Top 11 Account Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for an account coordinator in the job market because they serve as evidence that the individual possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively in their role. They demonstrate to employers that the candidate has a comprehensive understanding of their field, is organized and detail-oriented, and is capable of working with clients or customers. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement, as many organizations may prefer to hire individuals who have been formally certified in their chosen profession. Having certifications can also increase an individual’s salary potential, as those with certifications often command higher salaries than those without them.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Account Coordinators and explains how they can enhance an account coordinator's career.

What are Account Coordinator Certifications?

Account Coordinator Certification is a program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in account coordination roles. The certification provides an understanding of the fundamentals of account coordination, as well as best practices and strategies for managing accounts, developing relationships with clients, and communicating effectively. It also helps individuals learn how to use various tools, such as project management software and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, to their advantage.

Account Coordinators are responsible for liaising between clients and agencies or companies to ensure that projects run smoothly and meet all expectations. This role requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. With Account Coordinator Certification, individuals can develop these skills while gaining a better understanding of the account coordination process. They will also gain insight into the different aspects of account coordination that they may not have previously considered or known about.

By obtaining Account Coordinator Certification, individuals can demonstrate their competency in this field to potential employers or clients. This certification provides credibility to those looking for work in this field and can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or submitting proposals. Additionally, earning this certification can open doors to new opportunities within the industry, whether it’s taking on more responsibility or working with larger clients and organizations.

Pro Tip: When considering account coordinator certification, look for a program that offers comprehensive training in areas such as customer service, marketing, sales, and communication. This will ensure that you have the skills necessary to excel in your role and provide the best possible service to your clients.

Related: What does an Account Coordinator do?

Top 11 Account Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Account Coordinators today.

1. Certified Account Coordinator (CAC)

Certified Account Coordinator (CAC) is a professional certification program designed to provide an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective account coordinator in the advertising and marketing industry. The CAC program is administered by the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

The CAC certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as media planning, budgeting, client relations, research, and creative development. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. The cost of the exam is $295 for AAF members or $395 for non-members.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in an account coordination role, or one year of experience if they hold a bachelor’s degree in advertising or marketing. They must also complete at least 24 hours of approved continuing education courses related to account coordination within the past three years prior to taking the exam.

Once all requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam online through the AAF website. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their Certified Account Coordinator certificate and will be listed on the AAF website as a Certified Account Coordinator.

2. Certified Professional Account Coordinator (CPAC)

Certified Professional Account Coordinator (CPAC) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Account Coordinators (ICPAC). The CPAC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of accounting and financial management skills. It is intended to provide employers with assurance that their accounting personnel possess the knowledge and abilities necessary to effectively manage their organization’s finances.

The CPAC program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an onsite proctored exam. The self-study course consists of seven modules covering topics such as financial statements, budgeting, cost accounting, auditing, taxation, financial planning, and management information systems. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering all the topics in the course.

It typically takes about three months to complete the self-study course and pass the exam. To get certified, you must first register for the program through ICPAC's website. After registering, you will be provided with access to the online course materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your studies and passed the exam, you will receive your CPAC certificate from ICPAC.

The cost for obtaining your CPAC certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ICPAC. Non-members pay $499 for registration plus $299 for each module they take; members pay $399 for registration plus $199 per module taken.

3. Certified Financial Account Coordinator (CFAC)

Certified Financial Account Coordinator (CFAC) is a professional certification program designed to provide financial account coordinators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage financial accounts. The program is offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The CFAC program consists of four courses: Introduction to Financial Accounting, Managing Accounts Receivable, Managing Accounts Payable, and Advanced Financial Accounting. Each course requires a minimum of 60 hours of study and must be completed within a two-year period. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates are eligible to take the CFAC exam.

To obtain the CFAC certification, candidates must pass the CFAC exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam fee is $375 for members of AICPA and $450 for non-members. After passing the exam, candidates must submit an application for certification along with proof of their education and experience in financial accounting. Once approved, candidates will receive their official certificate from AICPA.

The cost for obtaining the CFAC certification varies depending on whether you are an AICPA member or not. For members, it typically costs around $1,000-$1,500 including course fees and exam fees. For non-members, it can cost up to $2,000-$2,500 including course fees and exam fees.

