Top 10 Clinical Operations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a clinical operations manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a level of expertise and knowledge in their field. They also show potential employers that the candidate is committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Certifications can also provide opportunities for networking with other professionals, which can lead to more job prospects. Finally, certifications can help set a clinical operations manager apart from other candidates and demonstrate their commitment and readiness to take on higher levels of responsibility.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Clinical Operations Managers and explains how they can contribute to career development.

What are Clinical Operations Manager Certifications?

Clinical operations manager certification is a specialized credential that demonstrates the expertise of individuals in the area of clinical operations management. This certification program provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of clinical operations management, as well as the skills and competencies required to effectively manage a healthcare organization’s clinical operations. Individuals who become certified demonstrate proficiency in key areas such as developing and executing strategies for managing quality, safety, patient experience, compliance with regulations, financial performance, and operational processes.

The certification can help individuals within the healthcare industry to gain recognition and credibility among their peers, employers, and potential employers. It also helps them stay ahead of their competition by keeping up with current trends in the field. Additionally, it helps employers identify qualified candidates who have the knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently manage clinical operations. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of best practices in clinical operations management so that employees can maximize their effectiveness when managing day-to-day operations. Finally, it can provide a platform for networking with other professionals who are seeking career advancement or additional training opportunities within the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a clinical operations manager certification, look for one that is accredited by a recognized organization and ensures that you meet the standards of practice in your industry. Additionally, make sure to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates to the certification requirements as they may change over time.

Related: What does a Clinical Operations Manager do?

Top 10 Clinical Operations Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Operations Managers today.

1. Certified Clinical Operations Manager (CCOM)

Certified Clinical Operations Manager (CCOM) is a professional certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage clinical operations in healthcare organizations. The program is administered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

The CCOM certification program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as patient safety, quality improvement, financial management, and operational management. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in these areas.

To become certified, candidates must complete the online course and pass the exam. Candidates must also have at least three years of experience in a clinical operations role or related field.

The cost of the CCOM certification program varies depending on whether you take the online course or take the exam only. If you take both components, it will cost approximately $1,000. If you take just the exam, it will cost around $700.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete all requirements for CCOM certification.

2. Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in clinical research. The CCRP credential is awarded by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA).

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time clinical research experience and complete an online examination. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as Good Clinical Practices, regulatory affairs, ethics, data management, and biostatistics.

It typically takes 4-6 months to complete the certification process. Once the exam has been passed, applicants must submit proof of their clinical research experience and pay an application fee to SOCRA before they can receive their CCRP credential.

The cost for the CCRP certification is $395 for SOCRA members and $495 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the exam and application processing.

3. Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM)

Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who work with clinical data. The CCDM certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Data Management (ACDM). This certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to manage clinical data in a manner that meets industry standards.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for and take the CCDM exam. To be eligible, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with clinical data, including one year in a management role. In addition, applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of ACDM-approved training or equivalent coursework within the past three years.

To get certified, applicants must register for the CCDM exam online through ACDM’s website and pay an exam fee of $400 USD. After registering, applicants will receive instructions on how to access their online study materials and practice tests. Once they have completed their preparation, they can schedule an appointment to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near them.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCDM includes the $400 USD exam fee plus any additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as books or courses.

4. Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP)

Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP) is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and experience in the field of regulatory affairs. It is an internationally recognized credential that shows employers and colleagues that an individual has the qualifications necessary to effectively manage regulatory affairs activities.

It typically takes between two to four years to become certified, depending on the individual’s prior experience and educational background. To become certified, individuals must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education courses related to regulatory affairs, pass an exam administered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), and have at least three years of professional experience in the field.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of RAPS or not. For non-members, it costs $495 for the application fee plus $295 for each exam taken. For members, it costs $395 for the application fee plus $195 for each exam taken.

Overall, becoming CRAP certified requires dedication and commitment but can be very rewarding as it provides recognition from peers and employers alike that you have achieved a high level of expertise in your field.

5. Certified Clinical Trials Administrator (CCTA)

A Certified Clinical Trials Administrator (CCTA) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of clinical trial management. The CCTA is awarded by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in clinical trials administration.

To qualify for the CCTA, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in clinical trials administration or equivalent part-time experience. They must also pass an examination administered by ACRP that covers topics such as regulatory compliance, budgeting and contracting, safety monitoring, data management, and quality assurance.

The CCTA exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. It can be taken online or at a testing center. The fee for the exam varies depending on whether you are an ACRP member or non-member. For members, the cost is $400; for non-members, it is $500.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CCTA certificate from ACRP. This certificate will demonstrate your expertise in clinical trials administration and help you stand out from other professionals in the field.

6. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of quality management principles, tools, and techniques. The CQIA certification is intended to provide recognition to those individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in quality improvement methods and processes.

The CQIA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, problem solving, project management, customer service, and statistical process control. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and is administered online.

