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Top 11 Administration Manager Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 17 min read

Certifications are important for an administration manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that may not be evident in other job applicants. Certifications provide evidence of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience in a particular area. They also can serve as an indication of commitment to continuing education and professional development. Employers want to know that their employees are well-versed in the latest industry trends and developments, which certifications can provide. Furthermore, having certifications can give an individual an edge over other candidates who do not have them.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Administration Managers, and how they can help to enhance their career prospects.

What are Administration Manager Certifications?

Administration Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to give individuals the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to become an effective manager in the administrative field. This certification program focuses on developing leadership skills and providing knowledge of best practices for managing staff, budgets, projects, and other key aspects of administration. It also covers topics such as communication, problem solving, financial management, customer service, and more.

The Administration Manager Certification can help individuals develop the necessary skillset to become an effective leader in their organization. With this certification, individuals can gain a better understanding of how to lead their team effectively and efficiently while meeting their organization’s goals. Additionally, they will learn how to motivate others while staying within budget constraints. Moreover, they will also be able to develop their own leadership style and use it to influence others both positively and negatively. Finally, with this certification they will be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and experience to manage an administrative team successfully.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming an administration manager, make sure to research the certification requirements for your state or country. Many require a certain level of education and/or experience in order to be eligible for certification. Additionally, some certifications may require continuing education credits to maintain the credential.

Related: What does an Administration Manager do?

Top 11 Administration Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Manager (CPM)

Certified Public Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to provide public and nonprofit managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead and manage their organizations. The CPM program is administered by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium (NCPMC).

The CPM program consists of four core courses that cover topics such as public policy, management theory, organizational behavior, financial management, human resources management, and legal/ethical issues. In addition to the core courses, participants must complete an approved elective course in order to earn the CPM designation. The total length of the program varies depending on the number of courses taken and can range from 12-18 months.

In order to become certified as a CPM one must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; three years of full-time managerial experience in government or nonprofit agencies; and completion of all required coursework.

The cost for the CPM program varies depending on which institution you choose to attend. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $3,000-$6,000 for all required coursework. Additional fees may be applicable for textbooks and other materials.

2. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced managers. The CPM designation is administered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), which is affiliated with James Madison University.

The CPM program consists of four core courses, each focusing on a specific aspect of management: Human Resources, Finance, Operations, and Strategy. Each course includes an online assessment that must be completed in order to receive the CPM designation. The entire program takes approximately 16 weeks to complete.

In order to become certified as a CPM, you must have at least five years of experience in management or related fields. You must also have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and pass the ICPM's online assessment for each course. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for certification through the ICPM website.

The cost of becoming a CPM varies depending on your individual circumstances and whether you choose to take the courses online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 - $2,000 to become certified as a CPM.

3. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CAP designation is recognized as the premier credential for administrative professionals and demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of excellence in their field.

It takes approximately one year to complete the CAP program, depending on how quickly you work through the course material. To get certified, you must complete five core courses and pass an exam. The cost of the program varies based on your membership status with IAAP, but typically ranges from $650-$1,000 USD.

The five core courses are:

1) Business Writing

2) Business Communication

3) Business Technology

4) Management Principles and Practices

5) Financial Management.

Each course consists of online learning modules, quizzes, and assessments that must be completed before taking the final exam. The exam covers all five core courses and requires a score of 70% or higher to receive certification.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates a professional’s experience, education, and competency in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on the individual's background knowledge of project management principles. To be eligible to take the exam, an individual must have either:

  • A four-year degree plus at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects; or
  • A secondary diploma (high school or equivalent) plus at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, individuals must also attend a PMP training course or complete 35 contact hours of project management education prior to taking the exam.

The cost of taking the PMP exam is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members.

5. Certified Business Manager (CBM)

Certified Business Manager (CBM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Business Managers (ICBM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in business management. The CBM certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to successfully manage, plan, and lead organizations.

The CBM certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a one-day examination. The online assessment covers topics such as business strategy, operations management, finance, human resources, marketing, and technology. After completing the online assessment, applicants must pass the one-day examination which includes multiple choice questions on the same topics covered in the online assessment.

To get certified as a CBM, applicants must first register with ICBM and pay the registration fee. Once registered, applicants can access study materials and practice tests to help them prepare for the exam. Applicants must also complete all required courses prior to taking the exam.

The cost for becoming certified as a CBM varies depending on how many courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, it typically costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for tuition fees plus additional fees for registration and examination fees.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Business Manager (CBM) certification can take anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years depending on how quickly you complete your courses and pass your exams.

6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed to help accounting and finance professionals advance their careers and become more effective in their roles. The CMA credential is highly regarded as a mark of excellence in the field of management accounting.

The CMA program consists of two parts: Part 1 covers financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics; Part 2 covers financial statement analysis, corporate finance, investments, and strategic management. To obtain the CMA credential, candidates must pass both parts of the exam within three years of starting the program.

The cost for taking the CMA exam varies depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for each part of the exam. Additionally, there are other fees associated with obtaining the credential such as an application fee and annual renewal fees.

