1. Why do I need Certification?
2. Who is eligible to become certified?
3. What is the difference between ‘Certification’ and a ‘Certificate’?
4. How do I apply for Certification?
5. How much does it cost?
6. What will be on the exam?
7. How do I schedule my exam?
8. How can I prepare for the exam?
9. Does IAB offer support training for the Digital Ad Ops Certification?
10. When do I get my exam results?
11. How long is my Certification valid?
12. How was the Certification developed?
13. How is the Certification administered?
14. How do I contact IAB Certification?
1. Why do I need Certification?
The digital advertising marketplace grows more complex daily, making it more critical than ever to master the latest trends and changes.
This programme ensures that Ad Operations professionals have the knowledge to make campaigns run efficiently. With the proliferation of more and more platforms and channels, ad units and formats, and metrics and tools, standardized skills are absolutely necessary to remain competitive.
2. Who is eligible to become certified?
Candidates are considered eligible for the Digital Ad Operations Certification exam if they meet the following criteria:
A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in Digital Advertising Operations.
Digital Advertising Operations is defined as those work processes that enable, transact, track, measure and evaluate the buying and selling of digital media inventory for publishers and agencies.
It can also include operational roles in the companies and for the services that enable publishers to optimize the selling of digital media and agencies and marketers to optimize the planning and buying of digital audiences.
3. What is the difference between ‘Certification’ and a ‘Certificate’?
This is the first industry-led, global professional certification programme for the digital ad operations industry. While many training companies say they offer ‘Certification’, they often really mean a ‘Certificate’. ‘Certification’ is different than ‘Certificate’ programmes in the following ways:
| Certification |
Certificate |
| Results from an assessment process | Results from an educational process |
| Awarded by a standard-setting organization | Awarded by institutions |
| Indicates mastery/competency as measured against a set of standards by an exam | Indicates completion of a course or series of courses other than a degree program |
| Standards set through industry-wide process (job analysis/task analysis) that results in an outline of required knowledge and skills | Course content set by trainers |
| Has on-going requirements in order to maintain; holder must demonstrate he/she continues to meet requirements | Is the end result; demonstrates knowledge of course content at the end of a set period in time |
| Source: http://www.cfre.org/apply/certificate-vs-certification/ | |
4. How do I apply for Certification?
Contact Donna O’Connor in the first instance donna@iabireland.ie. If you meet our eligibility requirements, Donna will send you a link to apply, your application will be approved in 2-3 business days and you will receive a notification from certification@IAB.com authorizing you to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
5. How much does it cost?
| 2015 Pricing |
IAB Member |
Non-Member |
| Exam Fee (includes a €50 non-refundable application fee) |
€500 |
€750 |
| Retake Fee |
€125 |
€175 |
*Pricing subject to change
6. What will be on the exam?
The two-hour exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions covering seven basic areas:
- Executing Campaign Launch
- Managing Live Campaign
- Managing Emerging Technologies
- Creating, Maintaining, and Documenting Product Offerings
- Managing Incidents
- Inventory Management and Integrity
- Managing Client and Partner Relationships
We recommend you download the IAB Candidate Handbook and Digital Ad Operations Certification Exam Blueprint for more information here.
7. How do I schedule my exam?
The certification exam is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Ireland. The exam is offered on a quarterly basis; registration is open year-around. Find a Pearson VUE testing center near you. Once your application is approved, you will have up to six months (or two testing windows) to schedule and take your exam. All scheduling needs, including rescheduling or cancellation, are completed with Pearson VUE via phone or online.
We recommend scheduling your exam as soon as possible to assure the best selection of testing locations and times.
| 2015 -2016 Testing Windows | |
| Begins | Ends |
| July 1, 2015 | July 31, 2015 |
| October 1, 2015 | October 31, 2015 |
| January 1, 2016 | January 31, 2016 |
| April 1, 2016 | April 30, 2016 |
8. How can I prepare for the exam?
Preparation Materials
We recommend you download the Candidate Handbook and Exam Blueprint here.
9. Does IAB offer support training for the Digital Ad Ops Certification?
No, we don’t offer a workshop for this certification. The certification is an endorsement of an existing skill so the candidates’ relevant experience, coupled with accessing the IAB Candidate Handbook and Digital Ad Operations Certification Exam Blueprint here should be adequate preparation to sit and pass the exam.
10. When do I get my exam results?
Exam results are given immediately at the testing site along with a brief diagnostic report on each of the exam categories. The Commission on Certification will send you an official notification of pass/fail status by email within four weeks after the testing window closes. Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate by mail shortly after.
11. How long is my Certification valid?
Once you pass the exam, your certification will be valid for two years. A specific amount of continuing education and/or training is required to recertify. Find out more about recertification here. For questions, email donna@iabireland.ie
12. How was the Certification developed?
IAB US developed the programme in partnership with Professional Testing Inc., a leader in certification program development in a number of industries and professions. Many IAB member companies also participated in developing the certification:
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13. How is the Certification administered?
The IAB Digital Ad Operations Certification is governed and administered by the Commission on Certification. The Commission on Certification is responsible for all decisions related to certification. The certification programme operates separately from other IAB programs, products and services.
14. How do I contact IAB Certification?
You can email donna@iabireland.ie or call on 086 8370577