Top 10 Engagement Manager Certifications

Certifications can be an important asset for an engagement manager in the job market. They provide evidence of a candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities and can be used to differentiate one candidate from another. Certifications are also valuable for demonstrating commitment to the profession and staying up-to-date with best practices. Having certifications can give employers confidence that an engagement manager is well-prepared to handle their specific project or client needs. Furthermore, certifications may provide access to additional resources such as professional networks and job opportunities, which can be invaluable in the competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Engagement Managers and explains how they can help to further their career prospects.

What are Engagement Manager Certifications?

Engagement Manager Certification is a professional certification designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to become successful engagement managers. Engagement managers are responsible for leading and facilitating teams in various types of engagements, such as project management, product development, customer experience management, or process improvement. They must be able to effectively manage both internal and external stakeholders while also ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Engagement Manager Certification provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to be an effective engagement manager. It includes instruction on how to lead teams, manage stakeholder relationships, use agile methods, establish accountability systems, and more. Additionally, the certification provides guidance on how to develop an effective engagement plan that aligns with business goals and objectives.

The certification can help individuals gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become successful engagement managers. It can also provide them with additional credentials that will set them apart from other job applicants when seeking employment or promotion opportunities. Furthermore, having a certification may increase their earning potential since many organizations now require employees in this role to have some form of professional certification. Finally, obtaining this type of certification sends a message to employers that the individual is committed to continuing their professional development and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an engagement manager certification, be sure to focus on developing your communication and interpersonal skills. This will help you better understand the needs of your clients and how to best address them. Additionally, gaining a solid understanding of project management principles, such as budgeting and scheduling, will help you successfully lead projects from start to finish.

Related: What does an Engagement Manager do?

Top 10 Engagement Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Engagement Manager (CEM)

Certified Engagement Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to help project managers, business analysts, and other professionals improve their performance in the areas of customer engagement, customer experience, and customer success. The CEM program is administered by the Customer Engagement Association (CEA), an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of customer engagement.

The CEM program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. To become a Certified Engagement Manager at Level 1, you must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer engagement principles, best practices, and strategies. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $250 USD.

To become a Certified Engagement Manager at Level 2, you must first pass the Level 1 exam and then complete an additional six hours of coursework focused on advanced concepts in customer engagement. This coursework can be completed online or in person and costs $500 USD.

Once you have successfully completed both levels of the CEM program, you will receive a certificate from the CEA recognizing your achievement as a Certified Engagement Manager. This certification demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional customer service and your ability to effectively manage customer engagements.

2. Certified Professional Engagement Manager (CPEM)

Certified Professional Engagement Manager (CPEM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Professional Engagement Managers (IAPEM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional excellence in the field of engagement management. The CPEM certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence and dedication to providing quality services to clients and employers.

The CPEM certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as project management, client relations, communication, and leadership. The exam takes approximately four hours and consists of multiple-choice questions, case studies, and essay questions. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge through a portfolio review process.

To get certified as a Certified Professional Engagement Manager (CPEM), you must meet the following requirements: be at least 18 years old; have at least two years of experience in engagement management; complete IAPEM's online application form; pass the CPEM Exam; submit a portfolio review; pay an initial registration fee of $300 USD; and complete all required continuing education credits every three years.

The cost for the CPEM certification depends on the number of exams taken and whether or not you choose to take any additional courses or workshops related to engagement management. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $400-$2000 USD depending on your specific situation.

3. Certified Engagement Management Professional (CEMP)

Certified Engagement Management Professional (CEMP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Engagement Professionals (IAEP). The CEMP designation is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of engagement management. This includes knowledge and skills related to developing, implementing, and managing engagement initiatives.

The CEMP certification process consists of three components: an online exam, a portfolio review, and an interview with an IAEP panel. To obtain the CEMP certification, applicants must pass all three components.

The online exam tests knowledge in areas such as engagement strategy development, stakeholder analysis, and change management. The portfolio review assesses the applicant's ability to design and implement effective engagement initiatives. Finally, the interview covers topics such as communication strategies and leadership approaches for engaging stakeholders.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete. Applicants should expect to spend at least 20 hours preparing for each component of the certification process.

The cost of obtaining the CEMP certification varies depending on whether you are an IAEP member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,500 USD; for non-members it costs $2,000 USD.

