Commercial Essentials Certificate syllabus

This seven module, eight-hour online qualification will help you gain the skills you need to move up the career ladder with confidence, able to make key financial decisions within all departments of the agency.

Module 1 – Understanding agency finances

This module looks at the people, process and tools involved in the commercial management of an agency. You will learn financial terminology and understand the importance of finance for a media agency.

Module 2 - The key numbers for agencies

Explores Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that agencies use, and how a range of KPIs are used to measure individuals and agency’s business performance.

Module 3 - Fees: How agencies are paid

Looks at the different fee models used by media agencies, how and why agency fee structures have changed over time.

Module 4 - Finance and production

This module teaches how to effectively manage the complex and costly process of production to produce quality assets while avoiding exposing the client or agency to financial risk. We give an insight into how good commercial management of production is important for building strong relationships with clients. 

Module 5 - Finance and media agencies

We look at how the media buying process can fundamentally impact the commercial success of an agency, as well as client and supplier relationships.

Module 6 – Scope of work

This module introduces the Scope of Work document and explains both its financial importance, and why it is such a critical process to manage. There is also a downloadable SOW template, one of the most important tools to ensure your projects deliver on time and budget. 

Module 7 – Understanding client finances

This module provides an overview of how client businesses operate, which helps us to understand client perspectives and their priorities when they are working with agencies.

Last updated 05 August 2024