Top 11 Business Relationship Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a business relationship manager in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, expertise and experience. They also give employers confidence that the individual is competent in their field. Certifications provide evidence of technical proficiency, which can help a business relationship manager stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively. Additionally, certifications can open doors to higher-level positions and greater job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Business Relationship Managers and explain how they can help advance a business relationship manager's career.

What are Business Relationship Manager Certifications?

Business Relationship Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help relationship managers build and maintain successful business relationships. It is designed to give relationship managers the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to be successful in their roles. The certification covers topics such as understanding customer needs, building trust and credibility, working with stakeholders, developing effective communication strategies, and managing difficult conversations.

The Business Relationship Manager Certification can provide a range of benefits. By having this certification, relationship managers can demonstrate their commitment to professional development and their competency in the field of business relationships. This can give them an edge when competing for new roles or promotions. Additionally, it can help them develop better relationships with customers by giving them the skills needed to understand customer needs and build trust. It can also provide them with the confidence needed to effectively manage difficult conversations and negotiate deals. Finally, it can help them become more strategic in their approach to managing relationships by providing them with insights into how different stakeholders interact and what strategies they should use when engaging with each one.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a business relationship manager certification program, make sure to research the qualifications and experience of the instructors to ensure you are getting the best possible education. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on learning experiences and mentoring opportunities to maximize your learning potential.

Related: What does a Business Relationship Manager do?

Top 11 Business Relationship Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Relationship Manager (CBRM)

Certified Business Relationship Manager (CBRM) is a professional certification program designed to provide business relationship management professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage relationships between organizations and their customers, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders. The CBRM program is offered by the Business Relationship Management Institute (BRMI).

The CBRM program consists of two levels of certification: Certified Professional in Business Relationship Management (CPBRM) and Certified Master in Business Relationship Management (CMBRM). The CPBRM requires candidates to have at least three years of experience in business relationship management. The CMBRM requires candidates to have at least five years of experience in business relationship management.

In order to become certified as a CBRM, candidates must complete an online application form and submit it along with payment for the certification fee. Once the application is approved, candidates will be required to take an online assessment that covers topics such as customer engagement, stakeholder analysis, project management, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and change management. After passing the assessment with a score of 70% or higher, candidates will receive their official CBRM certification.

The cost for the CBRM certification varies depending on which level you are applying for; however, both levels typically cost between $500-$1,000 USD. It usually takes about six weeks from start to finish for applicants to receive their official CBRM certification once they have completed all requirements.

2. Certified Professional in Business Relationship Management (CPBRM)

Certified Professional in Business Relationship Management (CPBRM) is a professional certification program designed to help professionals develop and demonstrate their skills in managing business relationships. CPBRM is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of relationship management, communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution.

The CPBRM certification program consists of four levels: Certified Associate, Certified Professional, Certified Expert and Certified Master. Each level requires the successful completion of an exam that tests the individual's knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of business relationship management.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete all four levels of the CPBRM certification program. The cost for each level varies depending on the provider offering it, but generally ranges from $500 to $1,000 per level. To become certified as a CPBRM, you must first complete an approved training course or workshop that covers topics such as customer service, negotiation, conflict resolution and effective communication. After completing the training course or workshop, you will then need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on which provider you choose; however, most providers charge between $100 and $200 per exam. Additionally, some providers may require additional fees for study materials or other services related to obtaining your certification.

3. Certified Business Relationship Manager-Professional (CBRMP)

The Certified Business Relationship Manager-Professional (CBRMP) is a professional certification program that provides business relationship managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage relationships within an organization. This certification is offered by the International Association of Business Relationship Managers (IABRM).

The CBRMP certification program consists of four modules:

1. Foundations of Business Relationship Management

2. Building and Managing Relationships

3. Planning and Executing Strategies

4. Measuring Performance and Impact.

The program requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes both online coursework and an in-person examination. The cost for the CBRMP certification program is $1,995 USD, which includes the registration fee, the course materials, and the exam fee.

To become certified as a CBRMP, applicants must have at least five years of experience in managing relationships within organizations or related fields such as project management or customer service. Applicants must also pass a written exam administered by IABRM before they can receive their certification.

4. Certified Professional Relationship Manager (CPRM)

Certified Professional Relationship Manager (CPRM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the management of professional relationships. The program is administered by the International Association of Relationship Managers (IARM).

