Top 11 Business Teacher Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a business teacher's job market success because they demonstrate that the teacher has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the area they teach. By having certifications, a teacher can prove to potential employers that they are qualified to teach the subject and have gone through the necessary training, testing, and experience needed to do so successfully. Employers often look for certified teachers because it shows that the teacher is knowledgeable about the subject matter and has taken steps to stay up-to-date on current industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications can provide potential employers with evidence that a business teacher is committed to their craft and willing to invest in their professional development.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Business Teachers and explains how they can help to advance a business teacher's career.

What are Business Teacher Certifications?

Business teacher certification is a program designed to give teachers the knowledge and skills they need to teach business courses and help students develop their understanding of business concepts. The certification covers topics such as accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, and other areas related to business. It also includes instruction in teaching methods and techniques, as well as curriculum development.

Business teacher certification can be beneficial for educators who are interested in working with students in the field of business education. By obtaining certification, teachers can show that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to teach courses effectively. With this credential, teachers will also have access to professional development opportunities, which can help them stay up-to-date on current trends in business education. Additionally, having this certification may improve a teacher’s job prospects by showing that they have the qualifications to work as a business educator.

Pro Tip: Research any business teacher certification requirements and qualifications in advance. Make sure that you meet all prerequisites and understand the associated fees and costs before committing to a program. Additionally, be sure to check with your local education board for specific regulations regarding business teacher certification.

Related: What does a Business Teacher do?

Top 11 Business Teacher Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Teacher (CBT)

Certified Business Teacher (CBT) is a certification program designed to help educators teach business subjects in the classroom. It is offered through the National Business Education Association (NBEA). The program consists of two parts: a core curriculum and an elective course. The core curriculum covers topics such as business law, economics, accounting, finance, marketing, management and organizational behavior. The elective course focuses on specific areas of business education such as entrepreneurship or international business.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CBT program. To be eligible for the certification, you must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field and at least three years of teaching experience in business-related courses. You must also submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues who can attest to your teaching abilities.

To get certified as a CBT, you will need to apply online through the NBEA website and pay an application fee of $100. Once your application is approved, you will be required to take an online assessment that covers the core curriculum topics mentioned above. After successfully passing the assessment, you will receive your certification within four weeks.

The cost for the CBT certification varies depending on where you live and how many courses you take; however, it typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD for all materials and fees associated with the program.

2. Certified International Business Teacher (CIBT)

Certified International Business Teacher (CIBT) is a certification program offered by the International Trade Council (ITC). It is designed to recognize and reward teachers who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in international business. The CIBT certification is intended to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated excellence in teaching international business courses.

The CIBT certification process involves taking an online assessment, which assesses the candidate's knowledge and understanding of international business topics. The assessment covers topics such as global trade regulations, international finance, marketing, management, and economics. Candidates must also submit a portfolio of their work in the field of international business.

The CIBT certification process typically takes about three months to complete. Candidates must first register with the ITC and pay a fee of $150 USD before taking the assessment. Once they have completed the assessment, they will receive their results within two weeks. If successful, candidates will then be awarded their CIBT certificate.

The cost for obtaining the CIBT certification is $150 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering with the ITC.

3. Certified Professional Business Teacher (CPBT)

Certified Professional Business Teacher (CPBT) is a certification program offered by the National Business Education Association (NBEA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in business education. The CPBT certification is a rigorous process that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in teaching business-related topics, such as accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management and technology.

The CPBT certification process takes approximately two years to complete. During this time, applicants must complete an application form, submit official transcripts from all colleges attended and pass a comprehensive written exam. After passing the exam, applicants must also complete a practicum project to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in the classroom setting.

To get certified as a CPBT, interested individuals can visit the NBEA website for more information on the application process and requirements. There is no fee associated with applying for the certification; however, there are fees associated with taking the exam and completing the practicum project. The cost of these fees vary depending on the applicant’s location and other factors.

4. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a non-profit organization that provides voluntary certification for teachers. The NBPTS was founded in 1987 to establish high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. It is the only nationally recognized system of teacher certification in the United States.

