Top 10 Branch Operations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a branch operations manager in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and experience in their field. Employers want to ensure that the people they hire are knowledgeable and have the skills necessary to succeed in the role. Certifications provide employers with proof that a candidate has gone through a rigorous process to gain the skills and knowledge required of them. Additionally, certifications help demonstrate commitment to one's career, as employers know that obtaining certifications often requires time, dedication, and effort. Finally, certifications can also be used as leverage during negotiations with employers, as having a certification may give an individual more bargaining power when it comes to salary or other benefits.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Branch Operations Managers and explains how they can help advance a branch operations manager's career.

What are Branch Operations Manager Certifications?

Branch operations manager certification is a professional certification program designed to educate and train professionals in the management of branch operations. This type of certification is ideal for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the banking, retail banking, or financial services industries. The certification provides an in-depth understanding of best practices and procedures related to branch operations, including customer service, sales and marketing, compliance, risk management, and more.

The certification program covers topics such as product knowledge, customer service principles, regulatory compliance requirements, operational processes, personnel management, technology trends and more. It also provides a comprehensive overview of critical skills needed to effectively manage a branch operation. This includes understanding how to develop strategies that optimize performance while meeting customer expectations and ensuring compliance with regulations.

By completing this certification program, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in managing branch operations on both a strategic and tactical level. This will help them stand out from other candidates when applying for positions within the industry. It also demonstrates dedication to one’s professional development by demonstrating the commitment to staying abreast of changes in the industry as well as developing new skills that can be used to improve business efficiency. Ultimately, having this type of certification can help individuals advance their careers by providing them with an edge over their competitors when it comes to job opportunities within the banking or financial services sector.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a branch operations manager certification, make sure to take advantage of any available online resources and practice tests. This will help you gain a better understanding of the material and prepare you for the official certification exam.

Related: What does a Branch Operations Manager do?

Top 10 Branch Operations Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Branch Operations Manager (CBOM)

Certified Branch Operations Manager (CBOM) is a professional certification program designed to help financial services professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to manage branch operations. The CBOM certification is offered by the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association.

The CBOM certification requires applicants to complete an online course, pass an exam, and fulfill continuing education requirements. The online course consists of nine modules that cover topics such as branch operations, customer service, compliance, risk management, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at a testing center approved by ICB.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CBOM program. However, some individuals may take longer or shorter depending on their individual learning styles and schedules.

To get certified as a CBOM, you must first register for the program with ICB. You will then receive access to the online course materials and instructions on how to register for the exam. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, you will become eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining the CBOM certification varies depending on whether you are an ICB member or non-member. For members, it costs $495; for non-members it costs $595. This fee includes access to all course materials as well as registration fees for both the online course and exam.

2. Certified Financial Services Branch Manager (CFSBM)

Certified Financial Services Branch Manager (CFSBM) is a professional certification program designed to provide financial services branch managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their branch. The CFSBM program is offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA).

The CFSBM program consists of three courses: 1) Principles of Branch Management, 2) Advanced Branch Management, and 3) Risk Management in Financial Services. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, and can be completed online or in-person at an ABA-approved training center. Upon successful completion of all three courses, participants will receive the CFSBM designation.

To qualify for the CFSBM program, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a financial services branch manager or equivalent position. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge in the areas covered by the CFSBM curriculum.

The cost of the CFSBM program varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in-person. Online courses typically cost around $1,000 while in-person classes may cost up to $2,500. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam and applying for the certification itself.

Overall, it takes approximately four months to complete the entire CFSBM program from start to finish (including study time). However, this timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances and availability.

3. Certified Professional Banker (CPB)

Certified Professional Banker (CPB) is a certification program offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA). It is designed to recognize bankers who have achieved a high level of professional excellence in the banking industry. The CPB designation is an important credential that demonstrates a commitment to professional development and knowledge of the banking industry.

The CPB program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Banker I, II, and III. Each level requires the completion of several courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as financial management, consumer lending, commercial lending, compliance and risk management, and technology in banking.

