Top 10 Commercial Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a commercial analyst are essential for demonstrating skills and knowledge in the job market. Certifications provide validation of competency and can help to differentiate candidates from their competitors. They also demonstrate a commitment to professional development and can help employers assess the qualifications of potential hires. Additionally, certifications provide proof of mastery in certain areas, allowing analysts to apply for more advanced roles or higher-paying positions. Ultimately, certifications can open doors to new career opportunities and help commercial analysts stand out when competing with other job applicants.

The article reviews top certifications for Commercial Analysts and outlines how they can benefit a Commercial Analyst's career.

What are Commercial Analyst Certifications?

Commercial analyst certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in analyzing and interpreting financial data. It is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to interpret, analyze, and evaluate commercial data in order to make sound business decisions.

This certification can benefit both employers and employees. By having a certified commercial analyst on staff, employers can be sure that their financial data is being analyzed accurately, allowing them to make better decisions about their business operations. This certification also provides employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the financial health of a business or organization, as well as identify potential opportunities for growth or cost savings.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to professional development and gain an edge over other candidates when applying for new positions or seeking promotions within their current roles. Additionally, it may help increase earning potential by expanding job prospects in the field of finance and accounting.

Pro Tip: When considering a commercial analyst certification, be sure to research the program thoroughly. Look for certifications that are accredited and recognized by industry-leading organizations, as this will help ensure that the program provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field. Additionally, make sure to ask questions about the program's curriculum, job placement services, and other resources available to ensure it is a good fit for your career goals.

Related: What does a Commercial Analyst do?

Top 10 Commercial Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Commercial Analysts today.

1. 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 business analysis. The CBAP certification is intended for experienced business analysts who have worked on complex projects and possess a deep understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of business analysis.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the CBAP exam. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an online exam. You must have a minimum of 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years, with at least 900 hours in four out of six areas outlined by IIBA. You must also complete 35 hours of professional development activities within the last 4 years.

To get your CBAP certification, you will need to register with IIBA and pay a fee that varies depending on whether you are an IIBA member or not. The current fee for non-members is $325 USD while members pay $275 USD. After registering, you will receive access to study materials and practice exams which should help you prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CBAP certification which is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. To renew your certification, you will need to demonstrate that you have completed 60 hours of continuing professional development activities during those three years.

2. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). CAP is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use data-driven analytics in their organization.

The CAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as data management, predictive analytics, optimization, and decision analysis. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is administered online.

To become certified, applicants must first register with INFORMS and pay the $395 registration fee. Once registered, applicants must complete an online application form that includes a resume and two letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues. After submitting their application materials, applicants will be notified when they can take the CAP exam.

Once applicants pass the CAP exam, they will receive their certification from INFORMS and become a Certified Analytics Professional. The certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, formerly known as the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR). The CFA Program is a globally recognized, graduate-level curriculum that covers a broad range of investment topics such as economics, accounting, portfolio management and ethics. It prepares professionals to assess the financial health of organizations and make sound investment decisions.

It takes on average 4 years to complete the CFA Program. To become a CFA charterholder, candidates must pass three levels of exams administered by the CFA Institute. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time and consists of multiple choice questions and essay type questions.

To get started with the CFA Program, you must first register for an exam with the CFA Institute. This includes paying an application fee which varies depending on when you register for your exam. After registering for your exam, you will need to purchase study materials from either the CFA Institute or third party providers such as Kaplan Schweser or Wiley. These materials can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on what type of material you purchase and how much support you need during your studies.

Once you have registered for your exam and purchased study materials, it is important to create a study plan that works best for you. This means setting aside time each week to review material and practice problem sets so that you are prepared for each level of the exam when it comes time to take it. Good luck!

4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. It is one of the most respected and recognized credentials in the financial services industry. The CFA designation is designed to measure and recognize an individual’s knowledge, skills, and ethical standards in the field of investment management.

The CFA Program consists of three levels of exams covering topics such as economics, accounting, portfolio management, security analysis, ethics, and more. Candidates must pass all three levels within a maximum period of four years to earn the CFA charter.

To become a CFA charterholder, candidates must:

1. Have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university;

2. Have four years of qualified work experience;

3. Pass all three levels of the CFA Program exams;

4. Become a member of the CFA Institute; and

5. Commit to abide by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct set out by the CFA Institute.

The cost for taking all three levels of the exam varies depending on when you register for each level but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD per level (including registration fees). Additionally, there are study materials available that range from $100-$200 USD per level which can be purchased through third-party vendors or directly through the CFA Institute website.

5. Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics (MBA-BA)

The Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics (MBA-BA) is a specialized degree program that combines the traditional MBA curriculum with the latest data science and analytics tools and techniques. This program prepares students for careers in business analytics, data science, and related fields. It provides the skills needed to develop strategies, analyze data, and make informed decisions.

How long does it take to get an MBA-BA? The length of time required to complete an MBA-BA depends on the individual student’s academic background and experience. Generally, most programs require two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.

How do you get an MBA-BA? To get an MBA-BA, you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You may also need to meet additional requirements such as taking specific courses or having relevant work experience. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to a business school offering an MBA-BA program.

How much does it cost? The cost of earning an MBA-BA varies depending on the school and program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition for this type of program ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 per year depending on location and other factors.

