5 Best Digital Marketing Certifications

The best digital marketing certifications

Leading platforms like Meta and Google, as well as independent learning centers, offer many of the top digital marketing courses available. Below are five top providers:

1. Meta certifications

The Meta Certification program offers various role- and skill-based credentials across different proficiency levels in social media marketing, including the following:

• Digital Marketing Associate (beginner): This certification focuses on creating, managing, and reporting on Facebook, Instagram and Messenger ad campaigns.
• Media Buying Professional (intermediate): This certification focuses on building, managing, optimizing and reporting on paid social media advertising campaigns. Many businesses try to strike a balance between paid and organic social media marketing, making this program’s insights valuable.
• Creative Strategy Professional (intermediate): This option involves developing creative briefs based on insights derived from research and evaluating and measuring their effectiveness.
• Media Planning Professional (intermediate): This specialty will help you learn which media placements to recommend to clients based on advertiser needs and market insights. It also explores tools to measure and improve marketing ROI.
• Marketing Science Professional (advanced): This certification explores reviewing marketing campaigns, developing and testing marketing ideas for effectiveness, and making recommendations based on those results.
• Community Management (certified skill, beginner): This program explores building, growing, moderating and sustaining online communities. Also, it looks at tools for measuring and analyzing community activity.
• Business Marketing Strategy (certified skill, intermediate): This skills-based program aims to help marketing professionals learn how to craft goal-based strategic marketing plans.

Meta also offers the following Specialist badges that build on previous certifications:

• Media Measurement: You’ll learn how to measure, analyze and interpret media campaign results. 
• AI and Performance Marketing: You’ll learn how to use AI to help create engaging campaigns. 
• Technical Implementation: You’ll learn how to implement marketing technologies.  

The exams for these certifications typically cost between $99 and $150 each, but the training itself is free. However, before embarking on a specialty marketing program, consider taking Meta Blueprint’s free online courses; this way, you can build a solid foundation in Facebook marketing strategies and much more.

2. Google Ads certifications

Google Ads is a powerful platform for boosting brand awareness and increasing sales. Through the Skillshop training platform, Google offers the following free Google Ads certifications to pursue:

• Google Ads Measurement Certification: This specialty looks at tracking and improving Google Ads campaign performance.
• Google Ads Creative Certification: This certification explores effective video, display, app and search ad creation for the Google Ads platform.
• Google Ads Grow Offline Sales Certification: This program focuses on omnichannel marketing to connect with customers online and offline.
• Google Ads Search Certification: This program provides Google Ads Search campaign management training.
• Google Ads Display Certification: Digital marketers will learn about effective display advertising creation and management to meet specified marketing goals.
• Google Ads AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification: You’ll receive training in how to connect with customers using AI-powered Google Shopping ads.
• Google Ads Video Certification: This program provides training on optimizing results from YouTube and Google Video advertising solutions.
• Google Ads Apps Certification: This specialty offers training in the creation and optimization of effective app campaigns to meet specified marketing goals.
• Google Ads AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification: Learn how to use Google’s AI solutions to meet business goals in advertising campaigns on the platform.

After completing the required coursework, candidates can sit for an exam to earn certification. Each Google Ads certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

3. Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification

The social media platform company with the catchy name — Hootsuite — offers professional certifications through its Hootsuite Academy. The Social Marketing Certification covers core concepts related to social media marketing; topics include strategy development, community building, content marketing and social media advertising.

Other Hootsuite Academy courses and programs include:

• Social selling
• Advanced social advertising
• Advanced social media strategy

Note that if you’re not already a Hootsuite customer, you’ll need to start a free trial to access Hootsuite Academy. The trial can be canceled before the end of the trial period if you decide not to continue as a Hootsuite user. Hootsuite also offers a Student Program for eligible students and educators. Through this program, participants can access Hootsuite Academy courses and certifications, including the Social Marketing Certification, at no cost and without starting a paid trial.

Hootsuite encourages candidates to complete a series of online training courses before taking the Social Marketing certification exam. The company does not publicly disclose pricing for the certification, and details about exam costs, if applicable, are provided during the enrollment process inside Hootsuite Academy. The credential does not expire and is designed to support both beginner and advanced social media marketers.

4. HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

In our review of HubSpot, we found it to be one of the best CRM software systems for small businesses because of its all-around functionality. The platform also offers extensive training and certifications through its HubSpot Academy.

The HubSpot Content Marketing Certification is particularly relevant. It recognizes professionals who create and promote content to attract new customers. The associated course provides strategies for building a content library of valuable assets. Other certifications include:

• Inbound Marketing Certification
• Email Marketing Certification
• Sales Hub Software Certification

To earn the HubSpot Content Marketing Certification, take the associated online course and then the exam — both are free. For details, see HubSpot’s Certifications and Programs FAQs.

5. AMA PCM & Digital Marketing Institute certifications

The American Marketing Association (AMA) offers the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program, a respected certification program with options in digital marketing, content marketing and marketing management.

One of the strongest options is Digital Marketing Pro, a dual-certification program developed by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) in partnership with the AMA. After completing the program, participants earn two credentials: the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) in Digital Marketing from the AMA and the Certified Digital Marketing Professional designation from DMI.

The Digital Marketing Pro program covers a broad range of in-demand topics, including social media marketing, content marketing, SEO, paid media and analytics, making it well-suited for professionals seeking a formal, globally recognized certification.

