Top 11 Media Buyer Certifications

Certifications are important for media buyers in the job market as they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certifications provide tangible evidence that an individual has achieved a certain level of professional proficiency, which is highly valued by employers. By having certifications, media buyers can show prospective employers that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform their job well. Additionally, certifications can help media buyers stand out from other applicants when competing for jobs. They also provide a way to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices, as many certification programs require ongoing learning and/or continuing education.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Media Buyers and explains how they can help to advance a media buyer's career.

What are Media Buyer Certifications?

Media buyer certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective media buyer. It covers topics such as media planning, negotiation, research and analysis, budgeting, buying tactics, and more. This certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to enter or advance their career in the media buying industry.

Having a media buyer certification allows professionals to gain an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs in the field. It also shows potential employers that they have taken the initiative to learn about the industry and obtain certifications that demonstrate their abilities. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge of various aspects of the media buying process and prove they are capable of handling complex tasks related to purchasing advertising space and negotiating deals with vendors. Additionally, it can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments, allowing them to make informed decisions when making purchases. Finally, having this certification may give them access to exclusive discounts or deals from certain vendors that can help them save money while still delivering quality advertisements for their clients.

Pro Tip: When considering media buyer certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and real-world case studies. Certification programs should also provide guidance on the latest digital marketing techniques and best practices. Additionally, make sure to research the program’s accreditation and ensure it is approved by industry standards.

Related: What does a Media Buyer do?

Top 11 Media Buyer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Media Buyers 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 possess the digital skills necessary to effectively manage and optimize Google Ads campaigns.

The certification process typically takes about two hours to complete, depending on how quickly you are able to answer the questions. To become certified, you must pass two exams: one for the fundamentals of Google Ads and another for advanced features of the platform. Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions and require a score of 80% or higher to pass.

To get started, you will need to create a free Google Ads account if you don't already have one. Once your account is set up, you can access the certification exams by visiting the Academy for Ads website. You will be asked to sign in with your Google account credentials before taking either exam.

There is no cost associated with getting certified in Google Ads; however, there may be fees associated with creating an account if you are not already signed up with Google Ads.

2. Bing Ads Certification

Bing Ads Certification is a program offered by Microsoft that helps advertisers demonstrate their proficiency in creating, managing, and optimizing campaigns with Bing Ads. It is designed to help marketers increase their knowledge of the Bing Ads platform and ensure they are using best practices when running campaigns.

The certification consists of two exams: the Fundamentals exam and the Advanced exam. The Fundamentals exam covers topics such as campaign setup, keyword targeting, ad copywriting, budgeting and bidding strategies, and reporting. The Advanced exam covers topics such as advanced targeting options, remarketing lists for search ads (RLSA), conversion tracking, automated rules, and optimization techniques.

It typically takes about an hour to complete each exam. To get certified you must pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher. There is no cost associated with taking the exams; however you will need to have an active Bing Ads account in order to take them. After passing both exams you will be awarded a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles to show potential clients that you are certified in Bing Ads.

3. Facebook Blueprint Certification

Facebook Blueprint Certification is a program designed to help individuals and organizations master the skills needed to effectively use Facebook products, platforms, and services. This certification program consists of several courses that cover topics such as advertising, analytics, content creation, customer service, and more.

It typically takes around three months to complete the certification program. The courses are self-paced so you can take as much or as little time as you need to complete them. To get started with the program, you will need to create a free Facebook account and then enroll in the courses on the Facebook Blueprint website.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on which courses you choose to take. Some of the courses are free while others cost money. You can find out more information about each course's pricing on the Facebook Blueprint website.

4. Twitter Flight School Certification

Twitter Flight School Certification is an online program designed to help marketers and advertisers understand the fundamentals of Twitter advertising. It is a self-paced program that takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The program covers topics such as targeting, creative best practices, measurement, optimization, and more. To get certified, users must first create an account on Twitter Ads Manager and then enroll in the Flight School course. After completing the course, users must pass a final exam with 80% or higher to receive their certification. The cost of the certification is free.

5. LinkedIn Advertising Solutions Certification

LinkedIn Advertising Solutions Certification is a certification program offered by LinkedIn that teaches users how to create, manage, and optimize advertising campaigns on the platform. It covers topics such as ad targeting, budgeting, bidding strategies, creative best practices, and analytics. The certification takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of seven modules. To get certified, users must pass a 60-question assessment with a score of 70% or higher. There is no cost associated with taking the certification exam.

6. IAB Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification

The IAB Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification is a certification program that provides an understanding of the digital media landscape. This certification program covers topics such as digital media planning, buying, optimization, and analytics. It is designed to help professionals understand the complexities of digital media buying and planning.

The IAB Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification consists of four modules: Introduction to Digital Media Buying & Planning; Strategy & Tactics; Optimization & Measurement; and Advanced Topics. Each module includes video lectures, quizzes, case studies, and other activities. The entire course takes approximately 20 hours to complete.

In order to earn the IAB Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification, you must pass all four modules with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed all four modules, you will receive your certificate via email within two weeks of completion.

The cost for the IAB Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification is $399 USD.

7. YouTube Ads Leaderboard Certification

YouTube Ads Leaderboard Certification is a certification program offered by YouTube to recognize and reward advertisers who are successfully using YouTube Ads to reach their marketing goals. It is designed to help advertisers become more successful on the platform, as well as provide recognition for those who have achieved success.

The certification process takes approximately one month and requires applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in setting up campaigns, optimizing performance, and analyzing results. The certification process involves completing a series of tests that assess your knowledge of YouTube Ads features, best practices, and strategies.

To get certified, you must first create an account with Google Ads (formerly known as AdWords). Once you have an account set up, you can apply for the certification program through the Google Ads dashboard. You will need to complete all of the required tests within 30 days in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of the YouTube Ads Leaderboard Certification program varies depending on your level of experience with Google Ads. Generally speaking, it costs around $100 per month for access to the course materials and tests.

8. The Trade Desk Certified Programmatic Professional

The Trade Desk Certified Programmatic Professional (TDCPP) is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the programmatic advertising industry. The TDCPP is an online, self-paced certification program that takes approximately six hours to complete.

To get certified, you must first register for the course on the Trade Desk website and pay the fee of $99 USD. After registering, you will receive access to the course materials which include video lectures, quizzes, and other resources to help you learn about programmatic advertising. You will also be able to take practice exams before taking the final exam. Once you have completed all of the course material and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your TDCPP certification.

9. Adobe Advertising Cloud Certified Professional

Adobe Advertising Cloud Certified Professional is a certification program offered by Adobe that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and optimize digital advertising campaigns. This certification program is designed to help marketers, advertisers, and other digital professionals understand how to use Adobe Advertising Cloud’s suite of products to create successful campaigns.

To become an Adobe Advertising Cloud Certified Professional, you must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as campaign setup and management, optimization techniques, targeting strategies, analytics, reporting, and more. The exams are available online and can be taken at any time. It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the exams.

The cost for the certification varies depending on which version of the exam you take. The standard exam costs $99 USD while the advanced exam costs $299 USD. Both exams include access to study materials and practice tests.

Once you have successfully passed all of the required exams, you will receive your official Adobe Advertising Cloud Certified Professional certificate from Adobe. This certificate will serve as proof of your expertise in managing digital advertising campaigns using Adobe Advertising Cloud’s suite of products.

10. Amazon Advertising Platform Accreditation

Amazon Advertising Platform Accreditation is a program that allows businesses to become officially certified by Amazon as an expert in the use of their advertising platform. This accreditation requires passing a series of exams that demonstrate a deep understanding of the Amazon Advertising Platform and its various features.

The accreditation process takes approximately three weeks to complete, depending on how quickly you can study and pass the exams. To get started, you must first register for the program by completing an online application. Once your application is approved, you will receive access to the exam materials and be able to begin studying for the tests.

The cost for this accreditation is $400 USD, which covers all four exams and their associated fees. The exams are designed to test your knowledge of Amazon’s advertising platform and its capabilities, as well as your ability to use it effectively in order to drive results for your business.

Once you have passed all four exams, you will be officially accredited as an Amazon Advertising Platform Expert and receive a certificate from Amazon acknowledging your achievement.

11. Programmatic Advertising Accreditation from the Digital Marketing Institute

Programmatic Advertising Accreditation from the Digital Marketing Institute is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of programmatic advertising. It covers the fundamentals of programmatic advertising, including media buying, targeting, optimization, data management, and more. The accreditation is awarded upon successful completion of an online assessment that tests both theoretical and practical knowledge.

The Programmatic Advertising Accreditation from the Digital Marketing Institute typically takes around two hours to complete. To get started with the accreditation process, you must first register for an account on the Digital Marketing Institute website. Once registered, you will be able to access the online assessment which consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will receive your certificate of accreditation.

The Programmatic Advertising Accreditation from the Digital Marketing Institute costs $399 USD for non-members and $299 USD for members.

Do You Really Need a Media Buyer Certificate?

The short answer is no. A media buyer certificate isn’t a necessary part of becoming a successful media buyer, but it can be beneficial for those who are interested in the field. Having a certificate in media buying can help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and understanding of the industry and can give you an edge over other applicants without one.

Having a certificate also gives you access to more job opportunities than someone without one. Media buyers work with different types of clients and need to understand their needs, including budgeting, research, targeting, negotiating, and placement of ads. A certificate program can provide you with the skills needed to excel in these areas as well as teach you how to develop effective strategies for reaching your client’s target audience.

A media buyer certificate can also put you ahead of the curve when it comes to staying up-to-date on industry trends and changes. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, having an understanding of current practices and strategies will help ensure that you remain competitive in the field. Additionally, having a formal education in media buying will make it easier for you to transition into higher-level positions or even switch industries entirely if desired.

Overall, whether or not someone needs a media buyer certificate really depends on their individual goals and ambitions within the industry. If having a formal education is important to them or they feel like they need additional guidance when it comes to marketing and advertising strategy, then pursuing a certificate may be worth considering. However, if none of these factors apply then there is no need for someone to get certified in order to become successful as a media buyer.

Related: Media Buyer Resume Examples

FAQs About Media Buyer Certifications

Q1. What is a Media Buyer Certification?

A1. A Media Buyer Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder's expertise in media buying and planning, including knowledge of marketing trends and best practices. It signifies an understanding of the fundamentals of media buying, such as working with advertising agencies, negotiating rates, researching target audiences, and managing campaigns.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Media Buyer?

A2. To become certified as a Media Buyer, you must first complete an accredited course or program in media buying and planning. The course should include topics such as digital marketing, analytics, market research and more. After completing the course or program, you must pass an exam to receive your certification.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Media Buyer?

A3. Becoming certified as a Media Buyer provides many benefits, including increased job opportunities in the field of media buying and planning, higher pay for those already employed in this field, access to industry resources and networks, improved credibility among clients and peers, and more recognition from employers.

Q4. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

A4. Yes! To maintain your certification as a Media Buyer you must take part in continuing education activities on an annual basis to keep up with changes in the industry and stay current on best practices. This could include attending webinars or conferences related to media buying or taking courses related to digital marketing or analytics.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a Media Buyer Certification program?

A5: Yes! Most programs require applicants to have some prior experience in marketing or advertising before enrolling in their program; however each provider may have different prerequisites based on their specific requirements so it’s important to check with them beforehand before applying for their program!