In terms of time commitment required to complete the program, it typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for both parts of the exam. This includes studying materials provided by IMA as well as engaging in self-study activities such as practice exams and review sessions with peers or mentors.

7. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in government financial management.

The CGFM program consists of three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Policy. To obtain the CGFM designation, applicants must pass all three exams within five years.

To be eligible for the CGFM exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements or have at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management. Applicants must also agree to abide by the AGA’s Code of Professional Ethics.

The cost to take each exam is $250 for members of the AGA and $300 for non-members. The total cost to obtain the CGFM designation is approximately $750 - $900 depending on whether you are an AGA member or not.

8. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification issued by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². It is one of the most sought after and respected certifications in the IT industry.

The CISSP credential demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and managing information security programs. It is designed for experienced IT professionals who have at least five years of experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

To get the CISSP credential, you must pass a rigorous exam that covers all eight domains of the CBK: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Cryptography, Physical Security, Security Architecture and Design, Business Continuity Planning/Disaster Recovery Planning, Law Regulations and Compliance, Software Development Security. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours.

The cost to take the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it. In general, it costs around $700 USD to take the exam. You can find discounted rates if you are a member of an accredited organization or educational institution.

In order to maintain your CISSP certification status, you must earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years by attending seminars or conferences related to information security or taking approved online courses.

9. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to use Microsoft Office applications effectively. The MOS certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to work with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.

The MOS certification process typically takes about two weeks to complete. To get certified, you must pass one or more exams that cover the features and functionality of Microsoft Office applications. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which you take it; however, it usually ranges from $50 to $150 USD per exam.

To prepare for the MOS exams, you can attend a training course or purchase study materials online. Additionally, there are practice tests available that can help you gauge your knowledge before taking the actual exam.

Overall, obtaining a MOS certification can be beneficial for those looking to gain recognition for their proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications and demonstrate their expertise in this field.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to use the Lean Six Sigma methodology to improve processes and increase efficiency. The certification is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful Lean Six Sigma practitioner.

The certification process typically takes between 8-10 weeks, depending on the program chosen. To get certified, individuals must complete a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course, which includes classroom instruction, project work, and an examination. The coursework covers topics such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology; problem solving techniques; data analysis; and project management.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 for a self-paced online course or up to $10,000 for an in-person boot camp.

Once certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt practitioner, individuals can apply their knowledge in any organization or business setting where process improvement is desired.

11. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides an understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve the delivery and management of IT services. It is designed for those who want to gain a basic understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can help them in their current or future roles.

The ITIL Foundation certification typically takes between one and three days to complete, depending on the provider and format chosen. The exam itself is a multiple-choice test with 40 questions, which must be completed within 60 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% (26 out of 40).

To get certified, you will need to attend an accredited training course or self-study using official study materials. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for the exam with an accredited examination institute such as PeopleCert or EXIN. You will then need to book your exam date and pay the associated fee (which varies depending on location).

The cost of ITIL Foundation Certification depends on where you take the course, but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Administration Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For some, an Administration Manager Certificate may be necessary to obtain a job in the field of administration management or to advance in their current role. For others, the certificate may not be necessary but could still be beneficial.

For those who feel they need the certificate in order to get a job or gain a promotion, there are a number of things they should consider before making the decision. First, they should research whether the certificate is required for their particular job or industry. Second, they should consider whether there are other ways to demonstrate their knowledge and skills that would be just as effective as obtaining a certificate. Finally, they should weigh up the cost versus benefit of obtaining a certificate.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether an Administration Manager Certificate is something that will benefit them in their career path. It is important for individuals to do research and ensure that if they do choose to pursue a certificate, it will be of value and help them reach their goals.

Related: Administration Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Administration Manager Certifications

Q1. What is an Administration Manager Certification?

A1. An Administration Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to manage administrative functions in a business environment. This certification is designed to give individuals the necessary skills for managing people, processes, and resources more effectively.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming an Administration Manager?

A2. Becoming an Administration Manager can provide numerous benefits, including improved job security, increased salary potential, access to higher positions within the organization, and greater career opportunities. Additionally, having a certification in administration management can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and help you stand out from other candidates when seeking new employment opportunities.

Q3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as an Administration Manager?

A3. To become certified as an Administration Manager, you will need to have at least two years of experience in administrative management or related fields, such as human resources or operations management. You may also need to pass an examination administered by a professional certifying body in order to obtain your certification.

Q4. How long does it take to complete an Administration Manager Certification?

A4. The time frame for completing an Administration Manager Certification varies depending on the certifying body and the individual's prior experience with administrative management or related fields. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from six months to two years or more depending on the individual's level of commitment and study habits.

Q5. Is there any value in obtaining a certification as an Administrative Manager?

A5: Yes! Obtaining a certification as an Administrative Manager can prove invaluable for those looking to advance their careers in this field by demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in this area of business operations management and providing them with additional job opportunities that may not be available without such credentials

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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