Top 10 Social Media Marketing Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a social media marketing manager in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide evidence of an advanced understanding of social media marketing. Certifications also help employers assess the abilities of potential candidates, as well as validate their expertise. Additionally, certifications can help social media marketing managers stand out from other job applicants and add credibility to their skillset. By having certifications, it shows employers that the individual is willing to go above and beyond to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Social Media Marketing Managers and explain how they can help advance a social media marketing manager's career.

What are Social Media Marketing Manager Certifications?

Social media marketing manager certification is a type of certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage social media campaigns on behalf of businesses or organizations. The certification program teaches individuals how to create effective strategies, build successful campaigns, measure results, optimize content, and use analytics to track performance. With this certification, individuals can become better equipped to plan and execute successful social media campaigns that generate tangible results for their employers.

The benefits of obtaining a social media marketing manager certification are numerous. Firstly, it can help increase an individual's employability by providing them with tangible skills that employers are looking for in today's digital landscape. It also helps individuals stand out from the competition as they demonstrate their commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the field. Additionally, having a social media marketing manager certification can also help boost an individual's credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential employers or clients. Finally, it can also provide an individual with access to specialized resources and tools that can be used to further improve their knowledge and skills in the field.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a social media marketing manager certification can give you the edge you need to stand out amongst other applicants for social media manager positions. The certification will demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field, as well as show employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

Related: What does a Social Media Marketing Manager do?

Top 10 Social Media Marketing Manager Certifications

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

1. Social Media Marketing Professional Certification (Hootsuite)

The Social Media Marketing Professional Certification (Hootsuite) is a certification program offered by Hootsuite, the world’s leading social media management platform. The program is designed to help professionals gain the skills and knowledge they need to become successful social media marketers.

The certification consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as understanding the fundamentals of social media marketing, developing effective strategies, managing campaigns, and measuring results. It takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete the course.

To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics from the online course. It takes about 90 minutes to complete the exam.

The cost for the certification program is $199 USD for individuals and $499 USD for organizations. This fee includes access to the online course, practice exams, and one attempt at the certification exam.

2. Social Media Marketing Certification (Buffer)

Buffer Social Media Marketing Certification is an online certification program designed to help marketers learn how to effectively use social media for marketing purposes. The program covers topics such as content creation, engagement, analytics, and more.

The certification consists of three online courses and takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete. Each course includes video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on exercises that help you apply what you’ve learned in the real world.

To get the Buffer Social Media Marketing Certification, you must first register on the Buffer website. Once registered, you can access the courses and begin learning at your own pace.

The cost of the Buffer Social Media Marketing Certification is $99 USD. This fee covers all three courses and gives you lifetime access to the material so that you can review it anytime in the future.

3. Social Media Manager Certification (Udemy)

Social Media Manager Certification (Udemy) is an online certification program designed to teach individuals how to become a successful social media manager. The certification consists of two courses: Social Media Strategy and Social Media Marketing. The courses cover topics such as creating effective social media campaigns, managing multiple accounts, understanding analytics, and more.

The certification takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and includes 10 lectures, 10 quizzes, and 1 final exam. It is self-paced so you can take as much or as little time as you need to complete the coursework.

In order to get the certification, you must first purchase the course from Udemy’s website. The cost of the course is currently $199 USD but may vary depending on promotions or discounts offered by Udemy. Once purchased, you will have lifetime access to the course materials which include video lectures, quizzes, and other resources. After completing all of the requirements for the course (including passing the final exam), you will receive your certificate of completion via email from Udemy.

Overall, Social Media Manager Certification (Udemy) is a great way for individuals interested in becoming a successful social media manager to learn valuable skills and gain industry recognition.

4. Certified Social Media Manager (SocialMediaExaminer.com)

A Certified Social Media Manager (CSMM) is a professional designation offered by SocialMediaExaminer.com, an online resource for social media professionals. The certification program was created to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in managing social media accounts and campaigns.

The CSMM certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced social media managers. To earn the certification, applicants must demonstrate their mastery of the core principles of social media management, including strategy development, content creation, community engagement, analytics, and more. The program also requires applicants to complete an online assessment that tests their knowledge of best practices in the field.