It typically takes three years to complete the NBPTS certification process, although some states have shorter timelines. To become certified, teachers must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a combination of assessments, including portfolios, videos, and written components.

In order to get started with the NBPTS certification process, applicants must first create an account on the NBPTS website and submit an application. Once accepted into the program, applicants will need to pay an initial fee of $475 plus any additional fees associated with assessments they choose to pursue. After completing all required assessments, applicants will receive their NBPTS certificate.

The cost of becoming certified can vary depending on which assessments are chosen; however, it typically costs between $1,000-$2,000 total.

5. Certified Business Educator (CBE)

Certified Business Educator (CBE) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of business educators in teaching and facilitating learning. It is designed to help business educators improve their skills and knowledge, as well as provide employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary qualifications for teaching and training.

The CBE program is offered by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application form. After submitting the application, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as instructional design, assessment strategies, educational technology, and adult learning principles. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive a certificate from IACET indicating they are now a Certified Business Educator (CBE). The certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.

The cost of becoming a CBE varies depending on where you live; however, it typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. This includes the cost of the application fee, exam fee, and any additional resources needed to prepare for the exam.

6. Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is a professional body in the United Kingdom that offers qualifications, training and membership to managers. It was founded in 1947 and is now the largest chartered management institute in Europe.

The CMI offers a range of qualifications from Level 3 (equivalent to A-Levels) to Level 7 (Masters level). The most popular qualification is the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, which takes three years to complete and involves studying part-time while working full-time. This apprenticeship includes an NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Management, a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management and a BSc (Hons) degree from an accredited university.

In order to get the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, you need to find an employer who will sponsor you for the course and provide on-the-job training. You must also pass an aptitude test and have at least five GCSEs at Grade C or above.

The cost of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship varies depending on your employer’s contribution, but typically ranges between £3,000 - £5,000 per year.

7. Certified Business and Technology Education Teacher (CBTT)

Certified Business and Technology Teacher (CBTT) is a certification program offered by the National Business Education Association (NBEA). The CBTT certification is designed to recognize professionals who have met the highest standards in teaching business and technology courses. It signifies that the holder has demonstrated mastery of the content, pedagogy, and technology skills required to effectively teach business and technology courses.

The CBTT certification requires completion of a three-part process: passing an online assessment, completing a portfolio review, and participating in a professional development workshop. The online assessment covers topics such as business principles, technology applications, instructional strategies, and classroom management. The portfolio review involves submitting evidence of successful teaching experiences with students in business or technology courses. The professional development workshop provides an opportunity for participants to discuss best practices in teaching business and technology courses.

The entire CBTT certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and transcripts to NBEA for consideration. Once accepted into the program, applicants are required to pay a fee ranging from $150-$200 depending on their membership status with NBEA.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their official CBTT certificate from NBEA which they can use to demonstrate their expertise in teaching business and technology courses.

8. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a person's expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of products. It is designed to validate a person’s ability to use the most popular office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

The certification process typically takes between two and four months to complete depending on the individual's experience level and study habits. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess an individual's knowledge of the various Microsoft Office applications. The exam can be taken online or in a testing center.

To become certified, individuals must pass one or more exams for each application they wish to be certified in. Each exam costs $150 USD and can be purchased through Pearson VUE or Certiport, which are authorized Microsoft testing centers.

Once an individual has passed all required exams, they will receive their MOS certification from Microsoft. This certification is valid for life and does not need to be renewed unless an individual wishes to upgrade their skills by taking additional exams in other applications or versions of Office.

9. Project Management Professional Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. The PMP Certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced project managers who have demonstrated their ability to lead and direct successful projects.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to obtain the PMP Certification, depending on how much prior experience and knowledge you have of project management techniques and processes. To get the PMP Certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least 4500 hours of leading and directing projects over a period of three years or more, as well as 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics.

The cost for obtaining the PMP Certification varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States, it costs $555 for members of PMI and $405 for non-members. In Canada, it costs $740 for members and $540 for non-members. In Europe, it costs €550 for members and €400 for non-members.

10. Certified Public Accountant Certification

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is a professional designation that is earned by individuals who have met certain educational, experience and examination requirements. The CPA certification is recognized across the United States and many other countries as the standard of excellence for professional accountants.

