Top Digital Marketing Certificates & Certifications in Washington, D.C.

Digital marketing is a form of online marketing that uses the internet and digital communications to advertise to and communicate with consumers.

Companies also rely on digital marketing to analyze their target audience and establish and maintain a brand image. Digital marketing includes sending consumers emails and text messages, posting to and running social media accounts, and other forms of digital outreach. 

Companies have started incorporating digital marketing strategies into their marketing campaigns to reach new audiences. internet usage is growing exponentially. As technology improves, consumers have begun to rely on the internet more to help make decisions. With just a smartphone, you can learn about a product, read reviews on it, watch a tutorial on how to use it, and purchase it with the click of a button. Companies understand that if they want to maintain an edge over competitors, they need to appeal to consumers who spend their time online. 

The field of digital marketing is exploding, and companies need to fill positions with talented employees who understand digital marketing principles and strategies. You can get a head start on your career or learn how to develop a digital marketing strategy for your company by enrolling in a digital marketing certificate or certification program. 

Noble Desktop: Digital Marketing Certificate

Key Information: Noble Desktop’s Digital Marketing Certificate program includes 126 hours of hands-on training. Students are also expected to complete 6-12 hours of work on class projects outside of the class. Tuition is $3,995. Students may pay tuition up-front, in installments, or following a 12-month 0% financing plan. Noble Desktop also offers corporate invoicing for companies that would like to support the training of their employees.

Learn how to develop an actionable, multi-tiered marketing campaign while acquiring essential digital marketing skills. Students in the certificate program will learn how they can use digital marketing strategies and tools like SEO, social media, paid search, content marketing, and email marketing to promote a business and outcompete others in the market. The curriculum will also focus on tracking and analyzing data, showing students how to determine key performance indicators, monitor web analytics, track conversions, and create reports with Google Analytics. 

The program consists of 14 units, which cover a range of topics, from content marketing to streaming for social media. The final unit, which is also the longest unit at 18 hours, is centered around the social media industry and portfolio creation. Skills that students can expect to learn in this program include Google Ads, Facebook marketing, and blogging. 

This comprehensive program is suited for professionals looking to break into the field of digital marketing, marketing professionals interested in broadening and advancing their digital marketing skills, and entrepreneurs and business owners looking to grow their businesses. Students of this program will be able to retake any part of the program for free for up to one year. At the end of the program, students will be awarded an official certificate of completion. 

Noble Desktop: SEO Bootcamp

Key Information: Noble Desktop’s 12-hour SEO Bootcamp is a two-day live online workshop. The cost of the course is $650, which is due in full before the bootcamp begins. There are no additional fees or taxes associated with the course. Noble Desktop will assist you in getting set up with a free trial of paid software ahead of time. 

This course introduces search engine optimization, a critical digital marketing skill. Over the course of the workshop, you’ll learn how SEO can help you grow your business, edge out competitors, and develop a brand image. The end of the workshop will focus on measuring and reporting on SEO success, an important aspect of a marketing campaign.

This is a beginner-friendly bootcamp. Those with minimal SEO experience are welcome to enroll in the bootcamp and master the essential concepts of SEO. This course has been especially useful for entrepreneurs who need to boost their site rankings, marketing professionals looking to learn new skills, and individuals interested in exploring digital marketing as a career path.

After completing the bootcamp, you’ll be awarded a digital certificate that you can share online and post to your LinkedIn profile as proof of your mastery of the curriculum. Once you’ve completed the bootcamp, you’ll have up to one year to retake it for free.

The George Washington University: Data Analytics Boot Camp

Key Information: George Washington University’s (GW) Data Analytics Boot Camp is a 24-week-long comprehensive learning experience. The part-time online program features live classes three days a week and a minimum of 20 hours of hands-on projects and practice work outside of class. Reach out to GW to find out about the cost of the bootcamp and payment plans. 

Those looking to begin a career in marketing with an interest in analysis will learn a range of skills from this program. Students will gain experience using relevant tools and technologies such as Microsoft Excel, Python, and Tableau. This class includes projects that align with real-world datasets. By the end of the bootcamp, students should feel well-versed in the foundations of data analytics.

GW provides students with a student success team, career services, and a free tutor network. Before you can enroll in the bootcamp, you must fill out an interest form, complete a phone interview, fill out an application, and pass an academic assessment. After completing the bootcamp, you’ll receive a professional certificate. 

