SEO Certifications: Are They Worth It?

Want to learn more about SEO? There’s a good chance you’ve seen dozens of SEO certification courses, ranging from offerings from top SEO platforms like Semrush to “experts” you’ve never heard of.

If you’re unsure if an SEO certification is right for you—or are struggling to figure out which course is the right fit—you’re in the right place. With more than two decades of search marketing experience under my belt, I’ve seen dozens of SEO certification courses come and go.

I’ve also spent time researching the top courses to make the decision process easier for you.

Before we dive into whether or not you should (or shouldn’t) get an SEO certification, let’s talk about what they are.

What Is An SEO Certification?

An SEO certification is a verification provided by a company verifying that you’ve completed their SEO course. Unlike a college degree or certificate program through a university, SEO certifications are not regulated.

However, they can help you learn the fundamentals of SEO and show employers or clients that you take your education seriously.

What Are Some of The Best SEO Certifications?

The best SEO certifications come from well-established, trusted brands in the marketing industry. That’s because, as I mentioned above, there is no regulation on SEO certifications. However, being certified by a trusted brand shows employers and clients that you’ve put in the effort—and they are more likely to trust that you know what you’re doing.

To help you decide, I’ve analyzed the top SEO certifications from trusted brands, including the content they cover, cost, and pros and cons.

The reality is there’s no one right SEO certification. Someone wondering “What is SEO?” may choose a course aimed at beginners, while someone wanting to up their technical SEO expertise might choose another.

The right SEO certification is the one that works for your knowledge level, budget, and goals.

Yoast All-Around SEO Training

Cost: $99 per year (includes access to Yoast SEO premium plugin)

Best for: Students who want to learn a little more than the basics of SEO.

Yoast is one of the top WordPress plugins for on-page SEO, so it’s no surprise they offer an SEO certification, and their certification is a top-notch choice.

You’ll learn how to perform keyword research, SEO copywriting, how to improve site structure, and technical SEO strategies like improving site speed and security. The course also covers off-page SEO tactics like link building, UX, email marketing, and social media.

The course includes: