Certification is an additional level within the Convene for the Cities Directory that requires completing online training modules, serving as a Community Ambassador/Moderator for a year, creating and actively managing an "Engage Community," participating in quarterly best practices calls, and reading "The Business of Belonging." The benefits of certification include prioritized placement at the top of search results, a certified listing badge, multiple and customizable geo-locational service areas, and rotational ad placements within Convene for the Cities highlights, significantly increasing visibility.