Top 11 Social Media Editor Certifications

Certifications are important for social media editors because they demonstrate the editor’s knowledge and experience in the field. They show potential employers that the editor has taken the time to become certified in a particular area of social media management and can handle tasks related to that area. Certifications also provide evidence that an editor is up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, which is essential in a constantly changing industry such as social media. Additionally, certifications can help social media editors stand out from other candidates by showing their commitment to becoming an expert in their field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Social Media Editors and explain how they can help further a social media editor's career.

What are Social Media Editor Certifications?

Social media editor certification is an official designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage social media accounts. This certification recognizes proficiency in areas such as content creation, analytics, strategy, and community management.

Having a social media editor certification can help professionals stand out from the competition and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers and clients. It can also provide an advantage when applying for jobs as it shows that an individual has the qualifications necessary to effectively manage social media accounts. Additionally, having this certification may open up new opportunities in the field of digital marketing or even open doors to consulting gigs.

The certification can also help individuals stay abreast of best practices and changing trends in the industry so they are better prepared to tackle any challenges they may face while managing a company’s social media presence. Finally, having this certification could potentially lead to increased earning potential as certified professionals tend to command higher salaries than those without the credential.

Pro Tip: Consider obtaining a social media editor certification to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market, and many certifications are available online or through workshops. Additionally, having a certification on your resume can give employers confidence that you have the skills needed to manage their social media accounts effectively.

Related: What does a Social Media Editor do?

Top 11 Social Media Editor Certifications

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

1. Hootsuite Certified Professional

Hootsuite Certified Professional is a certification program offered by Hootsuite, the leading social media management platform. The program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to be successful in managing social media accounts for businesses. It covers topics such as creating content, scheduling posts, monitoring conversations, and understanding analytics.

The certification takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of an online assessment that tests your knowledge of the Hootsuite platform. The assessment includes multiple choice questions, drag-and-drop activities, and case studies. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will receive a digital certificate and badge that can be added to your resume or other professional profiles.

To get certified, you must first purchase a Hootsuite Pro plan (starting at $29/month). This plan includes access to the Hootsuite Academy where you can take the certification exam. Once you’ve purchased the Pro plan, you can register for the exam through your account dashboard.

The cost of becoming certified depends on which Pro plan you choose; however, it typically ranges from $29-$99/month depending on which features you need.

2. Google Ads Certification

Google Ads Certification is an official accreditation from Google that recognizes individuals who demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced aspects of Google Ads. It is designed to help professionals show potential employers and clients that they have the necessary skills to successfully manage a Google Ads account. To get certified, you must pass two exams: the Google Ads Fundamentals exam and one of the five additional exams (Search, Display, Video, Shopping, or Apps).

The Google Ads Fundamentals exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as setting up an account, understanding campaign types and settings, targeting options, ad formats, bidding strategies, optimization techniques, tracking performance metrics, and more. The additional exams vary in length but typically take around 60 minutes each.

To get certified in Google Ads you must pass both the Fundamentals exam and one additional exam with a score of 80% or higher. You can take each exam multiple times if needed.

The cost for certification varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States it costs $50 USD per exam (with some exceptions).

3. Social Media Marketing Certification from Hootsuite Academy

Hootsuite Academy’s Social Media Marketing Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful social media marketers. The certification covers topics such as understanding the fundamentals of social media, creating effective content for different platforms, developing strategies for success, and more.

The certification consists of six modules that take approximately 10 hours to complete. Each module includes video lectures, quizzes, and other resources to help you learn the material. Upon completion of all six modules, you will receive a certificate from Hootsuite Academy that proves your mastery of the topics covered in the program.

You can get started with Hootsuite Academy’s Social Media Marketing Certification by visiting their website and signing up for an account. Once you have created your account, you can access the courses and begin learning right away.

The cost of Hootsuite Academy’s Social Media Marketing Certification varies depending on which plan you choose. The basic plan costs $99 per month while the Pro plan costs $199 per month. Both plans include access to all six modules plus additional resources such as webinars and ebooks.

4. Facebook Blueprint Certification

Facebook Blueprint Certification is a program developed by Facebook to help professionals learn how to use the platform effectively and efficiently. It is an online certification program that provides comprehensive training and education on how to create, manage, and measure successful campaigns on Facebook.

