Top 11 Assessor Certifications

Certifications are an important way for assessors to demonstrate their expertise and competence in the field. They demonstrate that an assessor has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to perform assessments effectively and accurately. Having certifications can open up opportunities to assessors in the job market, as employers often require or prefer certified professionals when hiring. Additionally, having certifications can give assessors a competitive edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Certifications also help build credibility with employers, clients, and colleagues.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Assessors and explain how they can help assessors advance their careers.

What are Assessor Certifications?

Assessor certification is a professional credential that provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge, understanding and ability to assess the performance of individuals and organizations in accordance with established standards. This certification demonstrates to employers, colleagues, customers and other stakeholders that the individual has been assessed as having the requisite skills and competencies to carry out assessments effectively.

Assessor certification can help organizations ensure that their employees are adequately prepared for their roles by providing assurance that they have been assessed as having the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to carry out assessments accurately and reliably. It also helps to ensure that assessments are conducted in line with industry standards, providing confidence to those involved in the assessment process that it has been carried out correctly. In addition, it provides assurance to employers that their staff members have been appropriately assessed for their roles, allowing them to make informed decisions about hiring and promoting employees. Finally, assessor certification can provide recognition for individuals who demonstrate excellence in assessment practice, helping them stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions.

Pro Tip: When seeking assessor certification, make sure that the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. This will ensure that the certificate you receive is valid and accepted by employers in your field.

Related: What does an Assessor do?

Top 11 Assessor Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Assessor (CPA)

Certified Professional Assessor (CPA) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals who assess and evaluate individuals, groups, organizations, and systems. The CPA credential is awarded by the American Board of Professional Assessors (ABPA).

The CPA certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam is designed to test the candidate's knowledge of assessment principles, methods, and practices. The practical assessment involves completing a series of assessments on real-world scenarios.

To become certified as a CPA, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by ABPA. These include having at least three years of professional experience in assessment or related fields; completion of an approved training program; possession of a valid license or certification in their field; and passing both the online exam and practical assessment with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CPA certification exam varies depending on whether you take it in person or online. In-person exams typically cost $150-$200 while online exams are usually around $100-$150. The cost for taking the practical assessment depends on which type you choose – either live or virtual – but typically ranges from $500-$1000.

It generally takes about six months to complete the entire certification process from start to finish, including preparation for both exams and completing the practical assessment.

2. Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)

Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of government auditing. The CGAP is administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

The CGAP certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in government auditing, and successful completion of a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of three parts: knowledge-based questions, case studies, and simulations. It typically takes between 4-6 months to prepare for the exam and complete it.

To get certified, you must first submit an application that includes your professional experience and education background. The application fee is $250 USD. Upon approval, you will be required to pay the examination fee of $400 USD before scheduling your exam appointment. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CGAP certificate in the mail within four weeks.

The cost for the CGAP certification program is approximately $650 USD. This includes both the application fee and examination fee.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the most widely recognized certification for internal auditors and is considered the standard of excellence in the field. The CIA designation demonstrates an individual’s commitment to ethics, knowledge, and proficiency in internal auditing.

In order to become a Certified Internal Auditor, candidates must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements. To be eligible for the exam, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields, and must pass all four parts of the CIA exam.

The CIA exam consists of four parts: Part 1 – The Internal Audit Activity’s Role in Governance, Risk & Control; Part 2 – Business Analysis & Information Technology; Part 3 – Financial Management; and Part 4 – Performance Measurement & Reporting. Each part is three hours long and consists of multiple-choice questions.

The cost to take the CIA exam varies depending on where you live. In the United States, it costs $815 for all four parts ($205 per part). The cost includes a one-time registration fee as well as fees for each part taken. In addition to these fees, there may also be other costs associated with taking the exam such as study materials or review courses.

Once all four parts of the CIA exam are passed successfully, candidates will receive their official designation as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). This process typically takes between six months to one year depending on how quickly you complete your studies and pass each part of the exam.

4. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional designation given by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to detect and prevent fraud.

To get the CFE credential, you must pass a comprehensive three-part exam that covers topics such as financial transactions, legal elements of fraud, investigation techniques and fraud prevention. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, case studies and simulations. You must also meet certain educational and experience requirements before taking the exam.

