Choosing the best SEO certificate can boost your digital marketing career. Certification validates your expertise and opens up new opportunities.
In this guide, we explore the top courses and their benefits. So you can select the one that aligns with your professional goals.
Read on to discover how SEO certification can transform your career!
Are SEO Certifications Worth it?
Absolutely! Research shows that SEO certifications are particularly valuable, especially for those new to SEO.
The courses covered here provide comprehensive training on the foundations of SEO, like:
- Technical optimization
- Content optimization
- Researching keywords
- Link building, and much more.
Just a quick note on link building: These days there are tools to make this laborious task much easier – take a look at our article on Link Whisper for some real-life case studies.
Completing a structured SEO certification program can help you get practical experience. You will develop the skills to optimize websites effectively.
If you already have SEO experience, clients, and proven SEO successes, you can do without it.
Why Get SEO Certification From a University?
A university SEO course should be the best alternative to Google SEO certification. Why? Because Google does not offer any certification!
University courses do have benefits:
- SEO courses cover the foundational elements of SEO in-depth. The structured training helps students develop practical, hands-on skills.
- University-issued SEO certification provides credibility and validates expertise. Validation helps if you want employment or new clients.
- These courses cover the history of search engine algorithms and updates. Plus, it teaches SEO evolution.
- Attending a university SEO course provides networking opportunities. This encourages people to build new professional connections and collaborations.
- Many universities offer SEO certification courses as part of a broader degree. Students can expand their skills and knowledge.
Let’s have a look at what the universities are offering.
Learning SEO at the University of Washington
The University of Washington offers a comprehensive course on search engine algorithms. And how to optimize websites for improved organic search results.
You will also learn to create effective analytics reports to drive SEO improvements.
This online SEO certificate course helps professionals who want to start a career online. And it’s also suitable for marketing managers, content writers, and developers.
It requires 6 to 8 hours of coursework weekly, and you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion.
Reflecting current trends, this course also explores AI’s impact on search results. And what this means for SEO.
Topics:
- Best SEO practices
- SEO Strategy
- Google Analytics
- Search intent
- Researching keywords
- Performance tracking
- Website optimization
- SEO automation
- Software for SEO
- Copywriting with SEO
- Website metrics
- AI and SEO.
Ensure you get enough hands-on experience with SEO tools, optimizing websites, and using Google toolsets.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 11 – 12 weeks |
| Times | Evenings (PST) |
| Cost | $1500 |
| Start | September 2024 |
Learn SEO Skills with UC San Diego
The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies offers a comprehensive SEO and Digital Marketing course.
You’ll learn to optimize websites for improved rankings, covering diverse topics for a solid foundation.
Topics:
- Optimize websites
- Rewrite HTML code
- Competitive keywords
- Engaging content
- Using multimedia
- Linking strategy.
From my perspective, the hands-on training in basic and advanced SEO techniques is invaluable. You will learn digital marketing strategies and SEO project management.
The program also reviews online tools, both free and paid.
Topics:
- Website architecture
- Researching keywords
- Code optimization
- Content creation
- Backlink building
- Local SEO
- Black vs White Hat tactics
- International SEO.
You should be familiar with web browsers and have basic skills in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | Four weeks |
| Cost | $695 |
| Start | 6/24/2024 – 8/24/2024 |
The course has 3 units and is part of related certificate programs, including Content Marketing and Digital Marketing.
Get SEO Certificate Skills with UC San Diego
The Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston offers an online SEO certificate course with a particular focus.
Students explore how search engines influence information discovery and consumer buying habits. Focusing on optimizing website visibility increases clicks and engagement.
This course is part of the Digital Marketing Certificate at Bauer College but can be taken independently.
More people want to build a powerful digital presence, which is where this SEO training masterclass comes in. This program aims to teach you how to improve your website’s ranking through effective SEO techniques.
Topics covered
- Importance of SEO
- Fundamentals of inbound marketing
- Research and track keywords
- On-page optimization
- Off-page optimization
- Understanding searcher intent
- Influence of content and social media on SEO
- Outreach for SEO
- Local SEO
- Conversion and web analytics
- SEO tools.
General Information
| Location | On Campus |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Times | 9 am – 5 pm |
| Start | To be announced |
| Cost | $1420 |
SEO Certification Course – What it Takes to Win
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education offers a comprehensive SEO certificate course.
This course covers the fundamental SEO concepts, including the history of Google’s algorithms and updates. You’ll also focus on technical SEO, like how search engines crawl and index websites. And you’ll learn how to ensure your site is built to be easily accessible by crawlers.
The training aims to help participants understand SEO’s role and develop the necessary skills to succeed as SEO specialists.
