Top 10 Contract Negotiator Certifications

Certifications for a contract negotiator are important because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills needed to successfully negotiate contracts. A certification shows that an individual has taken the time to learn the best practices in contract negotiation, understands legal terminology, and is capable of managing complex negotiations. Additionally, certifications provide proof of an individual’s commitment to professional development and can make them more attractive to employers. With a certification, a contract negotiator can also prove their expertise in specific areas such as contract law or international trade. Ultimately, certifications give negotiators an edge when it comes to getting hired and advancing their career.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Contract Negotiators and explain how they can help advance a contract negotiator's career.

What are Contract Negotiator Certifications?

Contract negotiator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in contract negotiation. The certification is awarded by professional training organizations and requires completing a comprehensive program of study and passing a comprehensive exam. This credential provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively negotiate contracts for their organization or clients.

Contract negotiation is a complex process that involves understanding legal concepts, analyzing financial information, developing effective strategies, and handling negotiations with multiple parties. A contract negotiator certification demonstrates to employers that the individual has the necessary skills to handle these types of tasks. With this certification, individuals are more likely to be selected for roles where contract negotiation is required.

Having a contract negotiator certification also indicates competence in understanding industry-specific terminology, negotiating terms and conditions for varying types of agreements, drafting documents containing key provisions, and providing advice on compliance issues. This can help an individual perform better in their current role or gain new opportunities within their organization or externally. Additionally, having this certification can provide individuals with greater confidence when engaging in negotiations as it shows they have the qualifications to back up their decisions.

Pro Tip: Before beginning negotiations for a contract, be sure to obtain a certification in contract negotiation. Doing so can help ensure that you are able to effectively and efficiently negotiate the best terms and conditions for both parties involved. Additionally, having a certification can demonstrate your expertise in contract negotiations and provide you with additional credibility during the process.

Related: What does a Contract Negotiator do?

Top 10 Contract Negotiator Certifications

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

1. Certified Contract Negotiator (CCN)

Certified Contract Negotiator (CCN) is a professional certification provided by the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill and experience in contract negotiation.

The CCN certification requires successful completion of an online assessment that covers topics such as contract law, negotiation strategies, risk management, dispute resolution and contractual language. The assessment takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites, including having at least five years of experience in contract negotiation or related fields. Applicants must also provide evidence of their experience in the form of references or other documentation.

The cost for the CCN certification varies depending on the country in which it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $200 to $400 USD.

2. Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage contracts. The CPCM certification is offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

To become a Certified Professional Contracts Manager, an individual must pass a written exam that covers topics such as contract law, contract administration, negotiation strategies, and risk management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPCM certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in contracts management or related fields. Applicants must also have completed at least 30 hours of NCMA-approved continuing education courses within the past five years.

The cost of obtaining the CPCM certification varies depending on whether you are an NCMA member or nonmember. For nonmembers, it costs $495 for the application fee plus $295 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $395 for the application fee plus $195 for the exam fee.

In addition to passing the written exam, applicants must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience in contracts management and provide two letters of reference from professionals in their field who can attest to their expertise in this area. Once all requirements have been met and approved, applicants will receive their official CPCM certificate from NCMA.

3. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation awarded by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE designation is designed to recognize and promote excellence in real estate negotiation. It is a certification program that provides real estate professionals with specialized training and skills in negotiation, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the CNE program. To get certified, you must complete a series of online courses and exams designed to test your knowledge of negotiation strategies, techniques, and tactics. After completing the coursework and passing the exams, you will receive your CNE designation.

The cost of getting certified as a Certified Negotiation Expert varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire program.

4. Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM)

Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced contract managers. The CCCM certification is awarded by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of contract management.

The CCCM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in contract management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. To apply for the CCCM certification, applicants must submit an application form, along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other evidence of their qualifications. Once approved, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as legal principles, risk management, negotiation strategies, and best practices in contract management.

The CCCM certification process typically takes about two months from start to finish. The cost for the exam is $450 for NCMA members and $550 for non-members.

5. Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO)

A Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO) is a professional designation awarded by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). The CGCO designation is the highest level of certification available for government contracting professionals and signifies a high level of proficiency in the field.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in government contracting or related fields, such as accounting, finance, law, or engineering. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as contract management principles and practices, contract types and clauses, and legal considerations.

The CGCO certification process typically takes between three to six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application to NCMA and pay a non-refundable application fee of $175. After submitting their application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the CGCO exam. Once they have completed the registration process and paid the exam fee ($450), they can take the online exam at any time within one year of registering.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will be notified by email within two weeks. Upon successful completion of all requirements for certification, applicants will receive their official CGCO certificate from NCMA.

6. Certified Government Contracting Professional (CGCP)

Certified Government Contracting Professional (CGCP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). The CGCP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in government contracting.

The CGCP program consists of three components: an online self-assessment, a comprehensive exam, and a portfolio review. The self-assessment helps applicants determine their knowledge base and provides them with guidance on which courses to take. The comprehensive exam tests applicants’ knowledge of the NCMA body of knowledge and requires them to demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. Finally, the portfolio review assesses applicants’ experience in government contracting and requires them to provide examples of their work.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CGCP credential. To get started, applicants must first register for the NCMA’s online self-assessment and pay a fee of $150. After completing the self-assessment, they must then purchase and pass the comprehensive exam ($400). Finally, they must submit their portfolio for review ($250). Once all components have been successfully completed, applicants are awarded the CGCP credential.

