Get a Marketing Certificate

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working for a company, you know that what you’re offering has the potential to bring value to people’s lives. This introductory marketing course will help you to take your marketing skills to the next level.

Through an exploration of concepts, theories, and real business cases, this course will equip you with a strong foundation in marketing that will serve you well whatever your future plans may be.

What Happens in the Marketing Certificate Course

The Marketing Certificate Course is an online learning program with recommended readings from the textbook (Principles of Marketing). This course is self-directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.

This part-time Marketing Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 9 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 18 weeks, depending on your schedule.

The Marketing Certificate Course has been created to allow you to complete it without teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 9 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course.

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Course Topics

The Marketing Certificate Course has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Marketing Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College).

Marketing and Customer Value

  • Marketing and the Marketing Process
  • The Marketing Mix and the 4Ps of Marketing
  • Factors Comprising and Affecting the Marketing Environment
  • Evolution of the Marketing Concept
  • Determining Consumer Needs and Wants
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Ethical Marketing

Strategic Planning in Marketing

  • Developing a Strategic Plan
  • The Role of Marketing in the Strategic Planning Process
  • Purpose and Structure of the Marketing Plan
  • Marketing Plan Progress Using Metrics
  • Ethical Issues in Developing a Marketing Strategy

Understanding the Marketplace

  • Understanding Consumer Markets and Buying Behavior
  • Factors That Influence Consumer Buying Behavior
  • The Consumer Purchasing Decision Process
  • Ethical Issues in Consumer Buying Behavior

Business Markets and Purchasing Behavior

  • The Business-to-Business (B2B) Market
  • Buyers and Buying Situations in a B2B Market
  • Major Influences on B2B Buyer Behavior
  • Stages in the B2B Buying Process
  • Ethical Issues in B2B Marketing

Market Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning

  • Market Segmentation and Consumer Markets
  • Segmentation of B2B Markets
  • Segmentation of International Markets
  • Essential Factors in Effective Market Segmentation
  • Selecting Target Markets
  • Product Positioning
  • Ethical Concerns and Target Marketing

Marketing Research and Market Intelligence

  • Marketing Research and Big Data
  • Sources of Marketing Information
  • Steps in a Successful Marketing Research Plan
  • Ethical Issues in Marketing Research

Marketing in a Global Environment

  • The Global Market and Advantages of International Trade
  • Assessment of Global Markets for Opportunities
  • Entering the Global Arena
  • Marketing in a Global Environment
  • Ethical Issues in the Global Marketplace

Marketing in a Diverse Marketplace

  • Strategic Marketing: Standardization Versus Adaptation
  • Diversity and Inclusion Marketing
  • Multicultural Marketing
  • Marketing to Hispanic, Black, and Asian Consumers
  • Marketing to Sociodemographic Groups
  • Ethical Issues in Diversity Marketing

Products: Consumer Offerings

  • Products, Services, and Experiences
  • Product Items, Product Lines, and Product Mixes
  • The Product Life Cycle
  • Marketing Strategies at Each Stage of the Product Life Cycle
  • Branding and Brand Development
  • Forms of Brand Development, Brand Loyalty, and Brand Metrics
  • Creating Value Through Packaging and Labeling
  • Environmental Concerns Regarding Packaging
  • Ethical Issues in Packaging

Maintaining a Competitive Edge with New Offerings

  • New Products from a Customer’s Perspective
  • Stages of the New Product Development Process
  • The Use of Metrics in Evaluating New Products
  • Factors Contributing to the Success or Failure of New Products
  • Stages in the Consumer Adoption Process for New Products
  • Ethical Considerations in New Product Development

Services: The Intangible Product

  • Classification of Services
  • The Service-Profit Chain Model and the Service Marketing Triangle
  • The Gap Model of Service Quality
  • Ethical Considerations in Providing Services

Pricing Products and Services

  • Pricing and Its Role in the Marketing Mix
  • The Five Critical Cs of Pricing
  • The Five-Step Procedure for Establishing Pricing Policy
  • Pricing Strategies for New Products
  • Pricing Strategies and Tactics for Existing Products

Integrated Marketing Communications

  • The Promotion Mix and Its Elements
  • The Communication Process
  • Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Steps in the IMC Planning Process
  • Ethical Issues in Marketing Communication