4. Certified International Account Coordinator (CIAC)

Certified International Account Coordinator (CIAC) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Certified International Account Coordinators (ICIAC). It is designed to give individuals the skills necessary to become successful international account coordinators. The CIAC certification program provides training in international business, finance, and accounting, as well as the ability to effectively manage accounts in different countries.

The CIAC certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to International Business, International Business Law, International Accounting & Finance, and International Account Management. Each course must be completed within a specific timeframe and with a passing grade for students to receive their certification.

In order to obtain the CIAC certification, individuals must complete an application form and pay a fee of $795 USD. Once the application has been approved, they will be sent an email with instructions on how to access their online course materials and begin studying for their exams.

The CIAC certification can typically be completed within three months if all course requirements are met. However, it may take longer depending on an individual’s availability and dedication to completing the program.

5. Certified Tax Account Coordinator (CTAC)

Certified Tax Account Coordinator (CTAC) is a professional designation for individuals who have completed a specialized course of study in taxation and are knowledgeable in the various aspects of taxation. This certification is awarded by the National Association of Certified Tax Accountants (NACTA).

The CTAC program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as tax law, accounting principles, tax planning, and filing procedures. The exam tests knowledge on these topics as well as general accounting practices. To obtain the CTAC designation, an individual must pass both the self-study course and the exam with a score of at least 70%.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete the CTAC program depending on how quickly one can work through the materials. Those interested in obtaining the CTAC designation should contact NACTA for more information about registration and fees. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 to register for the program and take the exam.

6. Certified Internal Account Coordinator (CIACC)

Certified Internal Account Coordinator (CIACC) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage internal accounts. It is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing internal accounts, such as those in customer service, sales, accounting and finance. The certification is offered by the Association of Certified Internal Account Coordinators (ACIACC).

The CIACC certification program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an examination. The self-study course covers topics such as account management, customer service, financial analysis, and risk management. The examination tests the candidate’s knowledge of these topics.

The CIACC certification requires approximately 40 hours of study time and can be completed in 1-2 months depending on the individual’s schedule. To obtain the certification, candidates must submit an application form to ACIACC along with payment of a nonrefundable fee. The fee varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their certificate in 4-6 weeks.

7. Certified Corporate Account Coordinator (CCAC)

A Certified Corporate Account Coordinator (CCAC) is a professional certification program for individuals who are responsible for managing corporate accounts. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage corporate accounts, including understanding how to develop, implement, and maintain an effective corporate account management system.

The CCAC certification program consists of two parts: a self-study component and an online exam. The self-study component includes reading material and videos that cover topics such as customer relationship management, financial analysis, sales strategies, and marketing techniques. The online exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of the topics covered in the self-study component.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the self-study component and pass the online exam. To get certified as a CCAC, applicants must first register with the National Association of Corporate Account Coordinators (NACC). After registering with NACC, applicants will be able to access their study materials and take the online exam when they are ready.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCAC varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 USD while the premium package costs $399 USD. Both packages include access to all study materials and practice exams as well as one attempt at taking the official CCAC exam.

8. Certified Business Account Coordinator (CBAC)

Certified Business Account Coordinator (CBAC) is a professional certification program designed to provide business professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage business accounts. This certification is offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The CBAC program consists of four courses that cover topics such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business management. The courses are self-paced and typically take between 12-18 months to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get started on the CBAC program, individuals must first register for the AICPA's online portal. Once registered, they will be able to access the course material and begin studying for their exams. The cost of the program varies depending on how many courses are taken at once; however, it typically costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD.

In addition to completing all four courses and passing the exam, individuals must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to become certified. These include having a minimum of two years of experience working in an accounting or finance role and being a member in good standing with the AICPA.

Once certified, individuals will have access to exclusive resources such as job postings, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs that can help them advance their career in business account coordination.

9. Certified Public Accounting Coordinators (CPACC)

Certified Public Accounting Coordinators (CPACC) are professionals who specialize in accounting and finance. They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to help businesses better manage their finances. CPACCs provide financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and other services related to accounting and finance.

