SEMPO (Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization, http://www.sempo.org/, today announced its online distance learning division, SEMPO Institute, will begin providing formal certification of training to search engine marketing (SEM) agencies, effective May 1, 2008.

Agencies can qualify for the formal certification after 20 percent of their search marketing staff completes at least one course in SEMPO Institute training, www.sempoinstitute.com. Online courses available are Insider’s Guide to Search Engine Marketing, Advanced SEO and Advanced Search Advertising. Agency employees must take at least one of the courses and pass at a score of 75% or higher in order for the agency to qualify for certification, explains Katie Donovan, SEMPO Institute Business Development Manager.

Benefits

SEMPO Institute is offering a Gold Seal level certification for agencies in which 20% to 49% of their search marketing employees graduate from a course. There is also a Platinum Seal level for 50% or more employee participation and certification. Each agency application costs $250 and is valid for one year, after which agencies can re-apply. If there is turnover or attrition, agencies will participate in required additional training to maintain the minimum 20% employee participation requirement. The application cost is waived once a year for SEMPO Circle members.

Labels: sempo, SEO