The Facebook Blueprint certification exam is designed to test an individual’s knowledge and skills in using Facebook’s advertising tools and platforms. For many people pursuing a career in digital marketing and social media, obtaining the Facebook Blueprint certification is an important milestone.
But is the Facebook Blueprint exam actually difficult? The short answer is that it depends. The Facebook Blueprint exam difficulty level can vary quite a bit based on the individual’s existing knowledge and experience with Facebook ads and business manager.
Exam Format
The Facebook Blueprint exam is an online proctored multiple choice test that consists of 60-70 questions. Examinees are given 90 minutes to complete the exam. The questions test knowledge across six domain areas:
- Facebook Ads
- Facebook Analytics
- Facebook Ad Platforms
- Ad Creative
- Ad Targeting
- Ads Policies
The exam covers both foundational concepts as well as the technical details and strategies involved in creating, managing, and optimizing Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns. Some key topics covered include:
- Ad types (boosted posts, offers, dynamic ads, etc)
- Ad placements (news feed, stories, etc)
- Ad creation in Ads Manager
- Audience targeting options
- Campaign budgeting and billing
- Pixel implementation
- Analyzing campaign performance
- Optimization techniques
- Policies related to ad content, data use, etc
Studying and Preparation
The best way to prepare for the Facebook Blueprint exam is to take the study courses offered directly by Facebook through the Blueprint platform. These self-paced courses cover all the key knowledge areas and concepts tested on the exam in an interactive, hands-on format. They utilize videos, tutorials, quizzes, and resources to teach the material in depth.
Facebook offers both free and paid study course tracks on Blueprint tailored to different experience levels:
- Fundamentals Course: Covers foundational knowledge for those newer to Facebook ads
- Associate Course: Intermediate-level training for current ad managers
- Professional Course: Advanced training for experienced Facebook advertisers
The Associate course is generally recommended as the best prep for the exam. However, individuals newer to Facebook advertising will likely want to take the Fundamentals course first to build up the required knowledge base before attempting the exam.
In addition to the Blueprint courses, hands-on experience creating and managing Facebook ad campaigns is extremely helpful preparation for the exam. Familiarity with navigating Ads Manager, using Facebook’s analytic tools, and experimenting with different ad formats, placements and targeting will aid in applying concepts from the Blueprint curriculum.
Passing Score and Scoring Metrics
Facebook does not publish the specific passing score for the Blueprint exam. However, a passing score is generally understood to be around 70% correct answers. Exam scores range from 0 to 100%.
After completing the exam, candidates receive an overall score plus a breakdown of performance across each of the six domain areas covered on the test. This helps assess strengths and weaknesses to focus additional study efforts.
Candidates who fail the exam must wait 72 hours before retaking the test. The exam can only be attempted three times total within one year of purchasing the exam voucher.
Difficulty for Beginners
For individuals brand new to Facebook advertising and business manager, the Blueprint exam can be quite difficult without sufficient study and preparation. Some of the challenges beginners often face include:
- Unfamiliarity with the Ads Manager platform and features
- Limited understanding of targeting options and capabilities
- Difficulty comprehending campaign optimization best practices
- Grasping the granular policy details around ad content, data use, etc.
- Confusion around more advanced concepts like pixel events, custom audiences, power editor, etc.
With no prior hands-on experience running Facebook campaigns, many of the Blueprint exam topics and questions will be completely foreign. Taking the time to methodically work through the Fundamentals course track is vital. This provides the baseline knowledge and opportunity to apply the concepts through practical exercises.
Difficulty for Experienced Users
For digital marketers who already have extensive experience using Facebook Ads Manager and running campaigns, the Blueprint exam is typically not viewed as overly difficult. The material covered on the test should be very familiar to this audience.