The process of obtaining the CFE credential typically takes about six months from start to finish. First, you must complete an application for candidacy which includes submitting proof of education and work experience. Once approved for candidacy, you will be allowed to register for the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CFE certificate in the mail within two weeks.

The cost of becoming a CFE varies depending on your membership status with ACFE but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD for non-members or $300-$500 USD for members. This fee covers the cost of registering for the exam as well as any additional materials needed to prepare for it.

5. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that is earned by individuals who have met certain educational, experience and examination requirements set forth by the state boards of accountancy. CPAs are licensed to provide accounting services to businesses, governments, and individuals in the areas of auditing, taxation, financial planning and consulting.

To become a CPA, an individual must meet the qualifications set forth by their state board of accountancy. Generally, these qualifications include completing 150 semester hours of college education (which typically takes five years to complete), passing the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and meeting any additional requirements set forth by their state board.

The cost for becoming a CPA varies depending on where you live and how much you spend on preparation materials. The exam fee itself ranges from $150-$200 per section and most states require that candidates pass all four sections within 18 months. Additionally, there may be fees associated with obtaining transcripts or other documents needed to apply for licensure as well as application fees charged by each state board.

Overall, becoming a CPA can be an expensive process but it also provides many opportunities for career advancement in the field of accounting. Depending on your location and circumstances, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become a certified public accountant.

6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA credential is globally recognized and provides assurance to employers that those who hold it have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage an organization’s financial resources.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for and pass the CMA exam. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by IMA, which include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. Once you meet these requirements, you can register for the exam with IMA.

The cost of taking the CMA exam varies depending on your location, but it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD for both parts of the exam.

7. 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 recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in management accounting, financial management, and business strategy. The CGMA designation is held by over 150,000 professionals in more than 170 countries.

To become a CGMA, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements. You must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and at least two years of relevant work experience in finance or accounting. You must also pass the CGMA exam administered by the AICPA and CIMA.

The CGMA exam consists of three parts: a written case study assessment, a multiple-choice test, and an essay section. The written case study assessment requires candidates to analyze data from real-world scenarios and develop solutions to complex business problems. The multiple-choice test covers topics such as financial analysis, budgeting, cost management, risk management, internal control systems, performance measurement systems, strategic planning, decision making techniques, and more. The essay section tests your ability to apply knowledge gained from the other sections to real-world situations.

It typically takes up to 12 months to complete all three sections of the exam and receive your CGMA designation. During that time you will need to study on your own or take courses offered by AICPA or CIMA approved providers.

The cost for taking the CGMA exam varies depending on where you live and which provider you use for studying materials or courses. Generally speaking it will cost between $1,000 - $2,500 USD for all three sections combined.

8. Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) is a professional certification granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). It is a voluntary certification for those who provide financial planning services to individuals and families. The CFP® designation requires that an individual complete a comprehensive education program, pass an extensive exam, and demonstrate experience in the field of financial planning.

It typically takes two to three years to become certified as a CFP®. During this time, you will need to complete a course of study that meets the CFP Board's standards and pass the CFP® Certification Examination. To be eligible for the exam, you must have completed at least three college-level courses in each of six areas: insurance planning and risk management; employee benefits planning; investment planning; income tax planning; retirement savings and income planning; and estate planning.

To get started on your path to becoming a CFP®, you must first register with the CFP Board online or by mail. Once registered, you will receive information about how to access the educational materials necessary for successful completion of the program. You can also find resources online through organizations such as Kaplan Financial Education or The American College of Financial Services.

The cost of becoming certified as a CFP® varies depending on which educational materials you use and whether or not you take any preparatory classes or exams prior to taking the actual exam itself. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 USD for all related expenses including registration fees, exam fees, course materials, and other related costs.

9. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) is a professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute to financial and investment professionals who have passed a series of rigorous exams. The CFA program is widely recognized as the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world, and it is held by many of the top financial professionals in the industry.

The CFA program consists of three levels of exams, which must be completed over a period of two to four years. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time for successful completion. The topics covered in each level include ethics, economics, accounting, portfolio management, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives, alternative investments and quantitative methods.

