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CIM Foundation Certificate in Professional & Digital Marketing

  • Level: 3
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Study options: Online learning, Evening classes
  • Locations: Virtual classes

For the CIM Foundation Certificate, there is 1 mandatory module and a choice of 1 of 2 elective modules.

If you have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, you may be exempt from modules and therefore able to complete the CIM Level 3 Foundation Certificate in less time. You can find more information about exemptions here.

You can find the full specification here.

Online learning

Finance option available
Start any time and set your own pace! £550 +VAT ENROL

Evening classes

Finance option available
02 February 2026 Virtual classes (Virtual) £825 +VAT ENROL

Fees and payment

You can pay the course fees by debit/credit card or by selecting 'Invoice my company' at the checkout.

The total course fee payable to Cambridge Marketing College does not include the additional CIM membership and assessment fees that need to be separately paid to complete the qualification — Please refer to the cost breakdown below.

  • Study method Online learning
  • Course fee £550 £550
  • VAT £110 £0
  • Total payable to the College £660 £550
  • CIM membership £65/year £65/year
  • CIM assessments £250 £250 *
* International learners might be eligible for a reduced rate of £220
  • Study method Virtual classes
  • Course fee £825 £825
  • VAT £165 £0
  • Total payable to the College £990 £825
  • CIM membership £65/year £65/year
  • CIM assessments £250 £250

Spread the cost of your course

Available for UK bank accounts only.

Take advantage and make an initial payment of £225 by credit/debit card, then spread the remaining amount over 4 equal monthly instalments as follows:

  • Online learning £115/month
  • Evening classes £197.50/month
** A £25 administration fee will be added at checkout.

Entry criteria and support

  • GCSEs (or equivalent)
  • If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency (IELTS Academic Module overall score of 6.5 or equivalent)

You don’t need any marketing experience to complete a CIM Level 3 qualification. 

We recommend a minimum period of 4 months to complete the Foundation Certificate. To allow you to fit studying around other commitments, we offer support for 24 months for CIM qualifications and 6 months for CIM Modular Awards.

Our students get a range of support, you can find more information about support here.

Course modules

Study hours:
120

Marketing Essentials Module: 

  • Understand the role and function of marketing within organisations and the factors that influence consumer and business buying behaviour.
  • Identify key components of the marketing environment and how to collect and use relevant information about it. 
  • Understand the elements of the marketing mix and how to apply them.

 

Cambridge Marketing College has a 100% pass rate on the Marketing Essentials module (May 2025)

  •   Assessed by a multiple choice on-screen exam which lasts 90 minutes. This exam has 50 questions in total. 

Study hours:
120

Content and Channels Module:

  • Understand how communications channels are used in marketing
  • Determine the best type of content to use in marketing communications
  • Understand how to choose the most suitable channel(s) and content for a communications campaign

Cambridge Marketing College has a 100% pass rate on the Content and Channels module (May 2025)

  •   Assessed by a multiple choice on-screen exam which lasts 90 minutes. This exam has 50 questions in total. 

Study hours:
120

Marketing Insights Module:

  • Explain key market research methods and insights.
  • Understand the key factors that influence consumer/customer behaviour
  • Understand the customer journey and how it impacts relationships
  • Understand how to conduct a marketing audit to inform decision-making

Cambridge Marketing College has a 100% pass rate on the Marketing Insights module (May 2025)

  •   Assessed by a multiple choice on-screen exam which lasts 90 minutes. This exam has 50 questions in total. 
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