Top 10 Change Management Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a change management consultant in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field. Employers want to know that they are hiring someone who is qualified to do the job, and certifications can provide this assurance. Additionally, certifications show that a consultant has taken the time to develop and hone their skills in order to become an expert in their field. This demonstrates dedication and commitment, which will be attractive qualities for prospective employers. Finally, having certified credentials gives consultants an edge over other applicants and can help them stand out from the competition.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Change Management Consultants and explain how they can help advance a consultant's career.

What are Change Management Consultant Certifications?

Change management consultant certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in helping organizations successfully manage change initiatives. Change management consultants work closely with organizations to identify and analyze potential change initiatives, develop plans for implementing them, and then guide the organization through the transition process.

The aim of change management consultant certification is to provide employers with assurance that the candidate has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to help their organization effectively manage change. It also allows employers to easily identify qualified candidates for positions requiring this specific set of skills. Additionally, it provides job seekers with a way to demonstrate their commitment to their profession and their ability to help organizations succeed in times of transition.

Having a change management consultant certification can benefit individuals by providing them with a competitive edge when applying for jobs in this field, as well as giving them access to exclusive opportunities such as mentorship programs or networking events. It can also give them an opportunity to expand their knowledge base and stay up-to-date on best practices within the industry. Finally, having such a credential may open doors for career advancement or new job opportunities within the field of change management consulting.

Pro Tip: When selecting a change management consultant, make sure they have the appropriate certifications and qualifications. Research the types of certifications that are available and ensure that your chosen consultant has the most up-to-date certifications in the field. This will ensure that you are getting high quality advice and guidance from an experienced professional.

Related: What does a Change Management Consultant do?

Top 10 Change Management Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Change Management Consultants today.

1. Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) is an international certification program offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). The CCMP designation is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully plan and implement change initiatives in organizations.

The CCMP program consists of three components: a comprehensive exam, a portfolio submission, and a professional development review. The exam covers topics such as change management principles, strategies, tools and techniques, organizational culture and change management roles. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

To earn the CCMP designation, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 80%, submit a portfolio that demonstrates their proficiency in change management principles and practices, and complete a professional development review that evaluates their experience in leading successful change initiatives.

The cost for the CCMP program varies depending on whether you are an ACMP member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,295 USD; for non-members it costs $1,495 USD.

2. Prosci Change Management Certification

Prosci Change Management Certification is a program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage change within their organizations. The certification is based on Prosci's ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) model for successful change management. It is designed to help practitioners develop the competencies needed to lead and facilitate change in their organizations.

The certification consists of three levels: Foundation, Practitioner, and Advanced Practitioner. Each level requires completion of an online course and an exam. The Foundation course covers the basics of change management such as understanding the need for change, assessing organizational readiness for change, developing a plan for managing change, and evaluating success. The Practitioner level focuses on applying the ADKAR model to different types of changes in various contexts. Finally, the Advanced Practitioner level delves into more complex topics such as leading large-scale organizational transformations and driving stakeholder engagement during times of change.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete all three levels of Prosci Change Management Certification depending on how much time you are able to dedicate each week. To get certified you must enroll in each course through Prosci's website or through one of their authorized training partners. The cost varies depending on which courses you choose but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD per person per level (Foundation/Practitioner/Advanced).

3. APMG International Change Management Foundation

APMG International Change Management Foundation is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage change within an organization. This certification is designed to help individuals understand the principles of change management, develop their own change management plans, and implement those plans within their organizations.

The APMG International Change Management Foundation certification consists of an online exam that must be completed in order to obtain the certification. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and can take up to two hours to complete. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65% in order to pass the exam.

In order to get this certification, candidates must first register for the exam through APMG's website or by contacting them directly. Once registered, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam portal and begin taking the exam.

The cost of the APMG International Change Management Foundation certification varies depending on where you are located and which type of registration you choose (e.g., individual or group). Generally speaking, however, it costs around $450 USD per person for individual registration and $400 USD per person for group registration (five or more people).

4. The Change Management Institute’s Certified Change Practitioner

The Change Management Institute’s Certified Change Practitioner (CCP) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively manage change in organizations. The CCP is designed for professionals who are responsible for leading and managing change initiatives in their organization. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the change management process and tools, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world situations.

The CCP program consists of five modules that cover topics such as: change management fundamentals, assessing organizational readiness for change, developing strategies to support successful implementation, building stakeholder engagement and measuring success. Each module includes a pre-test, post-test and case study assessment. Upon completion of all five modules, participants will be awarded the CCP designation from The Change Management Institute.

The entire program can be completed within two months if taken at full speed; however, participants can take up to six months to complete it at their own pace. To become certified as a Change Practitioner through The Change Management Institute, applicants must have three years of experience in leading or managing change initiatives in an organization, or have completed an accredited degree program related to change management or organizational development.

The cost of the CCP program is $1,200 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee covers all course materials and assessments required for certification.

5. Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) Certified Change Manager

The Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) Certified Change Manager is a professional certification program for those who are interested in pursuing a career in change management. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles, processes, and tools necessary to successfully manage change initiatives.

To obtain the Certified Change Manager certification, individuals must complete a two-day classroom training course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as change management principles, strategies, techniques, and tools. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, individuals will receive their official ACMP Certified Change Manager designation.

The cost of the Certified Change Manager program varies depending on location and provider. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 - $2,000 USD to take the two-day classroom training course and take the exam.

In addition to taking the course and passing the exam, individuals must also have three years of professional experience in change management or related fields in order to qualify for certification. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to change management.