It typically takes about 3 months to complete the CQIA certification program. To get certified, applicants must first register with ASQ and pay the applicable fees. After registration is complete, applicants will receive access to study materials and practice exams which can be used to prepare for the actual exam. Once an applicant passes the exam they will become certified as a Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA).

The cost of becoming a Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) varies depending on whether or not you are already an ASQ member. For non-members, it costs $299 USD for the exam fee plus any applicable taxes. For ASQ members it costs $199 USD plus any applicable taxes.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most sought-after and respected certification for project managers. The PMP designation recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the PMP exam. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least 4,500 hours of project management experience or 7,500 hours if you do not have a bachelor’s degree. You must also complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education.

To get your PMP certification, you must first apply to take the exam through PMI's website. Once your application has been approved, you can register for the exam and pay the associated fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member; it typically costs between $400 and $550 USD.

Once you have taken and passed the exam, you will receive your official PMP certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years before it must be renewed by completing 60 PDUs (professional development units).

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to understand, implement, and manage Six Sigma projects. It is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to successfully lead and manage process improvement initiatives.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience. The program consists of two parts: a classroom-based course and a hands-on project. During the classroom portion, students learn about the fundamentals of Six Sigma, including its history, methodology, tools, and techniques. They also learn how to apply these concepts in real world scenarios. After completing the coursework, students must complete a hands-on project in order to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as statistical analysis methods, problem solving techniques, process improvement strategies, design for six sigma tools and techniques, lean principles and more. After passing the exam with a minimum score of 70%, individuals will receive their certification from ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider offering it but typically ranges from $500 - $2,000 USD for both the coursework and exam fees combined.

9. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certification

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certification is a globally recognized certification program that demonstrates an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in quality management. It is designed to help professionals in the quality field demonstrate their expertise and commitment to quality principles.

ASQ offers a variety of certifications, including Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), and Certified Quality Auditor (CQA). Each certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge of quality concepts and principles.

The length of time it takes to get ASQ certification varies depending on the type of certification being pursued. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to two years or more to complete all the requirements for a given certification.

To get ASQ certification, individuals must first meet certain eligibility criteria such as having a certain number of years of relevant work experience or educational background in the field. Once these criteria are met, individuals must then pass an exam associated with the type of certification they are pursuing. Exams are administered at various locations around the world and can be taken online or in person.

The cost of ASQ certification varies depending on the type of certification being pursued. Generally speaking, exams range from $200-$400 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at a particular location or online.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to help professionals improve their skills in problem-solving, process improvement and project management.

How Long Does It Take To Get It?

The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on the program you choose and your prior experience with Lean Six Sigma. Generally, it takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the coursework and pass the exam.

How To Get It?

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first complete a training program from an accredited provider. The training program should include instruction on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process and other Lean Six Sigma techniques. After completing the training program, you must then pass an exam administered by an accredited provider in order to receive your certification.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of becoming certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on the program you choose and where you take the course. Generally speaking, courses range from $2,000-$5,000 USD for both classroom-based and online programs.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Operations Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. You do not need a Clinical Operations Manager certificate to be successful in a clinical operations role. However, having a certificate may give you an edge over other candidates and demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the position.

A Clinical Operations Manager certificate can help you stand out from other applicants by showing potential employers that you are knowledgeable about the particular aspects of clinical operations that are important for success in this position. The certificate program will provide you with an overview of all facets of clinical operations, including leadership, project management, budgeting, risk management, compliance, and quality improvement. This comprehensive understanding can give you an advantage when it comes to interviewing for a job or managing complex projects within your organization.

In addition to providing evidence of your knowledge and skillset in the field of clinical operations, obtaining a certification also serves as motivation for self-improvement. Through completing the coursework required for certification, you may gain insight into areas where there is room for growth within your own practice or organization. This can help guide future decisions and career paths as well as ensure that you remain up-to-date on any changes or advancements within the industry.

Overall, while obtaining a Clinical Operations Manager certificate is not necessarily required for success in this role, it can certainly be beneficial in helping to further develop your skill set and show potential employers that you’re committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Related: Clinical Operations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Operations Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Clinical Operations Manager?

Answer: The requirements for becoming a Clinical Operations Manager vary depending on the organization, but typically include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business or healthcare administration and several years of experience in clinical operations. Some employers may also require applicants to hold certifications in health care management, such as the Certified Clinical Operations Manager (CCOM) certification.

2. What is the Certified Clinical Operations Manager (CCOM) certification?

Answer: The Certified Clinical Operations Manager (CCOM) certification is an industry-recognized credential designed to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in managing and directing clinical operations within organizations. It is offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

3. How do I become certified as a Clinical Operations Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Clinical Operations Manager, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of direct supervisory experience in clinical operations and passing an exam administered by ACHE. You can find more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply for the CCOM certification on ACHE's website.

4. How long does it take to receive my CCOM certification?

Answer: The processing time for applications varies, but typically takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks after all required documentation has been received by ACHE.

5. Is there ongoing education required to maintain my CCOM certification?

Answer: Yes, holders of the CCOM certification must obtain continuing education credits every three years to maintain their credentials.