The CPB program takes approximately two years to complete. The first year focuses on completing coursework, while the second year focuses on taking and passing the exams for each level.

To get started, applicants must register with ABA for an account and pay a one-time registration fee of $175. After registering for an account, applicants can purchase individual courses or packages of courses at varying prices depending on their needs. Once all required coursework has been completed, applicants must take and pass all three levels of exams in order to receive their CPB designation.

In total, it costs approximately $1,000 - $2,000 to become a Certified Professional Banker (CPB). This cost includes registration fees for ABA membership as well as course fees for each level of certification.

4. Certified Retail Banking Professional (CRBP)

A Certified Retail Banking Professional (CRBP) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association. The CRBP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of retail banking operations, products and services. It also serves as a symbol of commitment to the highest standards of professionalism in retail banking.

The CRBP certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, financial analysis, risk management, and compliance. After passing the exam, applicants must complete a comprehensive application which includes references from current or former employers in the banking industry.

The cost for the CRBP certification varies depending on whether you are an ABA member or not. For non-members, it costs $495 for the exam plus $50 for processing fees. For ABA members, it costs $395 for the exam plus $50 for processing fees.

Once certified, individuals must renew their credentials every two years by completing continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee of $95 per year ($190 total).

5. Certified Professional in Branch Management (CPBM)

Certified Professional in Branch Management (CPBM) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field of branch management. The CPBM program provides comprehensive training and education on the latest trends, techniques, and strategies needed to successfully manage a banking branch.

The CPBM program consists of three courses: Branch Management Fundamentals, Advanced Branch Management Strategies, and Leadership and Communication Skills for Branch Managers. Each course includes online instruction, interactive activities, case studies, and assessments. The program also includes an online certification exam that must be passed in order to receive the CPBM designation.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CPBM program depending on how quickly you can complete the courses.

To get your CPBM designation you must first register for the program with ICB. You will then need to complete all three courses within six months of registering for the program. Once all courses are completed you will need to pass an online certification exam before receiving your CPBM designation.

The cost of the CPBM program varies depending on which payment plan you choose but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

6. Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE)

Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) is a professional certification program offered by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). It is designed to recognize credit union executives who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and commitment to the credit union industry. The CCUE certification is awarded to credit union professionals who have completed a rigorous program of study and successfully passed an examination covering topics such as credit union operations, finance, regulation, management, and strategy.

The CCUE program consists of three courses: Credit Union Operations & Finance; Risk Management & Compliance; and Strategic Planning & Leadership. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time. Upon completion of all three courses and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, individuals are awarded the CCUE designation.

The cost for the CCUE program varies depending on if you are a CUNA member or non-member. For members it costs $1,495 for all three courses while non-members pay $2,395.

To get started in the CCUE program you must first register online at www.cuna.org/certification/ccue/. Once registered you will be given access to your course materials which can be studied at your own pace over a period of several weeks or months depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week. After completing all three courses and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher you will be awarded your CCUE designation from CUNA!

7. Certified Business Banking Officer (CBBO)

Certified Business Banking Officer (CBBO) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of business banking professionals. The CBBO certification is awarded by the Institute of Certified Business Bankers (ICBB), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in business banking.

The CBBO certification program consists of four courses: Foundations of Business Banking, Advanced Business Banking, Risk Management, and Credit Analysis. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, with most taking between two and three weeks to complete. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam to receive their CBBO designation.

In order to become a CBBO certified professional, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience in business banking or related fields such as finance or accounting; having a bachelor’s degree or higher; and passing an ethics test administered by ICBB.

The cost for the CBBO certification program varies depending on the institution offering it but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

8. Certified Deposit and Loan Officer (CDLO)

A Certified Deposit and Loan Officer (CDLO) is a professional designation granted by the American Bankers Association (ABA). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in deposit and loan products, services, systems, and regulations.

To become a CDLO, an individual must complete a series of courses offered by the ABA. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as deposit and loan products, services, systems, regulations, customer service, sales strategies, and risk management. Each course must be completed within a certain time frame in order to receive credit for it. Upon completion of all four courses, the individual must pass an exam administered by the ABA in order to receive the CDLO certification.

