The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) has announced the launch of the first phase of its Mobile Marketer Certification Programme in the UK. The MMA says the programme, which was launched in N. America in 2010 and will be rolled out worldwide this year, represents the only globally recognized qualification in mobile marketing.

The three-tiered programme is designed to provide marketers with the fundamental skills and knowledge that are critical for success in mobile marketing, and create a seal of approval that brands, agencies and other organisations can use to identify the individuals and companies best qualified to create and execute mobile marketing campaigns. Open to individuals and organisations of all skill levels, the programme offers an opportunity to master a broad range of knowledge and skill sets.

The three tiers of the Mobile Marketer Certification Programme consist of progressive levels of knowledge and experience required on topics such as compliance with industry regulations; campaign types and elements; consumer best practices; privacy protection;and campaign budgeting. Tier one focuses on the language of mobile marketing to verify a thorough understanding of the marketplace, and is based on self-study of course materials, available through an online resource centre. Assessment for tier one is via an online multiple-choice exam.

All aspects of the programme emphasise the MMA’s best practices and guidelines to ensure that professionals who successfully earn the certification are well versed in these critical areas of mobile marketing knowledge. The MMA says that MMA-certified marketers will have a firmer grasp of the mobile ecosystem, as well as the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure that, in every mobile marketing campaign, consumer preferences and privacy are respected.

“As mobile marketing and advertising gains traction globally, it is imperative to equip marketers with the skills required to compete on a global level,” says Paul Berney, MMA CMO and MD for the EMEA region. “With the technology evolving rapidly, it is also essential to keep abreast of all the changes in the industry, bearing in mind the personal nature of the mobile device for the consumer. We have been really pleased with the Mobile Marketer Certification Programme in the N. American and Asia Pacific regions, and are looking forward to seeing our first MMA-certified mobile marketers in the UK.”

Marketers who successfully complete all coursework and exams will receive:

• Access to the latest industry information in the MMA Resource Centre
• Documents confirming their MMA certification
• A seal of approval – also recognized by other industry organization partners – that will identify the individual or organization as a Certified Mobile Marketer
• A listing in the online Certification Directory, a directory of all MMA-certified professionals

Educational resources will also be made available to those enrolled in the programme to inform and help guide the participants towards successful completion of the Mobile Marketer Certification Programme and become MMA Certified Mobile Marketing Professionals.

Tier one is available to MMA members for $349 (£213) and to non-members for $399. There’s more information here.