Top 11 Assistant Business Manager Certifications

Certifications for an assistant business manager are important because they demonstrate the individual's knowledge and skills in the field of business management. They also serve as proof that the individual is qualified to handle various tasks related to managing a business, such as budgeting, financial analysis, marketing, and customer service. Having certifications can make an assistant business manager more attractive to potential employers, as they can ensure that they have the necessary qualifications to perform their duties. Additionally, certifications can help an assistant business manager stay up to date with industry trends and best practices. This can give them a competitive edge in the job market and help them stand out from other candidates.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Assistant Business Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Assistant Business Manager Certifications?

Assistant business manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise and proficiency in the areas of business management. This certification provides individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to manage the day-to-day operations of an organization, such as human resources, finance, marketing, and operations. It also prepares them for more advanced roles within a company or organization.

Assistant business manager certification can help individuals move their careers forward by allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. Those who hold this certification are better equipped to handle higher-level positions within an organization, such as team leader or department head. The certificate also serves as evidence of a person's commitment to their profession and dedication to learning about the latest trends and developments in business management.

Additionally, earning assistant business manager certification can open doors to networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. It can also provide access to more competitive job opportunities, which could lead to higher salaries and better benefits. Finally, it can give individuals an edge when they are preparing for interviews or applying for promotions within their current role.

Pro Tip: When considering an assistant business manager certification, research the various certifications available to ensure that you choose one that is recognized and respected in the industry. Additionally, look for programs that offer a combination of online and in-person instruction, so that you can gain both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Related: What does an Assistant Business Manager do?

Top 11 Assistant Business Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is a globally recognized certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of managers in various industries. The CPM program is designed to provide managers with an understanding of the core principles and practices of effective management.

The CPM program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Manager (CPM), Advanced Certified Professional Manager (ACPM), and Master Certified Professional Manager (MCPM). To obtain the CPM designation, candidates must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and submit documentation demonstrating their experience in the field. The ACPM and MCPM designations require additional coursework and exams.

The CPM program typically takes two to three years to complete depending on the level at which you are pursuing your certification. Candidates must also demonstrate a minimum of two years’ experience in a managerial role within the past five years to be eligible for certification.

To get started on your path towards obtaining your CPM designation, you will need to register with ICMP and pay an application fee. After registering, you can begin taking courses online or through ICMP-approved providers. Once you have completed all required coursework, you can take the final exam for your desired level of certification.

The cost for obtaining your CPM designation varies based on which level you are pursuing as well as any additional fees associated with taking courses through approved providers or taking exams at testing centers. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for each level of certification including registration fees and course materials.

2. Certified Business Manager (CBM)

Certified Business Manager (CBM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of business management. The program is offered by the Institute for Certified Business Managers (ICBM).

The CBM program consists of four courses, which must be completed within two years. The courses cover topics such as financial management, marketing, operations, and human resources. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates are awarded the CBM designation.

To get certified, individuals must meet certain requirements. They must have a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, at least five years of relevant work experience, and pass an exam administered by ICBM.

The cost of the CBM program varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 and $2,000 to complete the coursework and take the exam.

3. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in the project management field.

To become a PMP, an individual must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass an exam. The educational requirements include having either a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, plus 35 hours of project management education. The professional experience requirements include 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects over the past 8 years.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours. The exam covers topics such as project integration management, scope management, cost management, quality management, human resource management, communication management, risk management and procurement management.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 USD and for members it costs $405 USD.

In order to maintain your PMP certification you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years through activities such as attending conferences or completing online courses related to project management.

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to accountants who have met certain educational, experience and examination requirements set by the state in which they practice. CPAs are licensed by their state boards of accountancy, and must adhere to ethical standards and continuing education requirements.

In order to become a CPA, individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete a minimum of 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree with an accounting major or its equivalent.

2. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

3. Meet the experience requirements established by their state board of accountancy.

4. Obtain an active CPA license from their state board of accountancy.

The amount of time needed to become a CPA varies depending on an individual's educational background and experience level; however, it typically takes around two years for someone to complete all the necessary steps to become certified.

