Top 10 Business Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for a business instructor in the job market as they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. A certification can help prove that an instructor has mastered certain topics and has the skills necessary to teach them effectively. It also shows employers that the instructor is committed to their profession and has taken the time to pursue additional education. Additionally, certifications can provide instructors with access to resources and networks that they may not have had otherwise, which can be beneficial when seeking out job opportunities or advancing their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Business Instructors, and explains how they can contribute to a business instructor's career.

What are Business Instructor Certifications?

Business instructor certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, experience, and skills in delivering business-related instruction. It is typically awarded by a recognized educational institution or professional organization. By obtaining this certification, instructors demonstrate their expertise in the field of business instruction and can help to enhance their credibility as an instructor.

The certification process involves completing a series of courses on topics such as instructional design, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and classroom management. Once these courses are completed, the instructor must pass an exam to prove their mastery of the material. After passing the exam, they must also demonstrate their ability to teach through classroom observations or by submitting teaching materials for review.

By obtaining business instructor certification, instructors can enhance their career prospects and open up new job opportunities in the field of business instruction. The certification can also help them become more marketable when applying for positions at colleges or universities. Furthermore, certified instructors may be eligible for higher salaries or other benefits compared to those without this credential. Finally, having this certification can give instructors a sense of pride and accomplishment as they have demonstrated their dedication to providing quality education in the field of business instruction.

Pro tip: When considering business instructor certification, look for programs that offer practical experience. Many programs provide theoretical knowledge, but having hands-on experience in the classroom can be invaluable when it comes to teaching real-world business concepts.

Related: What does a Business Instructor do?

Top 10 Business Instructor Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Business Coach (CPBC)

Certified Professional Business Coach (CPBC) is a certification program that provides business coaches with the skills, knowledge, and tools to help their clients achieve success. The CPBC program is designed to provide business coaches with an in-depth understanding of how to effectively coach and mentor their clients through all stages of the business life cycle.

The CPBC program consists of three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires a certain number of hours of study and practice in order to be certified. The Foundation course consists of 25 hours of study and practice, the Advanced course consists of 50 hours, and the Master course consists of 75 hours.

To get certified as a CPBC, you must first complete all three levels of the program. Once you have completed all three levels, you will need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of business coaching principles. After passing this exam, you will receive your CPBC certification.

The cost for the CPBC program varies depending on which provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire program.

2. Certified Business Management Consultant (CBMC)

A Certified Business Management Consultant (CBMC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of business management consulting. This certification is offered by the Institute of Business Management Consultants (IBMC).

To become a CBMC, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in the field of business management consulting, including three years in a supervisory or managerial role. In addition, applicants must have completed either an accredited Bachelor's degree program in business or a postgraduate certificate program in business management consulting.

The process to become certified as a CBMC involves submitting an application to IBMC along with proof of education and work experience. Once approved, candidates must pass two examinations: The CBMC Core Exam and the CBMC Advanced Exam. Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, financial analysis, organizational development, and strategic planning.

The cost to apply for certification as a CBMC is $300 USD. The cost to take each exam is $150 USD. It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the entire certification process from start to finish.

3. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification awarded by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in business analysis.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in business analysis, including the ability to understand and apply the principles of business analysis, as well as the ability to use tools and techniques related to business analysis. The certification also requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as business analysis planning and monitoring, requirements elicitation and management, solution assessment and validation, enterprise analysis, requirements analysis and design definition, strategy analysis, process modeling, data modeling, organizational structure mapping, stakeholder engagement management, project management fundamentals for business analysts, agile methodologies for business analysts, change management fundamentals for business analysts.

It typically takes about six months of preparation to become certified. To get certified you must first meet the eligibility criteria set by IIBA which includes having at least 7500 hours of work experience in the field of business analysis over the past 10 years or having a degree from an accredited institution in addition to 3500 hours of work experience in the field of business analysis over the past 10 years. Once you have met these criteria you can then apply for the CBAP exam online through IIBA’s website.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but it generally costs around $325 USD for members of IIBA or $450 USD for non-members.

4. Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a professional designation offered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) of Ontario, Canada. It is the highest level of certification available for human resources professionals in Canada and is recognized internationally.

The CPHR designation requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in the field of human resources, as well as successful completion of the CPHR exam. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice portion and an essay portion. The exam covers topics such as organizational behaviour, employment law, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, training and development, labour relations, and more.

To get the CPHR designation, individuals must first become members of HRPA. A one-time registration fee of $75 is required to become a member. After becoming a member, individuals can apply to take the CPHR exam by submitting an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or proof of experience. Once approved to take the exam, individuals must pay an additional fee of $525 plus applicable taxes to write the exam.

The length of time it takes to get the CPHR designation varies depending on how quickly individuals are able to complete their application process and write the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to one year or longer in order to obtain the designation.

5. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of business process management principles and practices.

The CBPP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as process analysis, design, implementation, optimization, and governance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies. To qualify for the CBPP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in business process management or related fields.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the CBPP certification program. During this time, applicants must complete an online training course and then take the exam. The online course includes modules on process management fundamentals, process improvement techniques, and best practices in business process management.

The cost of the CBPP certification program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD to register for the program and take the exam.

6. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and application of the Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of quality management, process improvement, and data analysis. It requires a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the Six Sigma methodology, including its principles, tools, and techniques.

The CSSBB certification typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on the individual's experience with the Six Sigma methodology. To obtain this certification, individuals must first complete a course or training program that covers the fundamentals of Six Sigma. They must then pass an exam administered by one of the accredited certifying bodies such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on which certifying body is chosen but can range from $500-$1,000 USD.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of project managers. This certification is highly sought after by employers looking for qualified project professionals.

The PMP certification process typically takes about 4-6 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first meet the prerequisites for eligibility which include having at least 4500 hours of project management experience and 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics. After meeting these requirements, applicants must pass a four-hour exam that tests their knowledge in five areas: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

To get the PMP certification, applicants must register with PMI and pay an application fee of $555 USD. Once registered, they will have access to study materials such as practice exams and online courses that can help them prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their PMP certification which is valid for three years.

In addition to the application fee and exam cost ($405 USD), those seeking a PMP certification should also factor in additional costs such as books or online courses used to prepare for the exam ($50-$200 USD).

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to use the Lean Six Sigma Methodology to improve processes, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. The program focuses on process improvement, problem solving, data analysis and project management.

The LSSGB program typically takes between four to eight weeks depending on the provider. It consists of a combination of classroom instruction, online learning and hands-on practice. The course covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, DMAIC methodology, statistical tools for data analysis, project management techniques and more.

To get certified as a LSSGB you must complete an approved training program from an accredited provider and pass a certification exam. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $2,000-$3,500 USD.

Once you have completed your training and passed your certification exam you will receive your official LSSGB certificate which can be used to demonstrate your proficiency in Lean Six Sigma practices.

9. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a professional degree designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to become successful business leaders. It typically takes two years to complete an MBA program, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as one year. To get an MBA, you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you will need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and submit it with your application for admission into an MBA program. The cost of an MBA varies depending on the school and program you choose, but can range from $20,000 - $100,000 or more for tuition alone.

10. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute to financial professionals who have met certain educational, experience and ethical requirements. The CFA credential is recognized around the world as the gold standard of investment analysis and portfolio management.

To become a CFA charterholder, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Pass all three levels of the CFA Program exam;
• Have four years of qualified work experience in investment decision-making; and
• Agree to abide by the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

It typically takes two to four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program exam. Candidates must pass each level before progressing to the next, so it is important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for study.

The cost of becoming a CFA charterholder varies depending on factors such as country or region, local currency exchange rates, and whether you are a student or working professional. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 - $4,000 USD in total fees for registration, exam entry fees and review course materials.

Do You Really Need a Business Instructor Certificate?

When it comes to starting a business, there are many decisions to make and lots of hard work involved. One question that often comes up is whether or not you need a business instructor certificate. The answer depends on your individual situation.

For some people, a business instructor certificate can be helpful in gaining credibility and trust from potential clients and employers. If you plan to teach classes related to entrepreneurship, having a certified instructor credential can give you an edge over the competition. It may also open up additional opportunities for career advancement.

However, if you do not plan on teaching courses related to business or entrepreneurship, then a business instructor certificate may not be necessary. The same goes for those who are just starting out in the world of business or those who don’t have any prior experience with teaching classes related to this topic. In these cases, other credentials such as experience or knowledge of the industry may be more beneficial than getting an official certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a business instructor certificate will depend on your specific situation and goals for your career path. It’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons before making any final decisions about whether or not getting certified is right for you.

Related: Business Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Instructor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a business instructor?

A: Generally, you will need a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, along with relevant work experience and teaching experience. You may also need to obtain a teaching certification or license from your state.

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

A: The amount of time it takes can vary depending on the certifying body and the type of certification you are seeking. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the requirements for certification.

3. What is the best way to prepare for the business instructor certification exam?

A: The best way to prepare for the exam is by studying and familiarizing yourself with the material that will be covered on the exam. Taking practice tests and attending review courses can also help you gain confidence and get ready for the exam.

4. Are there any online resources available for business instructors looking to become certified?

A: Yes, there are many online resources available such as webinars, tutorials, study guides, and practice exams that can help you prepare for your certification exam.

5. Is there an age requirement for becoming certified as a business instructor?

A: Generally speaking, no; however, some certifying bodies may have specific age requirements in order to be eligible for their certifications. It is best to check with your chosen certifying body directly before beginning your application process.