Top 10 Business Support Certifications

Certifications are important for business support professionals in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for. They can also be used to prove competency in specific areas, such as customer service, project management, or finance. Many employers require certifications as part of their hiring process or as a prerequisite for promotions and salary increases. Additionally, having certifications can help business support professionals stand out from other applicants by showcasing their commitment to professional development. Finally, certifications provide access to networking opportunities and resources that may not otherwise be available.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Business Supports and explains how they can contribute to a business support's career by providing valuable credentials and knowledge.

What are Business Support Certifications?

Business support certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes the expertise and proficiency of an individual in areas such as business administration, management, finance, or marketing. It can also refer to certifications related to specific industry sectors like healthcare or technology. This certification is designed to help employers identify qualified individuals who are capable of handling the responsibilities associated with various business-related tasks.

Having a business support certification can help job seekers stand out from the competition and demonstrate their commitment to their chosen field. Certification validates knowledge and skills in certain areas, making it easier for employers to assess an applicant’s qualifications during the hiring process.

The certification also provides job seekers with tangible proof of their abilities which can be used when applying for jobs or negotiating salaries. Additionally, businesses may use certifications as criteria for promotions and career advancement opportunities within the organization.

Certification programs are typically offered by professional organizations or educational institutions. These programs usually require applicants to meet certain prerequisites such as having prior work experience in a related field or passing an examination on relevant topics. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate verifying their achievement and demonstrating their commitment to excellence in business support roles.

Pro Tip: Research and understand the different types of business support certifications available before committing to a program. Look for certifications that are relevant to the type of business you're running and make sure they are current and up-to-date. Additionally, look into any potential cost savings or other benefits associated with obtaining a certification.

Related: What does a Business Support do?

Top 10 Business Support Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Support Professional (CBSP)

Certified Business Support Professional (CBSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals in the business support field. The CBSP certification is offered through the International Association of Business Support Professionals (IABSP).

The CBSP certification requires candidates to have at least two years of experience in business support roles, such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, office manager, or project coordinator. Candidates must also pass an online assessment that covers topics related to business operations and management.

The CBSP certification process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish. During this time, candidates must complete an online application form and submit their resume for review by the IABSP. Once accepted into the program, candidates will be required to take an online assessment which covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and organizational skills. Upon successful completion of the assessment, candidates will receive their CBSP certificate.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Business Support Professional (CBSP) certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$400 USD depending on the provider and any additional services they may offer.

2. Certified Professional in Business Support (CPBS)

Certified Professional in Business Support (CPBS) is a professional certification for individuals who provide business support services. This certification provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of customer service, communication, problem solving, organizational skills, and other business-related topics.

The CPBS certification requires the successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers multiple topics related to business support services. The exam consists of 150 questions and must be completed within two hours. It is administered by the National Association of Business Support Professionals (NABSP).

To become certified as a CPBS, applicants must have at least two years of experience in providing business support services or have completed a college-level course in the same field. Applicants must also pass the CPBS exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CPBS exam varies depending on the testing location and whether you are taking it online or in person. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$200 for the exam fee.

3. Certified Business Support Manager (CBSM)

Certified Business Support Manager (CBSM) is a certification program developed by the International Association of Certified Business Support Managers (IACBSM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the areas of business support management. It is a comprehensive certification program that covers topics such as customer service, project management, financial planning, human resources, and operations.

The CBSM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions and written assignments. The exam must be taken at an approved testing center and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work experience and training in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost of the CBSM certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States, it costs $395 USD for members of IACBSM and $495 USD for non-members. The cost includes the exam fee, membership fees, and any other applicable fees associated with taking the exam.

In order to maintain their CBSM certification, individuals must complete continuing education credits every two years. This can be done through attending seminars or workshops related to business support management or through completing online courses offered by IACBSM or other accredited organizations.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. The certification covers the use of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. It is designed to give employers and job seekers assurance that the candidate has the skills necessary to be successful in their role.

The MOS certification process involves taking one or more exams which test a person’s knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Each exam covers a different application and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to complete. Exams are offered through authorized testing centers worldwide.

The cost of an MOS certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and the country in which they are taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD, although prices may vary depending on location and other factors.

In order to earn an MOS certification, you must pass all required exams with a minimum score of 700 out of 1000 points. Depending on how many exams you choose to take, it can take anywhere from several hours to several days or weeks to complete all required tests and receive your certificate.

5. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for a career in IT and covers topics such as networking, operating systems, hardware, security, troubleshooting and customer service.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. The 220-901 exam covers computer hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues. The 220-902 exam covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.

To obtain the CompTIA A+ certification you must pass both exams with a score of at least 700 out of 900 points on each exam. It typically takes between three to six months to complete the necessary study materials and prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking it costs around $200 USD per exam or $400 USD for both exams.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is the most sought-after certification in the field of project management and is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP credential demonstrates that you have the knowledge, experience, and skills to successfully manage projects.

