CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing

Course overview

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications have been developed to support individuals in marketing roles. The Level 4 Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing (SCQF Level 7), offered by the college, is designed for marketers seeking to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and advance in their marketing careers.

Completing the Level 4 Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing (SCQF Level 7) will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to support decision-making within the workplace. This qualification builds on your tactical marketing skills, enabling you to perform professionally at an operational level within your marketing department. With digital transformation and innovation reshaping the marketing landscape, it's time to invest in yourself and your career.

Whether you are looking to enter the marketing world, change jobs, or get promoted at your current organisation, a CIM qualification will help your CV to stand out. Hays marketing leader report 2019 states that "35% of market leaders have a CIM qualification", and according to a recent CIM alumni survey, 60% of CIM graduates are more respected at work or given more responsibility.

Investing in the skills you need will demonstrate to employers that you're a forward-thinking, motivated marketer who's up to date with the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field. For more information on the benefits of CIM qualifications, visit the CIM website. 

You will pay course fees to Edinburgh College and pay your registration and exam fees to CIM. You may be eligible for assistance with funding through the SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant, depending on your circumstances.

The course fee is £1390.

CIM exam fees and registration fees are paid by you directly to CIM. For up-to-date information on costs, please visit the CIM website.

We're pleased to offer the flexibility of online classes, allowing you to study from the comfort of your home or a preferred location through Microsoft Teams. The course is delivered every week through live-taught virtual classes, providing ample opportunities to discuss marketing materials and network with professional marketing colleagues. Your learning in the virtual classroom is supported with resources and activities on our Virtual Learning Platform (VLE), Moodle, which can be accessed at any time.   

If you would like to know more about CIM qualifications at the college or discuss bespoke training options, don't hesitate to get in touch with our lead CIM tutor, Joanne Mitchell, via email: joanne.mitchell@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

• Marketing Impact
• Planning Integrated Campaigns
• Content Marketing
• Social Media Marketing

How the course is assessed

The course is assessed via a mixture of exams and assignments. The assignments are based on a given theme and an organisation of your choice, allowing you to link the theory learned in class with practical activities in your workplace.  

• Exam (multiple-choice questions)
• Portfolio/Assignment

Number of days per week

• One evening per week online, Monday 5.00 PM to 7.30 PM
• Classes are delivered virtually on Microsoft Teams, with learning materials accessed through Moodle (our VLE).
• The next course begins on Monday, 14 September 2026.

Entry requirements

• You are currently working in a marketing role
• You have one of the following qualifications
  • IM Introductory Certificate in Marketing (Level Two or Three)
  • An NVQ or SVQ Level 3 (equivalent to NGF Level 3)
  • An NVQ or SVQ Level 4 in any other subject (UK equivalent to NGF Level 4 and above)
  • International Baccalaureate (equivalent to NQF Level 3 and above) or a pass of the entry test onto Level 4. If English is not your first language, you`ll also need to provide evidence of at least IELTS 6.5 or Trinity ISE III or Trinity ISE IV

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• Once you have applied for the course, you will be asked to complete an online diagnostic test. The diagnostic test will recommend the appropriate level of study with CIM.  If you successfully achieve the required level in the diagnostic test to study a level 4 CIM qualification (SCQF level 7), you will be asked to attend an online interview. 
• This interview process is designed to ensure that you have selected the correct course to meet your needs and career aspirations.  

English Proficiency Requirements

Career options

• A variety of marketing roles