Topics:
Introduction to SEO
- How Google search works
- Guidelines from Google
- Google algorithm update history
- SEO news
Technical SEO: Best Practices
- Crawling and indexing
- Help Google crawl sites efficiently
- Workshop: crawl/analyze/identify
- SEO auditing.
Perform Keyword Research
Competitive Research
- Actual competitors over real-world
- Competitive strategies.
Content Gap Analysis/Content Strategy Creation
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 3 weeks |
| Times | 8:30am-Noon CT |
| Cost | $649 |
| Start | Oct 7-28, 2024 |
This course is applicable for earning the Digital Marketing Certificate.
SEO Certificate Foundations Course
The University of Toronto offers the Foundations of Search Engine Optimization course.
The course teaches participants how to research and identify keywords for their target audience. This is the key to optimizing websites. It improves their visibility and trustworthiness.
This course is aimed at individuals who want to enhance their SEO skills for business purposes.
Topics:
- SEO keyword and competitive research
- Google Analytics
- Media outreach strategy to improve Off-Page SEO
- Search Engine Optimization
- Content Marketing Strategy.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 15 hours |
| Times | 8:30am-Noon CT |
| Cost | $559 |
| Start | Spring/Summer – 24, Fall – 24 |
Paid SEO Certification
When it comes to choosing between free and paid certification, there are a few things to remember:
- Paid certifications backed by reputable organizations make the SEO certificate more credible.
- Paid courses offer more structured and comprehensive learning materials.
- Employers perceive paid certifications as more valuable because they include formal assessments.
Moz SEO Essentials Certificate
Moz is one of the three giants in SEO. It created standards recognized by all, which should be reason enough to look into this training.
The Moz SEO Essentials Certificate blends theory with real-world tactics. It provides practical, actionable insights.
This certification covers fundamental SEO concepts. It is designed for individuals looking to acquire SEO skills and advance their careers in SEO.
Topics
- SEO Fundamentals
- Keyword Research
- On-Page Optimization
- Link Building
- SEO Reporting.
In addition, you will learn how search engines assess a website’s value and how to identify and group keywords into semantic clusters.
The role of SEO in marketing and sales funnels will be explained. You will discover ways to find the most valuable content on your site.
Criteria for evaluating the quality of backlinks will be discussed.
Key reports and Moz tools will be covered in detail. You will be able to apply SEO principles and techniques to track the effectiveness of SEO strategies.
Current trends in SEO, like voice search, are also covered. In addition, you will get insight into strategies for prioritizing SEO activities.
You will have access to the course materials for a year.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 6 – 8 hours, incl exams |
| Cost | $595 |
Advanced SEO Certification Training by Matt Bailey
Simplilearn offers the Advanced SEO Certification Training course. It is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of advanced SEO skills.
You will learn how search engines work and how to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. That knowledge can be leveraged to improve website visibility and user experience.
The training encourages students to find out-of-the-box solutions to solve SEO-related problems.
The Advanced SEO Certification Training is great for marketing professionals and content writers. It is also suitable for entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to master search engine optimization in-depth.
Topics
- Course Introduction
- Introduction to SEO
- On-Page SEO
- Off-Page SEO
- Technical SEO
- Link building and marketing
- E-Commerce
- SEO obstacles
- Sitemaps
- Future of SEO
- Practice project.
Using learned skills in real-life-based projects will solidify your understanding.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 30 Hours |
| Cost | $549 |
SEO Training by ClickMinded Certificate
Clickminded’s SEO certification course is simple and brief. You learn how to increase traffic really fast to any site.
This course is fun and suitable for all skill levels. Even the most tech-challenged individuals can progress from basics to certification.
Topics
- Essential tools
- Foundational strategy
- Sales funnel optimization
- Understanding organic traffic search
- SEO fundamentals
- Golden keywords
- Content creation
- Google Search Console mastery
- Certification exam.
This course suits those who are less tech-savvy and aim to master SEO. The educational program includes lifetime access with updates and five free mini-courses for diverse platform applications.
The ClickMinded SEO certificate course integrates with LinkedIn, and you don’t have to pay for the certificate.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 3 – 6 Hours |
| Cost | $999 |
Yoast Seo Premium Plugin Certificate
SEO Training by Yoast includes many online courses to equip individuals with SEO skills.
Students learn SEO concepts like enhancing website visibility and attracting visitors. The goal is to outrank competitors in search engine rankings.
Yoast’s SEO certification training is expertly crafted. It offers real-life best practices and skills you can start using immediately.
Yoast Academy courses boost your resume. They build trust with customers and impress employers.
Topics
- SEO copywriting
- International SEO
- SEO for beginners
- All-around SEO
- Keyword research
- Site structure
- Technical SEO: Crawlability and indexability
- Local SEO
- Understanding structured data
- eCommerce SEO training
- WordPress training.
