A certifying body such as the International Digital Marketing Association (IDMA) will recognize your expertise in digital marketing and may offer you credentials as a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP). However, if you already follow a routine program of professional development, adding a formal certification in digital marketing won’t seem like too much extra work. In fact, the IDMA’s Digital Marketing Training & Certification course is specifically designed to help you develop the skills you need to immediately begin building your career in digital marketing.
Why This Certification?
It’s a demanding world and digital marketing is no exception. According to the 2019 Retail and Consumer Analysis report from HubSpot, the field is growing at a rate of 38% year from 2018 to 2019. Moreover, the job opportunities in digital marketing are predicted to grow by 25% year from 2019 to 2024.
This is in part because technology has made it much easier for businesses to engage with customers online. However, being able to communicate effectively and establish credibility on social media takes more than just technical prowess. Equally important are the interpersonal skills you need to work effectively in a team.
Who Should Take This Certification?
If you’re looking to enter the field, the first thing you should ask yourself is whether you want to be a specialist or generalist in digital marketing. The specialization doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you’re able to effectively develop and deliver strategic marketing plans for medium-sized businesses.
This certification is also a good choice for experienced marketers who want to gain a formal qualification and add another level of expertise to their resume.
How Much Does This Certification Cost?
While the IDMA’s Digital Marketing Training & Certification course is free, you’ll need to register with them to access the content and take the exam. Once you’ve completed the course and exam, you’ll be able to download a digital marketing portfolio package that contains all of the relevant coursework, assignments, and exam questions. Moreover, IDMA specifies that the cost of the certification exam is $75.
This might seem like a lot of money, but if you’re looking to enter the field, it’s likely that you’ll have to pay for more individual courses and seminars to gain the same amount of knowledge. And, considering that this is a paid certification, it’s not unusual for companies to provide additional training and assistance to their employees as part of their overall compensation package.
When Can I Expect to Graduate With This Certification?
According to the IDMA, you’ll need to complete the course in about 12 to 18 months. However, you should be able to graduate with the qualification in about three to five years. In fact, once you’ve earned the qualification, you’ll be able to immediately enter the job market. As an added perk, IDMA states that it will pay for up to four years of graduate studies if you’re planning to pursue a graduate degree.
Final Takeaway
Overall, the IDMA’s Digital Marketing Training & Certification course is a good choice for individuals who want to enter the field or who already work in digital marketing and want to develop their expertise. In addition to providing a good overview of the most important concepts, the course also gives you a chance to learn more about different specialties in digital marketing and explore areas of interest. Moreover, by earning a qualification in digital marketing, you’ll be able to enter the job market and start building your career.