7. International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) Certification

The International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) is a global professional organization that provides certifications in the field of contract and commercial management. The IACCM certification program is designed to help professionals develop their skills, knowledge, and understanding of the contract and commercial management process.

The IACCM certification program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional, and Expert. Each level requires a different amount of study time and has its own set of criteria for successful completion.

To get certified at the Foundation level, you must complete an online course that takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete. This course covers topics such as contract law, negotiation strategies, risk management, dispute resolution, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate from IACCM that is valid for two years.

To get certified at the Professional or Expert level, you must pass an exam administered by IACCM. The exams are offered twice a year in various locations around the world. You must have completed the Foundation level certification before taking either exam. The Professional exam takes approximately four hours to complete while the Expert exam takes up to six hours to complete.

The cost for IACCM certification depends on which level you are seeking certification at as well as your location. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 USD for each level of certification depending on where you take the exam.

Overall, getting an IACCM certification can take several months to complete if you are starting from scratch but it is worth it in terms of career growth and recognition within the industry.

8. American Purchasing Society’s Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP)

The Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP) is a certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of purchasing professionals. The CPP designation is awarded to those who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in their field through passing an examination administered by APS.

To obtain the CPP designation, applicants must have at least three years of purchasing experience and complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved continuing education. They must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as procurement processes, contract management, supplier selection and evaluation, risk management, negotiation strategies, cost analysis, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CPP certification program varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with APS. Non-members pay $395 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee. Members pay only $295 for the application fee plus $150 for the exam fee. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their official CPP certificate within two weeks.

The CPP designation is valid for three years from date of issue and can be renewed every three years by completing additional continuing education courses or retaking the examination.

9. Institute of Supply Management’s Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of supply chain management. The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level requires passing an exam and completing related coursework.

To become a CPSM, you must pass all three exams within five years. The first exam, the Foundation Exam, covers the basics of supply chain management and can be taken online or at a testing center. The Intermediate Exam focuses on more advanced topics such as supplier relationships, operations management and risk management. The Advanced Exam covers topics such as global sourcing, strategic planning and project management.

The cost to take each exam varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For members, the cost is $395 per exam; for non-members it is $495 per exam. Additionally, there are study materials available from ISM that can help you prepare for the exams.

In total, it typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three levels of the CPSM program depending on your study habits and availability to take exams. Once you have passed all three exams and completed any required coursework, you will receive your official certificate from ISM recognizing your achievement as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).

10. National Contract Management Association’s Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM).

The Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). The CFCM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of the federal acquisition process and are committed to maintaining their expertise in this field.

The CFCM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as federal acquisition regulations, contract types and pricing, contract administration, subcontracting, dispute resolution, and ethics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 3 hours.

To qualify for the CFCM certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in federal contracts management or related fields. Additionally, applicants must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education credits within the last three years.

The cost for taking the CFCM exam is $350 for NCMA members and $450 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams. It typically takes about six weeks from the time you apply to take the exam until you receive your results.

Once you pass the CFCM exam, you will need to pay an annual maintenance fee of $50 to maintain your certification status with NCMA. This fee helps support NCMA's ongoing research efforts and other initiatives related to contract management best practices.

Do You Really Need a Contract Negotiator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what your goals are. If you are looking to gain a better understanding of contract negotiation principles and strategies, then a certificate in contract negotiation can be beneficial. However, if you already have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of contract negotiation, then a certificate may not be necessary.

For those who are new to the field of contract negotiation, a certificate program can provide an invaluable foundation of knowledge and skills. You will learn the basics of how to draft contracts, negotiate terms, and manage disputes. Additionally, you will gain insight into the legal aspects of contract negotiations as well as how to handle difficult parties. This knowledge can help you become more confident when entering into negotiations with other parties.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in negotiating contracts or have taken courses in business law or negotiations, then a certificate may not be necessary for you. Although formal training may still provide some benefits, it is likely that your existing knowledge and skills will give you the edge when it comes time for actual negotiations.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a contract negotiator certificate depends on your individual goals and experience level. For those who are new to contract negotiation or need additional training, certifications can offer valuable insights into the field and help build confidence in their abilities as negotiators. However, if you already possess substantial knowledge or experience in this area, then further training may not be necessary.

Related: Contract Negotiator Resume Examples

FAQs About Contract Negotiator Certifications

Q1: What is a Contract Negotiator Certification?

A1: A Contract Negotiator Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a deep understanding of the fundamentals of contract negotiation. This certification is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively negotiate contracts.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Contract Negotiator?

A2: To become certified as a Contract Negotiator, you will need to complete an accredited course in contract negotiation and pass the relevant certification exam. Depending on the institution offering the certification, additional requirements may be necessary such as work experience or prerequisites.

Q3: What are the benefits of having a Contract Negotiator Certification?

A3: By obtaining a Contract Negotiator Certification, you can demonstrate your expertise in contract negotiations and increase your ability to secure better job opportunities. Having this credential also enables employers to trust that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle complex negotiations successfully.

Q4: Is there an expiration date for my Contract Negotiator Certification?

A4: The expiration date for your certification typically depends on the institution offering it. Many certifications require renewal every two years in order to maintain validity. It’s important to research your specific program’s renewal requirements before signing up for it.

Q5: Are there any online courses available for Contract Negotiation Certifications?

A5: Yes, many institutions offer online courses towards obtaining a Contract Negotiation Certification. You will need to research various programs and decide which one best suits your needs and goals before beginning the coursework.