Which Professional Certification is Best for Your Digital Marketing Career?

When it comes to earning marketing certifications, some people think they’re overrated or not worth the time and money investment. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth, especially considering how much more difficult and competitive the job market has become over the last few years.
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Which Professional Certification is Best for Your Digital Marketing Career? 

When it comes to earning marketing certifications, some people think they’re overrated or not worth the time and money investment. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth, especially considering how much more difficult and competitive the job market has become over the last few years.

That said, there are two main paths you can take in the field of marketing—one geared towards digitally oriented professionals and one geared towards traditional marketing professionals. But which one should you choose? 

This article aims to help you decide whether a digital marketing-oriented or traditional marketing certification would be best for your goals, experience level, and skill set.

4 Reasons Why Marketing Certifications Are Worth It

With the ever-growing demand for digital marketing experts, many people wonder if getting a marketing certification is worth it. The answer is a resounding yes! 

According to a recent LinkedIn survey, there is a shortage of around 230,000 digital marketing experts in some major U.S. metro areas.

Without further ado, here are 4 reasons why marketing certifications are definitely worth it:

The industry continues to grow and evolve at an alarming rate.

One of the biggest reasons to get a marketing certification is to be sure that you will have employment opportunities in the future. To keep up with rapid changes in technology and customer demands, marketers must stay up-to-date on trends and developments in their field.

Digital marketing certifications make you marketable.

In today's job market, it's not enough to just have experience in marketing. You must show that you're up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. That's where marketing certifications come in. 

By getting certified as a digital marketing expert, you'll be able to show employers that you're serious about your career and that you're willing to invest in your professional development through online marketing training.

These certifications are recognized internationally.

The world of marketing is always changing, and with it, the skills employers are looking for. That's why certification can give you an edge over other candidates. 

Plus, these digital marketing certificates are recognized internationally, so they'll be sure to impress potential employers no matter where you're applying.

Getting certified opens doors for jobs or freelance work

It can be difficult to stand out from the crowd in today's job market. Having digital marketing training can give you the edge you need to get hired or land that freelance gig. And if you're already working in marketing, becoming a certified digital marketing professional can help you move up the ladder.

5 Ways a University Degree Differs From a Professional Program

When it comes to furthering your education, you have options. You can either go the traditional route and attend a university or enter a professional program. 

Here are five ways a university degree differs from a professional program:

1) The focus of a university is more academic. 

A university offers more subjects for students to choose from than a professional program, including subjects like social sciences, humanities, physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering. 

On the other hand, a professional program focuses on training for specific professions such as digital marketing. These programs provide the necessary skills for someone to work in their profession of choice right after graduation. 

In some cases, professionals who enroll in a program will need some additional experience before they can work. 

2) Duration.

One major distinction between universities and professional programs is how long they take to complete. Universities require 4-6 years of study, while professional programs such as the digital marketing full course typically last two years at most (not including any schooling after graduation). 

3) Cost. 

Higher education degrees at universities come with higher costs that cover tuition, housing, food on top of books, lab fees, and transportation costs. 

On the other hand, professional programs offer lower tuition rates due to their shorter duration. However, this comes with a tradeoff as the digital marketing full course often requires students to be full-time students.

4) Credentials.

When you graduate from a professional program, you’ll receive credentials specific to your field of study. These can include certification, registration, or licensure, and they allow you to work in your chosen profession. On the other hand, a university degree gives you a more general education and prepares you for various careers.

5) Learning environment.

Another big difference between university and professional programs is the learning environment. In university, you’re generally learning alongside hundreds of other students in large lecture halls. 

But in professional programs, the class sizes are much smaller, so you can get more one-on-one time with your professors.

6) Future prospects.

A university degree will give you a well-rounded education that will prepare you for many different types of jobs. A professional program, on the other hand, will prepare you for a specific career.  

11 Most Important Certifications for Digital Marketing

There are many reasons to pursue digital marketing certification, including that it can provide digital marketing training to help you advance your career and increase your salary potential. While certifications are not required to succeed in digital marketing, they can certainly help you stand out from the crowd. 

To become a digital marketing specialist, you’ll need to undergo digital advertising certificate programs to acquire the best email marketing certification, web marketing certification, advertising certification, professional certificate in marketing, etc.

However, there are several types of certifications available, and knowing which ones are most relevant to digital marketing can be tricky—especially if you’re just starting in the field.

We’ve compiled the most important certifications to make your work easier.

1. OMCPⓇ Digital Marketing Certification

The OMCPⓇ Digital Marketing Certification is the gold standard for digital marketing certifications. It's a globally recognized certification that shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge to be a successful digital marketer. 

If you're a digital marketing professional with proven online marketing training, skills, and experience, the OMCP certification exam is a great place to start.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

For the exam : $395

2. OMCA™ Certification for Digital Marketers

The OMCA™ Certification for Digital Marketers is a globally recognized certification that covers the core fundamentals of digital marketing. The certification is designed for those who want to build a career in digital marketing or move up in their current role. 

It includes some of the best digital marketing courses, including e marketing courses, social media marketing training courses, performance marketing courses, etc., to certify you as a digital marketing specialist.

The OMCA™ Certification is also a great way to show employers that you are serious about your career and are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

For the exam : $225

3. Digital Marketing Institute’s Digital Marketing Pro

The Digital Marketing Institute's Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) is another gold standard in the industry. The digital marketing modules for the CDMP cover everything from SEO and web marketing to social media and email marketing to cover the best digital marketing courses.

It also offers a professional diploma in digital marketing covering cutting-edge digital marketing and soft skills. The professional diploma in digital marketing course fees costs around $1955.