The cost of becoming a CPA also varies depending on where you live; however, most states require applicants to pay registration fees, exam fees and licensing fees before they can be certified as a CPA. It is important to note that these costs can add up quickly; therefore, it is important to research your state's specific requirements prior to beginning the process in order to get an accurate estimate of what becoming a CPA will cost you.

5. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional certification for financial advisors who have met the education, experience and examination requirements of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. It is considered to be the gold standard for financial planning certifications.

To become a CFP, an individual must complete several steps:

1. Education: Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in personal finance, taxation, estate planning, investments and retirement planning.

2. Experience: Obtain three years of full-time work experience in the financial services industry or two years of full-time work experience if you hold a master’s degree in financial services related field.

3. Examination: Pass the CFP Certification Exam administered by Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States. The exam consists of two parts and contains 170 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as financial planning process, insurance planning, investment planning and tax planning.

4. Ethics: Agree to abide by the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

5. Background Check: Pass a background check conducted by a third party vendor selected by the CFP Board to ensure that all applicants meet its standards for professional conduct and integrity.

It typically takes about 18 months to complete all five steps required for certification as a CFP professional; however, this timeline may vary depending on an individual’s educational background, work experience and other factors.

The cost to become certified as a CFP can vary greatly depending on whether you are self-studying or taking courses through an accredited institution, but generally speaking it typically costs around $3,000-$5,000 in total fees including registration fees for the exam ($695), study materials ($500-$1,000) and other miscellaneous costs such as travel expenses related to attending workshops or seminars related to the program ($200-$500).

6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

The CMA certification program requires applicants to pass two exams: Part 1 and Part 2. The exams are offered twice a year, in January and June. Each part consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

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

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Have at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management
• Pass both parts of the CMA exam within three years of applying for the certification
• Agree to abide by the IMA Code of Professional Conduct
• Pay all applicable fees

The total cost for taking both parts of the CMA exam is $415 for members of IMA and $515 for non-members. Additionally, there are costs associated with study materials such as textbooks, practice tests, and review courses.

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). The CGMA designation recognizes professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in management accounting, financial management, and business strategy.

It takes approximately three years to get the CGMA designation. To qualify for the CGMA program, applicants must complete an AICPA-approved education program and pass two exams: the CIMA Professional Qualification Exam and the AICPA’s Uniform CPA Examination. Applicants must also have at least two years of relevant work experience to be eligible for the CGMA program.

The cost to become a CGMA varies depending on where you take your courses and exams. Generally speaking, it will cost approximately $2,000-$3,000 to become a CGMA. This includes exam fees, study materials, and any other associated costs.

8. Certified in Management and Strategy (CM&S)

Certified in Management and Strategy (CM&S) is an online certification program designed to give professionals the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the business world. The program is offered by the Institute for Management Studies (IMS), a leading provider of management training and education.

The CM&S program consists of five core courses that cover topics such as strategic planning, financial management, operations management, leadership, and organizational change. Each course includes lectures, readings, case studies, simulations, and assessments. Upon completion of all five courses, participants will receive a certificate from IMS indicating their successful completion of the CM&S program.

The entire CM&S program takes approximately six months to complete. Each course requires about 40 hours of study time over a four-week period. Participants can take each course at their own pace or opt for an accelerated schedule if they prefer.

To get certified in Management and Strategy (CM&S), individuals must first register with IMS online and pay the associated fee. After registering, participants will have access to all five courses in the CM&S program. Once all five courses are completed successfully, participants will receive their certificate from IMS indicating that they have successfully completed the CM&S program.

The cost of the Certified in Management and Strategy (CM&S) program varies depending on whether you choose to take individual courses or enroll in the full program at once. If you choose to take individual courses, each course costs $495 USD; however if you enroll in the full program at once you can save up to 20% off your total tuition cost ($1,975 USD).

9. Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a professional designation for human resources (HR) professionals. It is the highest standard of HR certification available in Canada, and it is recognized by employers and peers alike as the benchmark of excellence in HR.

In order to become a CPHR, you must have a minimum of five years of experience in the field of HR and have completed an approved program or training course. You must also pass an exam administered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). The exam covers topics such as labour law, organizational behaviour, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, employee relations, and more.

It typically takes about two years to complete all requirements for CPHR certification. This includes completing an approved program or course, gaining experience in the field of HR, and passing the exam administered by HRPA.