In order to become a CPA, you must meet the requirements of your state board of accountancy. Generally, this includes completing 150 semester hours of college education, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and meeting any additional state-specific requirements such as work experience or continuing education credits. Depending on your state's requirements, it may take anywhere from one to three years to complete all of the necessary steps to become a CPA.

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on your individual circumstances and can include fees for tuition, textbooks, exam preparation materials, and application fees. In addition to these costs, there are also exam registration fees that must be paid directly to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). These fees typically range from $100-$400 per section of the exam.

To begin the process of becoming a CPA, you should contact your state board of accountancy for specific information regarding their requirements and procedures. You will also need to register with the AICPA in order to take the Uniform CPA Exam. Once you have completed all necessary steps and passed the exam, you will be awarded your CPA certificate and license.

11. International Society for Technology in Education Certification

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification is a professional development program designed to help educators stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends in education. The certification is offered at three levels: ISTE Certified Educator, ISTE Certified Trainer, and ISTE Certified Administrator.

ISTE Certified Educator is the entry-level certification that provides educators with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively use technology in their classrooms. This certification requires a minimum of 40 hours of professional development activities related to integrating technology into instruction. It typically takes 4-6 months to complete the requirements for this certification.

ISTE Certified Trainer is an advanced level certification that recognizes those who have demonstrated expertise in using technology for instructional purposes. This certification requires 80 hours of professional development activities related to integrating technology into instruction, as well as successful completion of an online assessment. It typically takes 8-12 months to complete the requirements for this certification.

ISTE Certified Administrator is a specialized level certification that recognizes those who have demonstrated expertise in leading and managing technology initiatives within their school or district. This certification requires 120 hours of professional development activities related to integrating technology into instruction, as well as successful completion of an online assessment. It typically takes 12-18 months to complete the requirements for this certification.

The cost of each ISTE Certification varies depending on the type of membership you hold with ISTE (if any). For nonmembers, the cost ranges from $250-$500 per level; however, discounted rates are available for members of ISTE’s Professional Learning Network (PLN).

Do You Really Need a Business Teacher Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some, having a business teacher certificate may be necessary for job advancement or for entry into the teaching profession. For others, having a business teacher certificate may not be necessary but could still help in career development and provide an additional credential to demonstrate expertise in the field.

For those considering a career as a business teacher, having some form of certification is highly recommended. A business teacher certificate provides evidence that you have the knowledge and skills required to teach effectively in the classroom. It also shows that you have an understanding of educational principles and methods related to teaching business courses. In addition, most states require teachers to have certain credentials before they can legally work in public schools.

Having a business teacher certificate also demonstrates your commitment to professional development and can make you more attractive to potential employers. Many employers look favorably upon candidates with additional qualifications such as certifications or degrees because they show that the candidate is willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them when it comes to their professional development. Additionally, having a certificate can give you access to professional organizations or other resources which can help further your career development and networking opportunities.

Ultimately, whether or not one needs a business teacher certificate will depend on their individual goals and circumstances. However, for those interested in pursuing a career as a business teacher, obtaining some form of certification is highly recommended and could prove beneficial in advancing your career over time.

Related: Business Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Teacher Certifications

1. What is a business teacher certification?

Answer: A business teacher certification is a credential that certifies an individual has the knowledge and skills to teach business-related courses in a classroom or online. It is usually obtained through completing a program at an accredited college or university and passing the relevant exams.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a business teacher?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as a business teacher varies depending on the program you choose, but typically it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years.

3. What are the requirements for becoming a certified business teacher?

Answer: Requirements vary by state and school district, but typically include having a bachelor’s degree in education or related field; passing the relevant tests; and completing coursework in teaching methods, educational psychology, curriculum design, and assessment techniques. Some states may also require additional experience in teaching or working with students prior to obtaining certification.

4. What types of courses can I teach with a business teacher certification?

Answer: With a business teacher certification, you can teach courses such as accounting, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, data analytics and more.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require continuing education for maintaining your certification as a business teacher. This usually includes taking additional coursework or attending workshops related to teaching methods and pedagogy every few years.