Top 10 Contract Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a contract manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage contracts. Certifications can also provide a career advantage, as employers may be more likely to hire someone with certification experience. In addition, certifications can help contract managers stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs and can help them negotiate higher salaries. Finally, certifications can provide a sense of credibility and authority that is necessary in the contract management field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the most beneficial certifications for Contract Managers and explain how these certifications can help further their career.

What are Contract Manager Certifications?

Contract Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed for individuals who want to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in managing contracts. It is offered by various organizations, including the International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM), which is the leading global organization for contract professionals.

The certification program consists of four distinct levels: Associate, Professional, Senior and Master. Each level requires candidates to complete a series of courses that cover topics such as legal principles, risk management, negotiation tactics, cost analysis and project management. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate from IACCM validating their expertise in contract management.

Contract Manager Certification can be beneficial to those who wish to become more knowledgeable in contract management or pursue a career in this field. It provides an opportunity to gain recognition from employers and peers as a knowledgeable professional in this field. Additionally, it can help individuals stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices and developments related to contract management. The certification also serves as evidence of an individual’s commitment to professionalism and competence in managing contracts.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research different contract manager certifications and choose the one that best fits your career goals. Many certifications require a certain amount of experience and education in order to qualify, so make sure you are aware of these requirements before applying. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any continuing education requirements associated with the certification you choose.

Related: What does a Contract Manager do?

Top 10 Contract Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)

Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of contract management professionals. The CPCM certification requires an individual to demonstrate their professional competency in contract management through a combination of education, experience, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

The CPCM certification process typically takes three to six months to complete. To become certified, an individual must first meet the eligibility requirements for the program, which include having at least two years of full-time contract management experience or having completed an NCMA-approved course in contract management. Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for the CPCM exam.

The CPCM exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as legal principles, negotiation strategies, risk analysis, financial considerations, and other areas related to contract management. The exam fee is $450 for NCMA members and $600 for non-members. After successfully passing the exam, individuals will receive their official CPCM certificate from NCMA.

In addition to the initial certification process, individuals must also maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every two years and renewing their membership with NCMA every three years.

2. Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)

Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize and validate the competency of individuals who manage government contracts. The CFCM designation is recognized as the highest level of professional certification in federal contract management.

To obtain the CFCM designation, applicants must possess a minimum of three years’ experience in federal contract management, have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and pass an examination administered by NCMA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as government contracting regulations and procedures, contract types and clauses, cost principles and accounting methods, source selection processes, post-award administration, and dispute resolution.

The CFCM exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at one of NCMA’s approved testing centers located throughout the United States. The cost for the exam is $395 for NCMA members or $495 for non-members.

3. Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO)

A Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO) is a professional designation awarded by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in government contracting. The CGCO certification program is open to all contracting professionals, regardless of their job title or level of experience.

To become a CGCO, an individual must pass the NCMA’s CGCO exam. The exam consists of four sections: Legal Aspects of Government Contracting, Technical Aspects of Government Contracting, Financial Aspects of Government Contracting, and Professionalism in Government Contracting. The exam is offered twice a year and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

The cost for the CGCO certification program varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the NCMA. For members, the cost is $395; for non-members, it is $495.

In order to maintain your CGCO certification, you must earn 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years from approved sources such as conferences, webinars, seminars and self-study courses. You must also renew your membership with the NCMA every year in order to remain certified.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification validates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to manage projects of any size or complexity.

To be eligible for the PMP exam, an individual must have either:

-A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; OR

-A four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent) and at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions which must be completed within four hours. The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For members, the cost is $405 USD; for non-members, it is $555 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, individuals should take advantage of study materials offered by PMI such as their online course library, practice exams, books and other resources. Additionally, there are numerous online courses available from third-party providers which can help individuals better understand the material covered in the exam.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their PMP certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification you will need to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) over three years and submit an application to PMI along with a fee.

5. Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM)

Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) is a credential offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). The CCCM certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in contract management. The certification requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of experience in contract management, as well as passing an exam.

The CCCM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge in areas such as contract law, negotiation, and compliance.

To become certified, individuals must first apply for the CCCM program and pay the required fee. Once accepted into the program, they must pass the exam within two years or their application will be voided.

The cost for the CCCM program varies depending on whether you are an NCMA member or non-member. For NCMA members, the cost is $500; for non-members it is $600.

6. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification awarded by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of supply chain management best practices. The CSCP program provides a comprehensive education on supply chain management and is widely recognized as the premier certification for supply chain professionals.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online study course, an exam, and a professional development program. The online study course includes topics such as global supply chain management, customer relationship management, inventory management, operations planning and control, transportation and logistics, and more. The exam is a four-hour computer-based test that covers all aspects of the CSCP curriculum. Finally, the professional development program requires candidates to complete 10 hours of continuing education activities in order to maintain their certification status.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CSCP program if you are studying full time. However, it can take longer depending on your individual circumstances.