DMI’s Digital Marketing Pro certification coursework is rigorous with basic digital marketing course requirements, but it’s worth it if you want to launch a successful digital marketing career.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

US $1955 to $2800

4. Associate CMMP® (Certified Marketing Management Professional) 

The Certified Marketing Management Professional (CMMP) credential from the International Institute of Marketing Professionals (IIMP) is the most widely recognized certification for marketing professionals. 

The CMMP is a globally recognized standard for marketing management excellence and is accredited by the Council of Marketing Professionals (CMPP). There are four levels of CMMP certification–Associate CMMP, Manager CMMP, Executive CMMP, and Chartered CMMP–each with its own set of digital marketing course requirements.

The most important certification for digital marketing is the Associate level, which requires five years of experience in marketing or a related field, after which you’ll become a certified digital marketing professional.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

$720 to $770

5. CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing)

The CIM is a professional body for marketers with over 30,000 members worldwide. It offers a range of qualifications from entry-level to postgraduate, including the Chartered Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing. 

To become a member, you must have either a CIM qualification or relevant work experience.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

£65 to £290

6. Google Analytics Individual Qualification

The Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) is a must for anyone looking to start a career in digital marketing. This certification lets potential employers know you have the skills and knowledge necessary to use Google Analytics to track and analyze data effectively. 

The GAIQ can be a stepping stone to other certifications, such as the Google AdWords Certification.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

Free

7. IIDE Online Digital Marketing Course with Certifications

IIDE offers internet marketing classes online that cover everything from SEO to social media marketing, and it comes with certifications from IIDE.

The digital marketing modules are comprehensive and will give you the skills you need to start your digital marketing career.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

₹6,500 to ₹5,52,000

8. Google AdWords Certification

Google AdWords Cert Course is a certification that shows you have a basic understanding of how to use Google AdWords to create and manage campaigns. Once you pass the exam, this certification will be valid for two years.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

$100

9. Content Marketing Institute's Certified Content Strategist 

CMS certification is another common credential in the world of digital marketing. CMSs typically work with clients to determine their goals and target audience, create content plans based on those needs, and optimize websites to rank higher on search engines like Google. 

CMSs are always expected to produce high-quality content - not just any old blog post will do.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

$995

10. American Marketing Association (AMA) Digital Marketing Certification

The AMA's Digital Marketing Certification is one of the most comprehensive and well-respected digital marketing certifications available. This digital marketing training course covers everything from SEO and content marketing to social media and email marketing.

If you're serious about starting a career in digital marketing, this is a great certification.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

$300 to $450

11. Hootsuite Academy Marketing Certification

The Hootsuite Academy Marketing Certification is a great starting point for your digital marketing career. 

This digital marketing academy covers the basics of social media marketing in its social media marketing masterclass. It also gives you a solid foundation to build your future learning using social media marketing courses online. 

Plus, it's affordable and can be completed entirely online.

Price Range for the Program and Preparation

$199 to $249

Digital Marketing Oriented Professional Certifications Vs. Marketing Professional Certifications

Regarding furthering your marketing career, you can pursue two types of professional certifications: digital marketing oriented and marketing professional. But which one is right for you? It depends on your goals, experiences, and where you want to take your career. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two types of certifications to help you make the best decision for your career.

Getting to Know The Digital Marketing Professional Certification

The digital marketing professional certification is designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in all aspects of digital marketing, including strategy, tactics, and measurement. 

This digital marketing certificate helps individuals and organizations succeed in the ever-changing digital economy. The digital marketing professional credential holder has demonstrated a commitment to their professional development and the digital marketing industry.

The Pros of a Digital Marketing Certification:

  • A digital marketing certificate shows potential employers that you are serious about a career in digital marketing and that you’re committed to continuing your professional development throughout your career. 
  • It lets them know that you have a broad knowledge of digital marketing best practices and tools, which may help to differentiate yourself from other candidates. 
  • It can also increase your confidence as a marketer since it validates your understanding of concepts that you may already be familiar with but not yet comfortable sharing with clients or colleagues due to lack of confidence or experience. 
  • Finally, digital marketing certificates show prospective employers that you are up-to-date on emerging trends in the digital space.

The Cons of a Digital Marketing Certification:

  • Digital marketing certifications are not cheap, both in terms of time and money. 

Getting to Know The Traditional Marketing Certification

The traditional marketing certification covers topics like market research, product development, and channel management. You'll learn the ins and outs of how to develop a marketing strategy and execute it flawlessly. This certification will give you the skills you need to succeed in any marketing role. 

The Pros of a Traditional Marketing Certification: 

  • A traditional marketing certification is well-rounded and covers all aspects of marketing. 
  • You'll be able to apply your skills to any marketing role you take on. 
  • You'll have a strong foundation in all things marketing-related. 

The Cons of a Traditional Marketing Certification: 

  • The traditional marketing certification can be expensive. 
  • In addition, it can take longer to complete than a digital marketing certification.

How they differ

If you're still on the fence about which path to take, consider your long-term goals and what you want to achieve in your career. 

If you see yourself working in a traditional marketing role, then a marketing professional certification may be the better option. However, if you're interested in pursuing a more digital-focused career, then a digital marketing-oriented professional certification may be better suited for you. 

Final Thoughts

Marketing has changed dramatically in the last ten years. The internet and digital world have completely revolutionized marketing, making it more important than ever to find an industry you’re passionate about and eager to pursue. 

There are many different types of certifications for digital marketing that you can obtain. However, all the certifications mentioned above are essential for those seeking a career in digital marketing. 

Although it may seem daunting to decide which certification is best for you, it is important to consider your options before making a decision.

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