Top 10 Change Management Specialist Certifications

Certifications for change management specialists are important for job seekers because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers are looking for. Employers want to know that potential candidates have the qualifications and experience necessary to support their organization’s change initiatives. Certifications also show employers that the individual is committed to his or her professional development, which can be very attractive in a competitive job market. Additionally, certifications may open up new career opportunities and provide access to exclusive industry networks, giving job seekers an edge over other applicants.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Change Management Specialists and explain how they can help advance a change management specialist's career.

What are Change Management Specialist Certifications?

Change management specialist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skills in the field of change management. By earning this credential, individuals demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and competencies to effectively manage organizational change initiatives.

The certification is awarded by leading professional bodies such as the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) or the Change Management Institute (CMI). It involves passing an exam, which tests an individual’s understanding of change management principles, processes, and tools. Earning this certification not only demonstrates proficiency in change management but also serves as a mark of distinction for those looking to advance their careers in the field.

For organizations, having certified professionals on staff offers assurance that their change initiatives are managed with best practices in mind. The certified professionals understand how to take into account different aspects of organizational culture when managing changes, as well as how to plan and execute effective change strategies. This ensures that any changes are implemented smoothly and efficiently while minimizing disruption to day-to-day operations.

Overall, earning a change management specialist certification can open up new career opportunities while providing employers with assurance that their organizational changes will be managed competently and successfully.

Pro Tip: Change Management Specialist Certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field of change management. It can help you stand out from other candidates in the job market, and it also gives you a valuable credential that employers will recognize. Before investing in certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly and ensure that it aligns with your career goals.

Related: What does a Change Management Specialist do?

Top 10 Change Management Specialist Certifications

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

1. Prosci Change Management Certification

Prosci Change Management Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, tools and techniques needed to effectively manage change in their organizations. The certification program is based on Prosci’s ADKAR model of change management, which provides a holistic approach to managing change. The program consists of three levels: Foundation, Practitioner and Master.

Foundation Level: This level is designed for those who are new to the field of change management or have limited experience. It covers an introduction to the ADKAR model, best practices in change management, and how to apply it in real-world scenarios. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete this level.

Practitioner Level: This level is designed for those who want a deeper understanding of change management and its application in different contexts. It covers topics such as stakeholder analysis, resistance management, communication planning and more. It takes approximately 16 hours to complete this level.

Master Level: This level is designed for experienced practitioners who want to become experts in the field of change management. It covers advanced topics such as leading teams through complex changes, developing organizational competencies for change and more. It takes approximately 24 hours to complete this level.

To get certified at any of these levels you must take an online exam that tests your knowledge of the material covered in each course. You must also submit a project demonstrating your ability to apply the concepts learned during the coursework in a real-world context. Once you pass both components you will receive your certification from Prosci.

The cost for each level varies depending on whether you are taking an instructor-led or self-paced course but generally ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD per person per course (not including exam fees).

2. AXELOS ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Certificate

The AXELOS ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Certificate is a certification program which allows existing ITIL v3 holders to transition to the new ITIL 4 framework. It is designed for those who already have a good understanding of the previous version of ITIL and want to develop their knowledge of the new version.

The duration of the course is two days, and it covers topics such as:

- The four dimensions of service management

- Service value system

- Guiding principles

- Key concepts and definitions

- Service value chain activities

- Governance and organizational structure

- Continual improvement approach.

In order to get certified, you must pass an exam at the end of the course. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess your knowledge and understanding of the material. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

3. Change Management Institute (CMI) Certified Change Manager

Change Management Institute (CMI) Certified Change Manager is a professional certification program that provides training and recognition for change management professionals. The CMI Certified Change Manager credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of change management.

The CMI Certified Change Manager program consists of two parts: a three-day classroom training course and an online assessment. During the classroom training course, participants learn about the fundamentals of change management, including managing stakeholders, leading organizational transitions, and developing change strategies. At the end of the course, participants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their certification.

The CMI Certified Change Manager program typically takes two weeks to complete. The three-day classroom training course usually runs from Monday through Wednesday and the online assessment is typically taken on Friday or Saturday.

To become a CMI Certified Change Manager, individuals must first register for the program on the Change Management Institute website. Registration fees vary depending on whether you are registering as an individual or as part of a group. After registering for the program, individuals will receive instructions on how to access the online assessment and complete their certification process.

The cost of becoming a CMI Certified Change Manager varies depending on registration type but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD for individuals and $3,000 to $4,000 USD for groups.

4. Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

The Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) is an internationally recognized certification for change management professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills and abilities to lead successful organizational change initiatives.

To become a CCMP, you must first complete a minimum of three years of professional experience in leading and/or supporting change management initiatives. You will then need to pass the ACMP’s online exam which consists of 140 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as change management fundamentals, stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, project planning and implementation, and measurement and evaluation.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the CCMP designation which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

The cost of becoming a CCMP varies depending on where you take the exam and if you are an ACMP member or not. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,500 USD to become certified.

5. APMG International Change Management Foundation Certificate

APMG International Change Management Foundation Certificate is a certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage change in their organization. This certification is offered by APMG International, an independent international accreditation body that provides training and assessment services for professional certifications.

The Change Management Foundation Certificate requires a minimum of 21 hours of study, including self-paced eLearning, instructor-led classroom training, or blended learning. The course covers topics such as understanding change management principles, managing stakeholders, developing communication plans, and more.

In order to get the certificate, candidates must pass an online exam which consists of 40 multiple choice questions. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 65% in order to pass the exam and receive the certificate.

