Top 10 Business Management Certifications

Certifications are important for business management in the job market because they provide employers with evidence that a candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the role. They also demonstrate a commitment to professional development and can give an edge over other candidates who don’t have certifications. Employers value certifications because they know that candidates who have them have taken the time and effort to gain specialized knowledge, which can be beneficial to their organization. Additionally, certifications serve as an indication of trustworthiness and reliability, which are both important qualities for any business manager.

This article reviews the top certifications for Business Managers and explains how they can help to advance a career in Business Management.

What are Business Management Certifications?

Business management certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates proficiency in the field of business management. It is typically awarded after the successful completion of a course or program in business management, which covers topics such as marketing, finance, accounting, and operations. The goal of obtaining a business management certification is to prove an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices necessary for effective business operations.

Having a business management certification can be extremely beneficial for those looking to enter or advance within the field. A certification can give professionals an edge when applying for jobs or promotions by demonstrating their skills and knowledge. Businesses may also prefer to hire candidates with certifications as they can be more confident in their abilities to manage day-to-day operations efficiently. Additionally, having a certification may open up opportunities for higher salaries or better positions within a company. Finally, completing a course or program in business management can help individuals develop the necessary skills required to succeed in the field such as problem solving, decision making, communication, leadership, and more.

Pro Tip: If you're looking to get a business management certification, make sure to research the different types of certifications available and choose one that fits your needs. Evaluate the cost, time commitment, and any other requirements associated with each certification before making your decision.

Related: What does a Business Management do?

Top 10 Business Management Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Manager (CBM)

Certified Business Manager (CBM) is an internationally recognized professional certification that is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill and experience in the management of business operations. The CBM certification is offered by the Institute of Certified Business Managers (ICBM), which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in business management.

The CBM program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as accounting, finance, economics, marketing, human resources, and operations management. The practical assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The CBM program typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual's schedule and commitment. To get started with the CBM program, individuals must first complete an application form through ICBM's website. Once accepted into the program, candidates will receive access to online study materials as well as other resources designed to help them prepare for the exams.

The cost of obtaining the CBM certification varies depending on where you are located and how many exams you need to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for all three exams combined (written exam + practical assessment).

2. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize managers who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully manage people and organizations. The CPM program is administered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), an affiliate of the James Madison University College of Business.

The CPM program consists of five core competency areas: Leadership, Human Resource Management, Strategic Planning and Execution, Financial Management, and Organizational Development. To earn the CPM certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all five competency areas.

The exam can be taken at any ICPM-approved testing center or online through ProctorU. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam. Applicants must also submit evidence demonstrating their professional experience in each of the five competency areas covered on the exam.

The cost for taking the CPM exam is $395 USD for members of ICPM or $495 USD for non-members. In addition to this fee, applicants must pay a $50 USD application fee when submitting their application for certification. Once certified, CPMs must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education activities and paying a renewal fee of $125 USD.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage and lead projects in any industry. PMP certification holders are expected to have a thorough understanding of project management principles, processes, and best practices.

To become PMP certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria and pass the PMP exam. The eligibility criteria includes having a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent), 7500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering five domains: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing. Candidates have four hours to complete the exam.

The cost of obtaining the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 for members it costs $405.

It typically takes around two months to prepare for the PMP exam if you are studying full-time; however this may vary depending on how much experience you have in project management and your study habits.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is designed to ensure that individuals have a deep understanding of the Scrum framework and are able to effectively lead and manage projects using the Scrum methodology.

It typically takes 2-3 days to complete the CSM course, depending on the provider. The cost of the course will vary depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD. To become certified, individuals must attend an approved course and pass an assessment at its conclusion.

The assessment consists of multiple choice questions based on topics covered in the course such as Agile principles, Scrum roles and responsibilities, sprint planning, product backlogs, sprint reviews and retrospectives. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing a renewal course or taking a refresher exam.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help professionals understand and apply Six Sigma principles in their workplace. The certification is awarded by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is intended for professionals who are already working in a Six Sigma environment, or those who are looking to begin a career in this field. It is also suitable for individuals who want to gain an understanding of the principles of Six Sigma and how they can be applied to improve processes and reduce costs.

The certification typically takes around six weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s background knowledge and experience. The certification consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a project. The online course covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and team dynamics. The exam tests the individual’s knowledge of the material covered in the course. Finally, the project requires that the individual demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned from the course by completing a real-world project.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the provider and any additional services offered (e.g., coaching or mentoring).

In order to obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must first complete an accredited training program from an accredited provider such as IASSC or ASQ (American Society for Quality). Upon completion of the training program, individuals must pass both an online exam and a project before receiving their certification.