The program consists of two levels: the Certified Planning Professional (CPP) and the Certified Buying Professional (CBP). The CPP covers topics such as audience targeting, campaign creation, optimization, measurement, and more. The CBP covers topics such as budgeting, bidding strategies, creative testing, performance metrics, and more.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the certification process depending on the individual’s knowledge level. To get certified one must pass both exams with a minimum score of 70%.

The cost for the Facebook Blueprint Certification varies depending on which level you are taking. The CPP exam costs $150 USD and the CBP exam costs $300 USD.

5. Twitter Flight School Certification

Twitter Flight School Certification is an online program designed to help marketers learn how to use Twitter Ads to reach their target audience. The program consists of three courses: Fundamentals, Advanced Tactics, and Measurement & Optimization. Each course takes around 2-3 hours to complete and includes video lessons, quizzes, and hands-on activities. Upon completion of all three courses, you will receive a certificate from Twitter Flight School.

The cost of the certification is free, but you must have an active Twitter Ads account in order to enroll in the program. To get started, simply log into your Twitter Ads account and click on the “Flight School” tab at the top of the page. From there, you can select which course you would like to take and begin learning about how to use Twitter Ads effectively.

Overall, it should take around 6-9 hours to complete all three courses and receive your certification from Twitter Flight School.

6. YouTube Certified Expert Program

The YouTube Certified Expert Program is a program designed to help creators, marketers, and agencies become certified experts in the use of YouTube for their business. It is an online certification program offered by YouTube that requires participants to complete a series of courses and exams in order to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the platform.

The program consists of two levels: The YouTube Certified Professional level and the YouTube Certified Expert level. To become a YouTube Certified Professional, participants must first complete four online courses covering topics such as video production, content strategy, audience growth, and analytics. Upon successful completion of these courses, participants can take the exam to become a certified professional.

To become a YouTube Certified Expert, participants must first have completed the four online courses and passed the professional exam. Then they must complete an additional three advanced-level courses which cover topics such as video optimization, channel management, monetization strategies, and brand safety. Upon successful completion of these advanced-level courses, participants can take the exam to become a certified expert.

The entire process typically takes around 6-8 weeks depending on how quickly you are able to complete the coursework and exams. The cost of becoming a YouTube Certified Expert is $299 USD per person or $599 USD for teams of up to five people.

7. Instagram Partner Program

The Instagram Partner Program is a program designed to help businesses and influencers grow their presence on the platform. It provides access to exclusive tools, insights, and support from Instagram to help them reach their goals.

To get started with the program, businesses and influencers need to be accepted into the program. The application process typically takes around 2-4 weeks, depending on how quickly you can provide all of the required information. To apply for the program, businesses and influencers will need to fill out an online form that includes details such as business type, contact information, website URL, and other relevant information.

Once accepted into the program, businesses and influencers will gain access to exclusive tools such as analytics dashboards that provide insights into audience engagement, reach metrics, content performance data, and more. They’ll also be able to take advantage of priority support from Instagram’s team of experts who are dedicated to helping them succeed on the platform.

The cost of joining the Instagram Partner Program depends on each individual’s business model and needs. Generally speaking though, there is no cost associated with joining the program; however some features may require additional fees or subscriptions in order to use them.

8. LinkedIn Learning Certifications in Social Media Marketing and Advertising

LinkedIn Learning Certifications in Social Media Marketing and Advertising are digital certifications that demonstrate a person’s knowledge and skills in the areas of social media marketing and advertising. The certification process is designed to help professionals prove their expertise in these areas and to help employers identify qualified candidates.

The LinkedIn Learning Certification program offers two levels of certification: Professional and Advanced. The Professional level covers the basics of social media marketing, including setting up accounts, creating content, managing campaigns, measuring results, and optimizing performance. The Advanced level dives deeper into topics such as audience segmentation, influencer marketing, paid media strategies, and more.

To get certified at either level requires passing a series of assessments that cover the topics covered in the course material. Each assessment consists of multiple-choice questions that must be answered correctly within a certain time limit. Depending on the level of certification being pursued, it typically takes between 10-20 hours to complete all assessments.

The cost for each certification depends on the type of subscription you have with LinkedIn Learning (monthly or annual). Generally speaking, monthly subscriptions cost around $30 per month while annual subscriptions cost around $300 per year.

Overall, LinkedIn Learning Certifications in Social Media Marketing and Advertising provide an excellent way for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in this rapidly growing field. It also provides employers with an easy way to identify qualified candidates who have a proven track record of success in this area.

9. Sprout Social Certified Professional Program

The Sprout Social Certified Professional Program is a comprehensive training and certification program designed to help social media professionals gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles. The program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level includes an online course with quizzes, a hands-on project, and a final exam.