The cost of the Change Management Foundation Certificate varies depending on the type of training chosen (eLearning or classroom). For example, an eLearning course costs approximately $500 USD while a classroom course costs approximately $1000 USD.

6. PMI-ACP Agile Certified Practitioner

PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in agile project management. The certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to successfully manage projects using agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. The preparation process includes studying for the exam, attending training courses or workshops, reading books on agile project management and taking practice exams.

In order to be eligible for the PMI-ACP exam, an individual must have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. Additionally, they must have 21 contact hours of professional development related to agile practices.

The cost of the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $435 USD and for members it costs $375 USD.

7. Prosci Advanced Change Management Certification

Prosci Advanced Change Management Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively lead change initiatives. The certification is designed for experienced practitioners who want to become master practitioners in the field of change management. It is an intensive three-day program that covers topics such as managing stakeholder engagement, creating a change roadmap, and leading successful change initiatives.

The course takes approximately three days to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on activities. Participants will learn how to create an effective change management strategy, develop communication plans, and use Prosci's ADKAR model of individual change management.

In order to get certified, participants must successfully complete the three-day course and pass a final exam. Upon completion of the course and passing the exam, participants will receive their certificate from Prosci.

The cost of the Prosci Advanced Change Management Certification varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD per person.

8. PROSCI ADKAR Model Certification

The PROSCI ADKAR Model Certification is a professional certification program that teaches individuals how to successfully manage change in their organizations. It is based on the PROSCI ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) model which is an evidence-based approach to managing change. The certification program includes a three-day workshop and an online exam.

The three-day workshop covers topics such as understanding the basics of change management, the PROSCI ADKAR model, and how to apply it in practice. During the workshop, participants learn about different strategies for managing change and how to implement them in their own organization. They also receive guidance on how to measure success and develop action plans for successful change initiatives.

It typically takes around three months to complete the certification process from start to finish. To get certified, you must attend the three-day workshop and pass an online exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

9. ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Change Management

ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Change Management (ICP-ACM) is an advanced certification program designed to help individuals and organizations understand how to create, manage, and sustain change in an agile environment.

The ICP-ACM certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of training and can be completed in one or two days depending on the provider. The course focuses on the principles, practices, tools and techniques of agile change management. It covers topics such as stakeholder engagement, organizational culture, communication strategies, risk management and more.

To become certified as an ICP-ACM you must complete the required training and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam you will receive your official ICAgile certification badge.

The cost for the ICP-ACM varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD.

10. APMG International Change Manager Practitioner Certificate

APMG International Change Manager Practitioner Certificate is a professional certification that demonstrates the holder’s ability to apply change management principles and practices in order to successfully deliver projects. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for leading, managing and implementing change initiatives within their organization.

The certification takes approximately two days to complete. It involves an online exam as well as a practical assessment that tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in applying change management principles and practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires the candidate to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts covered in the course material.

To get certified, individuals must first complete an approved APMG International Change Manager Practitioner course. This course can be taken either online or in person from an accredited training provider. During this course, candidates will learn about the fundamentals of change management, how to assess organizational readiness for change, how to develop a successful change management strategy, and how to implement it effectively.

The cost of the APMG International Change Manager Practitioner Certificate varies depending on where you take the course and whether you choose to take it online or in person. Generally speaking, courses range from $400 - $1000 USD depending on location and provider.

Do You Really Need a Change Management Specialist Certificate?

Change management is an important skill for any business professional. It is the ability to identify, assess, and implement changes in a timely and effective manner. Companies often hire change management specialists to help them manage their transitions from one state to another. These specialists may be responsible for developing strategies for implementing changes, managing their implementation, and ensuring that they are successful.

Having a Change Management Specialist Certificate can prove beneficial to those seeking employment in this field. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required for successful change management. It also shows that you understand the importance of communication and collaboration when it comes to making organizational changes.

Whether or not you need a Change Management Specialist Certificate depends on your individual situation. If you are starting out in this field, then having a certificate may be helpful in demonstrating your qualifications and experience. On the other hand, if you already have some experience in change management, then having a certificate may not be necessary as employers will likely take your experience into account when making hiring decisions.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you pursue a Change Management Specialist Certificate. If you feel that it would benefit your career aspirations, then it is certainly worth considering. However, if you already have plenty of relevant experience and qualifications, then there may be no need for further certification at this time.

Related: Change Management Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Change Management Specialist Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Change Management Specialist?

Answer: The requirements for becoming a Change Management Specialist vary depending on the certification you are pursuing, but generally involve having at least three years of professional experience in change management. You may also need to have completed specific courses or certifications related to change management, such as those offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP).

2. How long does it take to earn a Change Management Specialist certification?

Answer: It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the program and earn your Change Management Specialist certification, depending on the type of certification you pursue and the amount of time you dedicate to studying and preparing for your exams.

3. What is covered in a Change Management Specialist certification program?

Answer: Common topics covered in a Change Management Specialist certification program include best practices in change management, how to assess an organization’s readiness for change, how to develop effective plans and strategies for implementing change initiatives, and how to measure success after changes are implemented.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Change Management Specialist exam?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that applicants meet certain prerequisites before they can sit for their exams. This may include having certain educational qualifications and/or professional experience related to change management. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have completed specific courses or certifications prior to taking the exam.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Change Management Specialist?

Answer: The cost varies depending on which certifying body you choose and whether you opt for an online or in-person program; however, most programs range from $1,000-$3,000 USD. Additionally, applicants should be prepared to pay fees associated with taking their examination(s).