How to Earn a Content Marketing Institute Certification

Read this guide to learn what skills are required for Content Marketing Institute certification and how you'll benefit from earning the credential.
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Updated on February 20, 2024
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  • Most marketers use content marketing as part of their overall strategy.
  • Content Marketing Institute certification can give you a leg up when applying for jobs.
  • You'll receive your CMI certificate automatically after completing the requirements.
  • CMI certification can be useful for content marketers and marketing associates and managers.

Content marketing uses content to get consumers interested in a product or service. It is very popular. According to digital agency E2M, 72% of all marketers and 93% of B2B marketers use content marketing as part of their marketing strategies. Having training and experience in content marketing can give you an advantage when applying for a job in marketing or when trying to move up at your company.

One way to demonstrate your knowledge of content marketing is to earn certification from the Content Marketing Institute (CMI). Gaining this online certification involves taking CMI's content marketing university course, which includes ten modules. The course costs $995 for 12 months of access. Once you have completed the course and taken the test, you will be issued your CMI certificate.

What Are the Requirements for a Content Marketing Institute Certification?

The requirements necessary to earn the CMI certificate are as follows:

  • Enroll in CMI's content training course
  • Complete all of the lessons in the course
  • Pass all of the exams

You will automatically receive your CMI certificate after completing these requirements.

What Skills Will I Learn With a Content Marketing Institute Certification?

Students who complete the CMI university course will learn all about content marketing, including:

  • Planning a content marketing strategy
  • Determining the audience for your product or service
  • Crafting a story
  • Determining which channels to use
  • Creating a content marketing campaign from start to finish
  • Continuing the conversation through social media
  • Measuring the results

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Is a Content Marketing Institute Certification Worth It?

CMI certification can increase your chances of getting a job in marketing or help you advance your career at your current employer. You may end up with higher pay as a result of having this credential, and it only costs $995. It seems like a prudent investment if you are serious about a content marketing career.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Content Marketing Institute Certification?

Content Marketer

Average Annual Salary (April 2022): $55,390

Content marketers use stories and other types of content to improve a company's image or highlight a specific product or service. They try to get customers interested in learning more about an organization's products or services and help companies build relationships with customers and stakeholders. Content marketers also perform analyses to determine the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.

Marketing Associate

Average Annual Salary (April 2022): $49,730

Marketing associates are entry-level employees in marketing departments. They may work in various industries and usually report to a marketing manager. Marketing associates perform many administrative duties, as well as market research. They also edit marketing copy and keep abreast of industry trends.

Marketing Specialist

Average Annual Salary (April 2022): $52,700

Marketing specialists may advertise a specific product line or work on a specific part of a large advertising campaign. They are specialists in their areas and are very good at handling their part of the marketing strategy. They may help determine how to best reach their target market and what type of media should be used to promote a product, service, or cause.

Marketing Manager

Average Annual Salary (April 2022): $67,790

Marketing managers oversee the creation of various advertising campaigns or other types of marketing used to promote their company's products and services. The marketing manager may be in charge of marketing for a particular brand, product line, or the entire company. Marketing managers typically rely on their teams to help brainstorm ideas for marketing campaigns.

Digital Marketing Manager

Average Annual Salary (April 2022): $69,460

Digital marketing managers oversee the development of digital marketing campaigns. They also spearhead search engine optimization efforts and organizations' social media marketing. They must possess knowledge of e-commerce and online sales. They also need to be aware of regulations surrounding digital marketing, such as the CAN-SPAM Act.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Content Marketing Institute Certification?

Salaries for people with CMI certification range from an average of $49,730 per year for a marketing associate to $69,460 annually for a digital marketing manager. However, you may need more than just your CMI certification to land your dream job. You will likely compete against applicants with bachelor's degrees in marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Content Marketing Institute Certification

Are marketing certifications worth it?

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You'll have to compare the cost of the certification with the likelihood that it will help you get a better job or increase your income to determine whether a marketing certification is worth it. The CMI certificate only costs $995, so it is a fairly inexpensive credential to add to your resume.

Consider whether having the certification will impact your income in the future. If you earn even $1,000 more per year, your certification will have paid for itself in just one year.

Is content marketing a good career?

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If you enjoy creating content, content marketing is a great career. You get to come up with stories and information that connect a prospective customer to your company's brand. Content marketers come up with stories that excite their audiences and manage the conversation on social media.

According to the January 2020 Jobs of Tomorrow report from the World Economic Forum, content specialists, content producers, and content writers are emerging jobs in the sales, marketing, and content industries.

Where can I learn content marketing?

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While CMI is an excellent place to learn content marketing, there are many other ways to learn. For example, you could search for free or inexpensive Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from providers such as Coursera, EdX, and Udemy. Most of these courses are under $200.

YouTube is another option. A search for "content marketing" on YouTube returns videos from well-known marketing companies such as Ahrefs, HubSpot Marketing, and Semrush. Best of all, watching YouTube videos is free.

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