6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed for professionals who are responsible for financial decision-making within an organization. The CMA credential demonstrates expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

To become a CMA, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass two exams administered by the IMA. The first exam covers financial planning, performance and control; the second exam covers financial decision making.

The entire process can take up to 18 months to complete depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams.

To get started, candidates must submit an application to the IMA along with a fee of $250 USD. Once approved, they will be able to register for their exams which cost $415 USD per part. After passing both parts of the exam, candidates must also complete a minimum of two years of professional experience in management accounting or related fields before being eligible for certification.

The total cost of becoming a CMA is approximately $1125 USD including application fees and exam fees.

7. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional accountant who has met the educational, experience and examination requirements of the state in which they practice. CPAs are licensed by the individual state boards of accountancy and must adhere to their respective state's regulations and laws.

To become a CPA, you must meet certain education, experience and examination requirements set forth by each individual state board of accountancy. Generally speaking, you will need to have at least 150 college credits from an accredited college or university, including a minimum number of accounting-related courses. You will also need to have one year of work experience in accounting or related fields.

Once you have met the educational and experience requirements, you will need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four parts: Auditing & Attestation (AUD), Business Environment & Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG). Each part is four hours long and tests your knowledge on various topics related to accounting.

The cost for taking the CPA Exam varies depending on where you live, but generally ranges from $800-$1,500. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with studying for the exam such as textbooks or review courses.

Overall, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to become a CPA depending on how quickly you complete all of the necessary steps.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in Six Sigma, a business process improvement methodology. The certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of the Six Sigma methodology.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on the provider and the individual’s prior experience with Six Sigma. To receive certification, individuals must complete an approved training course that covers topics such as project management, data analysis, problem solving, process improvement, and quality control. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass an exam to demonstrate mastery of the material.

There are several providers offering Six Sigma Green Belt Certification programs. Prices vary depending on the provider and the length of the program; however, most programs range from $1,500-$3,000 USD. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement for employees who pursue this type of certification.

Overall, earning a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification can be a great way for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in process improvement techniques and gain recognition within their industry.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of project managers. It is one of the most sought-after certifications in the field of project management.

To get PMP certified, an individual must have a minimum of three years of professional project management experience and 35 hours of formal project management education. The exam itself consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD while for non-members it costs $555 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with scheduling your exam appointment or rescheduling an appointment if necessary.

The PMP certification does not expire; however, individuals must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years to maintain their credentials. PDUs can be earned through various activities such as attending conferences and seminars, completing online courses, or volunteering for projects related to project management.

10. Data Science and Big Data Analytics Certification

Data Science and Big Data Analytics Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient in data science and big data analytics. The certification program covers topics such as data mining, machine learning, predictive analytics, data visualization, and more. It typically takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the certification program depending on the individual’s level of experience.

To get certified in Data Science and Big Data Analytics, individuals must complete a series of courses that cover the essential concepts of data science and big data analytics. These courses can be taken online or in-person at an accredited institution. Additionally, individuals must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of Data Science and Big Data Analytics Certification varies depending on the institution offering the course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 - $3000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Commercial Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need a commercial analyst certificate depends on your career goals and the industry you are looking to enter. A certificate can provide a valuable credential and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in financial analysis, which can be essential for many roles in the finance sector.

For those looking to break into the field of commercial analysis, a certificate can be an important step. By demonstrating that you have taken the time and effort to learn about financial analysis, it can increase your chances of landing a job in this field. It also provides employers with evidence that you have obtained a certain level of expertise, which can give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have this kind of certification.

In addition, if you are already working in finance but want to specialize in commercial analysis or move up within your organization, having a certificate may help you stand out from other candidates. It shows that you have gone the extra mile to gain additional knowledge and qualifications in this specific area. Furthermore, some companies may even require their employees to obtain such certification as part of their continuing professional development programs.

Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a commercial analyst certificate is right for you will depend on where you are currently at in your career and what your future goals are. If you feel like it will help open doors for you or make it easier to advance in your current role, then it could be worth pursuing. However, if there is no pressing need for it right now, then it might be best to wait until the timing is more appropriate for investing in such credentials.

Related: Commercial Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Commercial Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Commercial Analyst Certification?

A1. A Commercial Analyst Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of business analysis, data analysis, financial analysis and decision making. It also provides recognition of an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge and experience to solve complex business problems.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Commercial Analyst Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Commercial Analyst Certification can provide individuals with increased job opportunities and higher salaries, as well as the opportunity to work on more challenging projects. It also demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional development and can help them stand out from other job applicants.

Q3. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

A3. To become certified as a Commercial Analyst, you must have at least two years of experience in the field of commercial analysis or related fields such as finance or business intelligence. You must also pass an examination administered by an accredited certifying body such as the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4: The length of time needed depends on your prior experience and how much time you are willing to dedicate to studying for the certification exam. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 6-12 months from start to finish if you are starting with no prior experience in commercial analysis. With prior experience, you may be able to complete the process in 3-6 months depending on how much time you can dedicate each week to studying for the exam.

Q5. What types of jobs can I get after becoming certified?

A5: After becoming certified as a Commercial Analyst, you may be eligible for positions such as Business/Data Analysts, Financial Analysts, Decision Support Analysts or Project Managers in various industries including banking, insurance, healthcare and retail sectors among others.