Best Digital Marketing Certifications You Can Earn – Business.com

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Digital marketing is a fast-growing career path with a solid outlook for years to come. Learn about certifications that can boost your professional clout.
Digital marketing is a field ripe for career growth. The global digital ad market is projected to reach just over $1 trillion in the next few years, offering countless opportunities for professionals in this space. Additionally, according to the most recently available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for market research analysts and marketing specialists is $76,950.
To stand out in this burgeoning marketplace, many digital marketing professionals are exploring certification courses; this way, they can prove their expertise and enhance their career prospects. We’ll highlight five top certification programs that can help you boost your career and stay on top of this dynamic, evolving field.
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:
The Meta Certification program offers various role- and skill-based credentials across different proficiency levels in social media marketing, including the following:
Meta also offers the following Specialist badges that build on previous certifications:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
The following table breaks down the costs, validity periods and focus areas for some of the top digital marketing certifications.
Certification
Approximate Cost
Validity Period
Primary Focus
Meta Digital Marketing Associate
$99-$150 per exam
2 years
Facebook and Instagram advertising
Google Ads Certifications
Free
1 year
Search, display, video and shopping ads
Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification
Not publicly listed (access via free trial or paid account)
Does not expire
Social media strategy and management
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
Free
2 years
Inbound and content marketing
AMA / DMI Digital Marketing Pro (Dual Certification)
~$2,000+ (discounts often available)
Requires ongoing professional development
Comprehensive digital marketing
Note: Certification costs, validity periods and program requirements may change over time. Always check the provider’s website for the most current details.
Other excellent marketing certifications include the following:
To obtain a digital marketing certification, take the following five steps:
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:
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.
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