PCM Digital Marketing: Elevate Your Skills and Master the Digital Landscape

The American Marketing Association (AMA) offers several marketing and digital marketing certifications, addressing the rapidly growing need for marketers and digital marketers. In 2025, the marketing job outlook is strong, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a job growth of 8 percent through 2033, which is faster than average growth [1].

The steady need for digital marketers is partly due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) marketing tools, insights, and social media consumer trends. With this in mind, digital marketers can stand out by earning credentials, such as the PCM Digital Marketing certification. Learn about the PCM certifications from the American Marketing Association and how they can support your current and future marketing career. 

What is PCM digital marketing?

The AMA offers a range of certifications and learning aids to help you in your marketing career. Most notable are the three Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) certifications. They follow two different tracks, specializing in different areas of marketing:

• PCM Marketing Management

• PCM Content Marketing

• Digital Marketing Pro program (in conjunction with the Digital Marketing Institute)

Digital Marketing Pro program

The Digital Marketing Pro program is a unique offering comprising one course and exam, which leads to two certificates. On completion, you'll receive two credentials: PCM Digital Marketing and Certified Digital Marketing Professional. This is possible through collaboration with the Digital Marketing Industry (DMI), a globally recognized course provider in digital marketing. 

Working in digital marketing is competitive, so it’s important to invest in education and professional development to enhance your career prospects. Most marketing managers have a degree in business, marketing, communications, or similar. Adding a certification to your resume can be very beneficial in demonstrating your expertise. 

Earning two certifications through the Digital Marketing Pro program can elevate your standing among marketing professionals. 

Who should pursue PCM certifications?

PCM certifications are an excellent way to demonstrate your credibility in marketing, validating your skills and expertise in specific areas. A PCM certification can also help you advance further in your career. With this in mind, a PCM Digital Marketing certification, particularly through the Digital Marketing Pro program, can be beneficial to a range of professionals at different career stages, including:

• Marketing professionals looking to specialize in digital channels

• Business owners seeking to enhance their digital presence

• Recent graduates aiming to strengthen their qualifications in the job market

Steps to obtain a PCM Digital Marketing certification

The AMA is widely regarded as an industry leader in marketing knowledge. As such, a PCM Digital Marketing certification is a reputable qualification recognized by the marketing industry as one of the best. The AMA further elevates its standards by partnering with the DMI to produce The Digital Marketing Pro program.

Prerequisites and eligibility criteria for certification

Whether you're already working in digital marketing or looking to break into the field, the Digital Marketing Pro program, which includes the PCM Digital Marketing certification, caters to professionals at all levels. With no entry requirements, you could be an intern looking to make a start in your digital marketing career, or you might be a marketing executive looking to keep up with marketing trends and technology. Outside of a marketing role, you may work in public relations (PR), as a copywriter, or as a small business owner responsible for your own marketing. 

The application process: What to expect and how to navigate it

The Digital Marketing Pro program is an online, self-paced course. Consisting of 30 hours of study, it will give you knowledge and practical experience, covering topics such as social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO). On completion of the course, you’ll take an exam at a testing center in a location convenient to you.

Program cost and investment in your career

The Digital Marketing Pro program costs $1,955, covering your 30 hours of study and exam. You may find offers and price reductions periodically. While this might seem like a sizable investment upfront, surveys from The Digital Marketing Institute reveal that course graduates report a $12,000 average salary increase, with 44 percent receiving a promotion within 12 months of completing the program [2].

The PCM Digital Marketing certification exam

The PCM certification is awarded upon completing an exam consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions answered over two hours. To pass the exam, you must receive a score of 80 percent or higher. 

As with any exam, you’ll need to spend some time revising and preparing. Key course concepts to review include:

• Digital marketing strategy

• Content marketing

• Digital marketing and AI

• Social media marketing

• Email marketing

• SEO

• Paid Search (PPC)

• Website optimization

• Google analytics

Essential study materials and online resources

DMI provides support for learners by hiring instructors with real industry experience and a dedicated support team. To prepare for your exam, you’ll find an option to take a free practice test. You can also find resources online, including courses to brush up on your digital marketing skills, such as the University of Illinois’ Digital Marketing Specialization on Coursera.

Career paths available with PCM certifications

A PCM Digital Marketing certification via the Digital Marketing Pro program can support your career progress through potential salary increases and a higher chance of a promotion. According to the Digital Marketing Institute, 87 percent of global employers say they are more likely to employ a marketing professional with DMI certification [2]. Showcasing this certification can benefit you when applying for jobs in digital marketing and other areas in marketing, such as social media management and digital analytics. 

Positions in digital marketing management and strategy

A PCM Digital Marketing certification is an excellent addition to your resume if you’re looking to progress your career in digital marketing management. Examples of potential jobs include:

• Digital marketing manager: $90,002

• Digital marketing strategist: $85,325 

• Digital marketing director: $112,496 

• Chief marketing officer (CMO): $181,220 

Roles in content marketing and social media management

Digital marketing skills are important in social media and content marketing jobs. Examples of careers to consider include:

• Content strategist: $82,832 

• Email marketing manager: $76,000 

• Social media manager: $56,064

• Influencer marketing manager: $84,460

Opportunities in search engine optimization and digital analytics

The PCM Digital Marketing certification includes SEO and digital analytics courses, setting you up for a career in this area. Examples include: 

• SEO specialist: $67,799

• PPC Specialist: $57,157

• Digital marketing analyst: $71,419

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of February 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

Build your digital marketing skills on Coursera

Digital marketing is a growing field with an excellent job outlook and potentially high salaries. The Digital Marketing Pro program from AMA and DMI combines a PCM Digital Marketing certification and a Certified Digital Marketing Professional accreditation, providing you with an opportunity to apply for various digital marketing roles. 

If you’re just starting your career in digital marketing, an online course can help you build your knowledge. Check out the Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce Professional Certificate or the Unilever Digital Marketing Analyst Professional Certificate, both available on Coursera.