To get the PMP certification, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a four-year degree or higher, at least three years of project management experience, and 35 hours of professional development in project management topics. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the exam.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not; it typically costs $405 for non-members and $555 for members.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years by participating in activities such as attending conferences or completing online courses related to project management.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to lead successful process improvement projects. The certification is offered by numerous organizations, including ASQ, IASSC, and Exemplar Global.

The length of time it takes to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the organization offering the certification. Generally speaking, it takes between four and eight weeks to complete the training required for certification. During this time, individuals will learn about the core concepts of Six Sigma such as Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) methodology, process improvement tools, project management techniques, and data analysis methods.

To become certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by one of the organizations offering the certification. The exams typically consist of multiple choice questions that test an individual’s knowledge of Six Sigma principles and practices.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,500 USD to obtain a certification from one of these organizations.

8. Lean Six Sigma Certification

Lean Six Sigma Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to help organizations improve their processes and increase their bottom line by reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and eliminating defects.

The Lean Six Sigma Certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the level of certification being sought. In order to receive a Lean Six Sigma Certification, an individual must first complete a series of courses and pass a written exam. After passing the exam, the individual must then demonstrate mastery of the material through a hands-on project or case study. Once all requirements are met, the individual will be awarded either a Green Belt or Black Belt designation depending on which level they pursued.

In order to obtain Lean Six Sigma Certification, individuals can either take classes through accredited training centers or online programs. Training centers typically offer both classroom-based and online instruction with prices ranging from $1,000-$3,000 depending on the course length and content. Online programs tend to be less expensive but may require additional self-study in order to prepare for the exam.

Overall, obtaining Lean Six Sigma Certification can be an excellent way for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in process improvement techniques that can help organizations reduce costs and increase profits.

9. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of administrative professionals in the workplace. The CAP credential is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in the administrative field.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the CAP program depending on how much time you are able to devote to studying for it. To get certified, you must first meet eligibility requirements, which include having at least two years of full-time work experience in an administrative role or five years of part-time experience. Once you have met these criteria, you can register for the CAP exam.

The cost for taking the CAP exam varies depending on your IAAP membership status. For non-members, it costs $450 USD; for members, it costs $350 USD; and for student members, it costs $250 USD. Additionally, there are other fees associated with taking and maintaining your certification such as annual dues and recertification fees.

10. 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 knowledge and experience in the field of business analysis. CBAP certification is an internationally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in business analysis.

To become CBAP certified, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having at least 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years, as well as two references from a current or former employer verifying your experience. You must also pass the CBAP exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as requirements elicitation and management, project planning and management, solution evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of IIBA or not. For non-members, it costs $325 USD for each attempt; for members it costs $275 USD per attempt. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. It typically takes about 4 hours to complete the exam.

In order to maintain your CBAP certification status, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years through activities such as attending conferences and workshops related to business analysis or teaching courses related to business analysis.

Do You Really Need a Business Support Certificate?

When considering whether or not to pursue a business support certificate, it is important to consider the potential benefits. A business support certificate can provide an individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be successful in a variety of roles within a business organization. This type of certification may also provide the individual with additional career opportunities and increased earning potential.

In most cases, those who are considering pursuing a business support certificate should first assess their current job situation and determine if this type of certification would be beneficial for them. If they are already employed in a position that requires some level of administrative or other business duties, then having this type of certification could help them advance in their current role or open up new opportunities that they may have not been considered for before. In addition, having this type of certification can also demonstrate an individual's commitment to professional development and show employers that they are serious about their career goals.

On the other hand, there are some individuals who may not need a business support certificate. For instance, someone who is already working in an administrative role may already possess the necessary skills and knowledge required for success in their current role without needing additional training or certification. Additionally, those who are looking to begin a new career path may find that completing further education is more beneficial than obtaining a specific certificate when it comes to finding employment opportunities.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a business support certificate will depend on your specific situation and goals. It is important to assess your current job responsibilities as well as your long-term career objectives before making any decisions regarding certifications or further education requirements.

Related: Business Support Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Support Certifications

1. What is a business support certification?

Answer: A business support certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in providing administrative and operational assistance to businesses. It is typically earned through the completion of a training program or by passing an exam.

2. Who should consider getting a business support certification?

Answer: Business professionals who are looking to develop their skills in providing administrative and operational assistance to businesses, such as office managers, receptionists, customer service representatives, executive assistants, and administrative assistants should consider getting a business support certification.

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

Answer: Having a business support certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, increase job opportunities and career advancement potential, improve job performance, demonstrate commitment to professional development and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

4. How do I get certified in business support?

Answer: To become certified in business support, you must complete an accredited training program or pass an exam that covers topics such as office management, organizational skills, customer service principles and practices, basic accounting principles and computer applications relevant to the workplace. Some certifications may also require additional experience or continuing education units (CEUs).

5. How long does it take to get certified in business support?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified in business support depends on the type of program or exam you choose as well as your current knowledge level of the topics covered. In general, most programs or exams can be completed within 6 months or less if you dedicate enough time for study and practice tests prior to taking the final assessment.