Top 10 Business Leader Certifications

Certifications are an important way for business leaders to demonstrate their professional expertise in a particular field or area. They provide employers with evidence of a candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as the ability to measure the individual's knowledge and skills. Certifications can also give business leaders a competitive edge in the job market, as they can show potential employers that they have a comprehensive understanding of the industry and are prepared to lead their organization in the right direction. Additionally, certifications can help business leaders stand out from other applicants and be seen as more credible and reliable candidates.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for business leaders and demonstrate how they can help to further their career.

What are Business Leader Certifications?

Business leader certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the business world. It is designed to help individuals develop their skills, boost their credibility, and increase their marketability in the business world.

The certification process typically consists of a series of courses and assessments that cover topics such as leadership, management, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. The courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate, as well as specific strategies for success in different areas. After completing the coursework and passing the assessments, individuals receive their business leader certification.

Business leader certification can help professionals demonstrate their expertise in various areas of business to employers or clients. It can also help them stand out among other candidates for certain positions and projects by showcasing their commitment to professional development. Additionally, having a business leader certification can open up new opportunities for career advancement or allow individuals to pursue consulting or freelance work. Finally, it can also be used as evidence of additional qualifications when applying for promotions or higher-level roles within an organization.

Pro Tip: When considering a business leader certification, research the credentials and qualifications of the provider to ensure that the program is well-respected and will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Related: What does a Business Leader do?

Top 10 Business Leader Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Leader (CBL)

Certified Business Leader (CBL) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to become successful business leaders. The CBL program is offered by the International Council of Small Business (ICSB) and provides a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing and sales, human resources, operations and technology.

The CBL program consists of three levels: Level 1 – Foundations of Business Leadership; Level 2 – Advanced Principles of Business Leadership; and Level 3 – Executive Leadership. Each level requires the completion of a series of courses that build upon each other in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of business leadership principles.

In order to obtain the CBL certification, candidates must successfully complete all three levels within two years or less. Candidates must also pass an examination at each level in order to progress through the program.

The cost for the CBL program varies depending on which level you are enrolled in. Level 1 costs $1,295 USD; Level 2 costs $1,795 USD; and Level 3 costs $2,195 USD. Additional fees may apply for materials and exams.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Business Leader (CBL) certification can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and increase your value as a business leader in today’s competitive marketplace.

2. Certified Business Management Professional (CBMP)

Certified Business Management Professional (CBMP) is a professional certification program designed to help business professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of business management. The CBMP certification is offered by the International Association of Business Management Professionals (IABMP).

The CBMP certification requires applicants to pass an online assessment that covers topics such as financial management, human resources, marketing, operations, and strategy. The assessment consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. After passing the assessment, applicants must submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their knowledge and experience in business management. This portfolio must include a resume, cover letter, three references from past employers or clients, and samples of work that demonstrate their ability to manage projects and teams.

The cost for the CBMP certification depends on the applicant’s membership status with IABMP. Non-members pay $395 for the exam fee plus an additional $100 for the portfolio review fee. For members of IABMP, the exam fee is reduced to $295 plus the $100 portfolio review fee.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their CBMP certification within four weeks of submitting their application materials. The CBMP certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to recognize and reward managers who demonstrate excellence in their field.

The CPM program is an intensive, two-year program that requires completion of a series of courses, exams, and projects. The coursework covers topics such as leadership, management principles, communication skills, problem solving, decision making, financial management, and organizational development. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded the CPM designation.

To become a CPM candidate, applicants must have at least five years of experience in a managerial role or equivalent education and experience. Candidates must also submit an application to ICPM for review and approval. Once approved, candidates will be required to complete all coursework and pass the final exam within two years.

The cost for the CPM program varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. Online courses typically cost around $2,000 while in-person classes can range from $3,500-$4,500 depending on the location and length of the program.

4. Certified Chief Executive Officer (CCEO)

A Certified Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of CEOs in the corporate world. The CCEO program focuses on developing leadership skills, strategic planning, financial management, marketing and communications, and other core competencies necessary for successful executive-level management.

The CCEO program is administered by the American College of Executive Leadership (ACEL). It requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as a CEO or equivalent position. Applicants must also have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.

The CCEO program consists of three components: a written exam, a practical application project, and an oral presentation. The written exam covers topics such as organizational strategy, finance and accounting, human resources management, marketing and communications, and other areas related to executive-level management. The practical application project requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply concepts learned in the written exam in a real-world setting. Finally, the oral presentation component allows applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in both the written exam and practical application project.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all components of the CCEO program. To get started with the certification process, applicants must first submit an online application form along with proof of their educational background and professional experience. After submitting their application materials, applicants will be contacted by ACEL for additional information about their qualifications for the program.

The cost of obtaining a CCEO certification varies depending on whether or not you are already enrolled in ACEL’s Executive Leadership Program (ELP). If you are enrolled in ELP then you will receive discounted pricing on your certification fees; however if you are not enrolled then you will need to pay full price for your certification fees which range from $2,000 - $3,000 USD depending on your individual circumstances.

5. Certified Business Strategist (CBS)

Certified Business Strategist (CBS) is a professional certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful business strategists. The program is offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).

The CBS program consists of four courses: Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Marketing Strategy, and Organizational Leadership. Each course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the strategies used in business planning and operations. Participants must complete all four courses within 12 months in order to receive their certification.

