Foundation Certificate

COVID-19 Free Learning Scheme

The IPA has decided to temporarily suspend fees for its entire suite of courses, qualifications and exams for IPA member agencies, their employees and IPA personal members until 2 October 2020. Please ensure you familiarise yourself with our COVID-19 Free Learning Scheme Terms and Conditions before making your booking. 

IPA members can access the learning for free without an exam booking by booking onto 'Free Learning for IPA Members'. However, in order to achieve this qualification, you must book onto and pass an exam.

This booking page is for candidates based outside of the UK. If you are based in the UK, please visit Foundation Certificate (UK).

Who is this qualification for?

Individuals based outside of the UK with less than a year's experience in an advertising, marketing or communications role.

From recent graduates in their first year to young professionals just starting out or people entering the industry from another profession. 

What are the benefits?

• Instead of taking years to gain an essential overview of all areas of advertising – this course will take you on a journey through the entire brand communication process in just 30 hours.
• Gain an appreciation of the creative process, from fostering creativity in your everyday environment to understanding the invaluable role of media.
• Discover the importance of effectiveness to the industry and the development of theories such as those from Les Binet and Peter Field.
• Build on your knowledge of the client and agency roles and the marketing tools available to today’s marketers and agencies while understanding how to perform your role with confidence and expertise
• Join the 12,000 people who have taken the qualification since 2003

How is the learning delivered and assessed?

• This qualification is delivered via 30 hours of online learning, delivered in 7 modules which can be accessed and downloaded when it suits you on any browser or device, or via the IPA Learning app.
• Gwyn March is the dedicated tutor for this qualification, available to answer candidate’s queries right up until their exam date.
• This qualification is assessed via a formal 2-hour online exam, 3-hours for non-native English speakers based in non-English speaking countries.
• Candidates will need to answer five short-form essay questions. The passing grade for the final exam is 50%. Candidates who pass will be awarded a digital certificate of completion and 2 MIPA stars towards personal accreditation.

Upcoming exam dates

• 29 June 2020
• 28 September 2020

Candidates can sit the 29 June and 28 September 2020 exams remotely. By proceeding with the online exam, candidates agree to sit the exam under an honest code of conduct as outlined by the IPA in the Examination Honour Code. Should candidates engage in any activity that could result in gaining an unfair advantage, before, during or after the exam you understand that you risk disqualification.

View the IPA Foundation Certificate (Global) Policies for further details.

Price 

Non-Members: £500 + VAT

For more information, or if you're unsure whether we are running an online exam in your country, email learning@ipa.co.uk - we’re here to help you as much as we can.

Please note: if you are taking one of our courses or qualifications through your employer or educational establishment, we may need to share your information - including your course or qualification results - with them. For further details about how we treat your personal data, please see our privacy policy.