1. Who is behind the IAB Digital Media Sales Certification?
2. Who benefits from the certification?
3. How will the certification be funded?
4. Who should take the test?
5. Where will the test be offered?
6. Is there any coursework required before the test?
7. Will any training be provided to prepare for the test?
8. What will be on the test?
9. How much will it cost?
10. When can I take the exam?
11. How long is this certification valid?
12. What else do I need to know?
13. What is the difference between a ‘certification’ and a ‘certificate’?
14. How is the IAB Digital Media Sales Certification administered?

1. Who is behind the IAB Digital Media Sales Certification?

IAB is developing the program in partnership with Professional Testing Inc., a leader in certification program development in a number industries and professions. Many IAB member companies have also participated in developing the certification:

2. Who benefits from the certification?

Digital Marketing Salespeople. The test is primarily designed to help advance careers in digital sales. Candidates can achieve credentials, knowledge, and confidence in how they do their job and their marketability in the industry. They can also demonstrate their level of competency to their employers.

Digital Publishers. Companies in the publishing side of the digital industry have a constant need for skilled salespeople. They can use the certification to ensure they have the most qualified sales teams possible. The certification will help them train junior staff, or sales professionals who come from other fields.

Trainers & Educators. Academic and training institutions can use the certification to develop coursework, to prepare students for the industry’s definitive examination. They can also inform students interested in entering this field about the exam, providing a bridge between academic training and a career.
 

3. How will the certification be funded?

IAB has committed to funding the launch of the program. Over the long term, the certification will be funded through registration fees.
 

4. Who should take the test?

Candidates for the exam would include any individual who wants to pursue or advance a career in digital sales. The exam is designed for salespeople with at least 2-5 years of experience in the digital industry. Click here for eligibility requirements.
 

5. Where will the test be offered?

The certification exam will be offered at sites throughout the United States and selected global sites at Pearson VUE testing centers.
 

6. Is there any coursework required before the test?

There is no formal coursework required for the test. Candidates should have a strong command of current industry issues, players, and operations, as well as a broad understanding of every major digital platform (e.g., mobile, tablets, online).
 

7. Will any training be provided to prepare for the test?

Click here for training resources.
 

8. What will be on the test?

The certification will have a 100 multiple choice questions and will take up to 90 minutes to complete.  Click here to see what areas will be covered on the exam.
 

9. How much will it cost?

Cost for application, certification and recertification can be found here.
 

10. When can I take the exam?

The Digital Media Sales certification exam will be offered quarterly, during a 30-day testing windows. Once your application is approved, you will have up to six months (two testing windows) to schedule and take your exam, however we recommend scheduling as early as possible to assure the best selection of testing locations and times. Here is the upcoming exam schedule:

11. How long is this certification valid?

Once you passed the exam, your certification will be valid for 2 years. A specific amount of continuing education will be required to recertify after 2 years. IAB will provide more information in the coming months.
 

12. What else do I need to know?

All of the policies and procedures associated with the IAB Digital Media Sales Certification are detailed in the downloadable Candidate Handbook.
 

13. What is the difference between a ‘certification’ and a ‘certificate’?

This is the first industry-led, professionally developed certification program for the digital media industry. The certification is different than currently offered certificate programs.

14. How is the IAB Digital Media Sales Certification administered?

The IAB Digital Media Sales Certification is governed and administered by the Founding Certification Commission. The Founding Certification Commission is responsible for all decisions related to certification. The certification program operates separately from other IAB programs, products and services.