The CSMM certification process takes approximately 8-12 weeks to complete from start to finish. During this time period, applicants must submit all required documents and materials as well as complete the online assessment. Once all requirements are met, applicants can expect to receive their official certification within 4-6 weeks after submitting their application.

The cost for the CSMM certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of SocialMediaExaminer.com or not. For non-members, the total cost is $499 USD which includes access to all course materials and resources as well as the online assessment fee. For members of SocialMediaExaminer.com, the total cost is $399 USD which includes access to all course materials and resources as well as the online assessment fee.

In order to apply for the CSMM certification program, applicants must first create an account on SocialMediaExaminer.com and then follow the instructions provided on how to apply for the program via email or through their website portal. Applicants will then be required to provide proof of experience in managing social media accounts along with any other relevant documentation requested by SocialMediaExaminer.com before they can be approved for admission into the program.

5. Facebook Blueprint Certification Program

Facebook Blueprint Certification Program is a free online certification program designed to help marketers, businesses, and agencies understand how to use Facebook’s tools and products to achieve their marketing objectives. The program consists of two levels: the Core Certification and Advanced Certification.

The Core Certification covers topics such as setting up campaigns, creating ads, managing budgets, understanding analytics, and more. It takes about four hours to complete the Core Certification exam and earn your badge.

The Advanced Certification is more in-depth and covers topics such as advanced targeting options, optimization strategies, campaign measurement, and more. It takes about eight hours to complete the Advanced Certification exam and earn your badge.

To get started with the Facebook Blueprint Certification Program you will need to create a free account on the Facebook Blueprint website. Once you have an account you can start taking courses or exams at any time. The courses are self-paced so you can work through them at your own pace.

The cost for the program is free; however there may be additional costs associated with taking some of the courses or exams if they require additional materials or resources (such as textbooks).

6. Twitter Flight School Certification Program

Twitter Flight School Certification Program is an online certification program that teaches marketers how to use Twitter to effectively reach and engage their target audiences. The program consists of four courses: Twitter Fundamentals, Advanced Twitter Advertising, Advanced Twitter Analytics, and Advanced Tweeting Strategies. Each course takes approximately two hours to complete and covers the basics of using Twitter for marketing purposes.

To get the certification, you must complete all four courses and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a digital certificate from Twitter Flight School.

The cost for the program is free; however, if you want to access additional resources such as practice exams or study guides, there may be an additional fee associated with those materials.

7. Google AdWords & Analytics Certifications

Google AdWords & Analytics Certifications are professional certifications offered by Google to demonstrate proficiency in the use of their advertising and analytics products. These certifications are designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in using Google’s products, such as AdWords, Analytics, and DoubleClick.

The certification process typically takes around two weeks to complete. The process involves taking an online assessment, which is composed of multiple-choice questions about the features and capabilities of the Google products being tested for. Once the assessment is completed, you will receive a score that indicates your level of proficiency with the product.

To get certified, you must first register for an account on the Google Partners website. After registering, you can then sign up for the certification exam of your choice (AdWords or Analytics). You will be asked to pay a fee when registering for the exam; this fee varies depending on which exam you take and which country you are taking it from.

Once you have paid for the exam, you will be given access to study materials and practice tests that will help prepare you for the real exam. Once you feel ready, you can schedule a time to take the actual exam at one of Google's testing centers or remotely via webcam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which certification program you choose and where in the world you are taking it from. Generally speaking, it costs around $50-$100 USD per certification program.

8. YouTube Creator Academy Certification

YouTube Creator Academy Certification is a free online program designed to help aspiring content creators learn the basics of creating and growing a successful YouTube channel. The program consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as how to create compelling content, optimize videos for discovery, build an audience, and monetize your channel. Each module includes video lessons, quizzes, and activities.

The YouTube Creator Academy Certification takes approximately two hours to complete. To get certified, you must watch all the videos in each module and pass the quizzes with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have completed all 10 modules, you will receive a digital certificate from YouTube acknowledging your accomplishment.

