Top 11 Business Process Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for business process consultants in the job market because they provide evidence of professional competence and knowledge. They are a way to demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the skills and qualifications they require, as well as a commitment to continuing education. Employers often use certifications as a criterion when selecting candidates for certain positions, so having one or more certifications can help you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can be used to boost your earning potential, since many employers offer higher salaries for certified professionals. Finally, having certifications shows that you are dedicated to staying up-to-date with industry best practices and trends, which is essential in the rapidly changing world of business process consulting.

This article reviews the top certifications for Business Process Consultants, and explains how they can contribute to a business process consultant's career.

What are Business Process Consultant Certifications?

Business process consultant certification is a professional designation designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the areas of business process analysis, design, and implementation. This certification can help professionals demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices associated with business process management, as well as their ability to effectively apply them in a variety of organizational contexts. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate that they have the skills necessary to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and effectiveness within an organization’s operations.

The certification requires applicants to complete a rigorous set of courses and examinations that cover topics such as business process analysis, design, implementation, evaluation, management tools and techniques, change management principles, project management concepts, and communication strategies. Through these courses and exams, individuals learn how to analyze existing processes for weaknesses and develop plans for improvement. They also learn how to create new processes from scratch or modify existing ones to better meet an organization’s needs. Finally, they gain an understanding of how effective communication is essential for successful business process management initiatives.

This certification can be beneficial for individuals looking to advance their careers in the field of business process consulting or those seeking to enhance their credibility when providing advice on business processes. Having this type of professional credential can provide potential employers with confidence in an individual’s abilities and knowledge base when it comes to improving operational performance through effective business process implementation strategies.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different business process consultant certification options available and choose one that aligns with your career goals. Also, look for certifications that are accredited by an industry body so you can be sure of their credibility. Finally, make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in business process consulting to ensure you are providing the best advice possible.

Related: What does a Business Process Consultant do?

Top 11 Business Process Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) 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 expertise in business process management and analysis. The CBPP certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as process modeling, requirements gathering, workflow design, process improvement, and project management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CBPP certification program. To get started, you must first submit an application form to the IIBA. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to complete a series of online courses and exams. Upon successful completion of these courses and exams, you will receive your CBPP certification.

The cost for the CBPP certification program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not you are an IIBA member. For non-members, the cost can range from $2,000-$3,500 USD. For members, it can range from $1,600-$2,500 USD.

In addition to the cost of the program itself, you may also need to purchase books or other materials related to business process management or analysis in order to prepare for the exams.

2. 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 achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of business analysis. The CBAP certification is intended for experienced business analysts who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by IIBA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as business analysis planning and monitoring, enterprise analysis, requirements management and communication, solution assessment and validation, and more. Applicants must also have at least seven years of experience in the field of business analysis and at least 900 hours of experience within the last four years.

The cost for the CBAP exam varies depending on where you are taking it. In the United States, it typically costs around $325 USD. The cost may be higher or lower depending on your location or if you are taking advantage of any discounts offered by IIBA.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CBAP exam. During this time, applicants should review study materials provided by IIBA as well as any other resources they can find online or in books to ensure they are prepared for the exam. Once they feel confident that they are ready to take the exam, they can register with IIBA to take it at a testing center near them.

Once an applicant has passed the CBAP exam, they will receive their official certification from IIBA which will allow them to demonstrate their expertise in business analysis to employers and clients alike.

3. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and understanding of Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques. The CSSBB certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to lead and manage successful Six Sigma projects.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the requirements for the CSSBB certification. The requirements include passing two exams: one on Lean Six Sigma fundamentals, and one on advanced topics in Six Sigma. In addition, applicants must demonstrate three years of work experience in a full-time role related to Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma projects.

The cost of obtaining the CSSBB certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,200-$1,500 USD for the exam fees alone. This does not include any additional training materials or resources that may be required for study purposes.

