In today’s digital age, social media marketing is more important than ever for businesses looking to reach and engage with their target audience. With over 2.9 billion monthly active users, Facebook is the largest and most influential social network worldwide. As such, many companies are eager to establish a presence on Facebook in order to connect with customers and promote their brand. However, creating and managing an effective Facebook presence requires specific social media marketing skills and knowledge. This is where becoming a certified Facebook community manager can provide value.
What does a Facebook community manager do?
A Facebook community manager is responsible for the daily management, growth and engagement of a brand’s Facebook presence. Key duties typically include:
- Creating and scheduling engaging content like status updates, photos, videos, links, etc.
- Responding to comments, questions and messages from the Facebook community in a timely manner
- Developing Facebook ad campaigns to boost engagement and increase followers
- Analyzing Facebook Insights data to identify opportunities and shape future content strategy
- Collaborating with other departments to leverage Facebook for promotions, events, new products, etc.
- Moderating user-generated content and proactively monitoring for any policy violations
- Running Facebook contests and sweepstakes in compliance with platform policies and local regulations
- Representing the brand by engaging in a friendly, helpful tone and protecting brand integrity
In summary, Facebook community managers act as the voice of a brand online to provide helpful information, connect with customers, stimulate engagement and growth, and analyze results.
Why become a certified Facebook community manager?
Here are some of the key benefits of obtaining official certification as a Facebook community manager:
- Gain a competitive edge – Certification demonstrates you have the verified expertise that employers are looking for in Facebook marketing roles.
- Learn best practices – The certification curriculum covers core skills like content creation, community engagement, paid strategy, data analysis, governance, and more.
- Stay updated – The training and exams reflect Facebook’s latest algorithms, products, ad formats and platform policies.
- Earn a professional credential – Certification lets you list an industry-recognized qualification on your resume and digital profiles.
- Increase earnings potential – Certified managers can typically command higher salaries and more senior job titles.
- Open up career opportunities – Certification can help qualify you for Facebook marketing jobs at agencies and brands.
- Gain confidence – Knowing official protocols and standards helps you feel secure managing large brand communities.
Overall, certification directly boosts your expertise and professional status as a Facebook marketing specialist. It’s a valuable investment for anyone interested in social media management roles.
What are the certification options?
Facebook offers two main certification programs:
- Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate – Foundational certification covering core concepts, content best practices, basic ads management, metrics and reporting. Recommended for early career professionals.
- Facebook Certified Marketing Expert – Advanced certification focused on strategic community growth, compelling content creation, integrated ad campaigns, pixel tracking, optimization and governance protocols. Ideal for experienced managers.
The Digital Marketing Associate credential is best for those newer to social media marketing. It provides a solid baseline understanding. The Marketing Expert certification is preferred for managing large brand communities and complex initiatives. Many top candidates obtain both over time to demonstrate wide-ranging Facebook expertise.
What does it take to become certified?
Here is an overview of key steps to earning an official Facebook certification:
- Check the requirements – Make sure you meet the eligibility prerequisites, like language proficiency and professional experience.
- Enroll in the course – Sign up for the online training class through Facebook Blueprint (free for the Associate tier).
- Study the curriculum – Review all lessons, resources and practice questions. Allow ample time to learn the material.
- Pass the exam – Schedule and complete the proctored multiple-choice certification exam within the allotted timeframe.
- Get certified – If you pass, you will receive your official certificate and digital badge recognizing your new qualification.
- Maintain credentials – Keep your skills current through continued education and re-testing when renewal is required.
With self-paced online courses and scheduled exams, Facebook makes the certification process accessible and convenient for working professionals worldwide.
What do the exams cover?
Facebook’s certification exams assess knowledge and applied skills across various domains. Here is an overview of key topics covered:
Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate Exam
- Facebook platform basics – Company policies, user demographics and behavior, privacy features, etc.
- Content strategy – Best practices for posts, news feed relevance, optimal timing and frequency, etc.
- Basic advertising – Campaign objectives, placements, creatives, targeting, budgeting, and reporting
- Metrics and optimization – Facebook Insights, audience insights, content analysis, etc.
- Operations – Page roles, ad accounts, commerce capabilities, Page quality standards, etc.
Facebook Certified Marketing Expert Exam
- Community growth – Strategies for expanding audience and generating reach, advocacy and loyalty
- Engagement techniques – Developing relationships through branded content, influencers, and social listening
- Content strategy – Planning and executing diverse, competitive content across channels and formats
- Integrated ad campaigns – Creative optimization, advanced ad formats, cross-channel measurement
- Metrics and testing – Custom analytics and attribution models, A/B testing, data-driven optimization
- Privacy and governance – Lead generation compliance, data restrictions, moderation policies, etc.
Knowing these focus areas will help guide your preparation for passing the exams.
How much does certification cost?
The cost to earn official Facebook certifications includes:
- Digital Marketing Associate – Free online course, $150 exam fee
- Marketing Expert – $995 online course, $300 exam fee
So total costs range from $150-$1295 depending on the tier. Budget accordingly when deciding which certifications to pursue. The investment may pay off significantly in terms of job prospects and salary.
How long does certification last?
Once earned, Facebook certifications are valid for 2 years from the date you pass the exam. To maintain your credential, you’ll need to retake the exam before the end of your 2-year certification period. Recertification ensures your skills are current based on Facebook’s evolving products, tools, policies and capabilities. Spread out the renewal exam process over the 2 years to smoothly maintain your credentials.
What are the exam logistics?
Here are some key details on taking a Facebook certification exam:
- 90 minute time limit to complete exam
- Proctored online setting via webcam and lockdown browser
- 65 multiple choice and scenario-based questions
- 70% passing score required
- Results provided immediately after completion
- Retakes allowed after 1-month waiting period
Schedule your exam slot in advance through Facebook’s testing partner Pearson VUE. Certification exams are conducted year-round via online proctoring.
How can you prepare?
Here are some tips for effectively preparing for a Facebook certification exam:
- Study the course material – Review Facebook’s online lessons, resources, practice questions and study guides.
- Leverage free tools – Use free Facebook tools like Blueprint, Ad Manager, and Creator Studio to apply skills.
- Read platform policies – Understand Facebook’s standards, terms of service and community standards.
- Follow Facebook’s pages – Review content from Facebook’s official pages for tips and updates.
- Take practice tests – Use unofficial practice exams to test knowledge and work on timing.
- Form a study group – Prepare with colleagues and share insights into key concepts and skills.
Combining online courses with hands-on practice helps reinforce knowledge and build exam readiness.
What’s next after certification?
Once certified as a Facebook marketing professional, here are some recommended next steps:
- Update LinkedIn and resume with your new certification
- Apply for jobs requiring or preferring Facebook certification
- Seek a promotion or pay increase in your current role
- Expand your skills into other platforms like Instagram
- Maintain active Facebook and social media usage to stay updated
- Continue learning through Facebook Blueprint and industry events
- Become part of Facebook marketing groups and communities
Certification is not the end – it’s just the beginning of an ongoing journey to advance your social media marketing career. Stay proactive post-certification.
Conclusion
Facebook certifications require an investment of time and money. But they offer valuable training in best practices, and validate your expertise to employers. This can enhance your hiring potential and earnings power significantly in social media marketing roles. While not mandatory, certification shows a professional level of commitment to managing communities and promoting brands effectively on Facebook.