Top 11 Business Strategist Certifications

Certifications are important for business strategists in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence, knowledge, and expertise that employers value. Certification programs provide an opportunity to gain specialized skills and knowledge in areas such as strategic planning, project management, data analysis, and financial modeling. Certifications can also help business strategists stand out from the competition when applying for jobs since they show employers that the candidate is committed to their professional development and has taken initiative to become certified in their field. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Ultimately, having a certification can give business strategists an edge in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Business Strategists and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Business Strategist Certifications?

Business strategist certification is a type of professional certification that focuses on providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful business strategists. The certification is designed to help individuals develop their ability to analyze data, create and implement strategies, think critically, and make informed decisions in order to achieve organizational goals. It can also provide an understanding of how different business functions work together, such as marketing, finance, operations, IT, and human resources.

Business strategist certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the field of business strategy or for those wishing to pursue a career in consulting. With this certification, individuals will have the opportunity to better understand what it takes to effectively create a strategic plan and apply it successfully within an organization. This could involve working with senior management teams on developing new products or services; creating cost-effective strategies for improving operational efficiency; developing methods for analyzing customer data in order to identify trends; or developing strategies for managing risk and ensuring compliance with regulations.

In addition to providing individuals with the skills needed to become successful business strategists, this certification can also open up other opportunities in related fields such as project management, analytics or data science. Furthermore, having a certified business strategist on staff may help demonstrate an organization’s commitment to excellence and professionalism which can lead to increased customer confidence and trust.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a business strategist certification, make sure to look for programs that offer real-world experience. Look for internships or job shadowing opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge and skills that will help you stand out from other applicants.

Related: What does a Business Strategist do?

Top 11 Business Strategist Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Strategist (CBS)

Certified Business Strategist (CBS) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Business Strategists (IABS). The certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in business strategy and are able to apply that knowledge to create successful strategies for their organizations.

The CBS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of business strategy through an online assessment. This assessment covers topics such as strategic planning, competitive analysis, financial planning, marketing, operations and organizational development. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to analyze data and develop solutions based on the information gathered.

The CBS certification takes approximately three months to complete. The cost of the program varies depending on the country in which it is taken but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. To become certified, applicants must pass an online assessment and submit a portfolio demonstrating their understanding of business strategy principles and how they would apply them in real-world situations.

Once certified, individuals are eligible for various career opportunities including consulting roles, executive positions or teaching positions at universities or other educational institutions. Additionally, Certified Business Strategists may be called upon for expert advice on business strategy related matters by government agencies or private companies.

2. Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP)

Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Professional Planners (ASPP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and management. The CSPP program focuses on the core competencies of strategic planning, including goal setting, data analysis, decision making, stakeholder engagement, and implementation.

The CSPP certification requires applicants to complete a rigorous application process that includes an online assessment, an essay submission, and an oral interview. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions about strategic planning principles and practices. The essay submission requires applicants to provide evidence of their knowledge and experience in the field. Finally, the oral interview allows applicants to demonstrate their skills in a face-to-face setting with a panel of ASPP professionals.

To obtain the CSPP certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites such as having at least five years of professional experience in strategic planning or related fields. Additionally, they must pass all three components of the application process with a minimum score of 80%.

The cost for obtaining the CSPP certification varies depending on the applicant's location and other factors such as whether or not they are members of ASPP. Generally speaking, however, it can range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

3. 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 demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of business analysis principles, practices and techniques.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of business analysis. To be eligible for the CBAP, applicants must meet certain criteria including having 7500 hours of business analysis experience over the past 10 years, as well as two references from a current or former employer. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers six knowledge areas: business analysis planning and monitoring; enterprise analysis; requirements management and communication; solution assessment and validation; understating stakeholder needs; and supporting change.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the CBAP exam depending on your level of experience with business analysis. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $325-$375 USD.

4. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. (IMC USA). It is the highest standard of excellence for management consulting professionals in the United States.

The CMC designation is designed to recognize and promote professional excellence among management consultants and to provide assurance to clients that they are working with an experienced and qualified consultant. To be eligible for the CMC designation, applicants must meet rigorous standards of experience, education, ethics, and knowledge.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CMC designation. Applicants must have at least five years of experience as a consultant or in a related field; must demonstrate expertise in areas such as strategy, operations, finance, marketing, organizational development, or human resources; must successfully complete an ethics exam; and must pass a comprehensive written exam.

The cost of obtaining the CMC designation varies depending on how quickly you would like to complete it. The total cost includes application fees, course fees, exam fees, and other associated costs. The total cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on your individual circumstances.

5. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is an internationally recognized professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of Six Sigma tools and processes. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage complex improvement projects, as well as to mentor and train other Six Sigma professionals.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the certification process, depending on the individual’s experience level. To become certified, individuals must first pass a written exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, project management, data analysis, problem solving, and process improvement. After passing the exam, individuals must complete a project demonstrating their ability to apply the concepts they have learned in order to improve an existing process or develop a new one.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the certifying body chosen and may include fees for registration, testing materials, and any additional courses or training required for completion. In general, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program that teaches individuals how to improve processes and reduce waste in their organization. It is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead projects, analyze data, identify root causes of problems, and develop solutions.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification requires approximately 40 hours of training and a successful completion of an exam. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD.

