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Digital Marketing

7 types of social media certifications and how to earn them


A social media certification is a type of digital marketing certification that indicates you are proficient in various social media marketing skills. Ideally, this certification should come from a very credible leader in the digital marketing space. Digital marketing skills are becoming more valuable as online business pursuits continue to expand.

This type of industry certification can lend professional credibility to people who are looking to build their careers in marketing or other online arenas. These industry certifications can be incredibly useful for industry veterans or people who are just getting started as social media marketers. It is important that you are aware of what options are available and what each individual certification process entails before you pursue a social media certification.

1. Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) certifications

GCCC Certifications indicate that an individual is proficient in the area of professional communication in general. The International Association of Business Communicators grants this certification.

Getting started

In order to obtain the GCC certification, you will need to take the following steps:

  • Determine whether you plan to pursue the Communication Management Professional certification (CMP) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification.
  • Demonstrate sufficient professional experience.
  • Fill out an application.
  • Complete an examination.
  • Regularly renew certification.

More detailed information is available in the GCCC Candidate Handbook.

Cost

GCC fees vary if you are a member or non-member.  There is an application fee for non-members and a reduced fee for members. There are exam fees for all applicants and annual certification maintenance fees.

2. Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate

The Facebook Digital Marketing Associate certification indicates that an individual is proficient in skills related to social media marketing.

Getting started

You can prepare for this certification by taking an online course such as Paid Social Media Marketing which helps prepare you for the certification exam. In order to take this certification, you must have a Facebook Blueprint and Cermetrics account.

Skills you will learn in this course include:

  • Develop Social media marketing strategies
  • Manage paid social media campaigns
  • Budget and measure ad campaign

Cost

There is a cost to sign up for the course and a cost for the certification.

3. Advanced Mobile Marketing Certification Training

Advanced mobile marketing certification training is a course developed by Market Motive to help you build proficiency in the area of mobile marketing.

Getting started

To obtain this certification, you will need to take the following steps:

  • Complete the 28 lessons included in the course.
  • Complete four progress quizzes.
  • Complete a final assessment test.
  • Complete three projects throughout the course.

Applicants will need to complete a minimum of 85% of the course to pass.

Cost

There is a cost for the self-paced course for 180 days of access and offers a seven-day money-back guarantee.

4. Certified Blockchain and Digital Marketing Professional

The title of Certified Blockchain and Digital Marketing Professional is granted by the Blockchain Council to individuals who complete the organization’s coursework related to blockchain technology in the digital marketing space.

Getting started

In order to obtain this certification, you will need to take the following steps:

  • Join the website.
  • Complete the self-paced coursework.
  • Complete the online exam.

You will have indefinite access to the coursework.

Cost

This course has a one-time cost, and members may receive a discount.

5. Certified Manager Certification (CM)

The Certified Manager (CM) certification indicates that an individual is proficient in managerial skills. The Institute of Certified Professional Managers grants this certification.

Getting started

To obtain the CM certification, you will need to take the following steps:

  • Fill out an application.
  • Complete 90 hours of coursework.
  • Complete three multiple-choice exams.

Applicants have a maximum of 15 months to complete the coursework.

Cost

There is a standard package of application and exam fees. Applicants can purchase additional perks by choosing the CM Certification Bundle.

6. EDX Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing and Customer Engagement

EDX’s Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing and Customer Engagement indicates that an individual is proficient in digital marketing and communication skills.

Getting started

To obtain this certification, you will need to take the following steps:

  • Register online.
  • Complete two skill-building courses.
  • Demonstrate your knowledge as indicated by instructors.

You can try out a course before you pay for full access to the program.

Cost

There is a one-time cost for this program.

7. Social Media Marketing Master Certification

The Boot Camp Institute grants the Social Media Marketing Master Certification to indicate that a marketer is proficient in social media marketing skills.

Getting started

In order to obtain this certification, you will need to take the following steps:

  • Complete the coursework.
  • Pass the final assessment.
  • Submit evidence of your completed coursework.

It will also be beneficial to supplement and certify your social media marketing education with technical skills such as Google Ad navigation.

Cost

There is a one-time registration cost for this course and certification, with additional perks costing extra.

Whenever choosing a social media marketing certification, you should always consider how relevant the certification is to your goals, the expenses involved, and the credibility of the course provider.