FAQ

What is OMCP?

OMCP is the leading independent standard for certification of online marketing professionals.

The OMCP mission is to continually improve the standards of practice, education, and employment of online marketers. This is accomplished through:

• Maintenance of the competency and exam standards for online marketing in coordination with industry leaders
• Certification and credentialing of individual practitioners, agencies, and educational institutions

Does OMCP offer training?

OMCP does not provide training .

OMCP accredits programs from a growing list of the industry’s best known educational institutions, and awards PDUs for participation in the industry’s top events in a variety of capacities. Though there are hundreds of programs that teach to OMCP standards, OMCP accredits only those educational institutions and providers whose course work meets strict quality standards and has been shown to prepare students for success on the OMCA and OMCP certification exams.

When you’re an OMCP Certified Professional, your customers, co-workers, and partners are assured that you’re committed to staying at the top of your game by maintaining ongoing professional development through the industry’s top training providers, organizations, and industry events.

What is the Exam Refund Policy?

OMCP Refund Policy (Effective 9/8/2015)

OMCP does not issue refunds for certification exams except in rare situations where the exam service is proven to have failed. In these rare cases, most candidates are able to schedule a retake and OMCP bears the costs of proctoring.

Why be OMCP Certified?

It’s no longer enough to simply claim expertise as an internet marketer.

Clients know that they are best served by marketers whose skills and knowledge are current. One way that marketers stay current is through ongoing professional education, and active participation in industry groups and events. An OMCP Certification verifies members’ dedication to such professional development, helping marketers to distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace, and clients to make informed decisions.

Why is an organization like OMCP necessary to the industry?

Online marketing skills are now essential in the majority of marketing projects. These standards have been largely undefined or are set in isolation by a few reputable training groups or prominent vendors. OMCP sets a standard for certification that includes reputable training programs, recognizes vendor roles in current standards, and maintains a directory of Online Marketing Certified Professionals.

Does OMCP maintain a Code Of Ethics?

Yes. The OMCP Code Of Ethics is a voluntary standard to which we encourage our membership to aspire. If you have evidence that a currently certified member is not adhering to the OMCP code of ethics, send this information to info@omcp.org.

Who benefits from creating a standard?

Hiring managers, educational institutions, agencies, and organizations all benefit from a standard that effectively measures the competencies and skills required for effective online marketing.

How do I join OMCP?

For individual professionals and candidates for certification, OMCP registration, your OMCP profile, all member content, and validation of certification requirements are free. Join thousands of marketing professionals who recognize and support best practices in digital marketing.

Educators may apply for OMCP Registered Education Partner Status here.

Can I be OMCP Certified in a single discipline?

OMCP status is awarded to marketing professionals who have conceptual understanding of five of the eight covered disciplines AND  have demonstrated professional-level skills in a two digital marketing disciplines.

What does OMCP cover?

OMCP covers the practices and skills that relate to increasing the online presence and reputation of a business, product, or service.

The OMCP standard is focused on practices that bring long term benefits to reputable organizations and businesses.

Disciplines recognized by OMCP standards include:

• SEO (including Mobile and Local)
• Digital Analytics
• Digital Advertising (PPC, Social, Display, Video & SEM)
• Landing Page and Conversion Rate Optimization
• Social Media Marketing and Online PR
• Mobile Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Marketing Automation

What does OMCP not cover?

OMCP does not certify the ongoing behavior or business track record of individual marketing professionals, consultants, agencies, or businesses.  Ethical practices are taught by most OMCP Authorized Providers, however it is not within the scope of the OMCP standard to enforce personal or ethical behavior.

While “tricks” and practices that take advantage of loopholes in Internet marketing are acknowledged as worthy case studies, these techniques are considered outside the parameters of Online Marketing Certified Professionals.

The OMCP standard is focused on practices that bring long term benefits to reputable organizations and businesses based on best practices and accepted methodologies.

Who is behind OMCP?

OMCP is supported by leading universities, marketing associations, successful companies, and marketing professionals worldwide. OMCP was initiated in 2010 to move an online marketing standard out of a leading training company (Market Motive) and into the hands of a multitude of reputable training companies and outstanding industry professionals. In 2014 it became fully independent and is not associated with any training provider, platform, or school.

How is OMCP “open”?

Inclusion of training programs is decided by majority vote among Professional Members, existing Authorized Providers, and Corporate Members.

Where is the OMCP test?

OMCP exams are live, proctored online, so there’s no need to travel or wait.   To schedule your online exam session, you’ll need an OMCP.org account (register here), then pay for your  OMCA Exam or OMCP Exam, and follow the instructions to select an exam time that fits your schedule.

How long does an OMCP Certification last?

Because of the rapid changes in digital marketing, OMCP Certifications last two years when renewed with PDUs.  To gain two years of certification, the candidate must use one of the following methods to gain the full two years:

1. Extend the certification for the second year by participating in recognized organizations, events, training programs, and communities to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs).
2. Renew the certificate for the additional year by passing the OMCP exam.

Currently, accrual of 100 PDUs during the year is required for extension.

To submit PDUs for OMCP Re-Certification, simply provide the necessary verification for review through your member dashboard.

Passing the OMCP exam is required every two years, at minimum. Extension via PDUs occurs every other year.

Why are there multiple levels of Certification?

OMCP Awards two levels of certification:

OMCA: For those who communicate digital marketing concepts or manage digital marketing teams, the OMCA™ certification verifies knowledge across multiple digital marketing disciplines. It is often used as a minimum requirement for all marketing team members at agencies or other businesses. Groups who train or hire to OMCA standards lead the industry in digital marketing performance. Learn more about OMCA Certification

OMCP: For more experienced digital marketers, the OMCP certification verifies deeper skills, experience, and education required to implement digital marketing practices as a specialist. OMCP certified professionals are in demand as subject matter experts, consultants, and are often asked to teach or lead initiatives within larger organizations. Customers, co-workers, employers, and clients can be assured that an OMCP with current status has verified, up-to-date skills in digital marketing. Learn more about OMCP Certification