However, it is still essential for even experienced Facebook advertisers to properly prepare and not underestimate the exam. Having deep hands-on expertise does not guarantee a passing score. Some key considerations for this audience include:
- Carefully studying the Associate or Professional course tracks
- Brushing up on Facebook’s policies, standards, and regulations
- Refreshing knowledge of more sophisticated optimization tactics
- Keeping up with any new ad formats, placement options, or targeting methods
- Taking practice quizzes to assess knowledge gaps
Experienced advertisers may breeze through the hands-on simulations and questions testing tactical execution. However, they tend to struggle more with the policy and troubleshooting related questions that require deeper critical thinking.
Outside Study Resources
While Facebook’s own Blueprint courses should form the core of any study plan, many exam candidates find it helpful to supplement their preparation with outside training resources. Some popular options include:
- Digital marketing blogs and communities (Moz, Social Media Examiner, etc)
- Video courses (Udemy, Skillshare, etc)
- Study guides and practice tests
- Facebook ads & business manager groups
- Industry events and seminars
These resources provide additional information, tips, and practice materials to help reinforce Facebook Blueprint concepts and improve exam readiness. However, they should not be used as a substitute for Facebook’s official training.
Exam Registration and Scheduling
Registering for the Facebook Blueprint exam is done directly through Facebook’s Blueprint platform. The steps include:
- Enroll in the Blueprint platform – this is free to join
- Purchase an exam voucher – the exam fee is $150 USD
- Redeem exam voucher and schedule a test date
- Take the online proctored exam within 12 months of voucher redemption
The exam can be scheduled within a few days or weeks of voucher redemption based on availability. Test takers can choose a time convenient for their schedule.
The exam is taken remotely through Facebook’s online proctoring system, which monitors the testing environment for potential cheating. Examinees must have a webcam and microphone enabled to complete the proctored assessment.
Certification Validity and Renewal
The Facebook Blueprint certification is valid for 2 years from the date it is earned. To renew the certification, holders must retake and pass the Facebook Blueprint exam again prior to expiration.
Renewing the Blueprint certification helps demonstrate continued expertise and up-to-date knowledge of Facebook advertising tools as platforms evolve over time.
Certification Value for Career
For those pursuing digital marketing roles focused on social media and paid advertising, the Facebook Blueprint certification can significantly enhance a resume. Some of the key benefits include:
- Demonstrating hands-on expertise in Facebook ads to employers
- Validating familiarity with Facebook’s advertising platforms
- Showing commitment to staying current on latest features and updates
- Distinguishing candidate’s skillset from other applicants
- Increasing credibility during hiring and interviews
Many top companies expressly prefer or require the Facebook Blueprint certification for their social media and digital ad management roles. Investing the time to earn the certification can improve job prospects and career advancement potential within the field.
Other Facebook Certifications
In addition to the main Facebook Blueprint credential, there are a few other Facebook certification programs that may be beneficial for digital marketers and advertisers:
- Facebook Pixel Expert: Demonstrates expertise in Facebook pixel implementation and event setup for conversion tracking and optimization.
- Facebook Buying Professional: Focuses on best practices and advanced strategies for Facebook ad buying and campaign management.
- Facebook Creative Expert: Covers skills in creating high-performing ad creative assets across Facebook platforms.
While the Blueprint remains the core certification, these programs allow specialized demonstration of skills in key advertising sub-areas. They are viewed as nice supplements on top of the core Blueprint credential for dedicated Facebook advertising careers.
Exam Difficulty Takeaways
To summarize the key points regarding the difficulty of the Facebook Blueprint certification exam:
- The exam covers a broad range of foundational knowledge and technical skills for using Facebook’s advertising platforms.
- Difficulty level depends heavily on the individual’s existing hands-on experience with Facebook ads.
- Thorough study using the Blueprint course materials is highly recommended for all skill levels.
- Earning the certification can significantly boost digital marketing career prospects.
- The credential demonstrates expertise across Facebook’s advertising tools and must be renewed every 2 years.
With proper preparation using the resources Facebook provides, the Blueprint exam is very achievable for both beginners and experienced advertisers alike. The certification verifies specialized skills that are highly valued in the digital marketing industry.