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Digital Marketing Certifications that Bring the Real World to Your Classroom

These 39 digital marketing certifications can help bridge the gap between your classroom and the industry.

Certification programs give digital marketing students the edge they need to land jobs.

Digital marketing is relatively new to the marketing frontier, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t growing … and growing fast. Which means the job market is competitive and getting a job right out of school can be tricky.

According to Brandastic, a digital marketing agency, “Marketing professionals who obtain recognized and authoritative certifications or certificates are more appealing candidates on paper and in person.”

Whether your students need to develop skills in Google Ads or design, there are plenty of digital marketing certifications to choose from. You’ll even find ideas for using these certifications in your digital marketing course!


Google logo

Google Certifications

1. Google Digital Garage: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

Google Digital Garage gives aspiring business professionals a jumpstart. Users can choose from a variety of modules that range from data and technology to career development. 

Time: Varies 

Level: Beginner, intermediate, advanced

Cost: Free

2. Google Ads Fundamentals

Google Ads Fundamentals covers the basics of Google Ads to help users understand best practices and benefits of online advertising.

Time: 3.7 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

3. Google Ads Search Certification

The Google Ads Search Certification provides training for running search ad campaigns.

Time: 9 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

4. Google Ads Video Certification

The Google Ads Video Certification explores the basics of running video advertising campaigns.

Time: 7.9 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

5. Google Ads Display Certification

The Google Ads Display Certification provides training for controlling display campaigns. 

Time: 8 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

6. Shopping Ads Certification

Google provides the Shopping Ads Certification, so users can explore the basics of creating a Merchant Center account and running Shopping campaigns. 

Time: 7.3 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

7. Google Ads Mobile Certification

The Google Ads Mobile Certification covers the basics of mobile advertising. 

Time: 6.9 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

8. Google Analytics for Beginners

Google Analytics for Beginners provides a basic introduction to Google Analytics. 

Time: 4-6 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

9. Advanced Google Analytics

Advanced Google Analytics takes a deep dive into everything from data collection and processing to advanced marketing tools.

Time: 4-6 hours

Level: Advanced

Cost: Free

10. Google Analytics Individual Qualification

The Google Analytics Individual Qualification is an exam that tests users’ knowledge on all things Google Analytics. 

Time: 3 hours 14 minutes

Level: Intermediate

Cost: Free


HubSpot logo

HubSpot Certifications

11. Inbound Marketing Certification Course

HubSpot’s Inbound Marketing Certification Course teaches techniques for content creation, lead-nurturing, and more.

Time: 3.2 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

12. Inbound Certification Course

HubSpot’s Inbound Certification Course helps users learn the ins and outs of running an inbound business. 

Time: 1 hour 54 minutes

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

13. Content Marketing Certification Course

HubSpot provides the Content Marketing Certification Course, so users can learn the basics of content marketing.

Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Level: Beginner, intermediate, advanced

Cost: Free

14. Social Media Certification Course

HubSpot’s Social Media Certification Course covers all things social media marketing.

Time: 4 hours 39 minutes

Level: Intermediate

Cost: Free

15. Email Marketing Certification Course

The HubSpot Email Marketing Certification Course teaches users how to create a successful email marketing strategy. 

Time: 3 hours 17 minutes

Level: Beginner, intermediate

Cost: Free

16. Growth-Driven Design Certification Course

HubSpot’s Growth-Driven Design Certification Course explores strategies for creating effective designs.

Time: 4 hours 12 minutes

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free 

17. Inbound Sales Certification Course

HubSpot’s Inbound Sales Certification Course provides training on connecting with customers. 

Time: 2 hours 11 minutes

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free


SEMrush logo

SEMrush Certifications

18. SEO Fundamentals Course with Greg Gifford

SEMrush provides the SEO Fundamentals Course to give users a basic understanding of SEO.

Time: 4 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free

19. Technical SEO Course with Bastian Grimm

SEMrush’s Technical SEO Course covers all technical SEO topics. 

Time: 5 hours

Level: Intermediate

Cost: Free

20. PPC Fundamentals Course with Joel Bondorowsky

SEMrush gives users insights on running efficient PPC campaigns in the PPC Fundamentals Course.

Time: 5 hours

Level: Beginner, intermediate

Cost: Free

21. SMM Fundamentals Course with Neal Schaffer

SEMrush’s SMM Fundamentals Course shares tips and tricks for improving social media marketing.

Time: 4 hours

Level: Beginner, intermediate

Cost: Free


Hootsuite logo

Hootsuite Certifications

Note: College professors can apply for the free Hootsuite Student Program to use its courses and certifications in class. Students can access the basic Hootsuite dashboard, online courses, and the Hootsuite Platform and Social Marketing certifications for free.

22. Hootsuite Platform Certification

The Hootsuite Platform Certification tests users’ knowledge of the Hootsuite platform. Students often take advantage of Hootsuite’s Platform Training course to prepare. 

Time: 3.5 hours

Cost: Free (course) + $99 USD (certification)

Level: Beginner

23. Social Marketing Certification

Hootsuite’s Social Marketing Training course helps users build social media marketing skills, and the Social Marketing Certification puts them to the test. 

Time: 7 hours

Level: Beginner

Cost: Free (course) + $199 USD (certification)

24. Advanced Social Advertising Certification

The Hootsuite Advanced Social Advertising Certification tests users’ ability to run social ad campaigns. Students can take the Advanced Social Advertising Training course to prepare for the certification.

Time: 5.5 hours

Level: Intermediate

Cost: $249 USD (course) + $249 USD (certification)

25. Advanced Social Media Strategy Certification

Hootsuite’s Advanced Social Media Strategy Certification is accredited through Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and teaches users how to make social media marketing decisions that result in higher ROI for their organizations.

