Top 10 Business Manager Certifications

Certifications are a great way for business managers to demonstrate their qualifications and expertise in a particular field. They provide evidence of training and education, helping potential employers assess the skills of job applicants. Certifications can give an edge over other candidates who lack similar credentials. They also serve as a benchmark for employers, showing that the manager has achieved a certain level of proficiency in their chosen profession. In addition, certifications can help to keep managers up-to-date on industry trends and changes in technology. Finally, certifications are often required for advancement within organizations or to gain access to certain opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to inform business managers on the benefits of certifications and how they can help contribute to their career growth.

What are Business Manager Certifications?

Business Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide business professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their organizations. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of business management, including finance, accounting, marketing, operations, and human resources. By obtaining a Business Manager Certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in these areas and demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary qualifications to lead an organization.

The certification process includes hands-on training and assessments that cover topics such as financial modeling, project management, leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational behavior. These courses help participants gain a better understanding of how businesses work and how to effectively manage them. In addition to providing practical assignments and tests that assess the individual’s ability to apply what they have learned in their day-to-day operations, many programs also include workshops or seminars on topics such as organizational culture or customer service.

Having a Business Manager Certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees alike. For employers, it demonstrates that the individual has demonstrated proficiency in managing business operations effectively and efficiently. It also gives employers assurance that the individual is capable of leading their organization successfully into the future. For employees, having this certification shows potential employers that they are knowledgeable about business management practices and have taken steps to further develop their skills. Additionally, having this certification may make individuals more attractive candidates for job openings since they will already have a foundation of knowledge in place when applying for jobs.

Pro Tip: Invest in a business manager certification to gain knowledge and skills that will help you become more effective in managing teams and projects. Certification programs provide the opportunity to learn industry best practices and network with professionals who can offer guidance and mentorship.

Related: What does a Business Manager do?

Top 10 Business Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Manager (CBM)

Certified Business Manager (CBM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Business Managers (ICBM). This certification is designed to recognize business professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in the areas of financial management, operations management, human resources, strategic planning, and organizational development. The CBM designation is highly respected in the business world and can help individuals stand out from the competition when seeking new job opportunities or promotions.

The ICBM offers two levels of certification: Certified Business Manager (CBM) and Advanced Certified Business Manager (ACBM). To become certified as a CBM, individuals must complete a series of courses and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as financial analysis, project management, human resource management, marketing strategy, and organizational behavior. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge in these areas. It typically takes about six months to complete the coursework and pass the exam.

The cost for the CBM certification varies depending on the institution offering it. Most institutions charge between $500-$1,000 for tuition and fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with books and materials needed for the coursework.

To get started on your journey to becoming a CBM, you should contact an accredited institution that offers this certification program to learn more about their requirements and fees. After completing all necessary coursework and passing the exam, you will receive your official CBM certificate from ICBM which will demonstrate your advanced knowledge in business management principles.

2. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is an internationally recognized professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced managers. It is awarded by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).

The CPM program requires a minimum of five years of management experience, as well as completion of a comprehensive three-part examination. The exam consists of a written component, an oral component, and a practical component. The written portion covers topics such as organizational behavior, finance and accounting, strategic planning, human resources management, operations management, marketing and sales, and information systems. The oral portion involves answering questions about your management experience and abilities. Finally, the practical portion requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learned in the classroom to real-world problems.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CPM program depending on how quickly you are able to study for and complete the exams.

To get started with the CPM program, you must first register with ICPM and pay a registration fee of $195 USD. You will then need to submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of at least five years' professional management experience or equivalent education qualifications. Once your application has been approved by ICPM, you will be sent instructions on how to access the online learning materials for the three-part exam.

The total cost for completing the CPM program is approximately $1,000 USD which includes registration fees ($195), exam fees ($695), and any additional materials or services required (e.g., coaching).

3. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management. PMPs are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the principles and processes of project management, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world situations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the PMP certification process. The process involves taking an exam, attending a training course, submitting an application, and completing continuing education requirements. The cost of obtaining PMP certification varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $500-$2,000 USD.

To obtain PMP certification, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours spent leading projects; or having a four-year degree plus two years of project management experience with 3,500 hours spent leading projects; or having a secondary degree plus three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours spent leading projects. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers five main areas: Initiating Processes Group; Planning Process Group; Executing Process Group; Monitoring & Controlling Process Group; and Closing Process Group.

Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application for review by PMI's Certification Department. If approved, applicants will receive their PMP Certification ID Number and can then register for the exam through Prometric Testing Centers or Pearson VUE Testing Centers. Once they pass the exam and pay any associated fees (which range from $405 - $555 USD), they will be awarded their official PMP Certification credential from PMI. In order to maintain their certification status, certified professionals must complete 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years in order to renew their credential.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization that provides training and certification for professionals who use the Scrum framework in their work. The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core principles and practices of Scrum, as well as provide a platform for continuous learning and improvement.

The CSM certification requires applicants to complete a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The course covers topics such as the basics of Agile/Scrum, product backlog management, sprint planning and execution, team dynamics, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are required to pass an online exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the two-day course varies depending on location and instructor but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. In addition to the course fee, there is also a non-refundable $100 USD application fee that must be paid before taking the exam.

