Top 11 Executive Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an executive manager in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in a particular field. They provide employers with assurance that potential employees have the skills and qualifications necessary to perform the duties of a particular position. Additionally, certifications serve as proof that an individual has met certain standards and criteria set by industry experts. This can give employers greater confidence when considering hiring an executive manager, as certification provides evidence that the candidate has the capabilities to successfully carry out their role. Certifications also increase a manager’s credibility and can even lead to higher salaries due to their increased value in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Executive Managers and explain how they can enhance their career development.

What are Executive Manager Certifications?

Executive Manager Certification is a professional designation that provides recognition to individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and competency in the field of executive management. This certification recognizes the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to manage an organization effectively.

The certification process involves completing coursework in topics such as leadership, human resources, finance, operations and marketing. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals are awarded the Executive Manager Certification. This certification can help individuals advance their careers by demonstrating their knowledge and proficiency in executive management to potential employers or clients. It also provides individuals with networking opportunities within their industry and access to resources that can help them develop further in their career.

Pro Tip: Before investing in an executive manager certification program, make sure to research the program's credentials and accreditation. Look for programs with a strong reputation in the industry and that are offered by reputable institutions or organizations. Additionally, ensure that the program aligns with your career goals and objectives.

Related: What does an Executive Manager do?

Top 11 Executive Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to recognize and reward managers who demonstrate excellence in their profession. The CPM credential is earned after successfully completing a rigorous exam that tests knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, human resources management, financial management, and other essential management topics.

To become certified as a CPM, an individual must have at least five years of experience in a managerial role and must pass the ICPM’s comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country where it is taken but typically ranges from $400 to $600 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam and been awarded their CPM credential, they are eligible for membership with ICPM and can use the designation “CPM” after their name. This demonstrates to employers that they have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of professional management.

2. Certified Manager (CM)

Certified Manager (CM) is a professional certification for managers who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to manage efficiently and effectively in today’s complex business environment. The CM program is administered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), which is an affiliate of the National Association of Professional Managers (NAPM).

The CM program requires applicants to have at least five years of management experience, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as leadership, decision-making, communication, problem solving, and financial management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CM program. During this time, applicants must attend classes and workshops on topics related to management and leadership. They must also complete an online assessment that tests their knowledge of management principles. Once they have completed all requirements, they can take the final exam.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Manager credential varies depending on where you live and how many courses you take. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000-$4,000 to become certified. This includes the cost of tuition for classes and workshops as well as the fee for taking the final exam.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years. This helps ensure that CMs stay up-to-date with current best practices in management and leadership.

3. Certified Executive Coach (CEC)

A Certified Executive Coach (CEC) is a professional who has been certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) to provide executive coaching services. The CEC credential is the highest level of certification offered by the ICF and requires a combination of education, experience, and successful completion of an assessment process.

To become a CEC, individuals must complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific training from an ICF-accredited program. They must also have at least 500 hours of documented client coaching experience and pass the ICF’s rigorous assessment process. This includes completing a written exam and demonstrating their ability to effectively coach clients through a series of role-play scenarios.

The cost of becoming a CEC varies depending on the training program chosen and other factors such as travel costs, but it typically ranges from $3,000-$10,000 USD. It usually takes between six months to two years to complete all the requirements for certification.

4. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is a certification for human resources professionals that demonstrates mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management. It is offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). To become SPHR certified, an individual must have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position and pass an exam administered by HRCI.

The SPHR exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as strategic management, workforce planning and employment, total rewards, employee and labor relations, risk management, talent acquisition and retention, and organizational effectiveness. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get the SPHR certification, individuals must first apply to take the exam. Applications can be submitted online or through the mail. Once approved, individuals will receive a registration number which they will use to register for the exam. The cost to take the exam is $395 for HRCI members or $595 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official SPHR certificate from HRCI.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized certification for project managers and is designed to demonstrate a professional’s ability to manage projects effectively.

To get PMP certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a minimum of three years of project management experience and 35 hours of formal project management education. You must also pass an exam that covers 10 knowledge areas related to project management. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

The cost of getting PMP certified varies depending on your membership status with PMI. Non-members pay $555 for the exam fee and $405 for the application fee. Members pay $405 for the exam fee and $275 for the application fee.

It typically takes about two months from start to finish to get PMP certified, including studying for the exam, submitting your application, taking the exam, and receiving your results.

6. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements set by their state boards of accountancy. CPAs are licensed by the state in which they practice and must adhere to a strict code of professional conduct. They provide financial advice to businesses, individuals, governments, and other organizations.

It typically takes 3-4 years to obtain the CPA designation. To become a CPA you must first meet your state's education requirements which usually include an undergraduate degree in accounting or finance with 150 semester hours of college credit including a certain number of accounting courses. You then need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Finally, you must fulfill any additional requirements such as passing an ethics exam or obtaining work experience in public accounting before being able to apply for licensure from your state board of accountancy.

The cost for becoming a CPA varies depending on your state and can range from $100-$1,000 for application fees alone. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the CPA Exam such as registration fees ($200-$400), review course costs ($500-$2,000), and exam fees ($200-$800).

7. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is an internationally recognized certification for business analysts. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and competencies of experienced business analysis professionals. The CBAP certification is offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

The CBAP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of 7500 hours of experience in business analysis over the past 10 years, as well as 35 hours of professional development in the last four years. Candidates must also pass a rigorous 3.5 hour exam that covers six core areas: business analysis planning and monitoring; requirements management and communication; enterprise analysis; requirements analysis and design definition; solution evaluation; and underlying competencies.

