Top 11 Social Media Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for a social media coordinator because they demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has the technical skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill the role. Certifications can also give employers confidence that their new hire is up-to-date on the latest digital marketing trends, techniques, and best practices. Having certifications can also give candidates an edge over others who may not have them. Ultimately, certifications are a great way for social media coordinators to stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have what it takes to excel in their role.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Social Media Coordinators and explain how they can help advance one's career in the field.

What are Social Media Coordinator Certifications?

Social media coordinator certification is a type of professional training program that helps people develop the skills they need to become successful social media coordinators. It provides them with the knowledge and experience necessary to manage a business’s social media presence, including creating content, engaging with customers, monitoring analytics, and more. This certification can help those already in the field advance their careers by giving them an edge over other applicants and providing them with a better understanding of how to effectively use social media for business purposes. It also helps those who are just starting out in the field by providing them with guidance on how to create an effective strategy for managing a company’s social media accounts. With this certification, professionals can learn how to best utilize different platforms, understand the importance of staying up-to-date on trends and industry news, and gain insight into how to measure their efforts using various metrics. In addition, it can provide those interested in becoming social media coordinators an opportunity to network and build relationships with fellow professionals in the field.

Pro Tip: To become a certified social media coordinator, focus on building your skills in areas such as content creation, marketing analytics, and customer service. Additionally, look for certifications that are specific to the platforms you want to specialize in, such as Facebook or Twitter. This will help ensure you have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field.

Related: What does a Social Media Coordinator do?

Top 11 Social Media Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Social Media Coordinators today.

1. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

A Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of social media strategy. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's ability to create, manage, and execute successful social media campaigns.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to complete the CSMS program. To get certified, individuals must first complete a series of online courses and assessments. They must then pass a final exam which tests their knowledge on the topics covered in the courses. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official CSMS certificate.

The cost of the CSMS program varies depending on which provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for all course materials and exams.

2. Certified Social Media Manager (CSMM)

A Certified Social Media Manager (CSMM) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in managing social media campaigns. The certification is offered by the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI). It requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as content creation, audience engagement, analytics, and more.

It typically takes around 6-8 months to complete the CSMM program. The program consists of four levels of courses: Foundations, Advanced Strategies, Professional Practices, and Expertise. Each course has its own set of requirements and tasks that must be completed before progressing to the next level.

To get certified as a CSMM, you will need to pass all four levels of courses with a score of 80% or higher. You will also need to submit a portfolio demonstrating your work in social media management. Once you have successfully completed the program and passed the exam, you will receive your CSMM certificate from SMMI.

The cost for the CSMM certification varies depending on which package you choose. There are basic packages starting at $1,399 USD which include all four levels of courses plus access to online resources and support from SMMI staff. Higher-level packages can cost up to $2,999 USD and include additional benefits such as one-on-one coaching sessions with industry experts and discounts on future SMMI programs.

3. Certified Professional in Social Media Marketing (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Social Media Marketing (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMi). The CPSM program is designed to help professionals develop and demonstrate their expertise in social media marketing. It provides a comprehensive overview of the best practices, strategies, and tactics for managing social media campaigns.

The CPSM program consists of three courses: Introduction to Social Media Marketing, Advanced Social Media Marketing Strategies, and Social Media Analytics & Measurement. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon completion of all three courses, participants must pass an online exam in order to earn the certification.

The cost of the CPSM program is $399 USD for all three courses and the exam fee.

In order to become certified as a Professional in Social Media Marketing, individuals must successfully complete all three courses and pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once certified, individuals will receive their official certificate from SMMi as well as recognition on their profile page on SMMi's website.

4. 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 demonstrate their expertise in online advertising, and it's also a way for employers to recognize qualified candidates.

The certification process typically takes around two hours to complete, depending on the individual's level of knowledge. To get certified, you must pass two exams: the Fundamentals exam and one of the five advanced exams (Search Advertising, Display Advertising, Video Advertising, Shopping Advertising or Mobile Advertising). You can take the exams as many times as you need until you pass them.

The cost of getting certified depends on which exams you take. The Fundamentals exam is free, while each of the five advanced exams costs $99 USD per attempt. You can purchase multiple attempts at once if needed.

5. Hootsuite Platform Certification

Hootsuite Platform Certification is a program designed to help users of the Hootsuite platform become experts in using the platform. It is an online course that takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete and covers topics such as creating and managing social media profiles, scheduling posts, monitoring conversations, measuring results, and more. The certification exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The cost of the certification exam is $199 USD and can be purchased directly from Hootsuite or through select partners. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Hootsuite Platform Certification badge which can be shared on your social media profiles or added to your resume as proof of your expertise with the platform.

6. Facebook Blueprint Certification

Facebook Blueprint Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to successfully create, manage, and measure campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. It is designed to help marketers, entrepreneurs, and business owners get the most out of their Facebook advertising efforts.

The certification consists of two parts: Core Competencies and Specializations. The Core Competencies are divided into four sections: Fundamentals, Ads Manager & Business Manager, Audiences & Insights, and Creative Excellence. Each section contains several courses which cover topics such as setting up an account, creating campaigns, managing budgets, targeting audiences, understanding analytics, optimizing creative assets, and more.

The Specializations are divided into six areas: eCommerce & Retail; Financial Services; Gaming; Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals; Travel & Hospitality; and Technology. Each specialization includes additional courses that focus on best practices for specific industries.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the entire certification program depending on how much time you dedicate to it each week. To get certified you need to pass all of the assessments associated with each course in the program. You can access the courses for free through Facebook's Learning Hub or purchase a bundle from Udemy or Coursera which includes additional resources such as video tutorials and practice exams.

