Top 11 Musician Certifications

Certifications are important for musicians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and commitment to their craft. Certifications can also help establish credibility with potential employers, as they provide evidence that a musician has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform the job effectively. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for a musician by providing access to exclusive networks or resources. Finally, certifications can provide an edge in competitive job markets where employers may be looking for ways to differentiate between applicants.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Musicians and explains how they can help to further a musician's career.

What are Musician Certifications?

Musician certification is the process of having a musician's skills and abilities assessed by an independent organization. It is designed to provide musicians with recognition for their level of skill and expertise, as well as to certify that they meet certain standards of quality. Having a certification can be beneficial for musicians in several ways. Firstly, it can help them stand out from other musicians in their field and give potential employers greater confidence when it comes to hiring them. Secondly, it can serve as proof that they have achieved a certain level of proficiency in their chosen instrument or genre, which may be necessary for certain gigs or jobs. Finally, certification may open up opportunities for further study or professional development in the music industry. In short, musician certification is a great way for musicians to demonstrate their commitment to their craft and show potential employers that they are serious about what they do.

Pro Tip: When considering a musician certification program, make sure to research the accreditation of the program. Accreditation is an important factor in ensuring the quality of the program and that it meets industry standards.

Related: What does a Musician do?

Top 11 Musician Certifications

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

1. Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold & Platinum Certification

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold & Platinum Certification is an honor given to music recordings that have achieved certain sales levels. The RIAA awards Gold and Platinum certifications for both physical and digital albums and singles, as well as for streaming audio-visual content.

To be eligible for a Gold or Platinum certification, the recording must have been released in the United States, and must have achieved certain sales levels within the United States. For physical albums, a Gold certification requires 500,000 units sold; for digital albums, it requires 1 million units sold; and for streaming audio-visual content, it requires 150 million streams or downloads. A Platinum certification requires 1 million units sold for physical albums, 2 million units sold for digital albums, and 300 million streams or downloads for streaming audio-visual content.

It typically takes around 6-8 weeks from the time of release to receive a Gold or Platinum certification from the RIAA. To get certified by the RIAA, record labels must submit an application along with proof of sales figures to be verified by the organization. There is no cost associated with applying for a Gold or Platinum certification from the RIAA.

2. Music Canada Gold & Platinum Certification

Music Canada Gold & Platinum Certification is an award given to Canadian artists for selling a certain number of albums, singles, and/or music videos. It is a way for the Canadian music industry to recognize and celebrate success in music sales.

To be eligible for certification, an artist must have released their album or single in Canada through a Music Canada-certified label. The artist must also have sold at least 10,000 albums or 40,000 singles/tracks, or 100,000 digital downloads/streams to qualify for Gold certification; and at least 40,000 albums or 160,000 singles/tracks, or 400,000 digital downloads/streams to qualify for Platinum certification.

The process of obtaining Music Canada Gold & Platinum Certification typically takes between 4-6 weeks from the time that all required documentation is received by Music Canada. The cost of certification varies depending on the type of release (album vs. single) and the number of units sold; however it generally ranges from $50-$100 CAD per release.

3. British Phonographic Industry (BPI) Silver, Gold and Platinum Awards

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) Silver, Gold and Platinum Awards are certifications awarded to music recordings for sales levels in the United Kingdom. The awards are based on the number of copies sold, rather than chart position or critical reception.

Silver: A Silver award is given for sales of 60,000 units. This can include physical formats such as CDs and vinyl, as well as digital downloads and streaming equivalent album units (SEU).

Gold: A Gold award is given for sales of 100,000 units. Again, this includes physical formats such as CDs and vinyl, as well as digital downloads and SEUs.

Platinum: A Platinum award is given for sales of 300,000 units. This includes physical formats such as CDs and vinyl, digital downloads and SEUs.

It usually takes a few months to get a BPI certification after the release date of an album or single. The exact time frame will depend on how quickly the artist’s record label can verify their sales figures with the BPI.

In order to get a BPI certification an artist must have their music released by a record label that is registered with the BPI. The artist’s record label must then submit their sales figures to the BPI for verification before they can be awarded a certification.

There is no cost associated with getting a BPI certification; however there may be costs associated with having your music released by a record label that is registered with the BPI.

4. Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Certification

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Certification is a system used to recognize the sales of music recordings in Australia. The ARIA Certification is based on the number of units sold, with each unit representing one physical or digital album, single, video, or music download.

