Why AMI accreditation matters

Today, let’s take a deep dive into what AMI Accreditation means, and whether or not it’s important to consider this accreditation when you’re choosing the right marketing course for you.

What is the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI)?

Since 1933, the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) has been the leading professional representative body for marketing practitioners in Australia. As well as providing mentoring, short courses and support for new marketing professionals, AMI represents professional marketers across all disciplines and sectors, including public and private enterprise, education and not-for-profit. Among these other activities, they provide an important service by vetting and accrediting marketing courses across Australian universities. By doing so, they ensure that marketing courses are delivered to their high standards.

What does AMI Accreditation mean for a course?

AMI accreditation means two key things for anyone considering enrolling in an accredited course, whether it’s a diploma or bachelor's degree:

1. The course has been assessed by the AMI and has been found to fulfil their high standards for a marketing course.
2. As an accredited course, it will offer some real practical and employability benefits to students and graduates.

Let’s take a closer look at some of those concrete benefits.

How AMI Accreditation matters for marketing students and graduates

For marketing students, selecting a program rigorously vetted by Australia’s leading marketing industry body means that you can be confident you’re enrolling in a quality program that has been examined by an independent third party.

As an industry body, AMI has a sound knowledge of the latest market trends and the needs of industry and practitioners, and they provide accreditation only if a course is found to be delivering this essential, industry-ready training.

Aside from the value of an independent assessment, AMI-accredited courses offer a range of different benefits for students and graduates.

As a student of an AMI Accredited course, you gain:

• Complimentary AMI student membership throughout your studies in your AMI Accredited program.
• Subscription to the AMI’s monthly online newsletter showcasing news, opportunities and industry articles.
• Complimentary access to the AMI Content Library & AMI monthly webinars.
• Member rates and discounts for exclusive events and content.
• Access to career opportunities at the Marketing Jobs Hub.
• Up to 30% discount on all AMI classroom training and networking or education events.
• Digital Badge certifying Student Membership, for your resume, website or portfolio.
• Students in credited courses will be given the opportunity to volunteer their services to assist with and attend AMI events such as national and state conferences.
• The opportunity to join AMI as an Emerging Marketer and accelerated progress towards full membership on graduation. 

For graduates of an AMI Accredited course:

All courses that are AMI accredited offer credit points towards becoming a Certified Practising Marketer (CPM). This allows graduates to fast-track their CPM status or allows professionals to maintain their existing CPM in a shorter duration of time.

• Bachelor degree = 1 year credit
• Graduate certificate = 6 months credit
• Graduate diploma = 1 year credit

For graduates under 30, you receive a large discount on the Career Starter AMI membership.

What is a Certified Practising Marketer (CPM)?

The Certified Practising Marketer (CPM) designation stands as the highest professional benchmark tailored for Marketers in the Asia-Pacific Region.

This designation formally acknowledges the fusion of formal education and the successful practical application of marketing knowledge and skills. It’s a clear way to signal to prospective employers or clients that you’ve got the best possible training and skills to deliver the highest quality results.

Although you don’t need this status to work as a marketer, it’s a well-respected title across the industry and will help you stand out. Having CPM status can be particularly useful for graduates or those starting in the profession as a way to add essential credibility to your professional reputation.

AMI Accreditation: Yes or no?

Overall, it makes sense to choose an AMI Accredited course over one that isn’t. AMI Accreditation and CPM status are not compulsory forms of accreditation, in the sense that it’s not a license that you are required by law to have to work in marketing.

However, studying a course that’s AMI Accredited, and working towards CPM status will give you a competitive edge over students and graduates of non-accredited courses. As well as knowing the course you’re enrolling in is assessed to be high quality, you’ll also have access to the perks listed above. Plus, you’ll gain additional support and access to networks and opportunities from AMI at a crucial point in your career as you emerge into the industry.

So, as a final assessment: if you’re going to study marketing, give yourself an additional advantage and choose an AMI Accredited course, over a non-accredited course. It’s no additional work or cost, because it’s attached to the existing degree, and it will ensure your degree is of the best possible quality.

How do you know if a course has AMI Accreditation?

Check the course description on the website of your university. If a course is AMI Accredited, it will be listed on the marketing course information page. Torrens University’s Diploma of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Business (Marketing) courses are both accredited by the Australian Marketing Institute, assuring you of quality education aligned with ever-evolving industry standards. If you have any questions or require further information, contact us today.