To get certified as a CSCP you must first register with APICS and purchase the CSCP Learning System which includes access to the online study course materials as well as additional resources such as practice exams. Once you have completed the online study course you must then pass the four-hour computer-based exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD including registration fees and purchasing of learning materials.

7. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in public procurement. The CPPO certification is issued by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).

The CPPO program consists of four courses, each focusing on a different area of public procurement. The courses cover topics such as understanding the legal framework for public procurement, developing effective procurement strategies, managing contracts and vendors, and evaluating the performance of public procurement systems. To become certified, applicants must complete all four courses and pass an examination.

The CPPO program typically takes between six months to a year to complete, depending on how quickly applicants are able to learn the material. Applicants must also meet certain prerequisites before they can take the exam, such as having at least three years of experience in public procurement or related fields.

To get started with the CPPO program, applicants should contact UPPCC directly or visit their website for more information about registration requirements and fees. The cost of the CPPO program varies depending on which course materials are purchased but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

8. Certified Government Acquisitions Professional (CGAP)

Certified Government Acquisitions Professional (CGAP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in acquisition and contract management. The CGAP certification is intended to set the standard for excellence in the field of government acquisitions and contracts.

The CGAP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in government acquisitions or contracts, or equivalent education. To apply for the CGAP certification, applicants must take an exam that covers topics such as government regulations, contracting principles, and contract management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CGAP exam varies depending on whether you are an NCMA member or non-member. For NCMA members, the cost is $425; for non-members, it is $525. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or review courses.

Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive your CGAP certificate within two weeks of passing the exam. Your certificate will be valid for five years from your date of passing. After five years, you will need to renew your certification by retaking and passing the CGAP exam again.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of Six Sigma, as well as the ability to apply them to improve processes.

The certification process typically takes about four weeks, depending on the provider and the individual's availability. The first step is to complete a course or program in Six Sigma. This can be done online or in-person, and usually requires passing an exam at the end of the course. Once this is completed, applicants must then complete an application form and submit it to their chosen certification provider.

Once approved by the provider, applicants must then pass a written exam that covers all aspects of Six Sigma methodology. Depending on the provider, this may include topics such as problem solving techniques, data analysis methods, project management skills, statistical concepts, and more. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their Green Belt certification.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, online courses range from $500-$2000 USD while in-person courses range from $1000-$3000 USD.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage successful Lean Six Sigma projects. The certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the principles, tools, and techniques of Lean Six Sigma, as well as the ability to apply them effectively in a variety of contexts.

The certification process typically takes between four and six months, depending on the program provider. During this time, individuals will learn about the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, including process improvement methods, data analysis techniques, project management concepts, and problem-solving strategies. Additionally, they will complete a series of assessments that measure their knowledge and skills related to Lean Six Sigma.

Individuals can obtain their Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through various training providers. These programs are offered both online and in-person by universities, consulting firms, or other organizations specializing in quality management systems. The cost of these programs varies greatly depending on the provider but generally range from $2,000-$5,000 USD for an online course or up to $10,000 USD for an in-person program.

Do You Really Need a Contract Manager Certificate?

The short answer is that it depends on your individual circumstances. Depending on the type of work you do, a contract manager certificate can be beneficial to have, but it may not be necessary.

Contract management is an important field in business and government, and having a certificate in this area can help demonstrate your professionalism and knowledge. It can also make you more attractive to employers and give you an edge when competing for jobs. In addition, if you are already working in contract management or are hoping to move into a higher-level position in the field, having a certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your competence.

On the other hand, whether or not you need a contract manager certificate may depend on your experience level. If you already have significant experience in the field, then a certificate may not be necessary as employers may trust your expertise without one. However, if you are just starting out or want to transition into this field from another career path, then having a certification could be beneficial as it would give employers confidence that you are knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to get a contract manager certificate is up to you and should factor in both your current experience level and future career goals. A certification could provide added credibility and open up new opportunities for advancement; however, depending on your situation it might not be necessary or even beneficial for achieving those goals.

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FAQs About Contract Manager Certifications

1. What is a Contract Manager Certification?

Answer: A Contract Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in contract management principles, processes, and best practices. It is designed to help those in the field of contract management gain a higher level of knowledge and skills to better manage contracts and ensure successful outcomes.

2. Who should consider obtaining a Contract Manager Certification?

Answer: Professionals who are responsible for managing contracts, such as procurement specialists, contracting officers, or contract administrators, can benefit from obtaining a Contract Manager Certification. It can also be beneficial for those who wish to advance their career prospects in the field of contract management.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Contract Manager Certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the specific certification program chosen; however, most programs require applicants to possess a certain level of experience within the field of contract management, pass an exam or series of exams, and complete any additional courses or training required by the certification program.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Contract Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Contract Manager Certification depends on the specific program chosen and any prerequisites that may need to be completed prior to taking the exam(s). Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on the individual's existing knowledge base and learning approach.

5. Are there any renewal requirements for maintaining my Contract Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs have some type of renewal requirement such as completing continuing education credits or passing additional exams every few years in order to maintain your certification status.