Top 11 Web Content Editor Certifications

Certifications are an important factor for web content editors in the job market because they show potential employers that the candidate is knowledgeable and qualified to do the work. Certifications demonstrate that the candidate has taken the time to learn and understand the necessary skills and techniques needed to be successful. They also demonstrate that the candidate understands how to effectively use various web content management systems, such as WordPress or Drupal, as well as search engine optimization (SEO) best practices. Having certifications can give a web content editor an edge over other candidates who may not have them, which can make them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Web Content Editors and explains how they can help advance a web content editor's career.

What are Web Content Editor Certifications?

Web content editor certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in creating, editing, and managing web content. It is designed to help those who produce content for the web—such as writers, editors, and digital marketers—develop the technical skills necessary to create effective web content. Certification can help these professionals demonstrate their knowledge of best practices for web content creation and management, including HTML coding, website optimization, search engine optimization (SEO), multimedia production, accessibility standards, usability testing, and more. By earning a certification in web content editing, professionals can show employers that they are capable of producing high-quality web content that adheres to industry standards and maintains a consistent brand voice across multiple platforms. Additionally, having a certification in this field may open up additional job opportunities or provide an advantage when applying for promotions.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming a web content editor, make sure to obtain certification from an accredited institution. Certification will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to edit and manage content for websites, as well as the credibility employers look for when hiring for these positions.

Related: What does a Web Content Editor do?

Top 11 Web Content Editor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Web Content Editors today.

1. Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)

Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is an industry-recognized certification program offered by Adobe that validates the expertise of individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using AEM. This certification is designed to showcase the skills and knowledge of those who are proficient in using AEM for creating and managing digital experiences.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert in AEM, individuals must pass a series of exams that test their knowledge on various aspects of AEM, such as authoring, development, deployment, and administration. The exam covers topics such as architecture, content management, asset management, user management, security, and more.

The amount of time it takes to complete the certification process will depend on your level of experience with AEM. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to a year or more to prepare for the exams and become certified.

To get started on your journey towards becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in AEM, you must first register for the exam on the Adobe website. You will then receive information about how to prepare for the exam and what materials you need to study. Additionally, there are many online resources available that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in AEM varies depending on which exams you choose to take and where you take them. In general, each exam costs around $180 USD per attempt; however this price may vary depending on your location and other factors.

2. Certified Professional Content Strategist (CPCS)

Certified Professional Content Strategist (CPCS) is a professional certification program for content strategists. It is designed to recognize and validate the expertise of professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in content strategy. The program is administered by the Content Strategy Consortium, an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of content strategy.

The CPCS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of content strategy through a series of written exams, case studies, and other assessments. To be eligible for the CPCS certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in content strategy or related fields. Candidates must also possess an understanding of core concepts such as audience analysis, information architecture, user experience design, editorial workflow management, and analytics.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete all requirements for the CPCS certification. During this time period, applicants are expected to complete all assessments required by the Content Strategy Consortium and submit them for review. Once approved by the Consortium, applicants will receive their CPCS certificate and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in content strategy.

The cost for obtaining the CPCS certification varies depending on which assessment package you choose. The basic package costs $495 USD and includes access to all assessments required for certification. Other packages may include additional services such as one-on-one mentoring or personalized feedback from industry experts.

3. Certified Digital Marketer (CDM)

Certified Digital Marketer (CDM) is a professional certification program offered by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). It is designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to become successful digital marketers. The program covers topics such as search engine optimization, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, mobile marketing, web analytics, and more.

The CDM program consists of four courses: Digital Strategy and Planning; Content Marketing; Social Media; and Mobile & Email Marketing. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, you will receive a Certificate in Digital Marketing from DMI.

To get your CDM certification, you must first register for the program on the DMI website. You will then be asked to pay a fee of $599 USD for access to the online learning materials. Once you have paid the fee, you can begin studying at your own pace and complete the courses within 4 months. After completing all four courses successfully, you will be eligible to take an online exam that tests your knowledge in each area of digital marketing. If you pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CDM certification from DMI.