4. Certified Engagement Leader (CEL)

Certified Engagement Leader (CEL) is a certification program offered by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful public engagement initiatives. The CEL program is divided into two parts: an online course and a field-based assessment.

The online course consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as public engagement principles, best practices, stakeholder analysis, communication strategies, and evaluation techniques. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete.

The field-based assessment consists of a written exam and a practical project where participants must demonstrate their ability to develop and implement an effective public engagement strategy. The assessment takes place over two days and includes one-on-one coaching from experienced IAP2 facilitators.

To become certified, participants must successfully complete both the online course and field-based assessment within 12 months of enrolling in the program. The cost of the CEL program varies depending on region but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

5. Certified Engagement Strategist (CES)

A Certified Engagement Strategist (CES) is a professional who has been certified by the International Association of Professional Engagement Strategists (IAPES). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in developing, implementing, and managing engagement strategies for organizations.

The certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the principles of engagement strategy, their ability to apply those principles in practice, and their commitment to ethical standards. The certification process includes an online application, a written exam, and an interview.

To become a Certified Engagement Strategist, applicants must first complete the online application form and submit it along with a non-refundable fee of $200 USD. Once the application is approved, applicants must then take the written exam which consists of multiple choice questions related to engagement strategy. After passing the written exam, applicants must then pass an interview with IAPES representatives where they will be asked questions about their experience and knowledge related to engagement strategy.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their official certification from IAPES as a Certified Engagement Strategist. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking continuing education courses or re-taking the written exam.

6. Certified Project Management Professional in Engagement Management (PMP-EM)

PMP-EM is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to help project managers demonstrate their knowledge and experience in managing projects from start to finish. The PMP-EM credential is intended for those who have an understanding of project management principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply them in an engagement management context.

To get the PMP-EM certification, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum of five years of professional project management experience, with at least three years of that experience in engagement management. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The next step is to pass the PMP-EM exam. This exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project planning and control, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and resource management. You will be given four hours to complete the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will need to pay a fee to receive your certification. The fee varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI; however, it typically ranges from $225-$405 USD.

In total, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all the steps necessary for obtaining your PMP-EM certification.

7. Certified Relationship Manager (CRM)

Certified Relationship Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed to help relationship managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to build strong, lasting relationships with customers. The CRM program focuses on developing customer service and communication skills, as well as understanding customer needs and expectations. It also covers topics such as sales techniques, account management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

The CRM program typically takes three to six months to complete. It consists of online courses, webinars, workshops, and other activities that allow participants to learn the fundamentals of relationship management. Participants must pass an exam at the end of the program in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified in CRM, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience working in a customer service or relationship management role, or completing a relevant degree or diploma program related to customer relations or business administration.

The cost of the CRM certification varies depending on the provider offering it; however, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire course package.

8. Certified Customer Engagement Manager (CCEM)

Certified Customer Engagement Manager (CCEM) is a professional certification offered by the International Customer Engagement Association (ICEA). It is designed to recognize and validate customer engagement professionals who demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in customer engagement.

The CCEM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in customer engagement, as well as a minimum of two years in a customer-facing role. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as customer segmentation, journey mapping, data-driven decision making, and customer loyalty programs. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To obtain the CCEM certification, applicants must submit an application form and pay a fee of $495 USD. After submitting the application form and paying the fee, applicants will receive access to the online exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will be eligible for certification.

Overall, it typically takes between four weeks to two months for applicants to complete all of the steps necessary for obtaining their CCEM certification.

9. Institute of Business and Finance's Certified Engagement Manager Program (IBF-CEM)

The Institute of Business and Finance's Certified Engagement Manager Program (IBF-CEM) is a comprehensive certification program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage customer engagements. This program provides individuals with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the key principles, processes, and tools necessary to successfully lead customer engagement initiatives.

The IBF-CEM program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The program can be completed in as little as six months or up to two years depending on the individual’s level of commitment. To get certified, individuals must complete all three levels of the program which includes passing a series of exams.

To get started, individuals must first register for the IBF-CEM program online at www.ibfcem.org. The cost for registration is $495 USD which covers all course materials and exam fees. After registering, individuals will receive access to an online learning platform where they can complete their courses at their own pace.

