Meta Digital Marketing Associate Exam Guide
Meta’s entry-level ad certification. What the 100-101 exam costs, how long it is, how it’s proctored, how to prepare for free and when it expires.
The Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate is Meta’s beginner-level certification for advertising on its platforms. Unlike Google’s free Google Ads certifications, this one has an exam fee and a proctor. Here is what Meta’s own pages say about it.
Who it’s for
Meta’s exam page says: “This exam is for entry-level marketers, including students, job seekers and people changing careers.” On its certification page, Meta lists it as Beginner level, with the exam code 100-101.
You don’t need another certification first. Meta’s FAQ says “there are no prerequisites to take an exam.”
When we checked on October 28, 2026, Meta still listed the exam, with no notice that it is being retired or changed.
Questions, time and score
“The exam has 60 questions and is 90 minutes long,” according to the exam page. “The passing score is 700 out of 1,000.” Meta’s scoring FAQ says scores are scaled and reported on a range from 300 to 1,000.
The exam covers five areas. Here is how Meta weights them:
| Topic | Share of the exam |
|---|---|
| The value of Meta technologies | 8% |
| Establish a business presence | 15% |
| Advertising fundamentals | 23% |
| Create and manage ads | 44% |
| Reporting | 10% |
Almost half the exam is about building and running ads in Meta’s tools.
The exam is offered in Traditional Chinese, English, French, German, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian) and Spanish (LATAM), per the exam page.
What it costs
Meta doesn’t publish one fixed price for this exam. Its cost FAQ says: “The cost of Meta Certification exams ranges between the equivalent of $99 and $150 US dollars (USD).” It adds: “The actual cost may differ by country” and “You’ll see the cost displayed during the checkout process.”
Retakes are not free. Meta’s retake FAQ says: “If you fail the exam, you’ll be eligible to retake it after five days.” And: “While there’s no limit to the number of times an exam can be taken, you’ll be charged the full fee each time.”
If you want your company to cover the fee, see How to ask your employer to pay for a course.
How you take it
Meta’s FAQ on exam locations gives two main options: “You can take your proctored exams online on your computer in your home or office,” or “in a Pearson VUE test center.” A third option, a virtual testing event with a private access code, is by invitation only.
Before exam day:
- “You have to schedule your exam at least one day before you plan to take it.”
- “Please arrive at the test center or sign into an exam 30 minutes before the start time,” says Meta’s exam duration FAQ.
- Meta’s FAQ hub has answers on device requirements, the secure browser for online exams and accepted photo IDs. Read them before you book.
How to prepare for free
The exam page says: “You have access to free study materials.” It points to four:
- An online course. The 100-101 learning path on Meta Blueprint has six sections and 18 video lessons. Topics run from Meta Business Suite and Ads Manager to the Meta Pixel and the Conversions API.
- A practice test. “Use this 30-question exam to check if you’re ready for certification or find gaps in your current knowledge.”
- A study guide. Meta says it helps you “structure your own Meta Blueprint study plan.”
- Live webinars. “Attend live webinar events for the Digital Marketing Associate certification.”
Since 44% of the exam is about creating and managing ads, time spent in Ads Manager itself will help.
How long it lasts
“Your certification is valid for 24 months from the day earned,” says the exam page. “To renew your certification you will need to retake the Digital Marketing Associate Exam.”
Meta’s recertification FAQ says you “become eligible for recertification six months before your certification expiration date.”
After you pass, Meta offers a next step: “you can earn a Meta Certified Media Measurement Specialist badge.”
What it shows and what it doesn’t
- It shows you know Meta’s ad tools. In Meta’s words, “Digital Marketing Associates understand the value that advertising on Meta technologies can deliver for businesses.”
- It covers Meta only. The exam tests Meta’s platforms and tools. It doesn’t cover search ads, email or SEO.
- Meta issues it, not a school. It is a company’s credential, not a college degree or a license. Read Certificate vs. certification to see how the two differ.
- It expires. After 24 months, you retake the exam to keep it.
For search ads, Google offers free exams of its own. See Google Ads certifications, explained.
The short version
| Item | What Meta says |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100-101, Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate |
| Price | Meta exams cost the equivalent of $99 to $150; exact price at checkout |
| Format | 60 questions, 90 minutes, proctored online or at Pearson VUE |
| Passing score | 700 out of 1,000 |
| Retake | After five days, full fee each time |
| Prep | Free course, 30-question practice test, study guide, webinars |
| Valid for | 24 months; renew by retaking the exam |