In order to apply for the CBS program, applicants must have at least five years of experience in management or business strategy roles. Applicants must also submit an application form along with proof of their qualifications and experience. Once accepted into the program, participants will be required to pay a one-time fee of $1,500 USD for tuition and materials.

The CBS program provides participants with an opportunity to expand their knowledge base and gain valuable insight into how businesses operate. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from ICPM that recognizes them as Certified Business Strategists.

6. Certified Business Analyst (CBA)

Certified Business Analyst (CBA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, design, and implement business solutions. The certification is offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), a global non-profit professional association dedicated to advancing the practice of business analysis.

The CBA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 4 hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least 7500 hours of experience in business analysis or related field. Applicants may also qualify through education or training programs accredited by IIBA.

The cost to take the CBA exam varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States, it costs $375 USD to register for the exam and an additional $150 USD for each retake if needed.

Once you pass the CBA exam, you will receive a digital badge from IIBA which can be used to demonstrate your credentials on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. You will also gain access to exclusive resources such as webinars, newsletters, and discounts on conferences and events.

7. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is an international professional designation offered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and experience of management accountants in areas such as financial planning, performance management, risk management, and decision-making. The CGMA designation is highly respected and sought after by employers in many industries.

It typically takes three years to obtain the CGMA designation. The first step is to become a member of the AICPA. To do this, you must have a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field from an accredited college or university, plus two years of relevant work experience. Once you are a member of the AICPA, you can then apply for the CGMA exam.

The CGMA exam consists of four sections: Financial Accounting & Reporting; Strategic Business Management; Performance Management; and Risk Management & Control. You must pass all four sections with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive your CGMA designation.

The cost for taking the CGMA exam varies depending on which country you take it in but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD per section. There may also be additional costs associated with membership fees and other materials required for studying for the exam.

8. Chartered Director (CDir)

Chartered Director (CDir) is a professional qualification awarded by the Institute of Directors (IoD). It is designed to equip directors with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead organisations in an ever-changing business environment. The qualification is internationally recognised and provides directors with the confidence to make informed decisions and provide strategic leadership.

The Chartered Director programme takes approximately one year to complete, depending on individual circumstances. It consists of three modules: Leading in Context, Strategic Thinking and Strategic Action. Each module requires the completion of assignments, which are assessed by an IoD assessor.

To become a Chartered Director, you must be a member of the IoD or have been nominated by a current member who can vouch for your experience as a director. You must also have held a board-level position for at least two years within the last five years, or have significant experience as an executive director or senior manager in a large organisation.

The cost of becoming a Chartered Director varies depending on whether you are an IoD member or not. For non-members, it costs £3,000 plus VAT; for members it costs £2,400 plus VAT.

9. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is a professional certification for human resources professionals. It is offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), a global leader in HR certification. The SPHR is designed to demonstrate mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management.

To obtain the SPHR, an individual must have at least four years of professional-level HR experience, as well as a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as employment law, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development.

It usually takes about six months to prepare for the SPHR exam. During this time, individuals should review relevant course materials and practice tests to become familiar with the format of the exam and its content areas. Additionally, many employers offer study groups and other forms of support to help employees prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the SPHR exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. The online version costs $395 USD while the in-person version costs $495 USD. Both versions include access to HRCI’s online study materials and practice exams.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully manage projects of any size and complexity.

To become certified as a PMP, individuals must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the PMI’s Code of Ethics.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time, individuals should study the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), attend training courses or seminars, and gain hands-on experience in project management.

To get certified as a PMP, individuals must first submit an application to the PMI. Once approved, they can then register for the exam with Pearson VUE. The cost of registering for the exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Business Leader Certificate?

Whether or not you need a business leader certificate depends on your individual goals and what you want to achieve in the business world. If you are looking to advance your career and gain recognition as a leader, then obtaining certification could be beneficial. The certificate can demonstrate that you have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of business leadership and management, as well as provide evidence of your commitment to furthering your education and professional development.

A business leader certificate will also give employers assurance that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for their organization. It can also open the door for networking opportunities, which can help you gain access to new job opportunities or even start your own business. Additionally, having certification may make it easier for you to land interviews for higher-level positions since employers may view applicants with certifications as more qualified than those without them.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a business leader certificate is up to you and should depend on your individual career goals. However, if becoming a recognized leader in the field is something that interests you then obtaining certification is likely worth considering.

Related: Business Leader Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Leader Certifications

Q1. What is a Business Leader Certification?

A1. A business leader certification is a professional development program designed to help experienced executives and business professionals enhance their leadership skills and knowledge. These programs typically include courses on management, finance, marketing, communication, and strategy.

Q2. Who should pursue a Business Leader Certification?

A2. Business leader certifications are ideal for experienced professionals who want to take their career to the next level and gain additional skills in leadership, management, and strategy.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a Business Leader Certification?

A3. The duration of a business leader certification program varies depending on the provider and the type of program you choose. Generally, these programs range from several weeks to several months in duration.

Q4. What are some of the benefits of getting certified?

A4: Becoming certified can provide many benefits such as increased job opportunities, salary advancement potential, greater confidence in your abilities, better relationships with peers and colleagues, improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced leadership skills and knowledge base.

Q5. Is there an exam required to get certified?

A5: Yes – most business leader certification programs require an exam or assessment for successful completion of the program. This exam tests your knowledge of the topics covered in the course material as well as your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.