Marketers should continuously upgrade their skills to navigate the evolving marketing landscape. Discover a few certifications that can help you in 2021.
The marketing ecosystem is rapidly evolving, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit businesses. Hence, it is necessary for marketing professionals to acquire the required skills to navigate the changing landscape and steer their organizations toward victory. One way of doing this is through continuous learning via courses and certifications. Certifications are also necessary if professionals are looking to grow in their careers.
As such, we have put together a few certification courses that are highly valued and sought after in the industry, and you should consider doing in 2021.
Also read: 6 Consumer Marketing Trends Brands Must Look Out for in 2021: Data Out Now
1. Google Ads Certification
Google ads are some of the most popular forms of online advertising and can deliver remarkable ROI if used correctly. As such, knowing how to leverage this form of advertising should be necessary for all marketing professionals. A Google Ads certificationOpens a new window is an accreditation Google offers for those who show proficiency in both the basic and advanced Google Ads concepts. There are six certifications available today: Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, Google Ads Video, Shopping ads, Google Ads Apps, and Google Ads Measurement. To become Google Ads certified, you need to clear an assessment in one of these areas.
Cost: Free
2. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) Certification
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that helps you measure your campaign performance on Google. Hence, any marketer who uses Google should know this tool and have it in their toolkit. Google Analytics IQOpens a new window offered by the search engine giant is a certification that tests the professionals’ proficiency in using the tool. The assessment can be taken once a person finishes both the beginner and advanced courses. The course material may seem simple but has valuable information you need for your daily use. Google expects that you already have hands-on experience working with Google Analytics before taking the exam.
Cost: Free
3. AI Academy for Marketers Courses
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming business functions and marketing in specific. As such, marketers should know at least a few basics of AI so that they can make the most of it. There are currently many AI-related courses on Udemy, Coursera, and Udacity for marketers. At the same time, there are also a few professional courses that offer certifications. One institute that offers professional courses is the Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute. The institute has launched a platform, AI Academy for MarketersOpens a new window , which offers over 25 AI courses for marketers. Some of these courses include the basics of AI and machine learning (ML), intelligent attribution modeling, and automation. To get access to these courses, you must become a member of the academy.
Cost: Basic membership starts at $19 per month
4. Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification
Hootsuite is a well-known social media marketing management platform. Hootsuite also has an academy that offers various courses on social media. A certificate from Hootsuite AcademyOpens a new window can help you establish yourself as a social media marketing professional. The academy has eight certification courses that cater to professionals of all abilities, from basic to advanced. The Social Marketing certification evaluates your knowledge of social media marketing core concepts. Once you pass the test, you will get a certificate and badge. The best part is that the certificate does not expire.
Cost: $199 for Social Marketing Certification. Price varies depending on the certification
5. Facebook Blueprint Certification
Facebook has its own learning center, Facebook BlueprintOpens a new window . It offers several online courses and certifications. The courses cover various topics, including Facebook for Business, Facebook Ads, and building a community. Specifically for marketers, it offers certifications, including:
- Facebook Certified Marketing Professional
- Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate
- Facebook Certified Media Planning Professional
- Facebook Certified Marketing Science Professional, and
- Facebook Certified Advanced Marketing Developer
Facebook provides study guides and practice exams for each certification. A certificate and a badge of completion are obtained after completing the final assessment. Currently, there are quite a few job listings that require Facebook Blueprint certified candidates.
Cost: $150 for most certifications
Also read: 5 Best Social Media Automation Tools To Save Time and Stay Ahead of Competition in 2021
6. Digital Marketing Certification from Digital Marketing Institute
The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is situated in Dublin, Ireland. The institute offers many courses and certifications for digital marketing professionals of all skill levels. The advantage with DMI is that when you complete the Digital Marketing ProfessionalOpens a new window course and exam, you get two certificates in one:
- Digital Marketing Institute’s Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing
- American Marketing Association’s (AMA) Professional Certified Marketer
Similarly, if you complete the Digital Marketing ExpertOpens a new window certification, you again get certified by the two institutes.
Cost: $1,368 for Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing and $4109 for Certified Digital Marketing Expert
7. OMCP Digital Marketing Certification
It is possible that you may not have heard of this certification. That is because it is pretty advanced and has certain requirements. OMCP is a certification standard and an association that publishes online marketing competency standards. As such, its certification is highly recognized and valued in the industry.
OMCP certificationOpens a new window requires that you clear OMCP exams and have 5,000 hours of marketing experience (this can be any form of marketing). Alternatively, you can have a post-secondary degree and 2,000 hours of marketing experience or an approved digital marketing certificate and 1,000 hours of experience. OMCP does not offer any course as part of its certification process but provides a list of approved coursesOpens a new window . Exams should be passed every two years so that the certification remains valid.
Cost: All three parts of the exam cost $395
8. SEMrush SEO Toolkit Course
SEMrush is a well-known online visibility management platform and is commonly used by digital marketers when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO). The company also has its own academy that offers various certification courses. One of those courses is the SEMrush SEO ToolkitOpens a new window course, which helps you learn and utilize the company’s suite of digital marketing tools. The course covers modules such as learning, building, and analyzing using the platform. Once you complete the course, you will have to take an exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of the toolkit. Once you clear the test, you receive a certificate.
Cost: Free
9. YouTube Certification
YouTube is probably the biggest video content search engine available in the market. Naturally, many businesses want to be on top of YouTube’s search results for videos. As such, developing a comprehensive video content strategy, especially for YouTube, is a much sought-after skill. And getting certified by YouTube brings credibility.
YouTube offers certifications courses for both beginners and advanced content creators. However, there are certain criteria you need to meet. If you are not eligible for the certification course, you can still do other courses available from the YouTube Creator AcademyOpens a new window . The courses provide advanced industry-level knowledge and the current best practices in the digital world.
Cost: Free
10. Content Marketing Institute’s Certification Program
The Content Marketing Institute (CMI) is a well-respected online resource for most content marketers. CMI also has a CMI UniversityOpens a new window , which offers several online courses for content marketing professionals. The university’s curriculum is continuously updated and covers a range of content marketing topics, such as Planning, Audience, Channels, Story, and Measurement. Once you complete the course and clear the exam, you will receive a certificate. The best part is that the certification does not expire.
Cost: $995 per person for first-time attendees. Discounts are available for students, returning attendees, groups, and non-profits.
11. HubSpot Certifications
HubSpot is another well-known company that offers a platform for inbound marketing, sales, and customer service for small and medium businesses (SMBs). HubSpot also has an academyOpens a new window , which offers several certification courses for marketing and sales professionals. With regards to marketers, most of these courses focus on inbound marketing, content marketing, email marketing, digital marketing, SEO, and social media marketing. HubSpot certifications are highly valued and even sought-after, especially among SMBs. Most of the certifications are valid for two years, after which you will have to retake the exam to keep your certificate valid.
Cost: Free
The marketing landscape is changing rapidly, and the tactics and processes of even last year will not work today. As a marketer, you need to upgrade your knowledge and skills constantly. The courses mentioned above carry the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the competition. They are also inexpensive and help you grow as a marketing professional.
Are there any other certifications you would like to add to this list? Do let us know on FacebookOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , and LinkedInOpens a new window .