To obtain the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, individuals must complete a course that covers topics such as process improvement methodology, data analysis techniques, problem-solving tools, and project management principles. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, participants will receive their certificate from an accredited institution or organization.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is highly sought after by employers looking for candidates who have proven expertise in process improvement and project management. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and show that they are capable of leading projects and improving processes within their organization.

7. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program designed to teach the fundamentals of Scrum, an agile framework for managing complex projects. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum.

The CSM certification requires completion of a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The course covers topics such as the core values and principles of Scrum, roles and responsibilities, planning and execution, team dynamics, and more. Upon successful completion of the course and passing an exam, participants receive their CSM certification.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on location and instructor but typically ranges from $800-$1,500 USD. The cost includes access to online materials prior to attending the class as well as two years of membership with the Scrum Alliance.

In order to maintain your CSM status, you must renew your membership with the Scrum Alliance every two years. Renewal fees vary based on membership level but typically range from $50-$100 USD per year.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of project managers in a wide range of industries. The PMP credential demonstrates that an individual has the ability to lead and direct projects successfully.

To become PMP certified, individuals must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. To qualify for the PMP exam, applicants must have either:

• A four-year degree plus three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects; or
• A secondary diploma plus five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes four hours to complete.

The cost for the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). For members it costs $405 USD while non-members pay $555 USD. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

9. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize individuals who demonstrate their knowledge and experience with Agile practices. It is designed to help professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use Agile principles in project management.

The ACP exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as Agile values, principles, frameworks, and practices. The exam is administered via computer-based testing at Prometric test centers worldwide.

To become an ACP, you must first complete 21 contact hours of training in Agile principles and techniques. You can find courses online or through PMI's accredited education providers. After completing the training, you can apply for the ACP exam through PMI's website.

The cost of the ACP exam varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. You will also need to pay an annual membership fee of $129 USD if you are not already a member of PMI.

10. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program that provides an entry-level understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to help IT professionals understand the core concepts and processes of IT service management, as well as how to effectively use ITIL in their own organizations. The certification is offered by Axelos, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in an IT service environment or have completed an accredited training course.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD. Exam vouchers can also be purchased from Axelos for $250 USD.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass the ITIL Foundation Certification exam with a score of 65% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate and be able to use the “ITIL Certified” logo on their resumes and other professional materials.

11. Strategic Leadership Program Certification

Strategic Leadership Program Certification is a professional development program designed to help individuals develop the skills needed to become effective leaders in their organizations. The program focuses on developing and honing the skills necessary to lead teams, manage change, and create successful outcomes. It is designed for those who are looking to take their leadership capabilities to the next level.

The program consists of four modules, which can be completed in as little as 12 weeks or up to 18 months depending on the individual's schedule and availability. Each module includes lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities that allow participants to apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. Participants will also receive personalized feedback from experienced mentors throughout the duration of the program.

To get certified in Strategic Leadership Program Certification, individuals must complete all four modules and pass an assessment at the end of each module. Upon successful completion of all four modules, participants will receive a certificate from the International Association for Strategic Leadership (IASL).

The cost of Strategic Leadership Program Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges between $2,000-$4,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Business Strategist Certificate?

When deciding whether to pursue a business strategist certificate, it is important to consider the value that such a certificate can bring to your career. A business strategist certificate demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and execute successful strategies for businesses. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date on best practices in the field. With this certification, you will be able to offer more comprehensive services and advice as a consultant or internal strategist for an organization.

In addition, having a business strategist certificate may give you access to higher paying positions or promotions within an organization. As more companies recognize the need for strategic planning, they are likely to look for individuals who possess the necessary skills and qualifications required of a successful strategy consultant or internal strategist. Having a business strategist certificate could make you stand out from other candidates competing for these positions.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not getting a business strategist certificate will benefit your career. If you feel confident in your abilities as a strategic thinker and believe that having this certification would give you an edge in pursuing certain opportunities, then it might be worth considering obtaining one. However, if you do not feel comfortable investing in such training or think that it may not be necessary given your current career goals then it may be best to hold off until the time comes when obtaining such credentials becomes more beneficial.

Related: Business Strategist Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Strategist Certifications

Q1. What is a Business Strategist Certification?

A1. A Business Strategist Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills to develop successful business strategies. It typically involves passing an exam and demonstrating competency in areas such as strategic planning, competitive analysis, and marketing tactics.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a Business Strategist Certification?

A2. Having a Business Strategist Certification can help you stand out from other applicants when looking for jobs or promotions, as it demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to developing successful business strategies. It also provides an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, which can lead to additional career opportunities.

Q3. How do I become certified as a Business Strategist?

A3. To become certified as a Business Strategist, you must first complete an approved program or course related to business strategy and pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the International Association of Strategic Planners (IASP). Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from IASP or another accredited organization.

Q4. Is there any additional training required after becoming certified?

A4. Yes, it is recommended that those with a Business Strategist Certification stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices by attending conferences or taking continuing education courses related to business strategy whenever possible. This will help ensure that your certification remains current and valid over time.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a Business Strategist?

A5 The amount of time needed to become certified depends on the individual’s existing knowledge base and experience level; however, most programs require at least 40 hours of study before taking the certification exam. Once you have successfully completed the program requirements and passed the exam, you will receive your official certification within 4-6 weeks from the date of completion