Hootsuite Certification Study Guide

Note: Also see our Sprout Social Certification Study Guide.

If you've used social media in any professional capacity, you've probably heard of Hootsuite. It, along with other platforms like Sprout Social, functions as a kind of all-in-one social media management app.

On the Hootsuite website, they have an educational hub where you can take courses and tests to receive Hootsuite certifications. What are these certifications and are they really worth your time and money?

In this Hootsuite Certification Study Guide, we explain everything you need to know.

What Is Hootsuite?

Hootsuite is a social media management tool that helps you manage all of your accounts and posts. You can schedule posts, respond to comments, get detailed analytics, and much more. It is used by millions of people, including both individuals and agencies.

Hootsuite works on all of the major social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. It allows you to track specific keywords, collaborate with teammates on posts, and measure how posts are performing across different networks.

What is Hootsuite Certification?

Hootsuite offers seven different types of certifications, with each one focusing on a different aspect of social media. The certifications they offer are:

• Hootsuite Platform Certification - An introductory certification demonstrating that you fully understand how to use the Hootsuite platform.
• Social Marketing Certification - This demonstrates your ability to create a social media strategy that will drive business results and grow social media presence.
• Advanced Social Advertising Certification - Identifies you as an advanced user when it comes to paid advertising within the Hootsuite platform.
• Social Selling Certification -  Identifies you as a social selling expert and demonstrates your ability to identify potential leads and connect with them on social media.
• Advanced Social Media Strategy Certification -  This demonstrates you are able to build a strong social media strategy that is customized for your target audience.
• Social Media and You Certification - Demonstrates that you have the ability to use social media to grow your personal brand.
• Enterprise Platform Certification - This covers every feature and facet of Hootsuite and is designed for enterprise teams

How Do you Get Hootsuite Certified?

In order to become Hootsuite certified, you need to take one of their courses, which are all located in their education hub. Once you have completed the course, you will be able to take the corresponding test. The test is based on the course materials, so it is important to make sure that you have fully understood them. Once you have passed the test, you will be Hootsuite certified.

The courses take from two to six hours, depending on the subject. They were all created by social media experts with years of experience.

What Are The Benefits Of Hootsuite Certification?

There are numerous benefits to getting a Hootsuite certification. First, it demonstrates that you are an expert in using the Hootsuite platform. This can give you an edge over your competition when it comes to finding jobs or clients, especially if a job or client involves Hootsuite.

Additionally, it proves that you have the skills necessary to drive business results, grow a social media presence, manage multiple social media accounts, and even oversee ad campaigns.

The Social Selling certification demonstrates your ability to build relationships with potential prospects by engaging with them via social media channels. And the Social Media and You certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills to use social media for personal brand building.

Each of these certifications highlights a particular aspect of your social media expertise. Today, anyone can claim to be a social media expert; the certifications prove that you are.

Do Hootsuite Certifications Matter To Companies?

You might think that the various Hootsuite certifications would only matter to companies that specifically use Hootsuite. But the skills learned in each of the courses go far beyond Hootsuite, and companies recognize that.

First, Hootsuite is similar to many other social media tools, and the skills you learn can easily apply to other platforms. Second, the courses were designed specifically with business in mind. They teach you how to use social media effectively, which is a skill set that any company would want from their employees or contractors.

Certifications show that you are dedicated to learning and expanding your skills. They demonstrate that you are willing to put in the time and effort to be the best at what you do. This is important, as it proves that you are serious about your career and are willing to go above and beyond to be successful.

So even if a company doesn't specifically use Hootsuite, the certifications matter. They highlight your expertise in social media and the ways you can use it to strengthen a brand.

Are the Hootsuite Certification Exams Difficult?

The exams should not be difficult if you pay attention to the course materials. The passing grade varies depending on the certification, but it's usually between 75 - 80%. The tests have anywhere from 40 - 60 questions and must be completed within a set time limit.

If you're concerned about your ability to remember the information, consider taking notes during the course. You can then refer to them while taking the test.

What If You Fail A Certification?

There's good news and bad news. The good news is that you can retake a certification test until you pass. The bad news is that you may have to pay additional fees when you retake specific tests. So do your best to pass on the first try!

Do Hootsuite Certifications Expire?

Once Hootsuite certified, always Hootsuite certified. Unlike other certifications where you have to accrue learning hours to stay certified, or retake the certification test every year, these certifications never expire.

Other Social Media Certifications

Hootsuite isn't the only platform to offer social media certifications. HubSpot offers a free social media course with an accompanying certification once you complete it. Sprout Social offers certifications as well. Both Sprout Social and HubSpot are Idea Grove partners.

Facebook has both a Certified Planning Professional and a Certified Buying Professional program. The goal of the Planning Program is to teach enrollees how to create successful campaigns on Facebook and cover topics like audience targeting and achieving the greatest possible reach. The Buying Professional Program focuses on Facebook advertising, page management, and the use of Facebook Pixel.

Twitter offers what they call "Flight School Certification." Included in the Flight School are two courses:

• Marketing Leadership - Teaches enrollees how to use Twitter to open up more professional opportunities
• Executive Leadership - Designed for those interested in using Twitter to build their personal brand

In addition to these courses, you can find dozens of others on learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera.

Which Certification Is Right For You?

With all the options available, you may be wondering which certifications you should focus on.

If you want a holistic understanding of social media marketing, all-encompassing programs like the Hootsuite certification are probably your best bet. If you want mastery of a specific platform, go with something like what Facebook offers.

Either way, you can be sure that getting certified for specific platforms or apps will improve your skill set and make you more hirable.

So what are you waiting for? Get certified!