Certified Marketing Specialist Designation

The Canadian Marketing Association has established an industry designation for marketing professionals - Certified Marketing Specialist. To be awarded this designation, marketers need to successfully complete a total of four CMA Certificate courses (three are compulsory) and the CMA math seminar & exam.

Required for the designation:

Plus ONE of the following additional courses:

For more information, please contact Gabriele Janes, Vice-President, Professional Development, at gjanes@the-cma.org or 416-644-3761.

Certified Marketing Specialist designation FAQs

Q: How many courses do I have to take to get the designation?

A: Students must successfully complete four (4) Certificate courses and a two-day Marketing Math Seminar & exam in order to be awarded the Certified Marketing Specialist™ designation.

Required Courses (3): Advertising & Media, Direct Marketing, and Integrated Branding (online or classroom).

Optional Course (1): Candidates can choose from Digital Marketing or Research & Analytics

Required Seminar:  Candidates must attend CMA's Marketing Math Seminar (2 days) and write and successfully pass a 2.5 hour exam.

Q: What is the suggested time frame to complete the designation?

A: As our Certificate courses require a significant amount of work, we generally recommend that students only take one certificate course at a time.

Q: Is there a time limit for completing the requirements?

A: Not at this time however CMA reserves the right to implement one in the future.

Q: How much does it cost to get the designation?

A: There is no additional cost to receive the designation. Each course is priced individually, these prices can be found on the specific course pages.

Q: Do online courses count towards the CMS designation?

A: Yes.