To obtain an ARIA Certification, an artist must submit their sales figures to ARIA for verification. Once verified, the artist will receive their certification within 6-8 weeks.

In order to be eligible for an ARIA Certification, the artist must have released a minimum of 10,000 units in Australia over a 12 month period. This includes physical and digital copies of albums and singles as well as streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify.

There is no cost associated with obtaining an ARIA Certification; however, there may be costs associated with submitting sales figures to ARIA for verification.

5. Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (LARAS) Certifications

The Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (LARAS) is a non-profit organization that promotes and recognizes excellence in the Latin music industry. It is responsible for awarding the prestigious Grammy Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in all genres of Latin music. LARAS also offers certifications to recognize professionals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in their field.

To get a LARAS certification, applicants must first pass an exam administered by the organization. The exam covers topics such as music production, recording engineering, artist management, and marketing & promotion. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of Latin music history and culture. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and costs $50 USD.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive their certification within 8-10 weeks. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking another exam or completing continuing education courses offered by LARAS.

The cost of getting a LARAS certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD to become certified in one area, while it costs around $500 USD to become certified in multiple areas.

6. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Awards

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership organization for music creators. It was founded in 1914 to protect the rights of its members and ensure that they are compensated for their work. ASCAP awards are given out annually to recognize excellence in music composition, performance, and production.

The ASCAP Awards are divided into two categories: the Pop Music Awards and the Film & Television Music Awards. The Pop Music Awards honor songwriters, composers, producers, publishers, and labels in genres such as pop, rock, country, R&B/hip-hop, Latin, jazz/blues/gospel/world music. The Film & Television Music Awards recognize composers who have written original scores or songs for film or television.

In order to be eligible for an ASCAP Award, you must be a member of ASCAP and have had a song or score released within the eligibility period (usually one year). You can become an ASCAP member by submitting an application online at www.ascap.com/join/. There is no fee to join ASCAP; however there may be additional fees associated with registering your works with them if you choose to do so.

Once you’ve become a member of ASCAP and submitted your works for consideration during the eligibility period (usually between January 1st - December 31st), they will review all submissions and select the winners based on criteria such as creativity, originality, technical skill, artistic merit etc.. Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony which usually takes place in late spring or early summer each year.

The cost of entering an ASCAP Award is free; however there may be additional fees associated with registering your works with them if you choose to do so.

7. Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) Awards

Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) Awards is an annual award show that honors the best in music and songwriting across all genres. The awards are presented by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), a performing rights organization that represents more than 800,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers in the United States.

The BMI Awards recognize excellence in songwriting and composition by honoring outstanding songs from the past year as well as recognizing long-term achievements. The awards are presented at a black-tie gala held each year in May or June.

To be eligible for a BMI Award, a song must have been released commercially during the eligibility period (usually January 1 through December 31 of the previous year). Songs must also meet certain criteria to qualify for consideration, such as having been performed on radio or television or having achieved significant chart success.

There is no cost to submit songs for consideration for a BMI Award; however, it can take several months to determine winners since BMI has to review thousands of entries each year. Once winners have been determined, they will be notified via email and invited to attend the awards ceremony.

8. National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) Grammy Awards

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) Grammy Awards is an annual award ceremony that honors outstanding achievements in the music industry. The awards are presented by the Recording Academy, a professional organization that promotes and recognizes excellence in the recording arts.

The Grammy Awards recognize artistic and technical accomplishments in various fields of music, including pop, rock, rap, country, classical, gospel, jazz, Latin and world music. The awards are based on votes from members of the Recording Academy who have expertise in each genre.

It takes approximately one year for a nomination to be considered for a Grammy Award. Nominations are submitted by record labels or artists themselves and must meet certain criteria to be eligible. Once nominations are received, they are reviewed by a committee of experts who decide which nominees will move forward to the voting process.

Voting for the Grammy Awards is done by members of NARAS who have expertise in their respective genres. Each voter must select five nominees from each category; those with the most votes become finalists and then winners are chosen from those finalists at an awards ceremony held each February.

There is no cost associated with being nominated for or winning a Grammy Award; however there may be costs associated with submitting a nomination or attending the awards ceremony itself.

9. Country Music Association (CMA) Awards

The Country Music Association (CMA) Awards are presented each year by the CMA to recognize outstanding achievement in the country music industry. The awards were first presented in 1967, and have been held annually since then.

The CMA Awards are awarded in a number of categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year, Musician of the Year, and more. Each award is voted on by members of the CMA.