4. Certified Web Content Manager (CWCM)

Certified Web Content Manager (CWCM) is a professional certification program designed to provide web professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage content on websites. The program provides comprehensive training in website content management, including topics such as content strategy, SEO, usability and accessibility, analytics, and more.

The CWCM certification program is offered through the Online Marketing Institute (OMI). It consists of two courses: one online course and one in-person workshop. The online course covers the fundamentals of web content management, such as website architecture, content strategy, SEO optimization, and analytics. The in-person workshop focuses on best practices for creating effective web content.

It takes approximately 8 weeks to complete the CWCM certification program. To get certified, you must successfully complete both the online course and the in-person workshop. You will also need to pass a final exam to receive your certification.

The cost of the CWCM certification program varies depending on your location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD to become certified.

5. WordPress Certified Professional (WCP)

WordPress Certified Professional (WCP) is a certification program created by the WordPress Foundation to recognize professionals who demonstrate proficiency in using and managing WordPress. It is designed to help individuals stand out in the competitive WordPress job market and to provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals.

The WCP program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam tests knowledge of core WordPress concepts, such as installation, configuration, security, theme development, plugin development, and more. The practical project requires applicants to create a complete WordPress site from scratch.

It typically takes about three months to complete the WCP program. To get started, applicants must first register for the online exam and pay the $99 fee. Once they have passed the online exam, they can submit their practical project for review. After their project has been approved by an expert panel of reviewers, they will receive their certification.

The cost of the WCP program is $99 for the online exam and $199 for the practical project review process.

6. Drupal Certified Professional (DCP)

Drupal Certified Professional (DCP) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of Drupal professionals. It is offered by Acquia, a leading provider of enterprise-level Drupal solutions. The DCP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate their expertise in using the Drupal content management system.

The DCP exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess an individual’s knowledge of the Drupal platform and its core concepts. To pass the exam, candidates must have a comprehensive understanding of Drupal’s architecture, installation procedures, configuration options, security features, and other related topics.

The DCP exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $200 USD. To get certified, you must first register for the exam through Acquia's website. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive an email with a link to take the online test. After completing the test, your results will be sent to Acquia within 24 hours. If you pass the exam, you will receive your official DCP certificate in the mail within three weeks.

To maintain your certification status, you must renew it every two years by taking an updated version of the DCP exam or by completing additional training courses offered by Acquia or other authorized providers.

7. Joomla! Certified Administrator (JCA)

Joomla! Certified Administrator (JCA) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in administering Joomla! websites. The certification is administered by the Joomla! Certification Program, which is managed by Open Source Matters, Inc.

The JCA exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, site management and troubleshooting. It also tests the candidate’s understanding of core Joomla! features such as extensions, templates and languages.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at least 70% to pass the exam. The cost of the exam is $150 USD per attempt.

To get certified as a JCA, candidates must first register for an account on the Joomla! Certification Program website. Once registered, they can purchase an exam voucher from the website or through one of its authorized resellers. After purchasing a voucher, candidates can schedule an appointment to take the exam at one of the approved testing centers around the world.

Once they have taken and passed the exam, candidates will receive their certificate via email within three business days. They will also be listed on the official Joomla! Certified Administrator registry on the website for public viewing.

8. Squarespace Certified Professional (SCP)

Squarespace Certified Professional (SCP) is an official certification program from Squarespace that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in creating and managing Squarespace websites. This certification is designed to help businesses and professionals demonstrate their knowledge of the platform, as well as their ability to create successful websites for clients.

The SCP program consists of a series of online courses, quizzes, and exams that test your knowledge of Squarespace’s features and functionality. It typically takes around 10-20 hours to finish the program, depending on your prior experience with the platform.

To get certified, you must first register for the program on the Squarespace website. Then, you will be given access to a series of online courses and quizzes that cover topics such as design principles, SEO best practices, eCommerce setup, analytics tracking, and more. Once you complete all of these courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official certification.

The cost for the SCP program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $99 USD per person and includes access to all course materials plus one attempt at the final exam. The premium package costs $199 USD per person and includes access to all course materials plus three attempts at the final exam.

9. HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

The HubSpot Content Marketing Certification is a free online course designed to help marketers learn the fundamentals of content marketing. It covers topics such as creating effective content, optimizing for search engines, and measuring success. The certification takes about four hours to complete and consists of seven modules. It is available in both English and Spanish.

To get the certification, you must first create a free HubSpot account. Once you have an account, you can access the course by going to the HubSpot Academy page and selecting "Content Marketing Certification". You will then be taken through the seven modules which include videos, quizzes, and other resources. Once you have completed all of the modules, you will receive your certificate via email.

The certification is free to obtain but there are also additional courses that are offered for a fee. These courses provide more in-depth information on specific topics related to content marketing such as SEO optimization or social media marketing.

10. W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Certification

The W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 is a set of guidelines created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to help make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. The WCAG 2.0 certification is an internationally recognized standard for website accessibility, and it provides organizations with a way to demonstrate that their websites meet minimum standards for accessibility.

In order to obtain WCAG 2.0 certification, organizations must first assess their websites against the WCAG 2.0 criteria and then make any necessary changes or improvements in order to meet the guidelines. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size and complexity of the website. It is also important to note that there are no fees associated with obtaining WCAG 2.0 certification; however, organizations may need to hire external consultants or developers in order to ensure that they are meeting all of the requirements of the guidelines.

Once an organization has successfully met all of the WCAG 2.0 criteria, they can apply for official certification through an accredited third-party organization such as WebAIM or Deque Systems Inc. These organizations will provide independent review and verification of an organization’s compliance with the WCAG 2.0 guidelines and issue a certificate upon successful completion of the review process. The cost of this service varies depending on which organization is used, but typically ranges from $500-$2000 USD per website assessed.

Overall, obtaining WCAG 2.0 certification is an important step for any organization looking to ensure that their website meets minimum standards for accessibility and provides users with a positive experience regardless of ability or disability level.

11. Sitecore CMS Developer Certification

Sitecore CMS Developer Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of developers who are proficient in developing, deploying, and managing Sitecore-based websites. The certification is awarded by Sitecore, a leading provider of digital experience management solutions.

The certification process involves taking an online exam that tests the developer's knowledge of the Sitecore platform. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Once the exam has been successfully completed, the developer will receive their certificate from Sitecore.

In order to get certified, developers must have at least one year of experience working with Sitecore and must be familiar with its features and functionality. They must also have a good understanding of web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ASP.NET MVC.

The cost for the certification exam is $250 USD per attempt. There are no prerequisites for taking the exam but it is recommended that developers have some prior experience working with Sitecore before attempting the exam.

Do You Really Need a Web Content Editor Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a web content editor certificate in order to be successful in the field of web content editing. However, having a certificate can certainly help you stand out from the crowd and give you an edge when it comes to getting hired or advancing your career.

For example, if you are applying for a position as a web content editor, employers may view your certificate as evidence that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the role. A certificate can also demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to further your education and specialize in one particular area. It can also give them confidence that you are up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies.

In addition, having a Web Content Editor Certificate may open doors for networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. This could lead to job leads or even freelance work. So while it may not be necessary to obtain a certification, it could certainly prove beneficial in your pursuit of success as a web content editor.

Related: Web Content Editor Resume Examples

FAQs About Web Content Editor Certifications

1. What is a Web Content Editor Certification?

Answer: A Web Content Editor Certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in creating, managing, and editing web content. This certification typically covers topics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as content strategy and SEO.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Web Content Editor Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Web Content Editor Certification can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to create and manage web content effectively. It can also give them an edge over other candidates for web-related jobs, as it demonstrates their commitment to the profession and their expertise in the field.

3. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Generally speaking, no prerequisites are required to obtain a Web Content Editor Certification; however, some certifying bodies may require applicants to have prior experience or knowledge in certain areas related to web content creation and management.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified will vary depending on the certifying body; however, most certifications can be completed within 3-6 months if sufficient study time is devoted each week.

5. What should I expect from the certification exam?

Answer: The certification exam typically consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as HTML/CSS/JavaScript language syntax, digital asset management principles, content strategy best practices, and SEO fundamentals.