The YouTube Creator Academy Certification is free of charge. All you need is an internet connection and a Google account (Gmail) to access the program.

9. LinkedIn Digital Marketing Training and Certification

LinkedIn Digital Marketing Training and Certification is a program designed to help marketers learn the fundamentals of digital marketing. It is a comprehensive course that covers topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and more. The program is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 10 hours.

To get the certification, learners must complete all modules of the course and pass a final assessment with a minimum score of 80%. Once they have passed the assessment, they will receive their certification.

The cost of LinkedIn Digital Marketing Training and Certification varies depending on the provider. However, it typically ranges from $299 to $499 USD.

10. Instagram Partner Program

The Instagram Partner Program is a program designed to help businesses and influencers maximize their reach on the platform. It is an exclusive program that provides access to specialized tools, resources, and insights to help partners grow their presence on Instagram.

To join the program, you must have an active Instagram account with at least 10,000 followers or have a verified badge. You must also have a valid business email address associated with your account. The application process takes approximately two weeks to complete.

Once approved for the program, there are no additional costs associated with being part of it. However, partners are required to agree to certain terms and conditions in order to remain in good standing within the program. These include adhering to Instagram's Community Guidelines and not engaging in any activities that could be considered spammy or malicious.

The main benefits of being part of the Instagram Partner Program include access to specialized analytics tools and insights, as well as priority support from Instagram’s team of experts who can provide guidance on best practices for growing your presence on the platform. Additionally, partners may receive early access to new features and products before they become available to the public.

Do You Really Need a Social Media Marketing Manager Certificate?

When it comes to social media marketing, there is no definitive answer as to whether or not you need a Social Media Marketing Manager certificate in order to succeed. Ultimately, it depends on your goals and objectives. If you are looking to establish yourself as an expert in the field of social media marketing, then a certificate may be beneficial. It can provide you with a competitive edge, demonstrate your commitment to the industry and help you stand out from other professionals in the field.

On the other hand, if you are just starting out and do not have a lot of experience in social media marketing, then having a certificate may not be necessary. You can still learn the basics of social media marketing without having any formal training or certification. There are many online resources available that can teach you about different aspects of social media marketing such as content creation, analytics, and paid advertising. Additionally, networking with experienced professionals can also help you gain valuable knowledge and insights into the industry.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Social Media Marketing Manager certificate really depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking to establish yourself as an expert in the field of social media marketing then getting certified could be beneficial. However, if you are just starting out and do not have much experience yet then there are plenty of other ways that you can learn about this industry without needing to get certified first.

Related: Social Media Marketing Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Social Media Marketing Manager Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Social Media Marketing Manager?

Answer: Becoming a Social Media Marketing Manager can provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in planning, implementing, and managing social media campaigns for businesses. You can also use these skills to develop strategies for increasing brand awareness and engagement with customers across multiple platforms. Additionally, having a certification in this field can open doors to potential job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement.

2. What qualifications do I need to become a Social Media Marketing Manager?

Answer: To become a Social Media Marketing Manager you should have a strong understanding of digital marketing fundamentals such as SEO, content marketing, web analytics, copywriting, etc. You should also possess excellent communication and organizational skills as well as knowledge of various social media platforms and their respective tools. A degree or certification in social media marketing is highly recommended but not always necessary.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Social Media Marketing Manager?

Answer: The amount of time needed to get certified as a Social Media Marketing Manager depends on the program you choose and your current level of experience in the field. Generally speaking, most programs range from six months to one year in length if taken full-time or up to two years if taken part-time.

4. How much does it cost to become certified as a Social Media Marketing Manager?

Answer: The cost of getting certified as a Social Media Marketing Manager varies depending on the program you choose and whether or not you opt for an online or in-person course structure. Generally speaking, online courses tend to be more affordable than traditional classroom courses; however they may require additional fees for materials such as textbooks or software access codes.

5. Is becoming certified as a Social Media Marketing Manager worth it?

Answer: Yes! Becoming certified as a Social Media Marketing Manager can provide you with valuable skills that will help you stand out among your peers and give you an edge when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry. Additionally, having certification can lead to increased salary potential and more job opportunities down the line.