Top 11 Business Developer Certifications
Updated 18 min read
Certifications are important for a business developer in the job market because they demonstrate competency and expertise in the field. They show employers that the individual has taken the time and effort to gain knowledge and skills outside of their formal education. Certifications also help to differentiate one candidate from another who may have similar qualifications, thus making them more attractive to potential employers. Certifications can also give individuals an edge when competing for promotions or higher-level positions, as they indicate that an individual has taken initiative to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications are often required for certain jobs, so having them can be essential for those seeking such positions.
This article reviews some of the top certifications for business developers and explains how they can help to advance a business developer's career.
What are Business Developer Certifications?
Business developer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of business development, sales, and marketing. The certification is designed to validate the capabilities of those who are responsible for growing their business. It helps to demonstrate that individuals have the necessary skills and experience to develop, manage, and grow their businesses.
The certification covers topics such as market analysis, customer segmentation, competitive landscape assessment, product positioning, pricing strategy, sales process design, lead generation tactics, relationship building techniques and more. By having this credential it shows that a person has the skills required to identify opportunities for growth in their organization or industry and execute plans to capitalize on them. It also validates one’s ability to develop strategies for acquiring new customers while maintaining relationships with existing ones. Having this certification can give potential employers confidence that they are hiring someone with the right qualifications and experience to help drive their business forward. It can also open up new career opportunities by showing that you have expertise in these key areas of business development.
Pro Tip: When considering a business developer certification, research potential certifying bodies to ensure that the program is accredited and has a good reputation. Additionally, look for courses that provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in the workplace.
Related: What does a Business Developer do?
Top 11 Business Developer Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Business Developers today.
1. Certified Business Development Professional (CBD)
Certified Business Development Professional (CBD) is a professional certification program designed to provide business professionals with the education and skills necessary to become successful in the field of business development. This certification is offered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP).
The CBD certification program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The program takes approximately two years to complete, depending on the individual's commitment to learning and completing the required coursework. In order to obtain a Level 1 certification, individuals must complete an online self-study course that covers topics such as marketing, sales, finance, operations, and customer service. To achieve a Level 2 certification, individuals must pass an exam covering more advanced topics such as strategic planning and project management. Finally, for a Level 3 certification, individuals must demonstrate mastery of business development principles through a portfolio review process.
The cost of obtaining a Certified Business Development Professional (CBD) certification varies depending on the level being pursued. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for each level of the program. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking exams or submitting portfolios for review.
Overall, obtaining a Certified Business Development Professional (CBD) certification can be beneficial for those looking to gain knowledge and skills in this field as well as advance their career opportunities in business development.
2. Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM)
Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of business development professionals. The certification is administered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP).
The Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as business strategy, market analysis, sales process, customer relationship management, project management, financial analysis, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.
In order to become certified as a CBDM, applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in the field of business development or related fields. Applicants must also have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
To get certified as a CBDM, applicants must first register for the exam online at IABDP's website. Once registered, applicants will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to prepare for the exam. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results within four weeks.
The cost for taking the Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) Exam is $395 USD. This fee includes all materials needed to take the exam and access to additional resources such as practice tests and study guides.
3. Certified Business Development Analyst (CBDA)
Certified Business Development Analyst (CBDA) is a professional certification program designed to provide business professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful business development analysts. This certification program is offered by the International Association of Business Analysts (IABA).
The CBDA certification program consists of a series of courses, exams, and projects that focus on the fundamentals of business development analysis. The courses cover topics such as project management, customer relationship management, data analysis, and financial analysis. Upon completion of the program, candidates will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices necessary for successful business development initiatives.
The CBDA certification program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, candidates must complete all coursework, exams, and projects required for certification. Candidates must also submit their application materials for review by IABA before they can be certified.
The cost of the CBDA certification program varies depending on the organization offering it and the number of courses taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $3,000-$4,000 USD to take all required courses in order to become certified.
4. Certified Business Development Specialist (CBDS)
A Certified Business Development Specialist (CBDS) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual's expertise in the field of business development. This certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of business development, including marketing, sales, operations, finance, and strategy.