6. AXELOS ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition

AXELOS ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition is an online certification program designed to help IT professionals transition from the previous version of ITIL (ITIL V3) to the latest version (ITIL 4). The program allows IT professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the new concepts, processes and best practices associated with ITIL 4.

The program consists of two parts: the Foundation course and the Managing Professional Transition course. The Foundation course provides an overview of IT service management and introduces the key concepts, processes and best practices associated with ITIL 4. The Managing Professional Transition course builds on this knowledge by providing more detailed information on how to implement these concepts in a practical way.

The entire program takes approximately 16 hours to complete. It is available online through AXELOS’s official website or through authorized training providers.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether you purchase it directly from AXELOS’s website or through an authorized training provider. If purchased directly from AXELOS’s website, it costs £500 ($640 USD). If purchased through an authorized training provider, prices may vary but typically range between £400-£600 ($512-$768 USD).

7. Prosci Advanced Practitioner Certification

Prosci Advanced Practitioner Certification is an internationally recognized certification program for change management professionals. It is designed to help practitioners develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead successful change initiatives. The certification requires participants to demonstrate their ability to apply Prosci’s methodology, tools, and best practices in a real-world setting.

The Prosci Advanced Practitioner Certification consists of two parts: an online assessment and a two-day classroom workshop. The assessment takes approximately two hours to complete and must be passed before attending the workshop.

The classroom workshop covers advanced topics such as stakeholder engagement, organizational alignment, change leadership, and project management. Participants are expected to demonstrate their ability to apply the Prosci methodology in a case study exercise during the workshop.

The cost of the Prosci Advanced Practitioner Certification program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $2,500-$3,500 USD including materials, assessments, and course fees.

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help professionals understand the principles of Lean Six Sigma, as well as how to apply them in order to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.

The training for this certification typically takes between 4-8 weeks depending on the provider and format chosen. The training includes lectures, simulations, case studies, and group activities. It covers topics such as process mapping, process improvement techniques, data analysis tools, root cause analysis methods, and project management.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering the material taught during the training.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which provider you choose and if you choose to take a course or self-study. Generally speaking courses range from $1,000-$2,500 while self-study materials can cost anywhere from $200-$500.

9. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful Scrum Master. A Scrum Master is responsible for facilitating the use of Agile processes and techniques in order to help teams deliver high-quality products on time.

The CSM certification requires individuals to complete a two-day course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During this course, participants will learn the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles and responsibilities, sprint planning, product backlogs, and more. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

In order to maintain their certification status, individuals must attend at least 16 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes attending conferences or workshops related to Agile or Scrum topics.

10. Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program designed to recognize practitioners of agile project management. This certification helps validate the knowledge and skills necessary for successful implementation of agile projects. It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a practitioner’s expertise in using agile approaches and tools, such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP.

The PMI-ACP requires a minimum of 21 contact hours of training in agile practices, 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last five years, and 880 hours spent leading and directing projects using agile methods. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To get the PMI-ACP Certification you must complete an application form which includes providing proof of your project experience as well as your training in agile practices. Once your application is approved you can then register for the exam which costs $435 for members or $495 for non-members. The total cost will depend on whether you are already a member of PMI or not.

Once you have passed the exam you will become a certified PMI-ACP holder and receive your certificate from PMI. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking additional courses or exams related to agile practices.

Do You Really Need a Change Management Consultant Certificate?

Change management is a critical component of any business, as it provides the foundation for successful transformation. A change management consultant certificate can be helpful in demonstrating that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively manage complex change initiatives. However, whether or not you need a change management consultant certificate really depends on your individual situation.

If you are already working in the field of change management, having a certification may help demonstrate your expertise and give you an edge when applying for new positions or promotions. Additionally, if you are looking to transition into a career in change management consulting, having a certification can show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to gain expertise in this area.

On the other hand, if you are already an experienced practitioner or have a solid understanding of how to successfully manage organizational changes, then investing in a certification may not be necessary. It is important to consider the costs associated with obtaining such a credential and weigh those against what it can offer in terms of professional development and career advancement.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a change management consultant certificate depends on your current situation and goals. If obtaining such credentials will help further your career objectives, then it may be worth considering. However, if it is not necessary for achieving your desired outcome then pursuing this type of certification may not be beneficial for you at this time.

Related: Change Management Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Change Management Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a Change Management Consultant Certification?

A1. A Change Management Consultant Certification is a professional certification program that provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of change management. The certification validates the practitioner's expertise in leading organizational change initiatives, including assessing the organization’s readiness for change and implementing strategies to ensure successful adoption of new practices or processes.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Change Management Consultant?

A2. To become certified as a Change Management Consultant, you must complete an accredited training program offered by an accredited institution and pass the associated examination. Depending on the program, you may also need to provide proof of professional experience in the field before being eligible for certification.

Q3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Change Management Consultant Certification?

A3. Obtaining a Change Management Consultant Certification provides several benefits to individuals seeking to advance their career in this field, including: increased credibility with employers; improved job security; enhanced salary potential; and greater ability to lead successful organizational change initiatives.

Q4. What topics are covered during certification courses?

A4. Topics typically covered during certification courses include: understanding organizational change theory; developing effective change management plans; assessing organizational readiness for change; developing strategies to ensure successful implementation of new practices or processes; and using data analysis techniques to evaluate results and outcomes of changes implemented within an organization.

Q5 How long does it take to become certified as a Change Management Consultant?

A5 The amount of time required to become certified as a Change Management Consultant varies depending on the specific requirements for each certification program, but typically requires about one year of study and practice combined with passing an exam at the end of that period in order to be awarded the credential.