Top 10 Field Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for field managers because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in their chosen field. They can serve as evidence to potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills and qualifications to do the job. Additionally, certifications can validate a field manager’s professional experience and education, which can help them stand out from other job applicants. This will ultimately increase their chances of getting hired for a job. Certifications also provide an opportunity for continuing education, which allows field managers to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Field Managers and explains how they can benefit a field manager's career.

What are Field Manager Certifications?

Field Manager Certification is a training program designed to help managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead teams in a variety of field-based positions. This certification program focuses on developing managerial competencies such as communication, problem-solving, team building, decision-making, and conflict management. Through this program, managers can learn how to create an effective working environment for their staff and ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal. This certification can also provide managers with the tools and resources needed to successfully manage a variety of tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, and customer service. With this certification, managers can become better equipped to handle challenging situations in the workplace while creating an atmosphere of trust and respect among their team members. Overall, Field Manager Certification can be beneficial for any manager looking to improve their leadership abilities and build strong relationships with their employees.

Pro Tip: When considering field manager certification, look for programs that provide hands-on training and mentoring. This will not only help you gain the necessary skills to successfully manage a field operation, but also ensure you are familiar with the specific challenges and procedures of your particular industry.

Related: What does a Field Manager do?

Top 10 Field Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Field Manager (CFM)

Certified Field Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Professional Field Managers (NAPFM). The CFM credential is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field management profession.

The CFM certification process involves taking an online course, passing a written exam, and completing a field project. The online course covers topics such as risk management, customer service, budgeting, and personnel management. After completing the course, applicants must pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of field management principles. Finally, applicants must complete a field project that demonstrates their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

The entire process can take up to six months to complete. Applicants should plan on spending at least 10 hours per week studying for the exam and completing the field project.

The cost of obtaining the CFM credential varies depending on your membership status with NAPFM. Non-members are required to pay an application fee of $200 plus a $50 fee for each module taken. Members receive discounted rates for both fees and may be eligible for additional discounts if they have previously taken courses or exams through NAPFM.

2. Certified Professional Field Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Field Manager (CPFM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Field Service Managers (IAFSM). It is designed to recognize excellence in field service management. The CPFM program provides an opportunity for field service professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the areas of customer relations, operations, safety, quality control, and financial management.

To become a Certified Professional Field Manager, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field service industry and must pass an exam administered by IAFSM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer relations, operations, safety, quality control, and financial management. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $295 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded the CPFM credential.

The CPFM credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain the credential after three years, CPFMs must complete continuing education credits or retake the certification exam every three years.

3. Certified Field Operations Manager (CFOM)

Certified Field Operations Manager (CFOM) is a professional certification program designed to provide industry-recognized credentials for individuals who manage field operations. The program is offered by the International Association of Field Operation Managers (IAFOM).

The CFOM certification is an advanced credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing field operations, including safety, quality assurance, customer service, and compliance with regulations. It also provides employers with assurance that their field operations managers are qualified to lead their teams.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive training program and pass an exam. The training program consists of four modules: Safety Management, Quality Assurance & Compliance, Customer Service & Satisfaction, and Leadership & Management. Each module includes lectures, case studies, and hands-on activities. The duration of the course varies depending on the individual's background; however it typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete.

The cost of the CFOM certification program varies depending on the provider; however it typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

4. Certified Facility Management Professional (CFMP)

Certified Facility Management Professional (CFMP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in facility management. The CFMP credential demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of facility management, as well as their commitment to upholding professional standards.

The CFMP program consists of four courses: Fundamentals of Facility Management, Project and Business Management, Maintenance and Operations, and Leadership and Strategy. Each course requires 40 hours of study time, for a total of 160 hours. The courses must be completed within two years from the date of registration for the program. Upon completion of all four courses, individuals are eligible to take the CFMP exam.

The cost for taking all four courses is $1,595 USD, which includes access to online learning materials, webinars, study guides, practice exams, and other resources. The exam fee is an additional $450 USD. To maintain your certification status you must complete 30 continuing education credits every three years.

To become a Certified Facility Management Professional (CFMP), individuals must have at least three years of experience in facility management or related fields such as engineering or architecture; have a bachelor’s degree or higher; and pass the CFMP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, experience, and expertise in project management. PMP certification holders are expected to possess the skills and knowledge necessary to manage projects of any size or complexity.

To become a PMP certified professional, one must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. These include a bachelor's degree or equivalent, at least 4500 hours of leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.

The process for obtaining PMP certification includes submitting an application to PMI, passing an exam, and agreeing to adhere to the PMI Code of Ethics. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD; for non-members it costs $555 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for retakes or rescheduling exams if needed.

Overall, the process from start to finish can take anywhere from three months up to a year depending on how quickly you complete all the requirements and pass the exam.

6. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program administered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The CCM designation recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in construction management, and provides a way for employers to identify qualified professionals.

The CCM program requires applicants to have at least four years of experience in construction management or related fields, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, contract administration and quality assurance.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exam and complete all the necessary requirements. During this time, applicants should review study materials provided by CMAA and take practice exams to ensure they are prepared for the actual test.

The cost of obtaining the CCM designation varies depending on which type of membership you choose with CMAA. The basic membership fee is $190 per year plus a one-time application fee of $100. In addition, there is an exam fee of $400 that must be paid before taking the test.

7. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. It is designed to help professionals understand the principles of effective production and inventory management, including demand forecasting, master scheduling, material requirements planning, capacity planning, shop floor control, inventory control systems, purchasing/procurement strategies, quality assurance processes, and lean manufacturing techniques.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management; Master Planning of Resources; Detailed Scheduling and Planning; Execution and Control of Operations; Strategic Management of Resources. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time to complete.

To become certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), individuals must pass five exams. The exams are administered online through APICS’s testing partner Pearson VUE. Candidates must pass all five exams within three years in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on the type of membership you have with APICS. For non-members, the cost is $1,495 USD for all five courses plus exam fees ($295 per exam). For members of APICS, the cost is $995 USD plus exam fees ($295 per exam).

In total it takes about 200 hours to complete the CPIM program from start to finish. This includes studying for each course as well as taking each exam.

8. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed for individuals who have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Six Sigma Methodology, and can apply it to improve processes within an organization.

The certification process generally takes between three and six months to complete. The first step is to attend a Six Sigma Black Belt training course, either online or in-person. During this course, participants will learn the fundamentals of Six Sigma, including its history, principles, tools and techniques. They will also be taught how to apply these principles and tools in order to improve processes within an organization. After completing the training course, participants must then pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must have at least three years of experience working with Six Sigma projects or initiatives. This experience should include leading projects or initiatives from start to finish and demonstrating successful improvement results. Additionally, applicants must have completed a minimum of four weeks of formal training in the Six Sigma methodology prior to taking the exam.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on where you take your training course and which certification body you choose. Generally speaking, expect to spend between $2,000-$4,000 USD for the entire process (including registration fees).

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is an internationally recognized certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage improvement projects. The certification is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines two powerful process improvement tools—lean and Six Sigma—to identify and eliminate waste in business processes.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the provider. To get certified, individuals must attend a training course with a qualified instructor and pass an exam at the end of the training. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider, but can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

10. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification

American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become successful supply chain professionals. The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) program is designed to help organizations develop their supply chain capabilities, improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

The APICS CSCP certification is a three-year certification process that consists of four modules: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Planning and Execution, Implementation and Operations, and Strategic Management. Each module includes an online course, an exam, and a final project. The program also includes an optional field study component for those who want to gain hands-on experience in the field.

To get APICS CSCP certified, you must first complete all four modules of the program. After completing the modules, you will need to pass the CSCP exam which is administered by APICS. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as supply chain management concepts, planning methods, operations management tools and techniques, global supply chain strategies and more.

The cost of the APICS CSCP certification varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,500-$2,000 USD for the entire program including exams and materials. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with travel or lodging if you are taking the course in person or attending any workshops or seminars related to the program.

Overall, becoming an APICS CSCP certified professional can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on your level of commitment to studying for the exams and completing all required assignments in a timely manner.

Do You Really Need a Field Manager Certificate?

When it comes to managing a field, there are many important skills and knowledge required. While a field manager certificate may provide some of this knowledge, it is not always necessary in order to be an effective field manager. Depending on the individual’s experience and education level, they may already possess the necessary skills and knowledge to be an effective leader without additional certification.

For example, if someone has previous experience working in a related field or has obtained a degree in a related area such as business management or agriculture, then they would likely have the necessary skills and knowledge to be an effective field manager. This is because these types of backgrounds typically provide individuals with the ability to understand the operations of running a field, as well as providing the leadership skills needed for success. Additionally, those with experience can often draw on their past successes when managing a new field.

On the other hand, if you are completely new to managing fields or have limited experience in related areas such as business management or agriculture, then obtaining a field manager certificate may be beneficial. It can provide individuals with an understanding of how to properly manage a field and give them access to resources that could help them become successful in their role. A certificate also serves as proof of competency and credibility when applying for jobs in this industry.

Ultimately, whether you need a certificate depends upon your current skill set and background experience. If you have sufficient experience and training already then you may not need one; however, if you are new to managing fields or lack adequate training then obtaining a field manager certificate could be helpful for your success.

Related: Field Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Manager Certifications

Q1: What types of certifications are available for field managers?

A1: There are several professional certifications available for field managers, including Certified Field Manager (CFM), Certified Professional in Field Management (CPFM), and Certified Field Supervisor (CFS).

Q2: How do I become a certified field manager?

A2: To become a certified field manager, you must first complete the required coursework and pass the certification exam. You may also need to have a certain amount of years of experience in the field management sector before becoming eligible.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified as a field manager?

A3: The time frame for getting certified as a field manager depends on your individual circumstances. Generally, it can take anywhere from three months to two years depending on the type of certification you pursue and how much prior experience you have.

Q4: Is there any continuing education required for field managers?

A4: Yes, most certifying organizations require that certified field managers participate in ongoing professional development activities such as attending conferences and seminars, reading industry publications, or completing online courses.

Q5: What are the benefits of being a certified field manager?

A5: Being a certified field manager provides evidence of your expertise and commitment to the profession. It may also make you more marketable when seeking employment or promotions within the industry, as employers tend to prefer candidates with formal certifications. Additionally, many certifying organizations offer members access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.