Facebook holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most widely used social media platforms. In fact, as of third quarter 2019, Facebook boasts 2.45 billion users worldwide. Everyone here at Advertisemint knows that’s huge. That vast number of monthly active users has driven Facebook’s growth, not just as a social media network but also as one of the most effective platforms for businesses marketing (trust this Facebook advertising company).
Even the most tech-savvy advertisers admit that navigating the world of Facebook advertising can be tricky. Fortunately, Facebook Blueprint offers more than 90 courses, many of which are specifically designed to help advertisers master the ins-and-outs of Facebook ads. To demonstrate your knowledge, you may also elect to earn a Facebook Blueprint certification.
If you don’t quite understand what Blueprint certification entails, don’t worry. It’s our job as a Facebook advertising agency to know. This article takes a closer look at what Blueprint certification is, what it can do for you, what various certifications you can get, and what steps you need to take once you decide to move forward in the examination process.
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Facebook Blueprint Certification
A Blueprint certification proves that you have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge in Facebook advertising. Although possessing that knowledge will always be the most important, taking the next step to get a Blueprint certification offers a number of crucial benefits, including a marked edge over your competitors. Because businesses are far more likely to partner with an advertiser or a Facebook advertising agency that can offer real proof of Facebook advertising expertise, Blueprint certification will ultimately work to improve brand trust.
Facebook offers several different types of Blueprint certification, which cover different skill sets and levels of expertise within certain categories.
Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate
This certificate covers what Facebook refers to as “foundational competency” — in other words, an individual’s understanding of advertising fundamentals, as well as what it takes to create and manage Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger ads. This certificate is ideally intended for students, job seekers, and entry-level marketers.
Facebook Certified Media Planning Professional
This professional-level certificate conveys a marketer’s competency in designing and structuring a complete Facebook marketing strategy. Core skills include needs assessment, media recommendations, and campaign-performance monitoring. This certificate is best suited for marketing planners of all types, including digital, media, programmatic, and comms planners.
Facebook Certified Media Buying Professional
This certificate is specifically suited for those with advanced competency in the purchasing of ads across the Facebook family of apps. The core skills center around campaign planning, setup, and optimization; and measurements and reporting. This certificate is best for sales staff, account managers, digital media buyers, and marketing and social media managers, among others.
Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer
This class of certificate breaks down into three subsidiary categories: Certified Ads Product Developer I, II, and III. All three have a far more technical basis than the certificates discussed above, and each certificate requires the completion of both a multiple choice exam and a coding exercise. This certification is suited for all of the following:
- IT consultants
- Software developers
- Technical account managers
- Technology integrators
- Technology consultants
- Web developers and engineers
The Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer I and II certificates both focus on the technical skills necessary to implement various marketing solutions, with the second certificate dealing with more advanced solutions. Facebook Certified Ads Product Developer III, by contrast, deals specifically with marking API integrations, specifically configuration and troubleshooting.
The Facebook Blueprint Exam
All of the Blueprint Certification exams are administered by Pearson and may be taken either online through Pearson VUE or at a physical test center. Those who choose to take the test online should understand that they will have to download a special program. Likewise, your webcam must remain on for the duration of the test so that online proctors can visually monitor you.
The exams use a scale-scoring system, which assigns a point value of 300 to 1,000. Testers must receive a minimum score of 700 to pass. Exam times vary depending on the particular test you are taking. In the United States, each exam costs $150. In other countries, prices may vary slightly.
Passing the Exam
Facebook’s Blueprint certification tests will prove highly challenging for anyone who is not intimately acquainted with the covered materials. For that reason, the most important thing you can do to ensure your success is to study thoroughly before the exam. Review Facebook’s instructional materials and take the sample tests to learn more about the types of questions you will face.
During the exam, be sure to read each question as carefully as you can. The certification tests measure more than how well you can memorize and regurgitate the appropriate information. Instead, the questions are also designed to test your skills of analysis. Although there may not be trick questions per se, the most obvious answer will not always be the correct one.
Finally, prepare yourself for the testing experience. Even those who take the exams online will not be permitted bathroom breaks. Likewise, you may not have any snacks or water bottles present. Be sure to tell any family members or roommates not to disturb you during the test—the sight of somebody walking across the room behind you may be enough to disqualify you.
Failing the Exam
Don’t be too discouraged if you fail the exam the first time. After five days, you will be eligible to try again. There is no hard limit on the number of times you can attempt to pass a given test. Just be aware that you will have to pay the full $150 testing fee each time you try.
Getting Your Badge
The next step is to wait to receive an email with instructions on claiming your digital badge. Most people receive this email within 48 hours, although some test takers report having waited for up to a week. The email will contain a link to Facebook’s Digital Badge Usage Guidelines, which will outline how you can promote your new badge across various platforms. Finally, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!