Time: 40 hours

Level: Advanced

Cost: $999 USD

26. Social Media ROI and Value Analysis Certification

The Hootsuite Social Media ROI and Value Analysis Certification helps users learn how to prove their social media efforts result in ROI. Students can take the Social Media ROI and Value Analysis course to prepare for the certification. 

Time: 4 hours

Level: Advanced

Cost: $249 USD (course) + $249 USD (certification)

27. Social Selling Certification

Hootsuite’s Social Selling Certification and Social Selling Training course prepare users to engage with audiences on social media to promote business. 

Time: 3 hours

Level: Beginner, intermediate

Cost: $299 (course) + $299 (certification)


Bing logo

Bing Certifications

28. Bing Ads Accredited Professional Program

The Bing Ads Accredited Professional program teaches users how to run effective Bing Ads campaigns. People can utilize the Bing Ads Accreditation study guide and take Microsoft Advertising training courses to prepare for the final certification exam. 

Time: Varies 

Level: Beginner, intermediate, advanced

Cost: Free


YouTube logo

YouTube Certifications

29. YouTube Channel Growth Certification

The YouTube Channel Growth certification teaches users how to support and expand their channels. 

Time: 4.5 hours

Level: Advanced

Cost: Free

30. YouTube Content Ownership Certification

The YouTube Content Ownership certification teaches users how to abide by copyright law when publishing content. 

Time: 5 hours

Level: Advanced

Cost: Free

31. YouTube Asset Monetization Certification

The YouTube Asset Monetization certification provides insights on using YouTube Analytics and managing asset monetization.

Time: 5.6 hours

Level: Advanced

Cost: Free


Facebook Blueprint logo

Facebook Blueprint Certifications

32. Facebook Advertising Core Competencies Exam

The Facebook Advertising Core Competencies exam allows users to prove they understand Facebook Advertising basics. It is a core requirement for all other Facebook Blueprint certifications.

Time: 75 minutes 

Level: Intermediate, advanced

Cost: Up to $150 USD depending upon location

33. Facebook Certified Media Planning Professional Exam

The Facebook Certified Media Buying Professional exam allows users to show they can design a successful Facebook marketing strategy.

Time: 105 minutes

Level: Intermediate, advanced

Cost: Up to $150 USD depending upon location

34. Facebook Certified Media Buying Professional Exam

Users can prove they understand best practices for buying ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger by passing the Facebook Certified Media Buying Professional exam.

Time: 105 minutes

Level: Intermediate, advanced

Cost: Up to $150 USD depending upon location

35. Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer I Exam

The Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer I exam helps users demonstrate that they can execute marketing solutions. 

Time: 90 minutes

Level: Intermediate, advanced

Cost: Up to $150 USD depending upon location

36. Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer II Exam

Users can prove their ability to execute advanced marketing solutions by passing the Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer II exam.

Time: 90 minutes

Level: Advanced

Cost: Up to $150 USD depending upon location

37. Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer III Exam

The Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer III exam “measures competency in configuring and troubleshooting Marketing API integrations.” 

Time: 90 minutes

Level: Advanced

Cost: Up to $150 USD depending upon location


Coursera logo

Coursera Certification

38. Deep Learning Specialization

The Deep Learning Specialization consists of five separate courses that provide unique certifications. Each course within the specialization focuses on a different aspect of artificial intelligence.

Time: 3 months

Level: Advanced

Cost: $49 USD/month


AMA logo

AMA Certification

39. American Marketing Association (AMA) Digital Marketing Certification

The AMA Digital Marketing Certification covers all things digital marketing, from analytics to user experience. 

Time: 2 hours

Level: Advanced

Cost: $249 USD (AMA members), $349 USD (non-members)


Incorporating Digital Marketing Certifications in the Classroom

Consider requiring your students to complete free digital marketing certifications as part of your course or offer extra credit to students who complete a certification. This way, they can make themselves more marketable while applying the concepts you are teaching in class.

If you want to try something a little different, try out one of the Stukent simulations. Your students will receive certifications upon completion. They can even put skills they’ve learned from these digital marketing certifications to use.

Mimic Analytics logo

Mimic Analytics is a marketing analytics simulation in which students are acting as interns at Buhi Supply Co., a fictional company. They are expected to make data-driven decisions in order to effectively manage a marketing budget.

Mimic Analytics gives students experience in:

  • Extracting and transforming big data
  • Implementing A/B testing
  • Optimizing key performance indicators
  • And more!

Be the first to try it out in the fall of 2019! Request free instructor access to Mimic Analytics.

Mimic Social logo

Mimic Social is a social media marketing simulation that allows students to act as a social media marketing manager for Buhi Supply Co. Students are expected to schedule and design social media posts that target specific audiences. They must effectively manage a weekly budget and adjust their strategies to increase ROI.

Specifically, Mimic Social gives students experience in:

  • Writing targeted social media ads
  • Performing demographic targeting
  • Strategizing social media content promotion 
  • And more!

Request free instructor access to Mimic Social!

Mimic Pro logo

Mimic Pro is a digital marketing simulation that gives students hands-on experience. Students run a variety of campaigns for Kent’s Camera Castle, another hypothetical company.

Mimic Pro allows students to:

  • Write targeted ads
  • Measure key performance indicators
  • Create high-converting landing pages
  • And more!

Request free instructor access to Mimic Pro to see how it can transform your digital marketing course!

Digital Marketing Certifications Build Resumes

Digital marketing certifications can provide students and professionals alike with resume-building qualifications. With such a wide variety of certifications, there is bound to be one for every student.

Your students can climb to the top of the competition with the help of these 39 digital marketing certifications!

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