The George Washington University: Digital Marketing Boot Camp

Key Information: GW’s part-time Digital Marketing Boot Camp is an 18-hour-long program. Classes are held three days during the week, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm EST. Classes begin quarterly. You can reach out to GW to find out about the cost of the bootcamp and payment options. 

Dive into the world of digital marketing in this program as you gain experience with in-demand tools and technologies. This program takes a multidisciplinary approach as instructors guide students toward proficiency in marketing strategy, campaign development, digital advertising, and modern tools in site analytics and reporting. Students will also partake in a paid micro-internship to take their job preparedness to the next level. 

Hands-on training will help you better understand the application of digital marketing principles and techniques. Sessions are always scheduled in the evenings so that students may continue working full-time. This is an in-person course, so students will benefit from a dedicated instructional staff and peer interaction. 

Georgetown University: Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy

Key Information: Georgetown offers a certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy. The university’s live online certificate program is 12 weeks long and costs $4,995. Several financing and funding options are available as well as discounts. Classes are held on Friday evenings and Saturdays. 

This program will introduce you to multi-channel marketing. You’ll work toward developing the skills and marketing knowledge that you’ll need to identify prospective customers and cultivate relationships. Classes will be designed to help you develop both hard and soft skills. During the first few weeks of the program, you’ll focus on the foundations of digital marketing before transitioning into lessons on marketing analytics, CRM and database marketing, and multi-channel marketing. The program will conclude with two weeks spent on a capstone project. 

Students will have access to a full suite of career development services. This includes access to career coaching, employer information sessions, alumni panels, workshops, job postings, and resume books. 

NextGen Bootcamp: Social Media Marketing Summer Program

Key Information: NextGen Bootcamp offers summer live online programs for high school students interested in digital marketing. Their Social Media Marketing Summer Program is a 25-hour hands-on program. The cost of the program is $1,499, or $1,299 for early enrollees. Payment is due in full before the program begins. 

In this program, students will learn how to develop a successful social media strategy while learning about Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok marketing. Content creation and trends for each platform will be a part of the lessons, as well as how to increase an account’s following and reach on each platform. Students will also learn how to use market positioning and social media analytics to improve results on the platforms. 

This hands-on program requires students to work on projects and exercises. Students will learn in a small group over Zoom, but those who can attend the class at NextGen Bootcamp’s NYC campus are welcome to do so. Included in the cost of the program are supplemental materials to assist both during and after the program and a certificate of completion.

NYC Career Centers: Google Analytics Bootcamp

Key Information: NYC Career Centers offers a live online Google Analytics Bootcamp. This course is 12 hours long and costs $650. Payment is due before the class starts. No prior knowledge is necessary to enroll, but students should be comfortable using a computer. 

In this class, participants will learn how to use Google Analytics, a popular web analytics service. The course will focus on practical applications of Google Analytics, as students discover how to leverage data to inform their business decisions. The class will first focus on introducing Google Analytics before transitioning into lessons on key performance indicators to track with the tool and navigating Google Analytics reports. 

Expert instructors will provide students with a hands-on learning experience over Zoom. Small class sizes benefit students as it allows for peer interaction and time to ask the instructor questions or to clarify confusing concepts. Students will receive a certificate of completion after finishing the class and be able to retake the course for free for up to one year. 

General Assembly: Digital Marketing Course

Key Information: General Assembly’s Digital Marketing Course will provide you with the foundations of digital marketing required to drive your business’s growth. The course costs $4,500. Students can pay in full or in installments, may apply for a loan, or may receive full or partial reimbursement from their employer. This is a beginner-friendly course, so no prior experience is required. 

Students will gain experience using some of the most important tools used in the field of digital marketing in this course. General Assembly provides in-depth instruction in channels and tactics behind effective digital marketing campaigns such as social media and Google Analytics. As the course draws to a close, students will work on a capstone project that applies digital marketing techniques to identify and solve real-world business challenges. 

The course can be completed in 10 weeks during the evenings or in one week when following an accelerated delivery method. Students in the program will receive 40 hours of expert instruction as well as access to an onboarding task to help them prepare for the course. Students will also receive exclusive access to alumni discounts, networking events, and career workshops. Completion of the course comes with a General Assembly course certificate which can be posted to LinkedIn. 

BrainStation: Digital Marketing Course

Key Information: BrainStation’s live online Digital Marketing Course is a part-time program. You can reach out to BrainStation to find out about the cost of the course as well as information on scholarship opportunities, financing options, and employer sponsorship. After completing the course, students will receive a certificate of completion from BrainStation. 