The CBDS certification is offered by the National Business Development Association (NBDA). It requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in business development and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as market analysis, customer segmentation, product/service positioning, pricing strategies, financial management, and sales force management.
The cost for the CBDS certification exam is $395.00 USD. It typically takes around four months to complete all requirements for the certification. To get certified as a CBDS you must:
1) Submit an application with your resume and proof of experience;
2) Pass the online CBDS Exam;
3) Complete a Professional Certification Agreement;
4) Pay the applicable fee; and
5) Receive your official certificate from NBDA.
5. Certified Business Development Strategist (CBDS)
Certified Business Development Strategist (CBDS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in business development strategies. It is designed to provide recognition for those who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to develop successful business strategies.
The CBDS program is administered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP). The certification requires applicants to complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and submit documentation of their experience in business development. The courses cover topics such as market analysis, customer segmentation, sales strategy, marketing strategy, product management, finance & accounting, operations management, and organizational leadership.
The CBDS certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. To get started with the program, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to take a series of courses and pass an exam before they can receive their certification.
The cost for the CBDS program varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as location. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with the program.
6. Certified Business Development Consultant (CBC)
A Certified Business Development Consultant (CBC) is a professional who specializes in helping businesses to develop and grow. The CBC is trained to provide advice and guidance on all aspects of business development, including strategic planning, marketing, sales, operations, finance, and customer service.
The certification process typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete. To become a CBC, applicants must first pass an exam administered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP). This exam covers topics such as business strategy and planning, financial analysis and management, customer service and relationship management, marketing principles and techniques, sales strategies and tactics, operations management and technology applications.
In addition to passing the IABDP exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in business development or related fields. They must also submit a portfolio of their work to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter.
The cost for the CBC certification varies depending on the provider but can range from $500-$1,000 USD.
7. Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP)
The Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to help sales and marketing professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their field. The CSMP credential is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of sales and marketing, including strategy development, customer acquisition, customer relationship management, product/service promotion, pricing strategies, market segmentation, and analytics.
It typically takes about 18 months to complete the CSMP program. The program consists of three courses: Principles of Sales & Marketing, Advanced Sales & Marketing Strategies, and Professional Practice & Leadership. Each course requires approximately 100 hours of study time.
To get certified as a CSMP, you must first pass an online assessment exam that tests your knowledge in the areas of sales and marketing. After passing this exam, you must then complete three courses within 18 months and pass a final certification exam. Once you have completed all requirements for certification, you will receive your CSMP certificate from AMA.
The cost for the CSMP program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of AMA. For non-members, the cost is $1,395 USD for all three courses; for members it is $995 USD for all three courses.
8. Professional in Business Development and Strategy (PIBDS)
Professional in Business Development and Strategy (PIBDS) is a certification offered by the International Association of Professional Business Development and Strategy (IAPBDS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in business development and strategy.
The PIBDS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of business development and strategy. The exam consists of multiple choice questions, case studies, and essay questions. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work experience, which includes detailed descriptions of their past projects.
It typically takes about six months to complete the PIBDS certification process. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework, take the exam, and submit their portfolio for review. After successful completion of all requirements, applicants will receive their PIBDS certificate.
The cost of obtaining the PIBDS certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 USD depending on the provider’s fees and other associated costs.
In order to get started with the PIBDS certification process, applicants should first research providers offering it in their area. Once they have identified a provider they would like to work with, they should contact them directly for more information about costs and requirements for taking the exam and submitting a portfolio for review.
9. Global Professional in Business Development and Strategy (GPIBDS)
Global Professional in Business Development and Strategy (GPIBDS) is an internationally recognized professional certification program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful business leaders. The program provides a comprehensive overview of the key elements of business development and strategy, including market analysis, financial planning, organizational development, leadership, and innovation.
The GPIBDS program is offered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP). It consists of four courses: Principles of Business Development and Strategy; Market Analysis; Financial Planning; and Organizational Development. Each course is offered online or in-person at various locations around the world. The program takes approximately 18 months to complete.
