What Is an AMA Certified Digital Marketer?

Key takeaways

American Marketing Association (AMA) certifications help you grow digital marketing skills like SEO, social media, analytics, and digital strategy.

• Ninety-two percent of those who have completed an AMA certification report a positive impact on their careers [1].

• AMA offers the Digital Marketing Pro and Digital Marketing Expert certifications.

• You can explore a career as a social media manager, content marketing manager, or analytics manager with an AMA digital marketing certification.

Learn more about the AMA digital marketing certifications and their key advantages for your career growth. Afterward, if you’re ready to learn more about digital marketing, consider enrolling in the Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate. In as little as six months, you can learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and e-commerce to gain the skills needed to land an entry-level marketing job. Upon completion, you’ll be able to add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What is an AMA certification?

The American Marketing Association (AMA) offers two industry-leading certifications for digital marketers: Digital Marketing Pro and Digital Marketing Expert. These credentials prove you possess the expertise to excel in digital marketing. Both certifications can help you master many sought-after industry skills, such as SEO, social media, analytics, digital strategy and planning, and artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing.

Why digital marketers are pursuing AMA certifications

Earning an AMA certification can enhance credibility and position you as a strong candidate for better opportunities. Certified marketers often report increased job satisfaction and higher salaries. According to the AMA, 92 percent of AMA program graduates say it has had a “positive impact” on their careers [1].

Read more: 5 Popular Marketing Certifications

As a bonus, if you complete the Digital Marketing Pro program, you are automatically dual-certified with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) as a Certified Digital Marketing Professional and the AMA as a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) in Digital Marketing.

Key advantages of AMA certification for career growth

• Enhance your credibility: Demonstrate your dedication and expertise in digital marketing.

• Grow your skill set: Develop your proficiency in digital strategy, content marketing, analytics, and more.

• Advance your career: Open doors to senior-level roles with more competitive salaries. The AMA says 81 percent of its digital marketing program graduates have earned promotions [1].

• Find networking opportunities: Connect with a network of more than 6,000 Professional Certified Marketers [1].

• Future-proof your skills: Stay relevant in a rapidly evolving, fast-embracing AI technology industry. ​​For context, the use and value of AI in marketing have grown significantly and are expected to keep growing. Nearly nine out of 10 marketing leaders use AI every day to enhance the organizational impact of their marketing strategy [2].

Who should consider becoming an AMA-certified digital marketer?

Getting certified can be smart if you want to improve your digital marketing skills or enter this field. Certification offers you the tools and industry recognition that can help you succeed.

Early-career to mid-level digital marketing professionals

Whether you are starting or solidifying your career in the field, AMA certification can provide the knowledge and skills to advance it. 

Marketing managers seeking AI digital skills

Managers can use the AI tools in these certification programs to enhance their digital marketing skill set.

How to earn AMA digital marketing credentials

Earning an AMA digital marketing certification is straightforward. It involves registering on the DMI website and studying the self-paced online learning materials. When you’re ready, you can schedule a time with a local testing center to take the exam and earn the credential by successfully passing it.

Costs and renewal requirements

The cost of certification varies. As of April 2026, prices for digital marketing certifications are:

• Digital Marketing Pro: $1,442 [3]

• Digital Marketing Expert: $3,717 [4]

Certifications remain valid for three years and commence when you first pass the certification exam and become certified. This aims to verify your contact information and ensure you meet the minimum continuing education units (CEUs) requirements (between 30 and 40) for your certification.

At the end of your three years, you can expect a renewal fee of $75, which is required before your certifications’ expiration date [5]. While you will receive a reminder, should you miss your renewal date, you must recertify. 

How to prepare for AMA-certified digital marketer exams

Below are study materials that can help you prepare for these exams and the exam topics.

Recommended study materials

The AMA and DMI provide a range of online resources for self-paced learning, including:

• Study guides, skills tests, and practice exams

• Video learning

• Templates and toolkits

• Micro-lessons

• AI tools

Exam topics

According to the AMA, the Digital Marketing Pro certification exam covers [6]:

• Digital marketing in the era of AI

• Content marketing

• Social media marketing

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Paid search (PPC) using Google Ads

• Email marketing

• Website optimization

• Google Analytics

• Digital marketing strategy

According to the Digital Marketing Institute, the Digital Marketing Expert certification exam covers [7]:

• Digital strategy and planning 

• Search and digital channels

• Digital selling

• Customer experience

• Social media

• E-commerce and conversion rate optimization

• Project planning and creative skills

• Leadership and management

Career opportunities for AMA-certified digital marketing professionals

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of marketing managers is projected to grow 6 percent between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations [8].

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of April 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Roles in digital marketing strategy and social media management

Positions such as digital marketing strategist or social media manager allow you to connect with potential customers via different channels.

According to Glassdoor, the median total digital marketing strategist salary in the United States is $112,000 [9]. Glassdoor reports the median total salary for a social media manager in the US is $72,000 per year [10].

Opportunities in content marketing and SEO

Content marketing managers oversee strategies to engage customers and offer an informative view of a company and its products or services. SEO specialists harness SEO data, such as high-value keywords, to optimize customer content.

According to Glassdoor, the median total content marketing manager salary in the US is $111,000 per year [11]. Glassdoor reports that the median total salary for a search engine optimization specialist in the US is $81,000 per year [12].

Leadership positions in digital marketing and analytics

Digital marketing directors are responsible for an organization’s digital marketing efforts. Analytics managers use tools and strategies to transform raw data into business insights.

Glassdoor reports that the median total salary for a US digital marketing director is $155,000 annually [13]. According to Glassdoor, the median total salary for an analytics manager in the US is $182,000 annually [14].

No-fluff help for when you’re stuck

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, tips, and trends. Then, explore free digital marketing resources to optimize your professional growth:

• Watch on YouTube: How Marketers Use ChatGPT to Boost Results

• Find a course: Which Digital Marketing Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Hear from an expert: Marketing Career Path: How I Became a Brand Marketing Manager at Coursera

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