Top 10 Account Executive Certifications

Certifications are important for an account executive in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge. They also show potential employers that the account executive has taken the time to invest in their professional development and acquire the necessary skills to be successful in the role. Certifications can also help account executives stand out from other candidates who may not have taken the same initiative to obtain certifications. Having a certification can make an account executive more attractive to potential employers, as it shows dedication and commitment to their profession.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available for Account Executives and explain how they can enhance their professional development and career prospects.

What are Account Executive Certifications?

Account executive certification is a type of professional credential that is designed to help ensure the competency and proficiency of account executives. Account executives are responsible for managing customer accounts, developing relationships with clients, and creating marketing strategies. To become certified, account executives must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as sales and marketing, negotiation, customer service, financial analysis, and project management.

Having an account executive certification can be beneficial in many ways. It can give employers confidence that an individual has the necessary qualifications to do the job effectively. It also demonstrates an individual's commitment to their career and their dedication to professional development. Additionally, it can lead to improved job security as certified account executives tend to be seen as more reliable than non-certified individuals. Finally, it can open up opportunities for promotions or new positions within a company or industry.

Pro Tip: To become an account executive, it is important to pursue certification from a professional organization. This will demonstrate your commitment to the industry and provide you with a recognizable credential that can open up career opportunities. Additionally, obtaining certification can help you stay current on industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does an Account Executive do?

Top 10 Account Executive Certifications

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

1. Certified Account Executive (CAE)

Certified Account Executive (CAE) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). The CAE designation is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be successful in the field of account executive.

The CAE program consists of an online course that covers topics such as financial management, marketing and sales, customer service, and business ethics. It also includes a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of account executive work. The exam must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive the certification.

The cost for the CAE program is $1,495. This includes access to the course materials and exam fees. The program typically takes about three months to complete depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week.

In order to get your CAE certification, you must first register for the ICPM's CAE program and pay the fee. Once registered, you will receive access to all of the course materials necessary for completing the program. You will then need to study and prepare for the exam which can take up to three months depending on your level of dedication and study time available each week. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your official certificate from ICPM confirming your Certified Account Executive status.

2. Certified Professional Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the education, experience, and examination requirements of their respective state board of accountancy. CPAs are responsible for providing financial services such as auditing, taxation, accounting, and consulting.

In order to become a CPA, an individual must meet certain educational requirements. This includes having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field from an accredited college or university. Additionally, CPAs must also complete 150 semester hours of college credit in order to qualify for the CPA exam.

The CPA exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environment & Concepts. Each section is four hours long and tests the candidate’s knowledge on various topics related to accounting principles and practices. The cost of taking the CPA exam varies by state but typically ranges from $150-$300 per section or $600-$1,200 total.

Once an individual has passed all four sections of the CPA exam they must then apply for licensure with their respective state board of accountancy. The application process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the state and usually requires additional documents such as proof of education and work experience in addition to passing scores on the CPA exam. The cost for applying for licensure varies by state but typically ranges from $100-$300.

Once an individual has been approved by their respective state board of accountancy they will then be awarded their CPA license which allows them to practice as a certified public accountant in that particular state.

3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed for professionals in the management accounting and financial management fields. The CMA credential demonstrates expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

To get the CMA credential, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You must also pass two exams: Part 1 – Financial Reporting, Planning, Performance and Control; and Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management.

It typically takes about one year to complete all the requirements for the CMA designation. The total cost for obtaining the CMA credential depends on various factors such as exam fees, study materials costs, and IMA membership fees. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

4. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in management accounting, financial management, and business strategy.

The CGMA designation requires applicants to pass an exam and meet specific educational and work experience requirements. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and an online simulation. The written component covers topics such as strategic planning, performance measurement, cost management, risk management, and decision-making. The online simulation tests the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world business environment.

In order to be eligible for the CGMA designation, applicants must have at least five years of relevant work experience in addition to meeting certain educational requirements. Applicants must also pass the CGMA exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CGMA exam varies depending on the country where you are taking it; however, it typically ranges from $400-$700 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as course materials or study guides.

Overall, it typically takes between six months to one year to obtain the CGMA designation depending on how quickly you can complete all of the necessary requirements and pass the exam.

5. Certified Public Accounting (CPA)

Certified Public Accounting (CPA) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have passed the Uniform CPA Examination, completed a certain number of college credits in accounting and business-related courses, and met other state-specific requirements. It is the highest standard of competence in the field of accounting and is recognized internationally.

To become a CPA, candidates must meet education requirements, which vary by state. Generally, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college coursework with at least 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business-related subjects such as economics or finance. Candidates must also pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which consists of four parts: Auditing & Attestation; Business Environment & Concepts; Financial Accounting & Reporting; and Regulation.

The cost to become a CPA varies by state but typically includes application fees, exam fees, and continuing education costs. The total cost can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the state you are applying in.

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA depends on how quickly you can complete your educational requirements and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. Generally speaking, it takes about two years to complete all requirements for licensure if you are already enrolled in an accredited program. If you are not enrolled in an accredited program, it may take longer depending on how quickly you can complete your coursework and pass the exam.

6. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities of internal auditors in their field. The CIA designation is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the accounting profession.

It typically takes around two years to complete all three parts of the CIA exam. The first part covers internal audit basics, such as risk assessment and control. The second part focuses on financial management and reporting, while the third part covers information systems, operations, and governance.

To be eligible for the CIA exam, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 24 semester credits in accounting or auditing-related subjects. You must also have at least two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields.

The cost to take all three parts of the CIA exam varies depending on where you live and how you choose to take it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD for all three parts combined.

7. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional certification given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). The CFP designation is the most widely recognized financial planning credential in the world and signifies that an individual has met rigorous educational, experience, and ethical requirements.

To become a CFP, individuals must complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related work experience or two years of full-time financial planning-related work experience plus a bachelor’s degree. They must also pass the CFP Certification Examination and meet the CFP Board’s ethics requirements.

The CFP Certification Examination consists of two parts: a comprehensive online examination that tests knowledge in five core areas (general principles; insurance planning; employee benefits planning; investment planning; income tax planning; and estate tax, gift, and trust planning) and an online simulation that tests practical application of knowledge. The exam takes approximately six hours to complete.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all of the requirements for becoming a CFP. This includes completing the education requirement, gaining work experience, studying for and passing the CFP Certification Examination, meeting the ethics requirement, and paying all associated fees.

The cost to become a CFP varies depending on factors such as education level, examination preparation materials purchased, etc., but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD.

8. Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). The CTP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in corporate finance, treasury management, cash management, and financial risk management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CTP program depending on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exam. To become certified, you must first pass an online assessment that covers five core areas of treasury: Cash Management, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Treasury Processes & Systems and Investment Management. After passing the online assessment, you must then take a two-hour exam at a Prometric testing center.

The cost of the CTP program varies depending on your membership status with AFP. For non-members it costs $1,350 USD while members pay $1,150 USD. The fee includes access to online study materials as well as the exam fee.

9. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA)

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA) is a certification program for accountants and advisors who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field of business accounting and advising. The ABA/ABA certification is offered by the National Association of Certified Public Accountants (NACPA).

The ABA/ABA certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in business accounting and advising, as well as a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as financial statement analysis, taxation, auditing, and management consulting.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for the ABA/ABA certification. During this time, applicants must submit their transcripts, references, and other required documents. Once all documents are received, applicants will be invited to take the exam. After passing the exam, they will receive their ABA/ABA certificate.

The cost of obtaining the ABA/ABA certification varies depending on where you apply and what type of membership you choose with NACPA. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 for application fees alone. Additional costs may include exam fees and any additional materials required for study purposes.

10. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. It is recognized as the highest standard of excellence in investment management and financial analysis. The CFA Program is designed to give individuals the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful investment professionals.

The CFA Program consists of three levels of exams that must be passed in order to receive the designation. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time, with Level I taking around 150 hours, Level II taking around 100 hours, and Level III taking around 50 hours. The entire program typically takes two to four years to complete depending on how much time an individual can dedicate to studying for each level.

In order to get the CFA designation, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience and passing all three levels of exams within four years. Additionally, individuals must also meet certain ethical standards set by the CFA Institute and agree to abide by its Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

The cost for enrolling in the CFA Program varies depending on which level one is attempting but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 per exam plus additional fees for registration and membership dues.

Do You Really Need a Account Executive Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and current level of experience. An Account Executive Certificate may be beneficial for some individuals, particularly those who are new to the field or would like to gain additional knowledge and skills in order to stand out from other candidates. The certificate may provide a competitive edge in the job market and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

For those with more experience, an Account Executive Certificate may not be necessary unless they plan on pursuing a higher-level position or want to specialize in a certain area of accounting. In this case, the certificate could provide evidence of expertise and potentially open doors to new opportunities. It is also possible that employers may require such certification as part of their hiring process, so it is important for individuals to research their specific industry and employer requirements before making any decisions about whether or not an Account Executive Certificate is necessary for them.

Ultimately, an Account Executive Certificate can be an asset for some professionals but is not necessarily required for success in the field. The decision should be based on each individual's unique career goals and any relevant industry standards or employer requirements.

Related: Account Executive Resume Examples

FAQs About Account Executive Certifications

Q1. What is an account executive certification?

Answer: An account executive certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the field of sales and account management. It typically involves completing a set of courses and passing an exam to prove competency.

Q2. What are the benefits of getting an account executive certification?

Answer: An account executive certification provides recognition in the industry, enhances your resume, demonstrates commitment to your profession, and increases potential for career advancement. Additionally, it can increase your earning potential as you become more marketable to employers.

Q3. How long does it take to complete an account executive certification?

Answer: The length of time required to complete an account executive certification varies depending on the program chosen, but most require between one and two years of study and work experience.

Q4. How much does an account executive certification cost?

Answer: The cost of an account executive certification varies depending on the program chosen, but most range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an account executive certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have a minimum of two years’ experience in sales or related fields before they can enroll in their program. Additionally, some programs may require additional training or certifications prior to enrollment as well.