Top 11 Franchise Business Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for franchise business consultants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and credibility that employers can trust. Certifications also provide valuable industry knowledge, which can help consultants better understand the ins and outs of franchising and give them an edge over competitors. Additionally, certifications can open up more opportunities for career advancement and higher-paying positions within the field. Ultimately, certifications give franchise business consultants an advantage in the job market by showcasing their professional qualifications and demonstrating their commitment to their profession.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain some of the top certifications for Franchise Business Consultants and how they can help advance their career.

What are Franchise Business Consultant Certifications?

Franchise business consultant certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in helping others launch and run successful franchise businesses. It is awarded by professional organizations such as the International Franchise Association and the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers. This certification can help aspiring entrepreneurs make informed decisions when selecting the right franchise for their needs, as well as understand the requirements of running a successful franchise business.

Franchise business consultant certification provides individuals with access to resources and support from experienced professionals who have gone through the process of launching and managing franchises themselves. Certified consultants are knowledgeable about franchising laws, regulations, and best practices, enabling them to provide valuable advice on topics such as selecting a location, negotiating agreements with franchisors, creating marketing strategies, obtaining financing, and more. Additionally, certified consultants may be able to connect potential franchisees with franchisors or other resources that can help them along the way. Ultimately, this certification helps ensure that potential franchisees make smart decisions when launching their businesses.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the franchise business consultant certification program thoroughly before enrolling. Look for programs that provide comprehensive training on the latest industry trends and regulations, as well as access to experienced professionals who can help guide you through the process. Additionally, make sure the certification is recognized by relevant organizations in your region.

Related: What does a Franchise Business Consultant do?

Top 11 Franchise Business Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Franchise Business Consultants today.

1. Franchise Business Consultant Certification (FBCC)

Franchise Business Consultant Certification (FBCC) is a certification program offered by the International Franchise Association (IFA). It is designed to equip franchise professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively consult with franchisees and franchisors.

The FBCC program consists of five courses that cover topics such as franchise law, operations, marketing, and financial planning. The courses must be completed within a two-year period in order to receive certification. Each course is self-paced and can be completed online or through an IFA approved training provider.

To get certified, applicants must complete all five courses, pass a comprehensive exam, and submit a portfolio of their consulting experience. The cost of the FBCC program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or through an approved training provider. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 for the entire program.

2. International Franchise Professional (IFP) Certification

The International Franchise Professional (IFP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the franchise industry. It is offered by the International Franchise Association (IFA), an organization that promotes ethical franchising and provides education, resources, and advocacy for franchise professionals.

To become IFP certified, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria include having at least three years of experience in the franchise industry and/or a bachelor's degree in business or related field. Applicants must also complete a series of online courses on topics such as franchising law, operations, marketing, finance, and management.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of franchising. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam and applicants must score at least 70% to pass. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their IFP certification from the IFA.

The cost to become IFP certified varies depending on whether you are a member of the IFA or not. For non-members, it costs $795 USD for the exam plus $295 USD for each course taken. For members of the IFA, it costs $495 USD for the exam plus $195 USD for each course taken.

3. Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Certification

The Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Franchise Association (IFA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in franchise management. The CFE designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the franchise industry.

The CFE program consists of four courses: Franchise Law, Franchising Operations, Marketing & Sales, and Financial Management. Each course includes lectures, case studies, and exams. The courses are available online or in-person at IFA-approved training centers. To earn the CFE designation, individuals must complete all four courses and pass their exams with a score of 80% or higher.

The entire CFE program can take up to 18 months to complete depending on an individual’s schedule and availability. In order to get started with the program, individuals must first register for the CFE program through the IFA website. After registering for the program, individuals will be able to access their course materials and begin studying for their exams.

The cost of the CFE program varies depending on how many courses an individual takes at once. For example, if an individual registers for all four courses at once they will pay $1,600 plus applicable taxes. However, if an individual chooses to take one course at a time they will pay $400 per course plus applicable taxes.

Once an individual has completed all four courses and passed their exams with a score of 80% or higher they will receive their official CFE certificate from the IFA recognizing them as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE).

4. Certified Franchise Operations Executive (CFOE) Certification

The Certified Franchise Operations Executive (CFOE) certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of franchise operations. The CFOE certification is offered by the International Franchise Association (IFA).

The CFOE certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in franchising and to pass an online exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as franchising law, business planning, marketing, operations, and financial management. Applicants must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in the field.

