Top 10 Business Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for business administrators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and commitment to their profession. They also provide employers with a way to evaluate potential candidates’ knowledge and skills in areas such as accounting, finance, management and technology. Certifications can help business administrators stand out from other applicants when competing for job opportunities. Additionally, having certifications can give employers confidence that a candidate has the necessary experience and qualifications needed to perform the job successfully.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Business Administrators and explains how these certifications can help to advance a business administrator's career.

What are Business Administrator Certifications?

Business administrator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's competency in the fundamentals of business administration. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that certified candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage a business. This certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence, increase their marketability, and advance their careers.

The certification focuses on core topics such as financial management, operations management, marketing, human resources, and strategic planning. Through this certification program, individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of running a successful business. By mastering these skills and gaining an understanding of how to apply them in the workplace, professionals can become more effective leaders and managers.

The certification also provides employers with assurance that they are hiring candidates who have been trained in best practices related to business administration. This helps ensure that their employees are well equipped to handle the complexities of managing a business efficiently and effectively. In addition, having this credential on one's resume may give them an edge over other job seekers who lack it when applying for positions in the same field.

Pro Tip: When considering a business administrator certification, be sure to research the accreditation of the program to ensure you are getting a quality education and training. Additionally, look for programs that offer real-world experience or internships to help build your skillset and credentials.

Related: What does a Business Administrator do?

Top 10 Business Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Administrator (CBA)

Certified Business Administrator (CBA) is a professional designation offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of business administration, management, and leadership. The CBA certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in their field, as well as their dedication to professional development.

The CBA certification program consists of four courses: Business Administration Fundamentals, Business Management & Leadership, Business Analysis & Problem Solving, and Professional Development & Communications. Each course requires 30 hours of study and must be completed within 12 months. The total cost for the program is $1,495 USD.

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge in each course area. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken at any time during the 12-month period. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants are awarded their CBA certification.

2. Certified Professional in Business Administration (CPBA)

Certified Professional in Business Administration (CPBA) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). The CPBA certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of business professionals who manage, lead, and influence their organizations. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in the areas of management, leadership, and organizational development.

The CPBA program requires successful completion of three courses: Management & Leadership Fundamentals; Organizational Development & Change Management; and Strategic Planning & Execution. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

In order to earn the CPBA certification, you must pass all three courses with a minimum score of 70%. Once you have completed all three courses successfully, you will be eligible for the CPBA exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of two hours. You must get at least 70% correct in order to pass the exam and receive your certification.

The cost for the CPBA program varies depending on whether you are taking individual courses or enrolling in the full program. For individuals taking individual courses, each course costs $399 USD. For those enrolling in the full program, there is an enrollment fee of $999 USD which includes access to all three courses as well as one attempt at the CPBA exam.

Once you have earned your CPBA certification, it is valid for life but can be renewed every five years by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the CPBA exam.

3. Certified Business Management Professional (CBMP)

Certified Business Management Professional (CBMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of business management. The CBMP credential is offered by the International Association of Business Management Professionals (IABMP).

The CBMP program consists of three levels: Certified Business Management Professional (CBMP), Certified Business Management Professional II (CBMP-II), and Certified Business Management Professional III (CBMP-III). Each level requires successful completion of an exam. To be eligible for the CBMP exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in business management or related fields.

The CBMP exam covers topics such as strategic planning, operations management, organizational development, financial management, human resources management, marketing and sales management, customer service and relationship management, project management, information technology management, and more. The exam is administered through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CBMP program. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances.

To get the CBMP certification, applicants must first register for the program with IABMP and pay a registration fee which varies depending on the level being taken. After registering for the program, applicants must then prepare for and pass each level's exam within one year from registration date. Once all exams are successfully completed within one year from registration date, applicants will receive their CBMP certification from IABMP.

The cost to obtain a CBMP certification varies depending on which level is being taken and whether or not there are any discounts available at that time. Generally speaking however it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD per level plus any applicable taxes or fees.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual's knowledge and experience in project management. It is the most widely recognized and respected certification in the field of project management.

To get PMP certified, an individual must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. To be eligible for the exam, an individual must have either: A four-year degree plus three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading projects; or A secondary degree plus five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading projects.

The exam itself consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering the five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing), nine knowledge areas (Integration Management, Scope Management, Time Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Human Resources Management, Communications Management, Risk Management and Procurement Management), and Professional & Social Responsibility. The exam takes four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the PMP Exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members it costs $405 USD while for non-members it costs $555 USD. Additionally there are other fees associated with registering for the exam such as application processing fees which can range from $100-$200 USD depending on your location.

5. Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA)

Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification in the field of accounting, offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

The CMA program consists of two parts: Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance and Control; and Part 2 – Financial Decision Making. To become certified as a CMA, individuals must pass both parts of the exam. The exam is administered by Prometric Testing Centers worldwide.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CMA program. This includes studying for the exams, taking practice tests to assess your preparedness for the exams, and completing the actual exams.

To get started on your path to becoming a Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA), you must first become a member of IMA. Membership fees vary depending on your country/region but are generally around $200 USD per year. After becoming a member, you can register for the CMA program online or through mail/fax forms provided by IMA. Once registered, you will need to purchase study materials from IMA or other sources such as textbooks or online courses. Additionally, you can take practice tests to assess your preparedness for the exams before taking them officially.