Once certified, CSMs are expected to maintain their certification through continuing education or re-certification every two years. To maintain their status as a Certified Scrum Master, individuals must earn at least 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during this time period. CEUs can be earned through attending conferences or workshops related to Agile/Scrum or completing online courses related to Agile/Scrum topics.

5. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification granted by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). The CBAP is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in business analysis. It is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the industry.

It typically takes around 3-6 months to prepare for the CBAP exam, depending on your prior experience and knowledge. To become certified, you must have at least 7500 hours of business analysis work experience over the past 10 years, as well as 35 hours of professional development in business analysis topics within the last 4 years. You must also pass an online application process and a written exam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your location and other factors, but it typically ranges from $200-$600 USD for the application fee and $325 USD for the exam fee.

6. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification requires a combination of knowledge and experience in the areas of process improvement, problem-solving, and data analysis. It is intended for professionals who are involved in the development, implementation, and management of quality initiatives within their organizations.

The CSSGB certification program typically takes between four and six weeks to complete, depending on the individual's background and experience. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate that they have completed a minimum number of hours of formal Six Sigma training or have at least three years of work experience in a relevant field. Applicants must also provide evidence that they have applied Six Sigma principles in their work environment through project documentation or case studies.

7. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge to drive process improvement initiatives, reduce waste, and improve operational performance.

The CLSSBB certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in leading Lean Six Sigma projects, as well as passing an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application test. The written exam covers topics such as project management, data analysis, process improvement techniques, and problem-solving tools. The practical application test requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply the principles of Lean Six Sigma in real-world scenarios.

The cost of the CLSSBB certification varies depending on the organization administering the exam. Generally, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire certification package including training materials and exams fees.

In order to become certified, individuals must complete all required coursework and pass both exams with a score of at least 70%. After successful completion of all components, individuals will receive their CLSSBB certificate from the accrediting organization.

8. Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)

Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) is a certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in business continuity planning. It is awarded by the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII).

The CBCP certification requires individuals to have at least three years of experience in business continuity or related fields, such as disaster recovery or crisis management. Individuals must also pass an exam that covers topics such as risk management, business impact analysis, incident response, and disaster recovery strategies.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CBCP exam. Preparation may involve taking courses offered by DRII or other organizations, reading books on business continuity, and studying sample questions and practice tests.

To obtain the CBCP certification, individuals must register with DRII and pay a fee of $495 USD. After registering, they can take the online proctored exam at any time. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official CBCP certificate from DRII.

9. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of risk management. The CRMP designation is awarded by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of risk management.

The CRMP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of risk management principles, practices, and processes through a comprehensive examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as enterprise risk management, financial risk management, operational risk management, insurance and reinsurance, legal aspects of risk management, and more.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for obtaining the CRMP designation. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application form to GRMI along with supporting documentation such as proof of education or work experience in the field of risk management. Applicants must also complete an online course on basic concepts in enterprise risk management prior to taking the exam. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be provided with study materials and access to practice exams prior to taking the actual exam.

The cost for obtaining the CRMP designation varies depending on whether or not you are an existing member of GRMI. For non-members, it costs $1,495 for registration plus $695 for each module taken (there are four modules). For existing members, it costs $995 for registration plus $595 for each module taken.

10. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate an understanding of quality management principles and practices. The certification is based on the body of knowledge outlined in ASQ’s Certified Quality Manager Body of Knowledge.

The CQM certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality assurance, quality control, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and organizational performance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CQM certification, you must have at least five years of experience in a quality-related field or three years of experience plus a college degree. You must also submit an application to ASQ that includes a resume and proof of your work experience.

The cost of the CQM certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the fee is $299; for non-members it is $399. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations.

Do You Really Need a Business Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A business manager certificate is not a requirement for success in the business world. However, having one can open doors and provide you with more opportunities than you would have without it.

A business manager certificate proves that you have gained knowledge and skills related to the management of a business. It also shows employers that you are serious about your career and willing to invest in it by getting certified in your field. With a certificate, you have tangible evidence of your knowledge and experience, which can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

In addition, if you intend to start your own business or take on managerial roles within an organization, having a business manager certificate could give you an edge over those without one. You may be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary skillset to effectively run a team or manage operations within an organization. This could give potential employers confidence in hiring or promoting you as they know that they are bringing someone on board with the right qualifications.

Overall, while having a business manager certificate is not required for success in the business world, it can certainly be beneficial in helping you reach your career goals and giving yourself an advantage over other candidates when seeking new positions or promotions within organizations.

Related: Business Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Business Manager Certification?

A1: A Business Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in business management. It provides evidence of the individual’s ability to manage complex business operations, develop strategies, and lead teams effectively.

Q2: What are the benefits of getting a Business Manager Certification?

A2: Obtaining a Business Manager Certification can provide numerous benefits such as improved job prospects, increased salary potential, access to better career opportunities, and recognition in the business world.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Business Manager?

A3: To become certified as a Business Manager, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited institution. The exam typically requires knowledge of key concepts such as financial analysis, project management, strategic planning, and leadership.

Q4: How long does it take to get a Business Manager Certification?

A4: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Business Manager Certification varies depending on your level of experience and the institution offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years for someone with prior business experience to complete their certification.

Q5: Is there any cost associated with getting a Business Manager Certification?

A5: Yes, there is usually some cost associated with obtaining a Business Manager Certification. This cost can vary depending on the institution offering the certification program and other factors such as study materials or fees for taking exams.