The Foundation level is designed for individuals who are new to social media or have basic knowledge but need additional guidance. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete this level and costs $199 USD.

The Intermediate level is designed for those who already have some experience with social media but want to take their skills to the next level. It takes approximately 16 hours to complete this level and costs $299 USD.

The Advanced level is designed for experienced professionals who want to become experts in the field of social media marketing. It takes approximately 24 hours to complete this level and costs $399 USD.

To get certified, you must pass each of the exams associated with each of the levels. Once you have passed all three exams, you will receive your Sprout Social Certified Professional certificate from Sprout Social’s official partner, Certmetrics.

10. Buffer Certified Professional Program

Buffer Certified Professional Program is a certification program designed to help Buffer users become more proficient and knowledgeable in using the platform. The program consists of two levels: Buffer Certified Professional and Buffer Certified Expert.

The Buffer Certified Professional level requires participants to complete a series of online courses and assessments, which focus on topics such as content creation, social media strategy, analytics, and customer support. Participants must also demonstrate their knowledge through an online assessment. This level takes approximately four weeks to complete.

The Buffer Certified Expert level requires participants to have completed the Buffer Certified Professional level and have at least one year of experience with the platform. Participants must also pass an additional online assessment that covers advanced topics such as automation, marketing campaigns, influencer outreach, and team management. This level takes approximately six weeks to complete.

To get certified as a Buffer Certified Professional or Expert, users must first purchase a certification package from the official website for $99 USD (for the Professional level) or $199 USD (for the Expert level). Once purchased, users will receive access to all of the materials needed for completing each course and assessment. After successfully completing all requirements for either certification level, users will be awarded their respective certificate from Buffer.

11. Adobe Social Media Marketing Certificate

Adobe Social Media Marketing Certificate is an online certification program designed to help professionals understand the fundamentals of social media marketing. It provides a comprehensive overview of the essential elements of successful social media campaigns and teaches you how to create, manage, and measure effective campaigns across multiple platforms. The certificate is offered by Adobe Digital Learning Services, a division of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

The program consists of four modules: Introduction to Social Media Marketing; Creating Effective Content; Engaging with Audiences; and Measuring Results. Each module contains interactive lessons, quizzes, and hands-on exercises that will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to plan, execute, and measure successful social media campaigns. The course takes approximately 12 hours to complete.

To get the Adobe Social Media Marketing Certificate, you must first purchase the course from Adobe Digital Learning Services. The cost for the course is $99 USD. Once purchased, you will have access to all four modules for one year from the date of purchase. After completing all four modules within that time frame, you will be eligible to take an online exam in order to receive your certificate. Upon passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official Adobe Social Media Marketing Certificate via email.

Do You Really Need a Social Media Editor Certificate?

No, you do not need a Social Media Editor Certificate in order to be a successful social media editor. While having one may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for certain jobs, it is not a mandatory requirement and there are many successful social media editors who do not possess one. That being said, if you are looking to build your credentials and demonstrate your knowledge of the field, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial.

Certificates can provide valuable training in topics such as content creation, analytics and marketing that can help you become an even better social media editor. In addition to this, having a recognized certificate from an accredited institution could make you more attractive to employers who are looking for someone with the right qualifications.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to get a Social Media Editor Certificate is up to you. If you feel like it will give you the necessary skills and boost your resume then it may be worth pursuing; however, if your experience and portfolio already speak for themselves then there is no need to obtain one.

Related: Social Media Editor Resume Examples

FAQs About Social Media Editor Certifications

1. What is a Social Media Editor Certification?

Answer: A Social Media Editor Certification is a credential that demonstrates expertise in the creation and curation of content for social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

2. What are the benefits of having a Social Media Editor Certification?

Answer: Having a Social Media Editor Certification can help demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective campaigns on social media platforms. It can also help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in digital marketing or social media management.

3. What does it take to become certified as a Social Media Editor?

Answer: To become certified as a Social Media Editor, you must generally complete an approved course or program related to creating content for social media platforms. This may include topics such as writing for social media, design principles, analytics and measurement tools, and more.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Social Media Editor?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified depends on the type of certification program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, most programs require between two weeks and three months of study time depending on your prior experience with social media platforms.

5. Is there an exam I need to pass in order to become certified?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require candidates to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam typically covers topics related to creating content for social media platforms and may also include questions about analytics and measurement tools used by professionals in this field.