Top 11 Account Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an account manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that can set them apart from other candidates. Certified account managers have proven their abilities through rigorous testing and certification exams, providing employers with the assurance that they have the qualifications necessary to succeed in the job. Additionally, certifications provide employers with proof of continuing education and professional development, which is often seen as a sign of commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Finally, having certifications can give account managers an edge over non-certified candidates when it comes to salary negotiations and promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Account Managers and explain how they can help to advance an account manager's career.

What are Account Manager Certifications?

Account manager certification is a type of professional certification that shows an individual has met the necessary qualifications and standards to become an account manager. Account managers are responsible for managing relationships between clients and businesses, as well as providing customer service and marketing support. They are also responsible for setting up accounts, negotiating contracts, and maintaining client records.

Account manager certification can be beneficial in several ways. It provides potential employers with proof that the individual has the skills and experience required to be successful at their job. Certification can also provide account managers with increased confidence in their abilities, which can help them better manage accounts and build strong working relationships with clients. Furthermore, having a recognized certification may improve an individual's chances of being hired by employers looking for qualified candidates. Finally, having a certified account manager on staff can give companies peace of mind knowing they have someone who is knowledgeable about the industry and its trends.

Pro Tip: Consider taking an account manager certification course to further your skills and knowledge in the field. These courses can provide you with the necessary tools to become a more successful account manager, as well as help you network with other professionals in the industry.

Related: What does an Account Manager do?

Top 11 Account Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Account Manager (CPAM)

Certified Professional Account Manager (CPAM) is a designation offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to recognize and certify professional account managers who demonstrate excellence in their field. The CPAM certification program is based on ICPM’s body of knowledge and standards for professional account management.

The CPAM certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course, and a proctored exam. The online self-study course covers topics such as financial analysis, accounting systems, customer service, communication skills, problem solving, and more. The proctored exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPAM certification program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam.

To get certified as a CPAM, you must first register with ICPM and pay the required fee. After registering, you will receive access to the online self-study course materials and instructions on how to take the proctored exam. Once you have successfully completed both parts of the certification program, you will be awarded your CPAM designation from ICPM.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPAM varies depending on whether or not you are an ICPM member. For non-members, there is an initial registration fee of $395 USD plus additional fees for taking the proctored exam ($250 USD) and obtaining your certificate ($50 USD). For members of ICPM, there is an initial registration fee of $295 USD plus additional fees for taking the proctored exam ($150 USD) and obtaining your certificate ($50 USD).

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA credential is designed to recognize the expertise and experience of professionals in the field of management accounting.

To become a Certified Management Accountant, applicants must pass two rigorous exams, demonstrate their professional experience and ethical conduct, and commit to ongoing professional development. The exams cover topics such as financial planning and analysis, cost management, strategic planning and budgeting, decision-making tools, performance measurement systems, and more.

It typically takes around two years to complete the CMA program. This includes studying for and passing both parts of the exam as well as meeting the work experience requirements.

To get started on your path to becoming a CMA you will need to register with IMA online or by mail. Once registered you will receive an exam kit containing study materials that can be used to prepare for the exams.

The cost for taking the CMA exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 per part of the exam plus an additional fee for registering with IMA.

3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met specific educational, experience, and examination requirements established by the state in which they practice. CPAs are licensed by their respective state boards of accountancy, and are held to a higher standard of ethics than non-CPAs.

The length of time it takes to become a CPA varies depending on the individual's educational background and the state in which they plan to practice. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to five years to complete all of the necessary requirements.

In order to become a CPA, individuals must first meet their state's education requirement by completing at least 150 semester hours of college coursework with an emphasis on accounting and business topics. They must also pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Finally, they must complete any additional experience requirements set forth by their state board of accountancy.

The cost for taking the CPA exam varies depending on where you live and how many sections you need to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $250-$400 per section with additional fees for late registration or re-taking parts of the exam. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with obtaining your CPA license such as application fees or continuing education courses required by your state board of accountancy.

4. Certified Financial Manager (CFM)

Certified Financial Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of competency in the field of financial management. The CFM program is offered by the Institute of Certified Financial Managers, an international organization that provides education and certification for financial professionals.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CFM designation. To qualify for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in financial management, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as accounting principles, economics, finance, business law and taxation.

To get certified as a CFM, you must first apply to take the exam through the Institute of Certified Financial Managers website. After submitting your application and fee (currently $495 USD), you will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your CFM designation.

The cost of becoming a Certified Financial Manager varies depending on where you choose to take the exam and any additional materials or courses you may need to purchase in order to prepare for it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD to become certified as a CFM.

5. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The CGMA designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in management accounting, financial reporting, and corporate governance.

In order to become a CGMA, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the AICPA and CIMA. These include having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, at least three years of professional experience in management accounting or financial reporting, and passing the CGMA exam. The exam consists of four sections: Financial Reporting & Analysis; Corporate Governance; Strategic Planning & Decision Making; and Performance Management.

The process for becoming a CGMA typically takes about six months to complete. After meeting the eligibility requirements, you will need to register for the exam through AICPA’s website. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to prepare for the exam. You can then take up to two years to study for and take the exam. Once you pass all four sections of the exam, you will be awarded your CGMA designation.

The cost for becoming a CGMA varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are an AICPA member. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to become certified as a CGMA. This includes registration fees for both organizations as well as any additional materials needed to study for the exam such as textbooks or online courses.

6. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the only globally recognized certification for internal auditors and is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the internal audit profession. The CIA designation is highly sought after by employers, and it can open up career opportunities in many different industries.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, an individual must pass the three-part CIA exam. This exam covers topics such as risk management, governance, control systems, and financial management. Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and two years of experience in internal auditing or related fields to be eligible to take the exam.

The cost of taking the CIA exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $1,000 for all three parts of the exam. Additionally, there are other fees associated with taking the exam such as application fees and proctoring fees that may apply.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three parts of the CIA exam but this can vary depending on how quickly an individual studies and prepares for each part of the test. After passing all three parts of the exam, individuals must then complete an online ethics course before receiving their certification from IIA.

7. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in government financial management. The CGFM designation demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional development and mastery of the complex financial management principles and practices used in today’s public sector environment.

It typically takes about two years to complete the CGFM program, although this can vary depending on each individual's experience and study habits. To become certified, individuals must pass three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Financial Management and Control. Each exam has a separate fee associated with it.

To get started on the path towards becoming a Certified Government Financial Manager, individuals should first review the requirements for certification through AGA's website. They should then review their current knowledge base and determine which areas they need to focus on in order to pass the exams. After that, individuals should find a study guide or course material that covers all three exams so they can begin studying for them.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which materials are purchased for studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$1,000 USD for all three exams combined.

8. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the detection and deterrence of fraud. The CFE credential is held by more than 80,000 professionals around the world.

To become a CFE, candidates must pass an exam that covers four areas: financial transactions and fraud schemes; law; investigation; and fraud prevention and deterrence. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CFE Exam, candidates must meet one of the following criteria: have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, have at least two years of professional experience in the field of fraud examination, or have completed at least 75 hours of ACFE-approved continuing education courses in fraud examination topics.

The cost for taking the CFE Exam is $450 for members of the ACFE and $550 for non-members.

9. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional credential offered by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA designation is considered to be the highest standard of excellence in the investment management industry and is recognized around the world. It is awarded to individuals who have met a series of rigorous educational and experience requirements, as well as passing three levels of exams.

The CFA program takes approximately two to four years to complete depending on how quickly you are able to study and pass the exams. To get started, you must first become a member of the CFA Institute and then register for your Level I exam. After that, you must pass each level within 18 months or else you will have to start over from Level I again.

Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time and costs $950 USD per exam plus an additional enrollment fee. In total, it can cost up to $3,850 USD to obtain your CFA charter if all three levels are passed within 18 months.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in project management.

The PMP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of project management experience, as well as 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. In addition, applicants must have 35 hours of project management education or training.

To get the PMP certification, applicants must first create an account on the PMI website and then submit an application. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants can take the PMP exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

The cost of the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD for the exam fee plus a $100 USD application fee. For members, it costs $405 USD for the exam fee plus a $60 USD application fee.

11. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s expertise in auditing, controlling, monitoring, and assessing information technology and business systems. It is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

The CISA certification typically takes about six months to complete. To get the CISA certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements. These include having 5 years of relevant work experience in information systems audit, control or security; passing a rigorous exam; and agreeing to abide by ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam. The cost of registration for the CISA exam is $575 USD for ISACA members and $760 USD for non-members. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CISA certification.

Do You Really Need a Account Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need an account manager certificate to become an account manager. However, having one can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job and may even give you a better chance of getting hired. The certificate will also demonstrate to employers that you have been trained in the field and are knowledgeable about the industry.

Account managers are responsible for working with clients, developing relationships and maintaining accounts. They must be able to understand their clients' needs and come up with creative solutions that meet those needs. This requires strong organizational skills, communication skills and problem-solving abilities – all of which can be honed through an account manager certificate program.

The courses offered by these programs typically include topics such as customer service, sales strategies, financial analysis, project management and more. These courses can help you develop your skills and provide a better understanding of how to handle different types of accounts. In addition, they often provide hands-on experience so that you can apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.

In conclusion, while having an account manager certificate is not essential for success in this field, it can help you gain valuable knowledge and experience that will give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs.

Related: Account Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Account Manager Certifications

1. What is an Account Manager Certification?

Answer: An Account Manager Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities related to managing client accounts. It typically involves completing a course or series of courses in account management and passing a certification exam.

2. How do I become an Account Manager?

Answer: To become an Account Manager, you will typically need to have a combination of education and experience in the field. This may include a degree in business or marketing, as well as relevant work experience in customer service, sales, or account management. You may also need to pass a certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

3. What is included in an Account Manager Certification program?

Answer: An Account Manager Certification program typically includes courses on topics such as client relationship management, customer service best practices, sales techniques, negotiation strategies, project management principles and processes, and financial analysis for account managers.

4. How long does it take to complete an Account Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete an Account Manager Certification depends on the type of program you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week or month. Most programs can be completed within 3-6 months if you are able to dedicate several hours per week towards completing the courses and studying for the certification exam.

5. What are the benefits of obtaining an Account Manager Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an Account Manager Certification demonstrates your commitment to providing excellent customer service and managing accounts effectively. It can also help boost your resume when applying for jobs, give you access to valuable resources such as industry networks and professional development opportunities, open up opportunities for career advancement, and increase your earning potential by enabling you to command higher salaries due to your specialized knowledge and expertise.