Top 10 Business Banking Relationship Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a business banking relationship manager in the job market because they show employers that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage customer relationships and financial accounts. Having certifications can give a job applicant an edge over other candidates who lack such credentials. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the individual is knowledgeable about the banking industry, understands best practices, and is committed to professional development. Additionally, certifications can provide credibility to a business banking relationship manager’s resume and help them stand out from other applicants.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Business Banking Relationship Managers and explain how they can contribute to a successful career in business banking.

What are Business Banking Relationship Manager Certifications?

Business Banking Relationship Manager Certification is a comprehensive educational program designed to help banking professionals achieve success in the business banking sector. The certification focuses on developing and honing skills related to managing, developing, and growing relationships between businesses and banks. The program helps participants learn how to identify customer needs, develop strategies for providing solutions, build trust with clients, manage risk, and effectively utilize technologies relevant to business banking. With this certification, bankers can gain a greater understanding of the industry and become more valuable to their employers or customers. This certification can also open up opportunities for career advancement within the banking sector as it demonstrates knowledge and expertise in business banking services.

Pro Tip: When selecting a business banking relationship manager certification, be sure to look for one that includes practical experience and hands-on training. This will ensure that you are able to build the skills necessary to effectively manage client relationships and provide the best customer service possible.

Related: What does a Business Banking Relationship Manager do?

Top 10 Business Banking Relationship Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Banking Relationship Manager (CBBRM)

A Certified Business Banking Relationship Manager (CBBRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in business banking. CBBRMs are responsible for developing and managing relationships with businesses to ensure they receive the best banking services available. They must possess an in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry, as well as the ability to identify and address customer needs.

To obtain the CBBRM designation, individuals must complete a series of courses and pass an exam administered by the Institute of Financial Services (IFS). The exam covers topics such as business banking products, services, regulations, risk management, and customer service. The courses typically take around three months to complete and cost approximately $1,500 USD.

Individuals who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate from IFS that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in business banking. This certification can help individuals stand out in the job market and may lead to higher salaries or promotions within their current organization.

2. Certified Professional Banker (CPB)

Certified Professional Banker (CPB) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB) in partnership with the American Bankers Association (ABA). The CPB designation is designed to recognize banking professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, expertise and commitment to the banking industry.

The CPB certification requires applicants to complete an online application and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as consumer banking, commercial banking, financial services, risk management, compliance and ethics. Applicants must have at least three years of full-time banking experience and must submit a copy of their resume with their application.

The cost for the CPB certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ABA member. For non-members, the cost is $595 for the exam fee plus $50 for processing fees. For ABA members, the cost is $395 for the exam fee plus $50 for processing fees.

It typically takes about two weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you have passed your exam and received your certification, it is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

3. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, formerly known as the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR). The CFA designation is the highest standard of excellence in investment management and financial analysis. It is recognized globally by employers, universities, and regulatory bodies.

The CFA program consists of three levels of examinations that must be completed in order to become a Chartered Financial Analyst. Each level requires a significant commitment of time and resources to complete. Level I typically takes around 300 hours of study, Level II around 250 hours, and Level III around 200 hours. In total it can take up to 750 hours or more to complete all three levels.

In order to become a CFA charterholder, you must pass all three levels of exams within four years and have at least four years of qualified work experience in the investment decision-making process. You must also agree to abide by the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

The cost for taking each level of the CFA exam varies depending on when you register for the exam. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$2,500 USD per level to take the exam plus additional fees for study materials and registration costs.

4. Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) is a professional certification for individuals who specialize in treasury management. It is offered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), and it is the highest level of recognition available in the field of treasury management.

The CTP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in treasury management, as well as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. The exam itself consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section covers topics such as cash flow forecasting, debt and equity financing, risk management, and financial statement analysis. The essay portion focuses on case studies and practical applications of treasury knowledge.

In order to obtain the CTP certification, applicants must pass both sections of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also complete an online application form that includes information about their educational background and work experience.

The cost to apply for the CTP certification varies depending on whether you are an AFP member or nonmember. For AFP members, the cost is $495; for nonmembers, it is $595. Additionally, there are additional fees for re-taking the exam if necessary ($150 for AFP members; $200 for nonmembers).

Overall, it typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements and obtain your CTP certification.

5. Certified Credit Executive (CCE)

Certified Credit Executive (CCE) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field of credit management. The CCE credential is earned through successful completion of the NACM’s Certified Credit Executive (CCE) program. This program consists of five courses, which cover topics such as credit management, financial analysis, accounts receivable management, collections, and legal aspects of credit.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete all five courses and earn the CCE credential. To get started on the path to becoming a CCE, you must first become a member of NACM. After joining NACM, you can begin taking courses online or in-person at one of their approved training centers. Once you have completed all five courses and passed the exams associated with each course, you will be eligible for certification as a CCE.

The cost for becoming a CCE varies depending on whether you take courses online or in-person. Online courses typically cost $295 per course while in-person classes range from $400-$500 per course. Additionally, there is an application fee of $100 when applying for certification as a CCE.

