Top 10 Business Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for business consultants in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and knowledge. They can be used to validate a consultant’s qualifications and help employers identify candidates who have the necessary skills to perform the job effectively. Certifications also provide assurance to customers that their consultant is knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy. Additionally, certifications can give a consultant an edge over competitors in terms of marketability and help them stand out from the crowd.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Business Consultants and explain how they can help propel a business consultant's career.

What are Business Consultant Certifications?

Business consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality business consulting services. It is typically awarded by professional organizations or universities after completion of a comprehensive training program. The certification can help individuals who are looking to enter the business consulting field, as it provides a competitive edge in the job market and helps demonstrate their expertise to potential employers.

The certification program typically includes courses in topics such as finance, accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategy, which provide individuals with the background knowledge necessary to understand and analyze the needs of clients. In addition, these courses also help participants develop critical thinking skills that can be used to identify problems and devise solutions. The certification program may also include an internship or practicum component, which allows individuals to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a real-world setting. By completing this type of program and earning their certification, individuals can show employers they possess the qualifications needed to provide high-quality business consulting services.

Pro Tip: Before you pursue a business consultant certification, make sure that it is properly accredited and recognized by the relevant professional bodies in your region. Additionally, research the requirements for the certification to ensure that you are prepared to meet them.

Related: What does a Business Consultant do?

Top 10 Business Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is an internationally recognized professional designation awarded to management consultants who meet the highest standards of professional competence, ethical conduct, and commitment to their profession. It is the only professional designation for management consulting that is recognized in over 40 countries around the world.

To become a CMC, applicants must demonstrate a minimum of five years' experience as a practicing management consultant or equivalent; pass a rigorous examination; and agree to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC). The exam covers topics such as business strategy, operations, finance, marketing, organizational development, project management, and more.

The process can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on how quickly you complete the necessary steps. You will need to complete an application form and submit it along with your resume and other supporting documents. Once approved by IMC USA, you will be required to pay a fee for registration and then take the CMC Exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your CMC certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which membership level you choose. The basic membership fee is $495 USD plus applicable taxes; however there are additional fees for taking the exam ($450 USD) and annual maintenance fees ($200 USD).

2. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience in the field of business analysis. The CBAP certification is intended to demonstrate a professional’s competency in the practice of business analysis and provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of expertise.

In order to be eligible for the CBAP certification, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least 7500 hours of experience in business analysis over the past 10 years, an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience, and two references from current or former employers. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of business analysis concepts and techniques.

The CBAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To prepare for the exam, applicants are encouraged to take courses offered by IIBA or other organizations that specialize in business analysis training. These courses cover topics such as requirements engineering, project management, process improvement and business architecture.

The cost of obtaining the CBAP certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. Courses offered by IIBA can range from $400 - $2000 USD depending on length and format. The exam itself costs $325 USD if you are an IIBA member or $450 USD if you are not a member.

Overall, obtaining the CBAP certification requires significant dedication and hard work but can be well worth it for those looking to advance their career in business analysis.

3. Certified Business Coach (CBC)

A Certified Business Coach (CBC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business coaching. It requires a combination of education, experience, and specialized training to earn this certification.

To become a CBC, you must first complete an accredited business coaching program. This typically involves completing at least 60 hours of coursework and participating in supervised practicum activities. Once you have completed the program, you must then pass an exam administered by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies designed to test your knowledge and understanding of business coaching principles.

Once you have passed the ICF exam, you will be eligible to apply for certification from the Professional Association for Business Coaches (PABC). To do so, you must submit an application that includes proof of your education and experience as well as references from at least two clients who can attest to your work as a coach. You must also pay an annual fee for membership in PABC.

The cost of becoming a CBC varies depending on the program you choose and other factors such as travel expenses or additional certifications. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$6,000 USD to become certified.

Overall, it can take up to six months or longer to become a CBC depending on how quickly you complete the required coursework and exams.

4. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to effectively manage business processes. The CBPP certification is offered by the Association of Business Process Professionals (ABPP).

The CBPP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as process improvement, process design, process management, and process analysis. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

To become certified as a CBPP, individuals must meet certain prerequisites: they must have at least five years of experience in business process management or related fields; they must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of approved training in business process management; and they must pass the CBPP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CBPP certification program varies depending on whether you are an ABPP member or not. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD for the exam fee plus an additional $100 USD for the application fee. For ABPP members, the cost is $395 USD for the exam fee plus an additional $50 USD for the application fee.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized project management certification in the world and demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. The PMP certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge of project management principles, practices, and techniques.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your experience level. To qualify for the exam, you must have either a four-year degree or a secondary degree with at least 5 years of project management experience and 7500 hours leading and directing projects. If you do not meet these requirements, you can still take the exam but will need to complete 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics.

To get started with the PMP certification process, you should first join PMI as a member. This will give you access to their online study materials and other resources that can help you prepare for the exam. You will then need to fill out an application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam through PMI's website or through a Prometric testing center.

The cost of taking the PMP exam depends on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD while non-members pay $555 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam at a Prometric testing center or if you need to retake it after failing once.

6. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is designed to give individuals the knowledge and skills needed to lead successful Six Sigma projects, as well as to understand and apply the tools and techniques of Six Sigma.

The certification process typically takes about four weeks to complete, depending on the provider. It typically involves completing a course or series of courses, passing an exam, and submitting a project for review by a certified master black belt. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

To get certified, individuals must first complete a training program that covers topics such as Six Sigma methodologies, problem-solving tools and techniques, data analysis methods, and project management skills. After completing their training program they must then pass an exam administered by their chosen provider. Finally they must submit a project for review by a certified master black belt who will assess their ability to apply their knowledge in practice. Once all requirements are met they will receive their certification.

7. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools to identify and eliminate waste from processes. It is designed to help organizations improve their operations by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The program typically takes between four to six months to complete and requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is offered through various organizations including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), and the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC). To obtain the certification, individuals must first pass an exam which covers topics such as process improvement, project management, problem solving, data analysis, design of experiments, and more. After passing the exam, individuals must then complete a project demonstrating their ability to apply Lean Six Sigma principles in a real-world setting. This can be done through either an on-site or online course.

The cost of obtaining the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000 USD to $5,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or completing any required projects or courses.

8. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). The CFP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have met rigorous professional standards and demonstrated the ability to provide competent financial planning advice.

To become a CFP, an individual must complete several requirements including:

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

2. Experience: At least three years of full-time financial planning experience or equivalent part-time experience.

3. Exam: Passing the CFP Certification Examination administered by the CFP Board.

4. Ethics: Completing the CFP Board’s ethics course and passing its ethics exam.

5. Continuing Education: Maintaining at least 30 hours of continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification status.

The entire process can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on how quickly you complete the requirements and pass the exam. It typically costs around $2,000 for tuition and materials for the education requirement, plus additional fees for taking the exams and maintaining your certification status over time.

9. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). It is the most widely recognized and respected global accounting credential, designed to equip management accountants with the knowledge, skills and competencies to drive business performance.

The CGMA designation requires applicants to demonstrate their mastery of finance, strategy, operations and management. To obtain the designation, applicants must have a minimum of three years' experience as a management accountant or related field, pass an exam and complete an ethics course.

It typically takes between six months and two years to obtain the CGMA designation. The time frame depends on the applicant's work experience, study habits and commitment to completing the requirements for certification.

To get started with obtaining the CGMA designation, applicants must first become members of AICPA. This can be done through either joining AICPA directly or through one of its partner organizations such as CIMA or IMA. Once membership is secured, applicants must then register for the CGMA exam and pay an associated fee. After passing the exam, applicants must complete an ethics course in order to receive their official CGMA certification.

The cost of obtaining the CGMA designation varies depending on whether you are already a member of AICPA or one of its partner organizations. If you are not already a member, you will need to pay an initial fee for membership before registering for the exam itself which costs $350 USD for members and $450 USD for non-members. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking courses or attending workshops required to prepare for the exam which vary depending on provider.

10. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional who has been licensed by the state to provide accounting services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. CPAs must meet certain educational, experience, and ethical requirements set forth by their state board of accountancy in order to become licensed.

In order to become a CPA, one must typically pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Each section is 4 hours long and covers different topics related to accounting.

The amount of time it takes to get a CPA license varies from person to person depending on their individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more depending on how quickly you are able to complete all the necessary steps such as passing the exam, completing any additional coursework required by your state board of accountancy, obtaining experience through an internship or job in public accounting, and submitting all necessary paperwork.

The cost for becoming a CPA also varies depending on your individual circumstances. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay fees for taking the exam ($1,000-$2,000) as well as additional fees related to coursework or licensing requirements ($200-$500). Additionally, you may need to purchase study materials such as textbooks or practice exams which could add up over time.

Do You Really Need a Business Consultant Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a business consultant certificate to be successful in the field of consulting. However, depending on the type of consulting you plan to do and the level of expertise you want to demonstrate, having a certification may be beneficial.

Certifications can provide a competitive edge when looking for work and can also demonstrate your qualifications and experience. They are also often required by employers or clients who are looking for someone with specific credentials. For example, if you are planning to specialize in a particular industry, such as healthcare or finance, having a certification from an accredited institution can help show potential clients that you have the necessary knowledge and experience in that area. Additionally, some certifications will allow you to access resources or discounts from organizations related to your field.

That said, it is important to note that certifications should not be seen as a requirement for success as a consultant. It is possible to become successful without having any formal certifications; many experienced consultants have developed their own methods and approaches over time through trial and error. Ultimately, success as a business consultant comes down to your ability to build relationships with clients, understand their needs and deliver effective solutions in order to achieve their desired outcomes.

In conclusion, while having a business consultant certificate may give you an advantage when applying for jobs or working with certain clients, it is not necessarily essential for success in the field of consulting. The most important factor is your ability to understand client needs and provide effective solutions accordingly.

Related: Business Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Consultant Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a business consultant certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the certification program, but typically include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, economics or a related field, as well as relevant work experience and/or professional development courses. Many certifications also require passing an exam and/or completing continuing education courses.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a business consultant?

Answer: The length of time depends on the specific program, but most certifications can be earned within 1-2 years. Some programs may take longer if they involve additional coursework or exams.

3. What is the cost of becoming certified as a business consultant?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the certification program, but generally range from $500 - $5,000 USD. Most programs involve some combination of exam fees and/or tuition costs for courses taken to meet certification requirements.

4. Are there any online courses available to become certified as a business consultant?

Answer: Yes, many certification programs offer online courses that allow you to complete all or part of the requirements for certification remotely. These courses often involve interactive activities such as webinars and case studies that you can complete at your own pace from home or work.

5. What types of jobs can I get with a business consultant certification?

Answer: With a business consultant certification, you may be eligible for positions in areas such as corporate strategy, market research, project management and operations consulting. You may also find opportunities in other industries such as healthcare and finance that require specialized knowledge and skills in business consulting principles and practices.