In order to obtain the certification, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and proof of work experience to ASQ. Once approved by ASQ, applicants will be able to register for and take both exams online or at an authorized testing center. Upon successful completion of both exams, they will receive their official Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certificate from ASQ.

4. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help professionals improve process performance, reduce waste, increase customer satisfaction and drive organizational growth.

The CLSSGB certification requires a minimum of 35 hours of training and typically takes 4-6 months to complete. The training includes topics such as process improvement, project management, problem solving, data analysis, and change management. After completing the training, individuals must pass an exam to earn their CLSSGB certification.

To get certified as a CLSSGB, you must first complete the required training coursework. You can find courses online or through organizations such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, you will receive your official CLSSGB certification from ASQ or another recognized organization.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected credential in the field of project management. The PMP certification recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in leading and directing projects.

To become a PMP, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass a rigorous exam. To be eligible for the exam, you must have either a four-year degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus at least 5 years of project management experience with 7500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. It takes 4 hours to complete the exam.

The cost to take the PMP Exam varies by country but typically ranges from $405-$555 USD for members of PMI ($555-$705 USD for non-members). Additionally there are fees associated with maintaining your certification every three years which range from $60-$150 USD depending on your membership status with PMI.

6. Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE)

Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of engineers who design, develop, and maintain process systems. This certification is designed to give employers confidence in the ability of their engineers to design safe, reliable, and efficient processes.

The CPDE certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of process engineering principles and practices. The practical assessment requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply these principles in a real-world setting.

To become certified as a CPDE, you must first complete the online exam with a score of at least 70%. Once you pass this exam, you will be eligible for the practical assessment. During this assessment, you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge by designing a process system using industry-standard software tools. You must also provide evidence that you have completed other activities such as attending seminars or workshops related to process engineering.

The cost for the CPDE certification program varies depending on which institute or organization offers it. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $500-$1000 USD for both the online exam and practical assessment components. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking continuing education courses or attending seminars related to process engineering.

The amount of time it takes to get certified as a CPDE depends on how much time you are able to devote to studying for the online exam and completing any additional requirements such as attending seminars or workshops related to process engineering. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3 months up to 1 year depending on how much time you are able to dedicate towards studying for the certification program.

7. Certified Business Process Analyst (CBPA)

Certified Business Process Analyst (CBPA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in business process analysis. CBPA certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in business process analysis, or a related field, and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and requires a score of at least 70% to pass. It typically takes around three hours to complete.

The cost for the CBPA exam is $299 for AAPC members and $399 for non-members. Applicants can register online or via mail with the AAPC. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CBPA certification within four to six weeks.

8. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives. The CQIA certification is intended for individuals who are responsible for managing, implementing, or leading quality improvement projects.

The CQIA certification consists of two exams: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement tools, and organizational change. The practical exam focuses on applying these concepts in real-world scenarios. Both exams must be successfully completed in order to receive the CQIA certification.

The CQIA certification can be obtained through self-study or through an ASQ-approved training provider. Self-study requires studying the course material and taking practice exams to prepare for the actual exams. Training providers offer courses that cover all of the topics included on the exams and provide additional resources to help students prepare for their exams.

The cost of obtaining the CQIA certification varies depending on whether you choose self-study or an ASQ-approved training provider. Self-study typically costs around $500-$600 while courses from an approved training provider can range from $1,000-$3,000 depending on the length of the course and other factors.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete both exams and obtain your CQIA certification, but this time frame may vary depending on how much time you dedicate to studying each day or week.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive overview of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to help IT professionals understand the key concepts, processes, and best practices for service management. The certification consists of a two-hour exam that tests knowledge of ITIL terminology, concepts, and processes.

The ITIL Foundation certification can be completed in as little as two days depending on the individual's learning style and availability. To get certified, individuals must pass an accredited ITIL Foundation exam with a score of 65% or higher. The exam can be taken online or in person at an approved testing center.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200 to $400 USD. Some providers offer discounts for groups or have payment plans available so it is important to shop around for the best deal. Additionally, some employers may cover all or part of the cost of certification so it’s worth checking with your employer before enrolling in any courses or exams.