The CFOE certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application to the IFA along with their resume and portfolio. Once accepted, applicants will be given access to the online exam and must complete it within 90 days of acceptance. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CFOE certificate and be recognized as an official Certified Franchise Operations Executive.

The cost for the CFOE certification is $495 for IFA members or $595 for non-members. This fee includes access to the online exam as well as all other materials needed for successful completion of the program.

5. Certified Franchise Strategist (CFS) Certification

The Certified Franchise Strategist (CFS) Certification is a professional designation awarded by the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in franchise strategy, development, and operations.

The CFS Certification requires individuals to complete a comprehensive online course that covers topics such as franchising fundamentals, legal and financial considerations, marketing strategies, and operational best practices. The course consists of 10 modules and takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

To obtain the CFS Certification, individuals must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam fee is $395 USD for IFPG members and $495 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $75 USD for IFPG members and $125 USD for non-members.

Upon successful completion of the course and passing the exam, individuals will receive their CFS Certification from the IFPG. This certification demonstrates expertise in franchise strategy and operations, which can be beneficial when seeking employment or consulting opportunities within the franchising industry.

6. Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) Certification

The Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) certification is a professional designation for individuals who specialize in helping entrepreneurs and business owners understand the complexities of franchising. It is awarded by the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting ethical and professional standards in the franchise industry.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in the franchise industry, complete a comprehensive online training course, pass a written exam, and agree to adhere to the IFPG Code of Ethics. The course covers topics such as franchise law, operations, marketing and sales strategies, financing options, and more. It typically takes between four and six weeks to complete the training course and pass the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are already an IFPG member or not. Non-members pay an initial fee of $1,500 plus an annual renewal fee of $150; members pay an initial fee of $1,000 plus an annual renewal fee of $100.

In addition to providing credibility to your services as a consultant, CFC certification can also help you stand out from other professionals in the field by demonstrating your commitment to excellence and professionalism.

7. Certified Franchise Administrator (CFA) Certification

The Certified Franchise Administrator (CFA) certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the area of franchising. It is awarded by the International Franchise Association (IFA), the oldest and largest franchise organization in the world. The CFA certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of franchising, including legal, financial, operational and marketing aspects.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as franchisor-franchisee relationships, franchise law and regulations, franchise operations and management, and marketing strategies. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the field of franchising or related areas.

The cost for the CFA certification program varies depending on whether you are an IFA member or non-member. For members, the cost is $395; for non-members it is $495. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 for both members and non-members.

Once you have completed all requirements for certification and passed the exam, you will receive your CFA certificate within four to six weeks after passing the exam. After receiving your certificate, you will be listed in IFA’s online directory of certified professionals and may use the “CFA” designation after your name when listing credentials on resumes and other materials.

8. Certified Franchise Advisor (CFA) Certification

Certified Franchise Advisor (CFA) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the franchise industry. It is administered by the International Franchise Association (IFA) and requires candidates to pass an exam and complete a course of study. The CFA program is designed to help franchise professionals understand the complexities of franchising, develop their skills, and become more knowledgeable about the industry.

The CFA certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified, you must first complete a course of study that covers topics such as franchise law, business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and operational best practices. After completing the coursework, you must then take and pass the CFA exam which consists of 100 multiple choice questions.

To get started with your CFA certification process, you will need to register for the IFA’s online learning platform where you can access all of the required course materials. Once registered for the course, you will need to pay a fee of $795 which covers both your registration fee and your exam fee. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CFA certificate from IFA along with other recognition materials such as pins and lapel pins.

The cost associated with becoming a Certified Franchise Advisor can vary depending on which courses or training programs you choose to pursue in order to prepare for the exam. However, it typically ranges between $500-$1,000 for all associated costs including registration fees and exam fees.

9. Accredited Franchising Practitioner (AFP) Designation

The Accredited Franchising Practitioner (AFP) designation is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the franchising industry. The AFP designation is offered by the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting ethical and responsible franchising practices.

To obtain the AFP designation, applicants must complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as franchise law, marketing and operations, financial management, and franchise development. The program typically takes between 12-18 months to complete.

The cost of obtaining the AFP designation varies depending on the number of courses taken and the type of membership chosen. The IFPG offers several different levels of membership for those interested in obtaining their AFP designation. These include basic memberships starting at $295/year, plus additional fees for each course taken.

In addition to completing coursework and exams, applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical franchising practices by signing a pledge agreeing to abide by IFPG’s code of ethics. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their official AFP certificate from IFPG.