The CPRM certification is intended to help professionals demonstrate their competency in relationship management and gain recognition for their knowledge and skills. It is also meant to provide employers with assurance that their employees are qualified to manage relationships effectively.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and leadership. The exam also includes questions about IARM’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CPRM program. Applicants must first submit an application form and fee before taking the exam. Once they pass the exam, they must complete a mentorship program before they can be officially certified.

The cost of the CPRM certification varies depending on which type of package you choose. The basic package costs $495 USD while the premium package costs $795 USD. Both packages include access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources needed to prepare for the exam.

5. Certified Business Relationship Manager-Advanced (CBRA)

Certified Business Relationship Manager-Advanced (CBRA) is a professional certification program designed to help business relationship managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage relationships between organizations. It is offered by the Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP).

The CBRA certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in business relationship management, as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The certification process typically takes six months to complete, including taking and passing an online exam. To get certified, applicants must complete a series of online courses, which cover topics such as customer relationship management, alliance strategy, stakeholder engagement and more.

The cost of the CBRA certification program varies depending on the type of membership you choose. For non-members, the cost is $1,200; for members it is $900. Additionally, there are additional fees associated with taking and passing the exam.

6. Certified Business Relationship Manager-Expert (CBRE)

Certified Business Relationship Manager-Expert (CBRE) is a certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective business relationship managers. CBRE is a comprehensive certification program that provides training and education on the principles of effective business relationships, including communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, and team building. The program also covers topics such as customer service, project management, process improvement, and change management.

The CBRE certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course includes seven modules covering the fundamentals of business relationships and is available for purchase from the International Institute for Business Relationship Management (IIBRM). The cost of the online course is $1,495 USD.

The in-person exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as customer service, conflict resolution, change management, process improvement, project management, team building, and communication. It must be taken at an approved testing center or at IIBRM's headquarters in London. The cost of the written exam is $495 USD.

The oral exam consists of three parts: a presentation by the candidate on their chosen topic; a discussion with an examiner on their chosen topic; and a Q&A session with an examiner on their chosen topic. This must be taken at IIBRM's headquarters in London. The cost of the oral exam is $595 USD.

In total, it takes approximately six months to complete all requirements for the CBRE certification program if you are taking both exams simultaneously; however it can take longer if you are taking one exam at a time or if you need additional time to study for either exam. In addition to the cost of both exams ($2,085 USD), there may be additional costs associated with travel expenses if you are taking your exams outside of London or other related expenses such as books or study materials which vary depending on individual needs.

7. Certified Professional in Customer Relationship Management (CPCRM)

Certified Professional in Customer Relationship Management (CPCRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the field of customer relationship management. It is offered by the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in customer service.

The CPCRM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. The Foundation level requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, customer relationship management principles and practices, and customer data analysis. The Intermediate level requires applicants to complete a project demonstrating their ability to apply the concepts learned in the Foundation course. The Advanced level requires applicants to successfully complete a comprehensive case study that demonstrates their mastery of customer relationship management principles and practices.

It typically takes approximately six months to one year to complete all three levels of the CPCRM program. To get started, interested individuals must first become members of ICPM and then register for the program online or by mail. Once registered, they will receive access to course materials, exams, and other resources necessary for completing the program.

The cost of the CPCRM program varies depending on whether you are registering as an individual or group member. For individual memberships, it costs $350 USD for registration plus $100 USD per exam for each level; for group memberships, it costs $2,500 USD plus $50 USD per exam for each level.

8. Certified Professional in Vendor Relationship Management (CPVRM)

Certified Professional in Vendor Relationship Management (CPVRM) is a certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage vendor relationships. This certification is offered by the Vendor Relationship Management Institute (VRMI).

The CPVRM certification program consists of three levels:

Level 1 – Foundation Level: The foundation level focuses on developing an understanding of the fundamentals of vendor relationship management, including topics such as contract management, supplier selection, and vendor performance evaluation. This level requires 40 hours of study and can be completed in approximately 8 weeks.

Level 2 – Advanced Level: The advanced level focuses on developing an understanding of more complex topics related to vendor relationship management, such as negotiation strategies and risk management. This level requires 80 hours of study and can be completed in approximately 16 weeks.

Level 3 – Expert Level: The expert level focuses on developing an understanding of the most advanced topics related to vendor relationship management, such as strategic sourcing and global supply chain management. This level requires 120 hours of study and can be completed in approximately 24 weeks.

To get certified at any one of these levels, you must pass an online examination administered by VRMI. The cost for each exam varies depending on the level you are trying to obtain; however, the cost typically ranges from $150-$250 per exam.