To get certified as a Global Professional in Business Development and Strategy (GPIBDS), you must successfully complete all four courses. You will also need to pass an exam administered by IABDP. The cost for the program varies depending on your chosen delivery method (online or in-person). Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000-$3,000 USD for the entire program.
10. International Association of Business Developers Certification Program (IABDC)
The International Association of Business Developers Certification Program (IABDC) is a professional certification program for business developers. It is designed to equip business developers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively develop and manage businesses. The IABDC provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the fundamentals of business development and how to apply them in practice.
The IABDC consists of two levels: Certified Business Developer (CBD) and Advanced Certified Business Developer (ACBD). To become certified at either level, applicants must complete an online course, pass an exam, and submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their competency in the field. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as strategy development, marketing, finance, operations management, customer service, sales, leadership development, and more.
To get certified through the IABDC program, applicants must first register on the IABDC website. Once registered, they can access the online course materials and take the exams. After completing all requirements successfully, applicants will receive their certificates from the IABDC.
The cost for certification through the IABDC program varies depending on which level you are seeking certification at. For CBD certification it costs $299 USD while ACBD certification costs $499 USD.
11. Strategic Business Developer Certification Program (SBDC).
The Strategic Business Developer Certification Program (SBDC) is an online certification program designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully start and grow their businesses. The program is offered through the Small Business Development Center Network, a nationwide network of over 1,000 SBDCs located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The SBDC certification program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level requires completion of specific courses and assessments that focus on key areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing strategy, operations management and customer service. The program also provides resources for additional learning opportunities such as webinars, workshops and mentoring sessions.
It typically takes six months to complete the entire SBDC certification program from start to finish. However, each level can be completed at your own pace depending on your schedule and availability. In order to get certified through the SBDC program you must complete all coursework associated with each level as well as pass all assessments with a score of 70% or higher.
The cost of the SBDC certification program varies depending on which level you choose to pursue. The Basic level costs $295 while the Intermediate level costs $395 and the Advanced level costs $495. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with certain courses or assessments within each level so it is important to check with your local SBDC center for more information before enrolling in any part of the program.
Do You Really Need a Business Developer Certificate?
When considering whether or not you need a business developer certificate, there are several factors to consider. A business development certificate is an important credential for those looking to advance their career in the field of business development. The certificate demonstrates expertise in the area and can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. Additionally, having a business development certificate may also open up opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to you without it.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to obtaining a business development certificate. It can be time consuming and expensive. Depending on the program you choose, it could require hundreds of hours of study and cost thousands of dollars. Furthermore, if your current job does not specifically require a business development certificate, then investing in one may not be worth it for you personally.
Overall, obtaining a business development certificate can be beneficial if you are interested in pursuing a career in this field or if your current job requires one. However, if neither of these conditions applies to you then it may not be worth the effort and cost involved in getting one. Ultimately, this decision should be based on your individual circumstances and goals.
Related: Business Developer Resume Examples
FAQs About Business Developer Certifications
Q1. What is a Business Developer Certification?
A1. A Business Developer Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, maintain, and enhance business relationships. It typically involves completing coursework or attending workshops to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required for the certification.
Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Business Developer Certification?
A2. Benefits of obtaining a Business Developer Certification include improved job prospects, increased salary potential, enhanced credibility within the industry, and greater confidence in your abilities as a business developer.
Q3. Who should consider getting a Business Developer Certification?
A3. Anyone interested in furthering their career in business development should consider obtaining a Business Developer Certification. This includes professionals already working in the field as well as those looking to break into it for the first time.
Q4. How much does it cost to get certified?
A4. The cost of obtaining a Business Developer Certification varies depending on the program chosen and the institution offering it; however, most certifications range from $500 to $5,000 or more for comprehensive programs with multiple courses or workshops involved.
Q5. How long does it take to get certified?
A5. Depending on the program chosen and how quickly you complete all of its requirements, it can take anywhere from one month up to several years to obtain a Business Developer Certification