10. International Association of Franchisors and Franchising Professionals Diploma in Franchising

The International Association of Franchisors and Franchising Professionals (IAFFP) Diploma in Franchising is an internationally recognized professional qualification that provides franchise professionals with the most comprehensive and up-to-date industry knowledge. The diploma is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the franchising process, from initial concept to successful operation.

The IAFFP Diploma in Franchising takes approximately 12 months to complete. It includes both online and face-to-face learning, as well as assessments and exams. The program covers topics such as: franchisor/franchisee relations, franchise agreements, legal requirements, marketing strategies, business planning, financial management, operations management, dispute resolution and more.

To get the IAFFP Diploma in Franchising you must complete all of the course modules successfully and pass all required assessments and exams. You will also need to be a member of the IAFFP in order to enroll in the program.

The cost of obtaining the IAFFP Diploma in Franchising varies depending on your country of residence and membership type. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD for members located outside of North America or Europe; however this may vary slightly depending on your country’s currency exchange rate at the time of purchase.

11. Institute of Professional Management-Certified Franchise Manager Program

The Institute of Professional Management (IPM) Certified Franchise Manager Program is a comprehensive program that provides franchise professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage a franchise. The program is designed to equip participants with the tools they need to effectively manage their business, while also providing them with an understanding of franchising principles and best practices.

The IPM Certified Franchise Manager Program consists of three modules: Introduction to Franchising, Franchise Management, and Franchise Operations. Each module consists of an online course and a final exam. Participants must complete all three modules in order to receive certification. The program typically takes around 12 weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s pace.

In order to get certified, participants must register for the program online at IPM’s website. Once registered, participants will be provided with access to the online courses and exams. Upon successful completion of all three modules, participants will receive their certification from IPM.

The cost for the IPM Certified Franchise Manager Program is $1,495 USD. This fee includes access to all three modules as well as one-on-one support from IPM’s team of experts throughout the duration of the program.

Do You Really Need a Franchise Business Consultant Certificate?

When considering whether or not you need a Franchise Business Consultant Certificate, the first thing to consider is what type of business you are planning to open. If you are planning to open up a franchise business, then it is likely that you will need a certificate in order to be successful. A Franchise Business Consultant Certificate provides the necessary qualifications and knowledge needed to oversee the operations of a franchise business, as well as provide advice on how to ensure its success.

The benefits of obtaining a Franchise Business Consultant Certificate are numerous. Firstly, it allows potential franchisees to have confidence in your abilities and expertise when they approach you for advice. Secondly, with the proper training and certification, you can help potential franchisees understand the complexities of running their own business as well as advise them on what strategies and tactics they should use in order to maximize their profits. Finally, having this certification gives potential franchisees assurance that they are dealing with someone who has expertise in their field and can provide sound advice regarding all aspects of running a successful franchised business.

In conclusion, if you are planning to open up a franchise business then it is highly recommended that you obtain a Franchise Business Consultant Certificate. This will help ensure that your clients have confidence in your abilities and knowledge about franchising, while also providing them with sound advice which can help them achieve success in their own businesses.

Related: Franchise Business Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Franchise Business Consultant Certifications

Q1. What are the benefits of a franchise business consultant certification?

A1. A franchise business consultant certification can provide you with a variety of advantages, including increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, increased credibility and more recognition in the industry. It also provides an opportunity to stay up-to-date on best practices and trends in the field.

Q2. How do I become certified as a franchise business consultant?

A2. To become certified as a franchise business consultant, you must typically complete an accredited program that includes coursework in topics such as finance and accounting, law, marketing and franchising regulations. You may also need to take additional courses that focus specifically on franchising or pass a certification exam.

Q3. What is the cost of obtaining a franchise business consultant certification?

A3. The cost of obtaining a franchise business consultant certification will vary depending on the program you choose and any additional courses or exams required for completion. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for your certification program.

Q4. Is there any formal training required to become a franchise business consultant?

A4. While some programs offer formal training courses, it is not required for becoming a franchise business consultant. However, having knowledge about franchising regulations and best practices is essential for success in this field so it is highly recommended that you pursue some type of formal training prior to beginning your career as a franchise business consultant.

Q5. Can I start my own franchise consulting firm with just my certification?

A5: While having your certification will certainly help when starting your own consulting firm, there are other factors that must be taken into consideration such as experience in the field and developing relationships with potential clients before launching your own consultancy firm successfully