Once all courses are completed successfully and all exams have been passed, individuals will receive their official IBF-CEM certification from the Institute of Business and Finance. This certification demonstrates that an individual has mastered the skills necessary to effectively manage customer engagements and is recognized by employers worldwide as a mark of excellence in this field.

10. International Association of Project and Program Management's Professional in Engagement Management Certification Program (IAPPM-PEMCP).

The International Association of Project and Program Management's Professional in Engagement Management Certification Program (IAPPM-PEMCP) is a professional certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of engagement management. The program focuses on developing an understanding of engagement management principles and practices, as well as providing skills to manage projects and programs that involve multiple stakeholders.

The IAPPM-PEMCP consists of four parts: a self-study course, an online assessment, a practical application exercise and a final exam. The self-study course covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & control, closure and stakeholder management. The online assessment tests the candidate’s knowledge of these topics. The practical application exercise requires the candidate to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Finally, the final exam is designed to test the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in various situations.

The entire IAPPM-PEMCP program takes approximately 6 months to complete. Candidates must first register for the self-study course which can be completed at their own pace over 4 months. After completing the self-study course, candidates must then take the online assessment which takes approximately 2 weeks to complete. Following this, candidates must submit a practical application exercise which will be reviewed by IAPPM experts before they can take the final exam.

The cost of taking part in the IAPPM-PEMCP program varies depending on where you are located but typically ranges from $1000 - $2000 USD depending on region and currency exchange rates. This cost includes all materials required for completion including access to the self-study course and online assessment as well as registration fees for taking part in the program itself.

Once all four parts have been successfully completed candidates will receive their official IAPPM Professional in Engagement Management Certification (IAPPM PEMCP). This certification is valid for three years after which point it will need to be renewed by taking part in recertification activities or retaking certain parts of the certification process if necessary.

Do You Really Need a Engagement Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need an engagement manager certificate. However, there are certain benefits that come with obtaining such a certification.

Engagement managers are responsible for managing customer relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction. As such, having a certification in engagement management can provide you with valuable skills and knowledge on the subject. This could be especially useful if you plan to work in the field of customer service or marketing. With a certificate, you will have a better understanding of how to effectively manage customer relationships and ensure high levels of satisfaction from their customers.

Additionally, having an engagement manager certification may also help you stand out from other applicants who do not have one. This could give you an edge when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry. Furthermore, having a certificate may also open up more opportunities for higher-level positions within the organization. For example, if an employer is looking for someone with experience in engagement management, they might be more likely to consider someone with a formal certification than someone without one.

Overall, whether or not to pursue an engagement manager certificate is ultimately up to the individual. While it may provide some advantages in terms of knowledge and career advancement opportunities, it is not absolutely necessary in order to succeed in the field of customer service or marketing.

Related: Engagement Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Engagement Manager Certifications

Q1. What qualifications do I need to become an Engagement Manager?

A1. To become an Engagement Manager, you should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in project or program management, customer service, business development, and/or sales. You should also have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as business administration, marketing, or communications. Finally, you must possess strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work with diverse teams.

Q2. How can I obtain an Engagement Manager Certification?

A2. You can obtain an Engagement Manager Certification by passing the required exams administered by organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and International Association of Professional Managers (IAPM). Additionally, some employers may require additional training courses or certifications specific to their organization’s needs.

Q3. What are the costs associated with obtaining an Engagement Manager Certification?

A3. The cost for obtaining an Engagement Manager Certification will vary depending on the certification body chosen and any additional training courses or materials that may be required by your employer. Generally speaking, these certifications may range from $500 to over $2000 depending on the level of certification achieved and any additional fees associated with maintaining the certification status each year.

Q4. How long does it take to earn an Engagement Manager Certification?

A4. It typically takes 3-6 months to earn an Engagement Manager Certification depending on which certification body you choose and any additional courses or materials you may need to complete prior to taking the exam(s). Additionally, there is often a waiting period between applying for certification and actually taking the exam(s).

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the Engagement Manager Certification exams?

A5. Yes, some organizations such as PMI require applicants to have either a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business administration, marketing or communications; or alternatively 5 years of project management experience prior to taking their respective exams. Additionally, some employers may also require applicants to complete additional training courses prior to attempting their exams as well.