To get the CBAP certification, you will need to submit an application to IIBA, which includes your work history and proof of your 35 hours of professional development activities. Once your application has been approved, you can register for the exam and pay the associated fees. The fee for taking the CBAP exam is currently $325 USD.

It typically takes between two weeks to three months to receive approval from IIBA after submitting your application. Once approved, you will be able to register for the exam and schedule a date for it within one year from approval date. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CBAP certificate within four weeks from passing date.

The cost associated with getting certified as a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $1,000-$2,000 USD including all fees associated with registering for and taking the exam as well as any training or preparatory materials you may choose to purchase or use in preparing for it.

8. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA designation is highly respected in the finance and investment industry and is considered to be one of the most prestigious credentials available.

The CFA program consists of three levels of examinations that must be completed in order to earn the designation. The exams are administered twice a year, in June and December. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time and covers topics such as economics, accounting, portfolio management, ethics, and quantitative analysis. To be eligible to sit for the exams, candidates must have at least four years of professional experience in investment decision making or have earned an undergraduate degree in a related field.

The cost of the program varies depending on which country you are located in and what type of membership you choose with the CFA Institute. Generally speaking, it will cost around $3,000 USD for all three levels including registration fees and exam fees.

In order to become a CFA charterholder, you must pass all three levels of exams within four years and meet certain ethical standards set by the CFA Institute. Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will receive your charter from the CFA Institute.

9. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage improvement projects, as well as to develop and implement process improvements.

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification usually takes around four months to complete, depending on the provider. It consists of two parts: classroom training and an examination. During the classroom training, students learn about the principles of Six Sigma, how to apply them in different business scenarios, and how to use various tools and techniques for process improvement.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first complete a formal training program from an accredited provider. After completing the coursework, you must pass a written exam administered by either ASQ or IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification). The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges between $1,500-$4,000 USD for both parts of the certification.

In addition to completing formal training and passing an exam, some providers may also require candidates to have at least three years of experience working in a quality-related role prior to being eligible for certification.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead and support process improvement initiatives within their organization. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a mastery of Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete. It includes both online training and in-person instruction, as well as hands-on practice with real-world projects. During the course, students learn how to identify process problems, design solutions, and implement improvements using Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete a training course from an accredited provider. After completing the coursework, you must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as project management, problem solving, data analysis, process improvement methods, and more.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$3,000 USD for the entire program including all materials and exams fees.

11. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a professional degree that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in business. It is designed to develop business leaders who can think critically, make informed decisions, and lead organizations. An MBA typically takes two years to complete and includes courses in accounting, finance, economics, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, strategy and more.

To get an MBA, you must first have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to take the GMAT or GRE exam and submit your scores as part of your application for admission into an MBA program. Once accepted into a program, you will be required to complete coursework that covers topics such as financial management, strategic planning and marketing.

The cost of getting an MBA varies depending on the school you attend and whether you choose to attend full-time or part-time. Generally speaking, tuition for a full-time MBA program ranges from $30,000-$100,000 per year. Part-time programs are typically cheaper but may require more time to complete due to fewer available classes during evening or weekend hours. Additionally, some schools offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid which can help reduce the cost of tuition.

Overall, getting an MBA is a great way to gain the skills necessary for success in the business world while also providing access to higher paying jobs with greater responsibility.

Do You Really Need a Executive Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need an executive manager certificate to be successful as an executive manager. While having a certificate may give you a slight edge in the job market, it is not essential and there are many other ways to demonstrate your skills and abilities.

First, having experience in the field is essential for success as an executive manager. You must have knowledge of how organizations and businesses operate in order to manage them effectively. Experience can be gained through internships, apprenticeships, or even working as a junior executive or assistant manager. This will help you develop the necessary skills needed to succeed in this role.

Second, having strong communication skills is important for any executive position. Being able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and customers is key to success in this role. You should also have excellent interpersonal skills so that you can lead a team and build relationships with those around you. Good communication can ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Finally, having a good understanding of the industry is vital for any executive manager. Knowing the trends and developments within the sector will put you ahead of the competition when it comes to managing different projects or teams within an organization. It will also help you make informed decisions about strategies or policies which could benefit your company or organization.

In conclusion, while an executive manager certificate may work in your favor, it is not essential for success in this role. The most important elements are gaining experience in the field, developing strong communication skills, and having a good understanding of the industry trends and developments. These qualities will give you all the tools needed to become a successful executive manager without needing any formal qualifications or certificates

Related: Executive Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Executive Manager Certifications

1. What is an executive manager certification?

Answer: An executive manager certification is a credential that recognizes the achievements of experienced executives in the field of management and leadership. It demonstrates a mastery of key management concepts, skills and best practices.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an executive manager certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining an executive manager certification include increased credibility, improved job prospects, access to exclusive professional networks, and recognition as an expert in the field.

3. How long does it take to get an executive manager certification?

Answer: The time required to complete an executive manager certification program varies depending on the specific program and your prior experience level. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend between one and two years completing all of the requirements for a certification.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as an executive manager?

Answer: Costs for obtaining an executive manager certification vary depending on the specific program you choose and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars for a comprehensive training program or coursework leading up to a final exam or evaluation process.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as an executive manager?

Answer: Yes, most programs have certain prerequisites that must be met before beginning coursework or taking exams associated with certifying as an executive manager. These may include having a certain amount of work experience in a related field, completing educational requirements such as earning a degree in business or management, or passing certain assessments or examinations prior to enrollment in the program itself.