This course seeks to prepare students for a digital marketing career. Industry professionals guide students through developing and executing campaigns using digital marketing strategies. The course first begins with an introduction to the basics of digital marketing before moving on to key components like brand positioning and mobile marketing. Students will get hands-on experience using Google Ads, Google Search, and other tools. 

Students will spend the course developing a digital marketing portfolio that they can use to showcase their new skills to potential employers. This is a beginner-friendly course that is open to those with no prior knowledge of digital marketing as well as marketing professionals who are looking to expand their skill set and knowledge. 

Certstaffix Training: Google Ads Course

Key Information: Certstaffix Training’s Google Ads Course is a 3-day live online class. The course costs $1,410 per person with group quotes available upon request. Certstaffix Training also offers onsite training for teams.

Learn to implement Google Ads and create ad campaigns that target specific audiences. This class is primarily for marketing professionals who need to create and manage search ads, run pay-per-click search campaigns, and optimize and report on those campaigns with Google Ads. Over the three days, students will work through 15 lessons and walk away with in-depth knowledge of Google Ads. 

Students have six months to retake the course for free. This is recommended for students who need a refresher on the content. After finishing the class, students will receive a digital badge and a certificate of completion.

FAQ for Digital Marketing Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

The main difference between a certificate and a certification is how they are earned. Certificates are given to students who have completed a training program. The certificate signifies that the student has trained in a particular subject, software, or tool. The certificate is earned immediately after completing the program. 

Certifications are earned after passing a certification exam. Most students will enroll in a certification program to make sure they know what they’re supposed to understand before taking a certification exam. Certification exams typically center around software or tools, but they may also be earned in digital marketing principles. Some certification training schools may host the exam, but it’s more likely that you’ll have to take your exam with a third-party testing company. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

Certificates are pursued by those looking to improve their current skill set and stay up-to-date with industry standards. This makes certificate programs ideal for mid-career professionals. A certificate shows employers that you have spent a certain number of hours training in an area that is beneficial to your field. Certificates can also help mid-career professionals looking to make a career change. 

Certifications are often pursued by job seekers who would like to show employers that they have the skills and knowledge necessary for a position. Certifications are earned after passing an exam. Holding a certification shows an employer that you have both trained in an area and passed a standardized test, proving your knowledge and abilities. Before deciding to pursue a certification, keep in mind that most certification programs will require you to sign up for your exam with a third-party testing company that will charge you an exam fee. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

Many jobs in digital marketing do not require you to be certified. You can be hired in a digital marketing position due to your education, skill level, years of experience, or portfolio. Certification can be useful, however, if you don’t have prior experience in the field. A relevant certification would show employers that you have skills and knowledge in essential areas. 

Some companies may decide later that they would like you to become certified. In this instance, you can look into local or online certification programs and determine where a testing center is relative to you. The program you choose may offer employer sponsorship, or your employer may plan on paying for the program and/or exam fee. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

When looking for a certificate program to enroll in, you might have to decide between in-person, live online, or on-demand programs. The program that will be right for you depends on your learning style and your schedule. Read below to find out which certificate program is right for you. 

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

In-person classes take place at a physical location during a specific time, either during the week or on weekends, and could run during the morning, afternoon, or evening. These classes are a good fit for individuals who prefer learning in a traditional classroom setting. If you’ve decided to take an in-person class, you’ll need to find one that you can reliably commute to that fits your schedule. 

Online classes are offered in a live online format and an asynchronous format. Online classes allow for greater flexibility than in-person classes because they don’t require you to commute. If you’ve decided to take an online class, you'll need to be comfortable using a computer. 

There are substantial differences between live online and asynchronous classes that you should consider before deciding between the two different course deliveries. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

Live online classes are scheduled classes that take place over an online video conferencing platform, like Zoom. Live instructors lead you and your peers through course content and are available to answer your questions and provide feedback. These classes are ideal for those who’d like to learn at home but still want to have access to an instructor who will guide them through the course and clarify confusing concepts. 

Asynchronous classes are also known as on-demand classes. This is because the course content is on-demand and can be accessed and worked through at your preferred pace. There is no scheduling with an asynchronous course, although your access to the course may be limited to a specific time frame. These classes work well for those with busy schedules who are looking to fit learning in whenever they can. However, because you won’t have access to an instructor, taking an asynchronous class will require you to be highly motivated to self-learn.