The Promotion Mix: Advertising and Public Relations

  • Advertising in the Promotion Mix
  • Major Decisions in Developing an Advertising Plan
  • The Use of Metrics to Measure Advertising Campaign Effectiveness
  • Public Relations and Its Role in the Promotion Mix
  • The Advantages and Disadvantages of Public Relations
  • Ethical Concerns in Advertising and Public Relations

The Promotion Mix: Personal Selling and Sales Promotion

  • Personal Selling and Its Role in the Promotion Mix
  • Classifications of Salespeople Involved in Personal Selling
  • Steps in the Personal Selling Process
  • Management of the Sales Force
  • Sales Promotion and Its Role in the Promotion Mix
  • Main Types of Sales Promotion
  • Ethical Issues in Personal Selling and Sales Promotion

Direct, Online, Social Media, and Mobile Marketing

  • Traditional Direct Marketing
  • Social Media and Mobile Marketing
  • Metrics Used to Evaluate the Success of Online Marketing
  • Ethical Issues in Digital Marketing and Social Media

Distribution: Delivering Customer Value

  • The Use and Value of Marketing Channels
  • Types of Marketing Channels
  • Factors Influencing Channel Choice
  • Managing the Distribution Channel
  • The Supply Chain and Its Functions
  • Logistics and Its Functions
  • Ethical Issues in Supply Chain Management

Retailing and Wholesaling

  • Retailing and the Role of Retailers in the Distribution Channel
  • Major Types of Retailers
  • Retailing Strategy Decisions
  • Recent Trends in Retailing
  • Wholesaling
  • Recent Trends in Wholesaling
  • Ethical Issues in Retailing and Wholesaling

Sustainable Marketing: The New Paradigm

  • Sustainable Marketing
  • Traditional Marketing Versus Sustainable Marketing
  • The Benefits of Sustainable Marketing
  • Sustainable Marketing Principles
  • Purpose-Driven Marketing
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What Is Included in the Marketing Certificate Course

This all-inclusive Marketing Certificate Course Online package includes:

  • Registration for the Marketing Certificate Course Online
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance
  • Textbook: Principles of Marketing (e-book edition)
  • Downloadable Marketing Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
  • (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
  • (Optional) 2026 membership in the IAPO International Organization of Business Professionals for only US$ 2.99 per month

 

Register for the Marketing Certificate Course


BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL
Easy changes and cancellations
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.

You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.

Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Marketing Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 149.00 for the September 14, 2026 course.

Associated Courses

Register today for the Marketing Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Marketing Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.

If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.

To ensure your complete satisfaction all certificate courses are backed by our full 100% money back guarantee.

Marketing and Your Career

Are you interested in taking a deep dive into marketing concepts and principles? Would improving your marketing skills help you to make your career or self-employment dreams a reality? Do you want to learn how to better communicate the value of products and services that you know will change people’s lives?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, this introductory marketing course may be a perfect fit for you!

Marketing is a career in its own right, and it’s a great time to break into this line of work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of marketing managers is predicted to grow 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average for all careers. Those working in marketing can expect to be compensated well for their work, too. A survey of several marketing careers suggests that salaries run anywhere from $55,000 USD to over $200,000 USD annually.

Even if you don’t plan to pursue a “marketing career”, marketing skills are highly sought after by many employers, and are relevant for any business owner or prospective entrepreneur. In fact, marketing is listed as one of 2023’s most in demand skills of 2023 according to LinkedIn.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or student looking to enhance your marketing knowledge, a professional seeking a career change, or an entrepreneur aiming to enhance your business acumen, this marketing course will help you to develop a strong foundation in marketing.

No prior marketing experience is required to take this course: just a passion for creativity, innovation and strategic thinking. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

For every student who takes this marketing course from IAP Career College, we make a donation to textbook publisher OpenStax, part of Rice University, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

My experience with IAP Career College was exceptional! I loved how the courses get right to the main points and you learn so much in a short period of time.
Kari Miller, Ohsweken, Ontario

Why Get a Certificate?

How can you benefit with a certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College)?

A certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College may give you:

  • Respect as a professional
  • A competitive advantage when marketing your services
  • A sense of achievement and confidence
  • A credential for your resume when applying for jobs
  • Assurance to clients of your professionalism
  • Evidence of your expertise
  • Higher earnings (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in Certificates: A fast track to careers)

With the International Association of Professions Career College, you can earn a certificate online more quickly and affordably than many other educational options.