9. Certified Professional in Supplier Relationship Management (CPSRM)

Certified Professional in Supplier Relationship Management (CPSRM) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in supplier relationship management. The certification is offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage supplier relationships.

The CPSRM certification program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. To earn the CPSRM designation, individuals must complete all three levels within two years.

Level 1 focuses on basic principles of supplier relationship management and covers topics such as supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and performance measurement.

Level 2 focuses on advanced concepts of supplier relationship management such as strategic sourcing and supply chain risk management.

Level 3 focuses on developing an organization’s capability in supplier relationship management through process improvement initiatives such as Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma.

The cost for the CPSRM program varies depending on the level of certification desired. The total cost for all three levels is approximately $2,000 USD.

10. Certified Professional in Partner Relationship Management (CPPRM)

Certified Professional in Partner Relationship Management (CPPRM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Partner Relationship Management (IAPRM). The CPPRM certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in partner relationship management, which includes developing and managing successful partnerships.

The CPPRM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in partner relationship management, as well as passing an exam administered by the IAPRM. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as building relationships, partnership strategies, communication skills, conflict resolution, and more.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CPPRM certification process depending on how quickly you can study for and pass the exam. To get started, you will need to register with the IAPRM and pay the registration fee. Once registered, you will be able to access all necessary materials for studying for the exam.

The cost for registering for the CPPRM certification program is $595 USD. This fee covers all materials needed for studying and taking the exam, including access to online practice exams.

11. Master of Business Relationships and Negotiations (MBRN).

The Master of Business Relationships and Negotiations (MBRN) is a professional degree program designed to prepare students for successful careers in business negotiation and relationship management. The MBRN focuses on the development of practical skills necessary for effective negotiations, conflict resolution, and relationship building. It provides an understanding of the dynamics involved in successful negotiations, as well as the strategies and tactics necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

The MBRN program typically takes two years to complete and requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students may choose from a variety of courses such as: Negotiation Theory & Practice; Conflict Resolution & Mediation; Business Communication & Relationship Management; International Negotiations; and Strategic Thinking & Decision Making.

To get an MBRN degree, you must have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution. You must also demonstrate strong academic performance throughout your studies. Additionally, some universities may require applicants to submit GMAT scores or other standardized test scores along with their application materials.

The cost of obtaining an MBRN degree varies depending on the university you attend. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $15,000-$30,000 USD per year depending on the school’s location and prestige. Additional fees such as books and supplies can add up quickly so it is important to consider all costs before enrolling in a program.

Do You Really Need a Business Relationship Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Business Relationship Manager Certificate depends on the type of work you are looking to do. If you are looking to work in a corporate setting, then having a certificate may be beneficial because it can help validate your knowledge and experience. It will also give employers an indication that you have taken the time to learn about the field and are committed to staying up-to-date on best practices.

However, if you are looking for more general business consulting or freelance work, then having a Business Relationship Manager Certificate may not be as necessary. Many employers prioritize experience over credentials when hiring freelancers, so having a certificate may not be as important as having demonstrated success in the field. That said, if you want to stand out from other candidates, then having a certificate could be helpful since it shows dedication and commitment to learning about business relationships.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Business Relationship Manager Certificate depends on your individual career goals and what type of job you are applying for. If you think that having this certification will give you an edge when competing for jobs in the field, then it could be worth investing in getting one.

Related: Business Relationship Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Relationship Manager Certifications

1. What is a Business Relationship Manager Certification?

Answer: A Business Relationship Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide business professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage relationships between businesses, customers, and other stakeholders. The program covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and project management.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete a training course and pass an exam administered by an accredited organization. Additionally, some organizations may require additional experience or certifications in order to qualify for certification.

3. What are the benefits of a Business Relationship Manager Certification?

Answer: With this certification you will be able to demonstrate your ability to successfully manage relationships between businesses and their customers or other stakeholders. This can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries in the business world. In addition, having this certification can also give you credibility when dealing with clients or partners.

4. What type of jobs can I get with a Business Relationship Manager Certification?

Answer: With this certification you can obtain jobs in fields such as customer service management, sales management, market research, operations management, product development and more. Additionally, many companies value the skillset that comes with having a Business Relationship Manager Certification and may offer higher salaries for those who have it.

5. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the specific requirements of the organization offering the certification program as well as your experience level going into it. Generally speaking however, most programs can be completed in 1-2 months if studied consistently throughout that period of time.