The cost of getting certified depends on whether you take advantage of any paid learning options or not. If you choose to go through the free Learning Hub option then there is no cost associated with getting certified other than your own time investment. However if you decide to purchase a bundle from Udemy or Coursera then it will cost between $50-$100 USD depending on which bundle you choose.

7. Twitter Flight School Certification

Twitter Flight School Certification is an online program that provides a comprehensive overview of the best practices for using Twitter Ads. It covers topics such as creating effective campaigns, targeting the right audience, optimizing your ad performance, and more. The certification consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Twitter Ads, Advanced Strategies for Twitter Ads, and Measurement & Optimization of Twitter Ads. Each course takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any time.

The cost of the certification is free; however, you must have an active Twitter Ads account in order to take the courses. Once you have completed all three courses, you will receive a certificate from Twitter verifying your completion of the program. This certificate can then be used to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in managing Twitter Ads campaigns.

8. YouTube Creator Academy Certification

YouTube Creator Academy Certification is a free online course designed to help aspiring and existing YouTube creators learn the basics of creating, growing, and monetizing their channel. The course consists of eight modules that cover topics such as setting up a channel, creating content, understanding analytics, building an audience, and more. Each module includes videos, quizzes, and resources to help users become successful on YouTube.

The course takes approximately two hours to complete. It can be taken at any time and does not require any prior knowledge or experience with YouTube. To get started, users simply need to create a Google account and log into the YouTube Creator Academy website.

The certification is free of charge and does not require any payment or subscription fees. Upon completion of the course, users will receive a certificate that recognizes their achievement in becoming a certified YouTube creator. This certificate can be shared on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to show off your accomplishment.

9. LinkedIn Learning Certifications

LinkedIn Learning Certifications are a way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a particular subject. They are offered by LinkedIn Learning, the online learning platform of LinkedIn.

The certifications cover topics such as software development, data analysis, digital marketing, customer service and more. Each certification consists of a series of courses that must be completed in order to earn the certification. The length of time it takes to complete each certification varies depending on the topic and number of courses required. Generally, it takes between 8-16 hours to complete a certification.

To get certified, you must first sign up for a LinkedIn Learning account and then select the certification you wish to pursue. You will then be given access to all the courses required for that certification. Once you have completed all the courses, you will be able to take an exam which is administered by Pearson VUE. If you pass the exam, you will receive your official LinkedIn Learning Certification.

The cost of each certification varies depending on whether or not you have an active subscription with LinkedIn Learning. If you do not have an active subscription, each certification costs $99 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. If you do have an active subscription with LinkedIn Learning, each certification costs $49 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

10. Instagram Masterclass Certification

Instagram Masterclass Certification is a digital marketing certification program designed to help marketers learn how to use Instagram for their business. The program is offered by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) and includes nine modules that cover topics such as creating an effective Instagram strategy, building a following, using analytics, and more. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete the course, which can be done at your own pace. To get certified, you must pass a final exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the certification is $299 USD.

11. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification is a professional certification program that provides marketers with the knowledge and skills to create successful inbound marketing campaigns. The program focuses on the core principles of inbound marketing, such as content creation, SEO, lead generation, and social media management. It also covers topics like website optimization, email marketing, analytics, and more.

The program consists of four courses: Inbound Fundamentals, Content Marketing Fundamentals, Social Media Marketing Fundamentals, and Email Marketing Fundamentals. Each course includes lectures from industry experts and hands-on activities to help you apply what you’ve learned. The courses are self-paced and can be completed at your own convenience.

In order to get certified by HubSpot, you must pass each of the four courses with a score of 80% or higher. You can take up to three attempts per course before having to retake the entire program.

The cost for the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification is $299 USD for all four courses. This fee includes access to all course materials and certification exams. Additionally, there are no prerequisites required for this certification program; anyone interested in learning about inbound marketing can sign up for the program regardless of their experience level.

Do You Really Need a Social Media Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual situation and goals. If you are looking to start a career in social media marketing, having a Social Media Coordinator Certificate can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and experience to employers. It can also be beneficial if you want to show potential clients that you have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in the field or are already working as a social media coordinator, then having a certificate may not be necessary. That said, it could still be beneficial if you want to stay up-to-date with industry developments or if you want to take advantage of any continuing education opportunities offered by professional organizations. Additionally, having a certificate may give you an edge over competing job candidates who don't have one.

Ultimately, it's important to consider what value a Social Media Coordinator Certificate would bring to your career before deciding whether or not it's right for you. If it seems like a good fit for your goals and aspirations, then pursuing one could be worth the time and effort.

Related: Social Media Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Social Media Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Social Media Coordinator Certification?

A Social Media Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in managing, creating and optimizing content for social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. The certification provides employers with assurance that the candidate has the necessary skills to manage their company's social media presence.

2. How do I get a Social Media Coordinator Certification?

The first step to obtaining a Social Media Coordinator Certification is to complete a formal training program or course. There are many online and in-person options available depending on your location and budget. Once you have completed the course, you will need to pass an exam to receive your certification.

3. What topics are covered in a Social Media Coordinator Certification?

The topics typically covered in a Social Media Coordinator Certification include best practices for managing social media accounts; creating engaging content; measuring performance; understanding analytics; using various tools and platforms; staying up-to-date on industry trends; and more.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

The length of time required to obtain your certification depends on the type of program or course you choose to take as well as how much time you can dedicate to studying each week. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 6 months or less if you are able to dedicate multiple hours each week towards completing the coursework and preparing for the final exam.

5. Is a Social Media Coordinator Certification worth it?

Yes! A Social Media Coordinator Certification can help demonstrate your knowledge of the field and give employers confidence that you have the necessary skillset needed for success in this role. Additionally, having this certification may open up more job opportunities as well as potential salary increases down the line.