The cost of obtaining CPHR certification varies depending on where you live and which program you choose. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 to get certified. This includes fees for courses or programs as well as registration fees for the exam itself.

Overall, becoming a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in the field of HR and gain recognition from employers and peers alike.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of mastery in the application of Six Sigma tools and techniques. The certification requires knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, and processes related to Six Sigma.

The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment to studying for the exam. To become certified, individuals must attend a training course from an accredited provider, pass an exam, and demonstrate proficiency in their chosen area of Six Sigma.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first find an accredited provider that offers training courses for this certification. These courses are typically offered online or in person at various locations around the world. After completing the coursework, individuals must then pass an exam administered by the accredited provider. Once they have passed the exam, they will be granted their Green Belt Certification from the provider.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on which provider you choose and what type of course you take (online or in-person). Generally speaking, online courses tend to be less expensive than in-person courses; however, both can range anywhere from $500-$3000 USD depending on your location and specific program requirements.

11. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead Lean Six Sigma projects. The program focuses on developing an individual’s ability to identify, analyze, and improve processes through the use of Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques.

The certification requires a minimum of four weeks of training, which may be completed in-person or online. The training covers topics such as process improvement methodology, project management, problem solving and data analysis. Upon completion of the course, participants will take an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the course.

To obtain your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification you must complete a certified training program offered by a recognized institution or organization. You can find programs offered by universities, colleges, consulting firms or organizations like ASQ (American Society for Quality). Once you have completed the required training program you will need to pass an exam administered by ASQ or another recognized organization in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on where you take the course and who is offering it. Generally speaking, courses range from $2,500-$4,000 USD. This cost includes tuition fees as well as any materials needed for the course such as books or software licenses.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Business Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need an assistant business manager certificate depends on your individual career goals and the requirements of the job you are looking to fill. In general, having a certificate in business management can be beneficial for those seeking a position as an assistant business manager.

First, having a certificate in business management shows that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a business effectively. Having a degree or certification can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to manage day-to-day operations and develop strategies for long-term success. This can be especially important if you are applying for positions at larger companies where there is more competition for available jobs.

Second, some employers may require applicants to have certain qualifications in order to be considered for certain positions. For example, many companies will require applicants to hold a certificate in business management before they will consider them for an assistant business manager position. Other organizations may require applicants to have specific certifications related to the industry they are hoping to work in, such as finance or accounting. While this may seem like an extra hurdle, it is often necessary in order to ensure that employees possess the skills needed for successful performance in their role.

Finally, having a certificate in business management can provide you with additional confidence when applying for jobs. Having a credential can show employers that you are serious about your career and demonstrate your commitment to advancing yourself professionally. Additionally, it can give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess this type of certification when competing for open positions within the organization.

In short, whether or not you need an assistant business manager certificate ultimately depends on your individual situation and career goals. However, having one could give you an advantage when looking for employment opportunities as it demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skill set necessary for success in this field.

Related: Assistant Business Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Business Manager Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Business Manager Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Business Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and skills in business management, operations, and customer service. It can be used to demonstrate your commitment to the field of business management and help you stand out from other job applicants.

2. Who should pursue an Assistant Business Manager Certification?

Answer: This certification is ideal for individuals seeking to progress their career in business management or operations roles such as assistant managers, business analysts, or project managers. It can also be beneficial for those looking to move into more senior positions such as directors or VP's of operations.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining an Assistant Business Manager Certification?

Answer: Generally, you must have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as business administration, accounting, finance, or economics; however some certifications may require additional educational qualifications or experience in certain areas of business management. Additionally, most certifications require passing an exam or completing a training program prior to receiving the certification.

4. How long does it take to obtain an Assistant Business Manager Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain this certification varies depending on the specific requirements and how much time you are able to dedicate towards studying and preparing for exams or completing training programs. On average, it typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all requirements necessary for obtaining this certification.

5. What are the benefits of having an Assistant Business Manager Certification?

Answer: Having this type of certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the field of business management and provides employers with evidence that you have obtained specialized knowledge and skills necessary for success in operations roles. Additionally, it can help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs in this field and give you access to higher salaries and better job opportunities overall.