Pricing for the Digital Marketing Pro program generally starts around $2,000, though discounts and promotional pricing are frequently available through DMI and AMA partners.

Top 5 certifications: cost and details

The following table breaks down the costs, validity periods and focus areas for some of the top digital marketing certifications.

Certification comparison

Note: Certification costs, validity periods and program requirements may change over time. Always check the provider’s website for the most current details.

More marketing certifications to consider

Other excellent marketing certifications include the following:

• Adobe: Adobe offers a range of Adobe Certified Professional credentials tied to specific tools and platforms. These certifications cover areas such as web page creation and management, digital experience building and analyzing digital data and audience behaviors using Adobe products like Photoshop and Adobe Experience Manager. The Adobe Certification Portal outlines the available certifications and requirements.
• Salesforce: Salesforce marketing certifications — specifically the Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Consultant and Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Email Specialist credentials — may appeal to professionals who use Salesforce Marketing Cloud to plan, execute and optimize marketing campaigns. 
• X (formerly Twitter): If you want to learn more about digital marketing on X, check out X Ads Academy. While the platform doesn’t offer formal certifications, you can take free courses and earn badges as you complete training modules.
• Semrush: Semrush Academy offers dozens of free online marketing courses. Topics range from content marketing on Shopify and improving e-commerce SEO through internal linking to keyword research and email marketing optimization.
• Content Marketing Institute: The Content Marketing Institute offers Content Marketing University, a structured training program for professionals who want to deepen their content marketing skills. Topics include planning, audience development, conversions and performance measurement. After completing the self-paced lessons and quizzes, participants receive a certificate of completion. Enrollment costs vary, and group discounts are available.
• Simplilearn: Simplilearn offers a Digital Marketing Specialist Master’s Program, an intensive boot camp covering SEO, PPC, social media marketing and analytics. The program includes more than 20 hands-on projects that reflect real-world marketing scenarios. Pricing typically starts around $1,649, with installment options and promotions often available.
• Digital Marketing Institute: You could also explore certifications directly through the Digital Marketing Institute, which offers the Professional Certification in Digital Marketing in partnership with the American Marketing Association, discussed earlier. DMI also provides additional certifications in areas such as content marketing, social media marketing and e-commerce. Prices vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for short courses to several thousand dollars for advanced professional certifications.

How to obtain a digital marketing certification

To obtain a digital marketing certification, take the following five steps:

1. Decide what you want: Know why you want the certification. You may want to hone your company’s SEO strategy or improve your overall skills and chances for promotion.
2. Choose the right course: Digital marketing is varied, and the skills and knowledge needed for one branch of the field can differ greatly from another. Choose a subject that will teach you the most about what you want to specialize in.
3. Select a provider: Compare what different learning centers like Google, Meta and HubSpot offer in terms of cost, content and fit for your experience level. It may be worth signing up for a free course first to test the waters.
4. Sign up and study: Once you’ve made your decision, enroll and set aside enough time each week to complete the required coursework.
5. Add to your resume: After earning your certification, add it to your resume so employers can see your skills. You can also stand out by including case studies from the course or examples of related work you’ve done in professional or freelance roles.

Benefits of obtaining digital marketing certifications

Rita Cidre, who heads the Semrush Academy, emphasized that adding digital marketing skills to your resume can give you an advantage over other job candidates. “Employers today are looking to hire candidates with the digital marketing skills needed to do the job from day one,” Cidre explained. “Marketing certification programs satisfy this need and give candidates a leg up in the recruiting process. In some ways, these digital certifications are a great equalizer.”

Consider the following benefits of obtaining a digital marketing certification:

• Give yourself credibility: A digital marketing certification shows employers and peers that you know your subject matter. When employers are looking for a specific skill set, they’ll see you have what they need.
• Set yourself apart from others: Many professionals in digital marketing are self-taught. Earning a certification shows that you’re committed to developing expertise in your field and staying current. It also demonstrates a willingness to keep learning and improving.
• Boost your skills: You learn from industry experts who work for leading companies like Meta and Google. They’re at the cutting edge of digital marketing trends and often bring experience from both sides of the industry — as marketers and as platform providers.
• Explore creative and strategic areas: Digital marketing is technical, but it’s also creative. Certifications can help you better understand campaign management mechanics as well as the skills required for effective content creation.

Jason Mudd, CEO and managing partner of Axia Public Relations, prioritizes digital marketing certifications for his team. “Every new employee at our public relations company must complete a series of digital marketing certifications — mostly HubSpot,” Mudd said. “Content marketing is a significant part of PR, and we want our team to know the best practices from day one.”

Mudd emphasized that investing in digital certification courses has paid dividends. “Teams trained in current digital strategies improve brand visibility, boost engagement and drive more conversions,” Mudd explained. “Certified employees cut onboarding time and contribute faster because they come prepared with in-demand skills. Certifications are a powerful way to strengthen the bottom line.”

However, you shouldn’t rely on digital marketing certifications alone to help you win job offers, according to Elie Berreby, founder of organic growth advisor SEM King. “Certifications may impress people who do not understand SEO, but the only way to stay at the top of your game is to be a constant learner,” Berreby advised. “Most new digital marketers fall into the trap of learning SEO using outdated content. When they implement outdated strategies, they conclude that ‘SEO is dead’ because, unsurprisingly, the outcome is disappointing.”

​​Kim Lindros contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.