Global Foundation Certificate
Kick-start your career in advertising with this award-winning, internationally recognised qualification. Written for the industry, by the industry, it’s the definitive programme for newcomers who want to progress quickly – and a valuable refresher for professionals with a few years of experience.
With live webinars, online forums, expert videos and podcasts, this super-concentrated course gives you a complete overview of the advertising industry in just 30 hours of flexible online learning.
Book an individual course at discounted prices or save even more with a 3-course bundle.
Format: Virtual
Language: English
Exam/assessment: 2-hour online exam
(3 hrs in non-English speaking countries)
EACA member price: € 495 (+VAT if applicable)
Next intake: 23 February 2027 (book by 19 December 2026)
Is this qualification for me?
If you have less than a year’s experience in advertising, marketing or communications – or are transitioning into the industry from another field – this qualification is the perfect place to start.
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 17,000 people who have taken the qualification since 2003.
How is the learning delivered and assessed?
- 100% online, flexible learning.
- 30 hours of online learning accessible through the IPA website on any device, or via the IPA Learning app.
- You should allow for 2 months of study prior to sitting the exam.
Save more with bundles
Want to take your learning further? Combine the Global Foundation Certificate with two additional courses and save up to 25%:
Commercial & Strategic Foundations Bundle
€ 905 (non-member price: € 1,206)
Includes: Foundation Certificate, Effectiveness Essentials, Commercial Essentials
Develop a deep understanding of the commercial and strategic principles that drive agency and client success, combining essential learning in advertising, effectiveness, and business acumen. Read more.
Digital Foundations Bundle
€ 1,160 (non-member price: € 1,551)
Includes: Foundation Certificate, Effectiveness Essentials, Digital Performance Essentials
Build a strong foundation in modern marketing with essential knowledge in advertising, digital performance, and effectiveness. Read more.
Not sure? Hear from previous graduates
"It was very useful for me as someone with a different background who doesn't know about the history and reasoning behind advertising and marketing. This course gave me that, and also made me think about my own experience in my job and how it applies to the 'theory'. It expanded my expertise in advertising and gave me case study knowledge that I can share and use in future to justify any relevant decisions. It helped motivate me to read around my area more broadly which aligned to my career goals in my position. It is also a great industrial qualification that I can add to my portfolio."
Course participant, McCann