The cost of obtaining your CMA certification varies depending on which materials you use for studying and how many times you take each exam; however it usually costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD total.

6. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the educational requirements and passed an examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). CPAs are licensed by individual states to provide accounting services, including auditing financial statements, preparing tax returns, and providing financial advice.

It typically takes four years of college education plus one year of work experience in public accounting to become a CPA. Most states also require applicants to pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which consists of four sections covering topics such as auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation.

To get certified as a CPA, you must first meet the educational requirements set forth by your state board of accountancy. This usually includes completing at least 150 hours of college coursework with a concentration in accounting or related fields. You must also pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the AICPA. After passing the exam, you must apply for licensure with your state board of accountancy and pay any associated fees.

The cost to become a CPA varies depending on the state in which you are seeking licensure. Generally speaking, it will cost between $100-$500 for application fees alone. Additionally, most states require applicants to pay for their own background check and fingerprinting fees, which can range from $50-$200. The cost for taking the Uniform CPA Exam is around $800 per section taken; however, some states may offer discounted rates for residents.

7. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation offered by the CFA Institute that measures and recognizes the competence and integrity of financial analysts. It is an internationally recognized standard for investment professionals, providing a rigorous curriculum, examinations, and ethical standards to ensure that practitioners have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide sound advice to their clients.

The CFA program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level requires a minimum of 300 hours of study in order to pass the exam. The exams are offered twice a year in June and December.

In order to become a CFA charterholder, you must have at least four years of qualified work experience in investment decision-making or related fields such as portfolio management or security analysis. You must also pass all three levels of the CFA Program exams within four years.

The cost for the CFA Program varies depending on which level you are taking and when you register for it. Generally speaking, registration fees range from $650-$1,000 per level plus additional costs for study materials (eBooks/videos/practice questions).

8. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification provided by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in business analysis. The CBAP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to effectively analyze, document, and manage business requirements.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of 7500 hours of work experience in business analysis within the past 10 years. Applicants must also demonstrate their understanding of the six core knowledge areas as outlined by IIBA: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring, Elicitation & Collaboration, Requirements Life Cycle Management, Strategy Analysis, Requirements Analysis & Design Definition, and Solution Evaluation.

To get certified as a CBAP, applicants must first complete an online application form and pay a fee. Once approved for the exam, applicants must register for and pass an exam administered by IIBA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours.

The cost for the CBAP application fee is $125 USD for members of IIBA or $325 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is an examination fee of $325 USD for members or $450 USD for non-members.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and apply Six Sigma principles to their work. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the use of Six Sigma tools, techniques, and methodologies.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between three to four months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of commitment and availability. To obtain the certification, individuals must complete a series of courses which cover topics such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology, Lean Six Sigma, problem solving, statistical analysis, and project management.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the organization chosen for testing. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 USD for the exam fee alone. This does not include any additional fees associated with taking courses or other preparation materials required for successful completion of the exam.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead Lean Six Sigma projects. The certification is offered by a variety of organizations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), and others.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically consists of two parts: classroom instruction and hands-on project work. The classroom instruction typically covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, team building, and project management. During the hands-on project work, participants apply what they have learned in the classroom to actual projects within their organization.

The length of time required to complete the certification depends on the organization offering it and can range from 8 weeks up to 18 months or more. To get certified, individuals must first pass an exam that tests their knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and methodology. After passing the exam, they must then demonstrate mastery of these principles through successful completion of a number of projects.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which organization you choose to certify with and can range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

Do You Really Need a Business Administrator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a business administrator certificate depends on the career path you have chosen. If you are looking to pursue a career in management, then it is likely that having a business administrator certificate will help you stand out from other applicants and give you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. With the right credentials, employers may be more inclined to hire someone with a business administrator certificate because they know they will have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job.

Having a business administrator certificate can also open up opportunities for advancement within your current organization or even give you access to higher positions in other organizations. The skills learned through taking this type of course are highly transferable and can be applied to many different types of businesses, making it an attractive option for those looking to gain experience in various areas of management.

In addition, having a business administrator certificate could give you access to special networks or associations that can provide valuable contacts and resources for advancing your career. It can also provide evidence of your commitment to professional development, which can help make you more attractive when applying for promotions or new positions.

Ultimately, it is important to consider whether having a business administrator certificate is right for your individual circumstances before deciding whether or not to pursue one. It is important that any certification is relevant to your particular field and that it offers value both in terms of improving your current job prospects as well as providing potential future opportunities.

Related: Business Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Administrator Certifications

1. What is a business administrator certification?

Answer: A business administrator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates proficiency in business administration skills and knowledge. It typically requires passing an exam, completing a certain number of hours of continuing education, or a combination of both.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time needed to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to several years to complete all the requirements for certification.

3. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Yes, usually you must have a certain level of education or experience in order to be eligible for certification. For example, some certifications require that you have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or management before applying.

4. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Benefits include increased job opportunities and higher salaries, recognition as an expert in your field, improved credibility with employers and clients, and access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

5. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the type of program you choose and may include application fees, exam fees, course materials fees, etc. Generally speaking, most certifications range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars in total costs.