Although not mentioned above, this course has a section dedicated to AI for SEO training. Recent Google changes have had a big impact on the SEO industry. Make sure you watch our “Winners and Losers of Google’s March Update” podcast to get more insight.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Cost | $99 per year |
The course includes 1 year of free updates and support.
SEO Foundations on LinkedIn
The popular LinkedIn SEO Foundations course will help you master SEO basics and ensure your business stands out.
Topics
- How to read a results page
- Implementing foundational optimization strategies and techniques
- Conducting keyword research
- Building internal and external links
- Optimize your pages and content
- Planning a long-term SEO strategy
- The best SEO tips for e-commerce.
General Information
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 1h 32m (22 Videos) |
| Cost | $40 |
This course can form part of a LinkedIn Learning Path.
Best Free SEO Certification
Free SEO certifications are great for growing your skills without going broke. Here is why you should consider them:
- If you are new to the subject, a free course provides all-around SEO training without financial commitment.
- Many free courses have self-paced learning.
- Some free courses offer practical experience with SEO tools.
- It’s a cheap way for SEO professionals to update their skills.
- Even free SEO certifications impress employers.
Surfer Expert
The Official Surfer Certification Program will make you a recognized Surfer Expert.
Surfer SEO offers a free online certification test that is especially appealing to writers. If you’re experienced, you can skip the optional SEO Writing Masterclass and do the exam.
Those who score 85{d0d8c9a3780aae347a3c0ec9b539f6350131b27bfcedb699d8911923448b0bae} or higher will be among the first to get the new accredited Surfer Certification. Having this certificate means you can join Surfer’s Writer’s Directory.
SEO strategies covered are:
- Research
- Audits
- Content writing
- Optimization
- Generating SEO-optimized articles
There is a practical writing task in the test.
Ahrefs SEO Training Course
The Ahrefs Certification Course is an advanced SEO certificate program using Ahrefs tools and data. It is split into modules that correspond to Ahref’s tools.
Since it’s in beta, the online course is free. There’s no final exam for this SEO certification yet, but it’s planned. Ahrefs account holders get free access to over seven hours of detailed instruction.
Sam Oh, VP of Marketing, leads this course. As I’m sure you know, he has vast SEO and digital marketing experience. The course content has great reviews for high quality and value.
Topics
- Keyword research
- Competitive analysis
- Content marketing
- Link building
- Technical SEO
- On-page SEO.
SEO Fundamentals with Greg Gifford (from Semrush)
This is one of the best SEO courses that don’t cost a dime. Semrush tools are used by millions daily, and Greg is a well-known SEO expert.
Semrush’s free online SEO Fundamentals course is ideal for an SEO beginner or anyone who wants to update their knowledge.
The four-hour course consists of a series of very short videos, perfect for busy people. It covers essentials from driving traffic to mobile SEO.
Topics
- Search engine mechanics
- Link signals
- Technical SEO
- On-page signals
- International and local SEO.
From my perspective, this course is a practical way to get SEO certification. The structured, bite-sized lessons make understanding and applying the concepts easy.
You can take the SEO Certification test on Semrush’s website.
Google SEO Fundamentals from UCDavis
Coursera’s online UCDavis SEO Specialization Course makes you an SEO expert with self-paced learning.
This five-part SEO course ends with a comprehensive SEO consulting task. You should expect to spend three months, ten hours/week, on this training.
I like the course’s progression from SEO beginner to learning the skills for client pitches.
Topics
- Introduction to Google SEO
- Google SEO fundamentals
- Website optimization
- Content and social tactics
- Capstone project.
SEO Certification Course – HubSpot Academy
The online HubSpot Academy SEO training course helps professionals learn SEO fundamentals and effective SEO strategy development.
HubSpot Academy provides business skills training and certifications. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to enhance their website’s visibility. Or for SEO professionals looking to update their skills.
The SEO certificate training has 6 lessons, 26 videos, and 5 quizzes. I appreciate an SEO course that goes from basics to analytics.
This self-paced learning will take you about three and a half hours to complete.
Topics
- Fundamental SEO concepts
- On-Page SEO
- Technical SEO
- Keyword research
- Link building
- Own website optimization
- SEO reporting.
Register for a free account on HubSpot Academy for this online SEO course.
SEO Certificate in a Nutshell
Online SEO courses can boost your career development in Digital Marketing. But remember, even the best SEO certifications are not enough. You have to show that you can apply what you have learned.
There are plenty of options to get an SEO certification, each with its target audience and price range. The cost of these SEO training courses varies from free to $1500. So research each good SEO course thoroughly and read reviews. Take your time to find the best fit for you.
Top SEO certifications are your virtual keys to online success!