To become a CPACC, one must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. After completing a bachelor’s degree program, individuals must pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in order to become certified. The CPA exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Once the CPA exam is passed, individuals can then apply for certification as a Certified Public Accounting Coordinator (CPACC).

The process of becoming a CPACC typically takes about two years. During this time, individuals must complete additional coursework in accounting and finance as well as fulfill continuing education requirements set forth by the AICPA. In addition to completing coursework and passing the CPA exam, applicants must also pass an ethics examination administered by the AICPA before they can be certified as a CPACC.

The cost of becoming a CPACC varies depending on which courses you take and how much studying you do on your own. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,500-$2,000 for tuition fees alone; however this does not include any costs associated with taking the CPA exam or completing continuing education requirements.

10. Certified Management Accounting Coordinators (CMACC)

Certified Management Accounting Coordinators (CMACC) are professionals who have been certified by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). CMACCs are responsible for providing financial and operational analysis, developing and implementing strategies for cost control and budgeting, and managing accounting systems.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. To become a CMACC, you must first be an IMA member in good standing. You must then pass the Certified Management Accountant Exam (CMA), which consists of two parts: Part 1 covers topics such as financial reporting, planning, budgeting, decision-making, performance measurement, and professional ethics; Part 2 focuses on cost management, internal controls, risk management, investments and portfolio theory.

After passing the exam, you must complete a minimum of three years of professional experience in management accounting or related fields. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for certification from the IMA.

The cost to become a CMACC varies depending on your membership status with IMA. For non-members it is $395 USD for both parts of the exam; for members it is $295 USD for both parts. Additionally there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as test center fees or online proctoring fees.

11. Certified Risk Management Accounting Coordinators (CRMACC).

Certified Risk Management Accounting Coordinators (CRMACC) is a certification program designed to help accounting professionals better understand and manage risk in their organizations. The CRMACC program is administered by the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP).

The program consists of three levels: Certified Risk Management Accounting Coordinator (CRMACC), Certified Risk Management Accounting Manager (CRMAM), and Certified Risk Management Accounting Executive (CRMAE). Each level requires a different level of knowledge, experience, and commitment.

To become certified as a CRMACC, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least two years of experience in accounting or finance;
• Pass an exam that covers topics such as financial statement analysis, internal control systems, risk management principles, and regulatory compliance;
• Complete at least 24 hours of continuing professional education courses related to risk management;
• Submit proof of professional liability insurance coverage.

The exam for the CRMACC certification takes approximately four hours to complete. It costs $395 USD to take the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate within 4-6 weeks.

Do You Really Need a Account Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need an account coordinator certificate to be successful in the field. While having formal education and certifications can help you stand out from the competition and give you a competitive edge, gaining experience and developing your skillset is often more important. Employers are looking for people who have a thorough understanding of the job and can demonstrate their knowledge in practice.

Having said that, there are some advantages to having an account coordinator certificate. A certificate program can provide a comprehensive overview of the industry, give you an understanding of key concepts, and help refine your skills in areas such as customer service, problem solving, negotiation and communication. It may also give you access to networking opportunities or other resources that could prove useful in your career.

Ultimately though, the decision whether or not to get an account coordinator certificate should be based on your individual needs and goals. If you feel it would benefit your career path then it’s worth considering, but if you already have enough knowledge and experience then it may not be necessary.

Related: Account Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Account Coordinator Certifications

1. What is an Account Coordinator Certification?

Answer: An Account Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a level of expertise in coordinating accounts, managing customer relationships, and providing services to clients.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Account Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an Account Coordinator Certification can help you stand out in the field, increase your earning potential, and provide you with the necessary skills to excel in your role.

3. How do I become certified as an Account Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified as an Account Coordinator, you must meet the requirements set by the certifying body such as passing a certification exam or completing a certain number of hours of training.

4. Is there a cost associated with becoming certified as an Account Coordinator?

Answer: Yes, there may be a cost associated with becoming certified as an Account Coordinator. This could include fees for taking the certification exam or for registering for training courses related to account coordination.

5. What types of jobs are available for those who have obtained an Account Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Those who have obtained an Account Coordinator Certification can find employment in various industries such as finance, marketing, and customer service. These professionals may work within departments such as sales and customer service or they may work independently within their own company or agency.