The cost of becoming a CDLO varies depending on the individual’s situation. Generally speaking, the cost includes registration fees for each course as well as any associated materials or books that may be required for successful completion of the program. Additionally, there may be travel costs associated with attending classes or taking exams if they are not offered locally.

In total, it typically takes about 6 months to complete all four courses and obtain the CDLO certification from the ABA.

9. Certified Treasury Management Professional (CTMP)

Certified Treasury Management Professional (CTMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of treasury management. The CTMP designation is awarded by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP).

The CTMP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as cash and liquidity management, risk management, financial analysis, investments, and banking services. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to qualify for the CTMP certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in treasury management or related fields. Applicants must also submit an application form and pay a fee of $395. After passing the exam, applicants are eligible for recertification every three years by completing continuing education requirements or retaking the exam.

The cost of the CTMP certification includes the examination fee as well as any associated study materials or courses needed to prepare for the exam. The total cost will vary depending on individual preparation needs.

10. Chartered Banker Institute’s Branch Manager Certification Program

The Chartered Banker Institute’s Branch Manager Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide branch managers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage a branch. The program covers topics such as customer service, financial management, operations management, sales and marketing, and risk management. The program is offered in two formats: an online course or an in-person workshop.

The online course takes approximately six months to complete and consists of seven modules that cover the following topics: customer service, financial management, operations management, sales and marketing, risk management, leadership development, and retail banking. Each module includes video lectures, quizzes, case studies, and other activities to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the material. At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Chartered Banker Institute.

The in-person workshop takes three days to complete and provides hands-on learning opportunities for participants. During this workshop participants will learn about customer service strategies, financial analysis techniques, operational processes and procedures for managing a branch office. At the end of the workshop participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Chartered Banker Institute.

The cost for either option depends on how many modules are taken; however both options include access to all seven modules for one fee. Prices vary depending on location but typically range from $400 - $600 USD per person for either option.

Do You Really Need a Branch Operations Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on one’s individual career goals. Branch operations management is a highly specialized field that requires a certain level of expertise in order to be successful. A certificate in branch operations management can be beneficial for those who are looking to break into the field and gain the necessary skills to succeed. It can also provide potential employers with an indication of one’s knowledge and commitment to the profession.

For those already working in the field, a certificate may not be necessary, but it could still provide additional credentials that could help further one’s career prospects. In addition, if someone is looking to move up within their organization or switch companies, having a certificate can demonstrate a higher level of competency than what might otherwise be assumed by employers.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a branch operations manager certificate will depend on their individual goals and circumstances. Those who want to break into the field or advance their current position may find that having such a certification can open doors and create opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise had access to.

Related: Branch Operations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Branch Operations Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Branch Operations Manager?

Answer: To become a Branch Operations Manager, you must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in business or related field and prior experience working in the financial services industry. Additional certifications such as Certified Banker (CBC) or Certified Financial Services Professional (CFSP) can be beneficial when applying for these roles.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Branch Operations Manager?

Answer: The amount of time necessary to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and the level of experience you have with relevant topics. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the necessary courses and exams required for certification.

3. Are there any online courses available for Branch Operations Management Certification?

Answer: Yes, there are many online courses available that can help prepare you for certification as a Branch Operations Manager. These courses often cover topics such as financial services regulations, risk management, customer service, and sales and marketing strategies.

4. What is the cost associated with obtaining a Branch Operations Management Certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining certification varies depending on the organization offering the certification program and other factors such as location, materials required for completion, etc. Generally speaking, most certification programs range from $500 - $2000 USD in total costs for registration fees, course materials, and exam fees.

5. Is it worth getting certified as a Branch Operations Manager?

Answer: Yes! Obtaining certification as a Branch Operations Manager demonstrates your knowledge of the banking industry and commitment to professional development which can help increase your chances of landing a role in this field or advancing your career within an existing position.