To become a CFA charterholder you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, pass all three levels of exams and have at least four years of qualified work experience in an investment-related field.

The cost to take each exam varies depending on when you register but typically ranges from $650 - $1,000 USD per exam. In addition to this fee there are also associated costs such as study materials and review courses that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your needs.

10. Accredited Business Valuator (ABV®)

Accredited Business Valuator (ABV®) is a professional designation offered by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business valuation. The ABV credential is especially valuable for those seeking to provide independent, objective opinions on the value of businesses and other intangible assets.

The ABV credential requires a minimum of three years' experience in business valuation, as well as completion of the ASA's Business Valuation Body of Knowledge course and exam. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge by passing an oral examination administered by the ASA. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application to be reviewed and approved by the ASA Board of Examiners.

The process typically takes between three and six months from start to finish, depending on how quickly all requirements are met. The cost for obtaining the ABV credential varies depending on whether or not you are an ASA member, but generally ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

11. Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA®).

Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA®) is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business valuation. The CVA credential is awarded to those who demonstrate proficiency in the principles and techniques of valuing businesses, as well as their ability to apply these skills in practice.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for becoming a CVA. The program includes four courses that cover topics such as financial statement analysis, business valuation theory and practice, legal aspects of business valuation, and advanced topics in business valuation. In addition to completing the courses, applicants must pass an examination administered by NACVA.

The cost of obtaining the CVA credential varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. Online courses typically cost between $900-$1,400 while in-person courses can range from $2,000-$3,000. In addition to course fees, there is also an application fee of $395 and an exam fee of $595.

The CVA credential can be beneficial for those looking to gain recognition as a qualified business valuator or analyst within their industry or organization. It can also help open doors for career advancement opportunities and provide potential employers with evidence that you have mastered the skills necessary for successful business valuation practices.

Do You Really Need a Assessor Certificate?

The short answer is yes, you do need an assessor certificate in order to be eligible for certain benefits and advantages. An assessor certificate is a document that provides evidence of the assessment of your skills, knowledge and abilities. It can be used to prove your qualifications to potential employers or educational institutions, as well as to demonstrate your progress towards achieving a particular certification or qualification.

An assessor certificate can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs or further study opportunities. Having a certificate may indicate that you have gone through an independent evaluation process and have achieved a certain level of proficiency in a particular area. This could give you an edge over other applicants who don’t hold one.

In addition, having an assessor certificate can also help you save money on fees associated with gaining qualifications and certifications. Many organizations offer discounts to individuals who already hold an assessor certificate, as it demonstrates their commitment to learning and improvement in their chosen field.

Finally, having an assessor certificate can open up new pathways for career progression and development. If you are looking for promotion within your current workplace or wish to pursue higher-level qualifications in another field, your assessor certificate could provide evidence of the skills and knowledge you have acquired so far. This could make it easier for employers or universities to recognize your potential value as an employee or student.

Overall, having an assessor certificate is beneficial in many ways, whether it’s saving money on fees or helping you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs or further study opportunities. Therefore, if you are looking to gain certain benefits and advantages, it is certainly worth obtaining one.

Related: Assessor Resume Examples

FAQs About Assessor Certifications

Q1: What is an assessor certification?

A1: An assessor certification is a professional designation awarded by a recognized body to individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and ability to assess the performance of people, processes, and systems. This certification allows professionals to provide independent, objective assessments of their organization’s performance.

Q2: How do I become an assessor?

A2: To become an assessor, you must complete the necessary training and pass an assessment exam. Depending on the specific certification program, you may need to also have relevant work experience in order to qualify for the assessment program.

Q3: What is included in an assessor certification program?

A3: An assessor certification program typically includes courses on assessment techniques and methods, as well as topics such as quality assurance, risk management, and project management. It also covers topics such as organizational development and leadership skills.

Q4: How long does it take to get an assessor certification?

A4: The amount of time required to obtain an assessor certification varies depending on the specific program. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to one year or more to complete all of the requirements for a particular certification program.

Q5: What are some benefits of having an assessor certification?

A5: Having a professional designation such as an assessor certificate can help you stand out among other applicants when looking for jobs or promotions. Additionally, having this type of certificate demonstrates knowledge in areas related to assessing performance which can be beneficial when working with clients or customers.