Optional or employer preference
CIM Foundation Certificate in Professional & Digital Marketing (Level 3)
CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing)
An entry-level marketing qualification. It is not a licence — marketing has no licence to practise.
- Awarding body
- CIM
- Level
- Level 3
- Where it applies
- Global, including the UK
- Exams
- Three modules (one mandatory, two specialist), assessed by online exam
- Entry
- CIM says no prior experience, qualifications or marketing knowledge are needed
- Also required
- CIM describes a typical duration of 3 to 6 months
Assessment and registration fees
| Fee | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total assessment fees (Global Standard rate, first attempt) | £250 | Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) (opens in a new tab)checked 14 Oct 2026 |
| Study centre tuition | Varies — set by each study centre | — |
- Resits cost extra. CIM membership (from £70 a year) is needed to book assessments.
- CIM quotes a 'Global Standard' rate and a lower 'Emerging Markets' rate; the UK is not on the Emerging Markets list.
Membership and subscriptions
| Fee | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Studying membership (per year) | £70 | Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) (opens in a new tab)checked 14 Oct 2026 |
Official page: CIM (opens in a new tab)Checked 14 Oct 2026