In order to be eligible for a CMA Award, an artist must have released an album or single that has achieved commercial success within a certain time frame. The eligibility period runs from January 1st through December 31st each year. Nominations are typically announced in August or September each year.

The actual awards ceremony takes place in November at various venues around Nashville and is broadcast live on television and radio throughout North America. It is one of the most prestigious events in country music and usually features performances from some of the biggest names in country music as well as other genres.

There is no cost to attend or participate in the CMA Awards ceremony; however tickets may be required for some events related to it such as after-parties or pre-show activities.

10. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Global Recording Artist Award

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Global Recording Artist Award is an annual award presented to recognize the achievements of the world’s most successful recording artists. The award is given to those who have achieved success in both sales and critical acclaim, as well as having a lasting impact on popular culture.

The award is presented in two categories: Global Recording Artist of the Year and Global Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The former recognizes an artist or group that has achieved success across multiple territories, while the latter recognizes an emerging artist who has made a significant impact on global music culture.

The nomination process for the IFPI Global Recording Artist Award begins each year in February, with nominations being accepted from record labels, radio stations, music magazines and other industry sources. Nominations are then reviewed by a panel of international music industry professionals before finalists are selected. The winner is announced at an awards ceremony held in April or May each year.

There is no cost associated with entering for this award; however, there may be costs associated with attending the awards ceremony if you are nominated as a finalist.

11. Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Songwriter Achievement Award

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Songwriter Achievement Award is an annual award that recognizes the outstanding achievements of songwriters in the music industry. The award has been presented since 1980 and is one of the most prestigious honors a songwriter can receive.

To be eligible for the NSAI Songwriter Achievement Award, a songwriter must have achieved at least one Top 10 single on any chart or have had their song recorded by an artist who has achieved at least one Top 10 single on any chart. The award is presented to the songwriter whose body of work best exemplifies excellence in songwriting.

The nomination process for the NSAI Songwriter Achievement Award begins in February each year and ends in April. Nominations are accepted from both members and non-members of NSAI and must include a biography, list of published songs, list of awards won, and other information about the nominee's career as a songwriter. Once all nominations are received, a panel of judges reviews them and selects five finalists who will then be invited to attend the NSAI Awards Show in Nashville where they will compete for the award.

The cost to submit a nomination for the NSAI Songwriter Achievement Award is free.

Do You Really Need a Musician Certificate?

A musician certificate can be beneficial for anyone looking to pursue a career in music. It serves as proof that you have the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. However, whether or not you need one depends on your individual goals and ambitions.

If you are mainly interested in performing music casually or playing as a hobby, then a musician certificate is likely unnecessary. You may still benefit from taking lessons and learning more about music theory, but it is ultimately up to you how much effort you put into developing your craft.

On the other hand, if you want to make a living off of music or pursue a career in the industry, then having a musician certificate can be very important. This is especially true if you plan on teaching music professionally or auditioning for bands and orchestras. In these cases, having formal certification will demonstrate to potential employers that you are capable of meeting their standards and expectations.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a musician certificate comes down to personal preference and your own goals for your musical journey. If you are serious about making it as a professional musician, then obtaining certification is definitely something worth considering.

Related: Musician Resume Examples

FAQs About Musician Certifications

1. What is a musician certification?

Answer: A musician certification is an official recognition of a person's skill and expertise in the field of music. It typically involves taking an exam, demonstrating proficiency in various aspects of music theory, performance, composition, and/or music technology.

2. How do I get certified as a musician?

Answer: To become certified as a musician, you must usually pass an examination administered by a professional organization or educational institution that specializes in music certification. You may also need to provide evidence of your experience and education in the field of music.

3. What are the benefits of being certified as a musician?

Answer: Being certified as a musician can help you stand out from other musicians when seeking employment or other opportunities related to music. It can also open up more doors for networking and collaboration with other professionals in the industry. Additionally, it can be beneficial for teaching opportunities or furthering your own knowledge and skills in the field of music.

4. Are there any costs associated with getting certified as a musician?

Answer: Yes, there may be some costs associated with getting certified as a musician depending on which organization is offering the certification program and what specific requirements they have for applicants. Generally speaking, however, most certifications require payment for an application fee and/or exam fee in order to apply for or take the exam.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a musician?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a musician depends on which certification program you are pursuing and what their specific requirements are for completing all necessary steps such as exams or additional training courses if required. Generally speaking though, most certifications take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year to complete depending on how quickly you are able to fulfill all requirements set forth by the organization offering the certification program.