting, Creative Best Practices, Measurement & Attribution, Mobile App Install Ads, and Video Ads.

It typically takes around six months to complete the Core and Advanced levels combined. You can take the courses at your own pace or sign up for a guided learning path that will help you stay on track with your progress.

To get certified in the program you must pass all exams associated with each course within the program. You can take each exam multiple times until you pass it with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost of the certification depends on which level you are pursuing—Core or Advanced—and whether you are taking part in a guided learning path or doing self-study. For self-study it costs $150 USD per course for Core level and $300 USD per course for Advanced level. If you choose to do a guided learning path it costs $1,000 USD for Core level and $2,500 USD for Advanced level.

7. Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Certified Content Marketer

Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Certified Content Marketer is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in content marketing. It is the first and only certification program of its kind, created by CMI, the leading global authority on content marketing.

The certification process takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of an online assessment that measures knowledge and understanding of content marketing best practices. The assessment includes questions related to topics such as content strategy, execution, measurement, optimization and more. Upon successful completion of the assessment, individuals are awarded their CMI Certified Content Marketer designation.

To get certified as a CMI Certified Content Marketer, you must first register for the program through the CMI website. After registering, you will be given access to the online assessment which you must complete within four hours. Once you have successfully completed the assessment, you will receive your certification via email from CMI.

The cost for becoming a CMI Certified Content Marketer is $249 USD for members and $299 USD for non-members.

8. American Marketing Association (AMA) Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize marketing professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field. The PCM designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core principles and practices of marketing, as outlined by the AMA.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as strategic marketing planning, customer relationship management, digital marketing, and market research. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of professional experience in marketing or related fields.

The cost for the PCM certification is $399 for AMA members and $499 for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials and practice tests, as well as unlimited attempts at the exam until a passing score is achieved.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education activities every three years in order to remain eligible for recertification.

9. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ)

Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) is an online assessment that tests a person's knowledge of Google Analytics. It is designed to demonstrate the user's understanding of digital analytics and its related concepts. The assessment consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as campaign tracking, data collection, reporting, analysis and optimization.

The exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and costs $50 USD. To get the Google Analytics IQ certification, you must first register for a Google account if you don't already have one. Then, visit the Google Partners page and click on "Individual Qualification" under the "Certifications" tab. You will then be directed to a page where you can purchase the exam and take it online. Once you have completed the exam, your results will be available within 24 hours. If you pass with 80% or higher, you will receive your certificate via email.

10. Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Marketing

Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Marketing is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in digital marketing. The certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the field of digital marketing.

The certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as website analytics, search engine optimization, email marketing, social media marketing, content strategy and more. The exam is administered online and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must score a minimum of 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their certification.

In order to become certified, candidates must first register for the exam through Adobe’s website. Once registered, they will be able to access study materials and practice exams which can help them prepare for the actual exam. Candidates are also encouraged to take advantage of resources such as webinars and tutorials offered by Adobe or other third-party vendors.

The cost of the Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Marketing certification varies depending on where you live and what type of package you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for a single-user license or $400 USD for a multi-user license (which allows up to five people to take the exam).

Once certified, individuals will receive an official certificate from Adobe as well as recognition on their LinkedIn profile and other professional networks. They will also gain access to exclusive discounts on Adobe products and services as well as invitations to attend industry events and conferences hosted by Adobe.

11. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Certification from Moz

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Certification from Moz is an online certification program that teaches you the basics of SEO. It covers topics such as keyword research and optimization, link building, content marketing, and more. The course takes approximately 12 hours to complete and includes quizzes and practical exercises to help you learn the material.

The cost of the certification is $199 USD and includes access to all course materials, a downloadable certificate upon completion, and a free one-year membership to Moz Pro. To get certified, you must complete the course in its entirety with a passing score on all quizzes. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a digital certificate which can be shared on social media or added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

The SEO Certification from Moz is designed for anyone interested in learning more about SEO and how it can be used to improve their website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). It is also ideal for those looking to become certified professionals in this field.

Do You Really Need a Marketing Specialist Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a marketing specialist certificate to be successful in the field of marketing. However, having one can certainly give you an edge over those who don’t. A marketing specialist certificate shows employers that you have taken the initiative to learn more about the industry and are knowledgeable on the latest trends and best practices.

A marketing specialist certificate can also give potential employers assurance that you understand the basics of marketing and can apply them effectively in their business. It demonstrates your commitment to furthering your knowledge and skillset within the field of marketing, which can make you stand out from other candidates who may have just general experience.

Having a certificate in marketing could also potentially open up new opportunities for career advancement. With a certification, employers may be more likely to consider you for higher-level positions. Additionally, if you plan to move into consulting or freelancing, having a certification can help demonstrate your expertise and make it easier for clients to trust in your services.

In conclusion, while a certificate isn’t necessary for success in the field of marketing, it could certainly provide some advantages that are worth considering when making decisions about your career path.

Related: Marketing Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Marketing Specialist Certifications

Q1: What is a Marketing Specialist Certification?

A1: A Marketing Specialist Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in marketing principles and strategies. It is designed to help professionals stay ahead of the competition and gain the skills needed to succeed in their roles.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Marketing Specialist?

A2: To become certified as a Marketing Specialist, you must complete a program that covers key topics such as marketing strategy, analytics, digital marketing, and communication. Most programs also require passing an exam or completing an assessment to demonstrate proficiency.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Marketing Specialist?

A3: Benefits of becoming certified include improved job prospects, increased earning potential, greater credibility within the industry, and the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field. Additionally, it can be used as proof of your expertise when applying for jobs or promotions.

Q4: How long does it take to complete a Marketing Specialist Certification program?

A4: The duration of each program varies depending on its structure and content. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 6-12 months if taken full-time or up to 18-24 months if taken part-time.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Marketing Specialist?

A5: Prerequisites vary from program to program but may include prior experience in marketing or related fields, completion of certain courses or workshops, and/or passing an entrance exam. Be sure to check with your chosen certification provider for specific requirements before enrolling in a program.