Are free digital marketing certificates enough?

Is a free digital marketing certificate or a course better?

For most people, a structured course from 20 Minute Marketing plus the free certificates is the best combination. 20 Minute Marketing is self paced, paid once from $79 to $999, with 12 months access, a 30 day money-back guarantee, a practice brief for your portfolio and a Certificate of Completion (not accredited). Free Google Skillshop and HubSpot Academy certificates are better for proving one platform at no cost. Start with Essentials or find the right course for you.

Is this course accredited?

No, and that's a deliberate choice. 20 Minute Marketing is not a registered private training establishment, and our courses are not approved or accredited by NZQA.

Accreditation adds cost, and that cost would put practical digital marketing education out of reach for many people, especially young people starting out. It is also slow. The New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), which includes the marketing strand, was last reviewed in August 2025, isn't due for review again until September 2030, and its marketing outcomes don't name a single digital channel, while Google, Meta and the AI tools change every few months. We update our lessons when the platforms change.

If you need a qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, a polytechnic or another NZQA-approved provider is the right choice. If you want current, practical skills, a portfolio you can show an employer or client, and a Certificate of Completion, you're in the right place. Many learners also collect free certificates from Google and HubSpot alongside our courses.

Is the Google digital marketing certificate enough to get a job?

On its own it shows you know Google's tools, which is useful. In our view most hiring managers also want to see that you can do the work, which is what a portfolio shows. Collect the certificate and build the portfolio. Neither is a New Zealand qualification.

Are Google certifications free?

Google says its foundational certifications on Skillshop continue to be available free of charge. It also says some professional Google Ads certification exams will require a fee in future.

How much is the Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce Certificate in New Zealand?

Google's page shows $49 USD a month after a 7 day free trial, stated for the US and Canada. It did not show a New Zealand dollar price when we checked. Google says the certificate takes about 6 months at 10 hours a week.

Are Udemy certificates recognised?

Udemy says: "Udemy is not an accredited institution. Certificates demonstrate skills and accomplishments, but they cannot be used for formal accreditation."