6. 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 a deep understanding of business analysis principles, techniques, and best practices. The certification validates an individual’s ability to analyze business requirements and develop strategies for improving organizational performance.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to prepare for the CBAP exam. During this time, you should focus on studying the IIBA BABOK Guide and gaining practical experience in business analysis. You can also attend CBAP training courses or webinars to help you better understand the concepts covered in the exam.

To get certified, you must pass the 3-hour CBAP exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years. You can apply online through IIBA’s website and pay a fee of $325 USD. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of obtaining your CBAP certification depends on how much time and effort you put into preparing for it. If you choose to attend training courses or webinars, there may be additional costs associated with those activities as well.

7. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and increase efficiency and profitability.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification requires an individual to have extensive knowledge of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, including its tools and techniques. The certification typically takes four to six months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience and knowledge base. To get certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited third-party organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

In order to be eligible for the certification, individuals must first complete a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course or equivalent training program. After completing the course, they can then take the exam which consists of multiple-choice questions related to the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take your course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD for the entire process (including taking the exam).

8. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are new to project management. The CAPM certification demonstrates a professional’s understanding of the principles of project management, including how to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control projects.

The CAPM exam takes three hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education completed within five years prior to their application.

To get the CAPM certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 61%. Once certified, individuals must renew their credentials every five years by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) from PMI approved activities.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.

9. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is a professional organization dedicated to the education and certification of supply chain professionals. It provides educational materials, certifications, and networking opportunities for individuals in the field of production and inventory control.

APICS offers two main certifications: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The CPIM certification requires a minimum of five years of work experience in production and inventory management, while the CSCP certification requires a minimum of three years of work experience in supply chain management. Both certifications require successful completion of an exam.

It typically takes 8-12 weeks to prepare for the APICS exams, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. There are various study materials available including textbooks, online courses, practice tests, webinars, seminars, workshops, etc. You can also join an APICS chapter near you to gain access to additional resources.

The cost for taking the APICS exams varies depending on your membership status with APICS. Non-members pay $695 per exam while members receive discounted rates ranging from $495-$595 per exam.

10. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a globally recognized professional body that provides qualifications and certifications in the field of management accounting. It is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, with over 227,000 members and students in 179 countries.

It takes an average of 18-24 months to complete the CIMA qualification. To get CIMA qualified, you must first register as a student with CIMA and then complete three levels of exams: Certificate in Business Accounting, Operational Level, and Strategic Level. You will also need to complete a Strategic Case Study exam at the end.

The cost for taking the CIMA qualification varies depending on which country you are studying in. In the UK, it typically costs around £2,000 for tuition fees plus an additional £1,500 for exam fees. This does not include any additional course material or study resources that may be required.

Once you have completed all of your exams and met all other requirements, you will be eligible to become a fully qualified Chartered Management Accountant (CMA). This will give you access to exclusive networking opportunities, career development support, and recognition from employers worldwide.

Do You Really Need a Business Management Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. An individual’s career goals and current level of education are two of the most important considerations when deciding if a business management certificate is necessary.

For those interested in pursuing a career in business management, a certificate may be beneficial and even essential. Many employers require their employees to have some level of formal education in order to qualify for certain positions or promotions. A business management certificate can provide the required knowledge and skills needed for success in the field. Additionally, having an up-to-date certification can help demonstrate one’s commitment to their profession and can also lead to better job opportunities.

On the other hand, if an individual already has extensive experience in business management or holds a degree related to the field, then they may not need a business management certificate. In these cases, it may be more beneficial for them to focus on developing additional skills or gaining more experience instead of pursuing additional education.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a business management certificate depends on their own personal goals and existing qualifications. If they feel that obtaining such certification will help them reach their desired career goals then it may be worth considering. However, if they already possess the necessary qualifications then it may not be necessary for them to pursue further education in this area.

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FAQs About Business Management Certifications

1. What is a business management certification?

Answer: A business management certification is an official recognition of knowledge and skills in the field of business management. It can be earned by completing a specialized program or course of study, usually offered by a professional organization or educational institution.

2. How long does it take to complete a business management certification?

Answer: The length of time to complete a business management certification will vary depending on the type and level of certification, as well as the individual’s experience and background. Generally, it may take anywhere from six months to two years for an individual to earn their certification.

3. What are the benefits of having a business management certification?

Answer: Having a business management certification can provide individuals with many benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, more respect from colleagues and employers, and increased credibility in the workplace. Additionally, having a certificate may lead to further career advancement and educational opportunities.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a business management certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam or coursework needed to obtain the certificate. These requirements may include prior work experience in the field, specific education requirements such as degrees or diplomas in related fields, or even certain exams such as GMAT or GRE tests that must be taken first.

5. What organizations offer business management certifications?

Answer: There are several professional organizations that offer various types of business management certifications, including the Project Management Institute (PMI), International Business Management Association (IBMA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), and Association for Operations Management (APOM).