6. Certified Bank Auditor (CBA)

Certified Bank Auditor (CBA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Bank Auditors (ICBA). It is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in bank auditing and financial management.

To become a CBA, an individual must pass the ICBA's examination, which tests their knowledge of auditing principles and practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as internal control systems, risk management, financial statement analysis, and regulatory compliance.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken either online or in person at one of the ICBA's testing centers. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their CBA designation from the ICBA. With this certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their expertise in bank auditing and financial management to employers and clients alike.

7. Accredited ACH Professional (AAP)

Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) is a professional designation given by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA). It is a recognition of expertise in the field of Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of ACH rules, regulations, and best practices.

To become an AAP, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as risk management, compliance, operations, security, and customer service. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for taking the exam is $400 for NACHA members or $500 for non-members. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience working with ACH payments or related activities.

Once certified as an AAP, individuals are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be earned through attending conferences or workshops related to ACH payments or other approved activities.

8. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to effectively manage risk. The CRMP program is administered by The Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI).

The CRMP program consists of three courses: Introduction to Risk Management, Advanced Risk Management, and Professional Practice of Risk Management. Each course is offered in both online and classroom formats. The online courses are self-paced and can be completed within two to three months. The classroom courses take approximately six months to complete.

In order to become certified as a CRMP, applicants must pass all three courses with a minimum grade of 70%. Once all three courses have been successfully completed, applicants must submit an application form and pay the applicable fees in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CRMP program varies depending on the format chosen. The online courses cost $495 each, while the classroom courses cost $795 each. In addition, there is an application fee of $295 that must be paid upon submission of the application form.

9. Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)

A Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry. The CFSA credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in auditing and assessing financial services organizations.

In order to become a CFSA, candidates must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to the IIA Code of Ethics. Candidates must have at least three years of internal audit experience in the financial services industry or related field, including at least one year in a supervisory role. Additionally, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

The CFSA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk management, internal control systems, and auditing standards. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and costs $500 USD for members of the IIA ($700 USD for non-members).

Once certified, CFSAs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year. CPE credits can be obtained through attending seminars, conferences, webinars, self-study courses, and other activities approved by the IIA.

10. Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM).

Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of banking regulation. The CRCM credential is offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA).

The CRCM program provides a comprehensive overview of banking regulations, including consumer protection laws, anti-money laundering regulations, and cybersecurity requirements. It also covers topics such as risk management, compliance management systems, and audit procedures.

The program consists of four courses that must be completed within three years: Introduction to Banking Regulation; Regulatory Compliance Management; Risk Management; and Audit Procedures & Practices. Each course is offered online or in person at ABA-approved locations. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates are eligible to take the CRCM exam administered by the ABA.

The cost of the CRCM program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $700-$900 per course while in-person classes can range from $1,000-$1,500 per course. In addition to tuition fees, there is an application fee of $100 for those taking the exam.

Once you have successfully completed all four courses and passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your official ABA Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager certification. This certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed with additional continuing education credits earned through approved activities such as attending conferences or seminars related to regulatory compliance topics.

Do You Really Need a Business Banking Relationship Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A business banking relationship manager certificate is not a requirement in order to be successful in the field of business banking. However, it can be beneficial for those who are looking to further their career or increase their knowledge and skills in the field.

A business banking relationship manager certificate can provide you with an understanding of the various aspects of business banking, including financial analysis, risk assessment, customer service, and loan origination. It can also help you gain insight into the regulations and laws that govern the industry. Additionally, a certificate may give you access to specialized training and networking opportunities that can help you advance your career.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a business banking relationship manager certificate depends on your individual goals. If you are looking for a way to enhance your knowledge and skillset in the field of business banking, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial for you. However, if you already have experience in the area or do not plan on advancing your career any further than where it currently stands, then a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: Business Banking Relationship Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Banking Relationship Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Business Banking Relationship Manager Certification?

A1: A Business Banking Relationship Manager Certification is a professional certification offered by the American Bankers Association that provides specialized knowledge and skills related to business banking. It helps prepare individuals for a career in business banking and provides them with the tools they need to effectively manage customer relationships.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Business Banking Relationship Manager?

A2: To become certified as a Business Banking Relationship Manager, you must complete an approved education program, pass an exam, and meet certain experience requirements. The specific requirements vary by state.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified as a Business Banking Relationship Manager?

A3: Depending on your individual circumstances, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more to become certified as a Business Banking Relationship Manager. The amount of time required depends on factors such as the education program you choose, how much experience you have, and how quickly you can complete the exam.

Q4: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Business Banking Relationship Manager?

A4: Becoming certified as a Business Banking Relationship Manager gives individuals the opportunity to advance their careers by gaining specialized knowledge and skills related to business banking. It also allows them to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field and sets them apart from other professionals in the industry.

Q5: Does becoming certified guarantee me employment in business banking?

A5: Becoming certified does not guarantee employment in business banking; however, having this certification will make you more attractive to potential employers in this field. It also demonstrates that you have taken steps towards professional development in business banking and have made an effort to stay current with industry trends and best practices.