10. TOGAF 9 Certification

TOGAF 9 Certification is a globally recognized certification program developed by The Open Group, an international consortium of vendors and users. TOGAF 9 stands for The Open Group Architecture Framework Version 9, which is a framework for enterprise architecture that provides guidance on how to design, plan, implement, and govern an enterprise architecture.

The TOGAF 9 certification program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively apply the TOGAF 9 standard in their organizations. It consists of two levels: Foundation and Certified. The Foundation level is designed to provide a basic understanding of the TOGAF 9 standard and its structure. The Certified level requires more detailed knowledge of the standard and its application in enterprise architecture projects.

The Foundation level can be completed in approximately one day, while the Certified level can take up to four days depending on individual learning styles and experience. In order to become certified at either level, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as architecture principles, business transformation, architecture development methods, governance models, and more.

The cost of obtaining TOGAF 9 certification depends on several factors including the country you reside in and which type of certification you are seeking (Foundation or Certified). Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$1000 USD depending on these factors.

11. Agile Scrum Master Certification

Agile Scrum Master Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead successful Agile and Scrum projects. The certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Agile and Scrum methodologies.

The Agile Scrum Master Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as Agile principles, Scrum values, team roles, sprints, product backlogs, estimation techniques, release planning, retrospectives, and more. It typically takes about eight hours to complete the course. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an in-person exam administered by a qualified proctor in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining an Agile Scrum Master Certification varies depending on where you take the course and exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for both components combined.

In order to maintain your certification status with the Scrum Alliance, you must renew your certification every two years by taking additional courses or attending workshops related to Agile and Scrum methodologies.

Do You Really Need a Business Process Consultant Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a business process consultant certificate to become a successful business process consultant. However, having a certificate could certainly give you an advantage over other job seekers who lack the same credentials.

A certificate in business process consulting can provide you with both theoretical and practical knowledge of the industry, giving you an edge when applying for jobs. It can also help demonstrate your commitment to the profession, which can be beneficial if you are looking to break into the field or switch careers. Furthermore, having a certification could make you more attractive to employers, who may be looking for someone with specialized knowledge in this area.

That said, it is important to note that while having a certificate may give you an edge, it is not always necessary in order to succeed as a business process consultant. Many successful consultants have achieved their success without any formal qualifications or certifications. What really matters is that you have the right skills and experience for the job – such as problem-solving abilities, project management skills and technical expertise – as well as a solid understanding of how businesses operate and the ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a business process consultant certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and career goals. If you feel that having one would give you an advantage over other job applicants then it may be worth pursuing; however if this isn’t necessary for your particular situation then it’s perfectly fine to pursue other options instead.

Related: Business Process Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Process Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a business process consultant certification?

A1. A business process consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of business process consulting. It typically involves completing courses, passing exams, and gaining experience in the area of business process consulting.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a business process consultant?

A2. Becoming certified as a business process consultant can help you to gain credibility with clients, increase your earning potential, and open the door to new career opportunities. Additionally, it can help you to stay up-to-date on best practices and trends within the field.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a business process consultant?

A3. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a business process consultant depends on the specific requirements for each program or certification body. Generally speaking, most certifications require between six months and two years of study and preparation in order to be eligible for certification exams.

Q4. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a business process consultant?

A4. The exact qualifications necessary for becoming certified vary from one certification body to another; however, most require applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in the field of business process consulting and/or related areas such as management consulting or operations management. In addition, many programs may also require completion of certain courses or exams before being eligible for certification exams.

Q5 How much does it cost to become certified as a business process consultant?

A5 The cost of becoming certified as a business process consultant varies depending on which program or certification body you choose; however, most programs charge fees for application materials, exam fees, and any other associated costs such as travel expenses or course materials fees.