Student Spotlight: A Graduate's Success Story

Noel Gonzalez


“These courses didn’t just give me skills—they empowered me to achieve the dream job I once thought was out of reach.”

Noel enrolled in multiple courses—Human Resources Consultant, Project Management, and Marketing—to strengthen professional capabilities. Each course provided tools to market confidently, lead teams effectively, and guide students with purpose.

Today, Noel proudly serves as a Director at a new education center while continuing to make a difference as an academic counselor. The courses not only expanded career opportunities but also built confidence and leadership skills.

“Thank you IAP!”

Why Choose IAP Career College?

The International Association of Professions Career College (also known as IAP Career College) aims to offer the finest in affordable online certificate programs for dream careers.

The textbooks for most of our courses were developed by our parent company, the leading online publisher of career guide books on how to get started in a dream career, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Our guides have been used as textbooks for more than a decade, and you can find them in the career centers and library collections of many famed colleges and universities – from the University of Texas to the Fashion Institute of Technology – as well as in numerous public libraries in cities from Vancouver to New York.

It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other certificate programs. When we discovered online courses based on old editions of our career guides costing over US$ 1,000.00, we knew it was time to offer our own online certificate programs.

Now, the leader in online career guides for dream careers, along with a team of respected academics, have created online certificate programs through IAP Career College, allowing you to study and earn a certificate from the comfort of your own home.

Established online in 1999, the parent company of IAP Career College (known as FabJob) is an award-winning organization named “the #1 place to get published online” by Writer’s Digest. Our company and career guides have been featured in media ranging from ABC to Oprah’s newsletter and respected news sites ranging from CNN to the Wall Street Journal online.

We continue this tradition of excellence in online career education with the International Association of Professions Career College. Each of our career certificate programs has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College.

We invite you to learn more about the online certificate courses we offer you by visiting our Certificate Courses page. We are also happy to answer any of your questions to help you decide whether an online certificate course from the International Association of Professions Career College is right for you.

Have questions or need help?

Contact an Academic Advisor at International Association of Professions Career College:

support@iapcollege.com

Student Service Center
(For registered students only)
1-844-204-7982

If you are not a student you can email support@iapcollege.com or use live chat for inquiries.

Live Chat (24 hours a day)
Click on “Ask Us a Question” at the bottom of this screen.

About IAP Career College

IAP Career College, also known as the International Association of Professions Career College, is a private online career college affiliated with FabJob Inc, the leading online publisher of guide books on how to get started in a dream career, serving hundreds of thousands of career changers on six continents since 1999. Learn more about us.

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  • What does someone working in marketing do?
    Marketers help businesses connect with customers through branding, advertising, social media, content creation, and campaign strategy. They analyze data, identify market trends, and promote products or services across various platforms.
  • What will I learn in the Marketing Certificate Course?
    You’ll gain an introduction to key marketing principles including market research, branding, segmentation, digital marketing, consumer behavior, and strategy. This course provides a broad foundation in both traditional and modern marketing techniques.
  • How long does the Marketing Certificate Course take to complete?
    The Marketing Certificate Course is designed to be self-paced, with a recommended completion time of 9 weeks. However, you have the flexibility to complete it in as little as 2 weeks or extend it up to 18 weeks, depending on your schedule.

    Need more time? No problem. All of IAP’s Courses include lifetime access.
  • How can this course help me in my career?
    Whether you're just getting started or want to sharpen your existing skills, this course can boost your resume and prepare you for roles in marketing, sales, communications, or entrepreneurship.
  • Is this course suitable for aspiring digital marketers?
    Yes. While this is a general marketing course, it includes an introduction to digital marketing concepts such as social media, SEO, email marketing, and content strategy.
  • Do I need any prior experience or education to enroll in this course?
    No previous experience is required. This course is ideal for beginners looking to explore a marketing career or build marketing knowledge for their own business.
  • Can I take the Marketing Certificate Course from outside of North America?
    Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced, which means you can enroll and complete it from anywhere in the world. All course materials are accessible 24/7 on your schedule.
  • Will I receive a certificate when I finish the course?
    Yes! Upon completing the course, you will receive a Marketing Certificate from IAP Career College. This certificate will demonstrate your knowledge of core marketing concepts and strategies.
  • What is IAP Career College?
    The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and "dream" careers.

    Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end-of-life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner-friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self-paced options.