Top 11 Implementation Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for an implementation consultant to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. They provide tangible evidence of one’s skills, abilities, and qualifications that can help them stand out from other candidates in the job market. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for career growth and advancement by providing access to higher-level positions or higher salaries. Certifications also serve as a way for employers to ensure that their consultants have the necessary knowledge and experience to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Implementation Consultants and explain how they can help further an implementation consultant's career.

What are Implementation Consultant Certifications?

Implementation consultant certification is a type of professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved proficiency in the implementation of certain software, technology systems, or business processes. This certification is typically earned through a combination of formal training, experience, and successful completion of an examination.

The primary benefit of obtaining implementation consultant certification is that it serves as a benchmark for employers to assess the competency and qualifications of potential candidates. Those who hold this certification demonstrate to employers that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully implement new technologies and processes. Additionally, having this credential can also open up job opportunities that may not be available to those without it.

By obtaining implementation consultant certification, individuals can also demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and professional development. This certification may lead to opportunities for further specialization in certain areas such as cloud computing or enterprise resource planning (ERP). Furthermore, holding this credential can help professionals stay current with the latest trends in technology and provide them with an edge over candidates without the same level of expertise.

Pro Tip: When considering a certification for an implementation consultant, be sure to research the certifying organization and its requirements thoroughly. Ensure that the certification is recognized in your industry and provides you with the proper credentials to properly serve your clients. Additionally, seek feedback from peers and colleagues who have obtained similar certifications to determine if the certification is of value and worth the cost of obtaining it.

Related: What does an Implementation Consultant do?

Top 11 Implementation Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Implementation Manager (CIM)

Certified Implementation Manager (CIM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the implementation of technology solutions. The CIM program is designed to help individuals gain an understanding of the entire implementation process, from project planning and design through successful implementation.

The CIM program consists of two courses: Certified Implementation Manager I and Certified Implementation Manager II. Each course is approximately five days in length and includes lectures, hands-on exercises, case studies, and discussions. Upon completion of both courses, participants must pass a comprehensive exam in order to earn their CIM certification.

To get certified as an Implementation Manager, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field or related areas such as project management or business analysis. Applicants should also demonstrate a strong understanding of software development life cycles and be able to work independently on projects.

The cost for the CIM program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 USD for both courses combined. This cost usually includes materials and registration fees.

Once certified as an Implementation Manager, professionals can expect to receive higher salaries than those without certification due to their increased knowledge and expertise in managing technology implementations.

2. Certified Professional Implementer (CPI)

Certified Professional Implementer (CPI) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Certified Professional Implementers (IACP). The program is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the implementation of software solutions.

The CPI certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as project management, software development life cycle, system design, testing and deployment, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get certified as a CPI, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for the program. This includes having at least three years of experience in software implementation or related fields, as well as completing an approved IACP training course. After meeting these requirements, you can register for the exam and pay the associated fee.

The cost for taking the CPI exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD to take the exam at an approved testing center.

3. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is an internationally recognized professional certification for business analysts. It is offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in the field of business analysis.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of 7500 hours of business analysis experience over the past 10 years, as well as 35 hours of formal education in business analysis. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as requirements management, facilitation techniques, enterprise analysis and more.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the CBAP exam depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. The cost for the exam varies from country to country but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

To get your CBAP certification, you must first apply and be accepted into the IIBA’s Certification Program. Once accepted, you will need to complete all required coursework and pass the exam before being awarded your CBAP designation.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance to individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework. The CSM certification is designed to help individuals become more effective in their roles as Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and other key stakeholders in a Scrum project.

The CSM certification process typically takes two days and consists of an online course followed by an in-person or virtual instructor-led class. During the course, participants learn about the principles and practices of Scrum, including how to lead teams through successful product delivery cycles. After completing the course, participants are required to take a multiple-choice exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to obtain the CSM certification, you must first register with the Scrum Alliance and pay a fee that varies depending on your membership level. Once registered, you can then sign up for an upcoming course or find one near you if available. After completing the course, you will be required to take an exam which consists of 25 multiple choice questions that test your knowledge of Scrum principles and practices. Upon passing this exam, you will receive your CSM certificate from the Scrum Alliance.

The cost for obtaining a CSM certification varies depending on your membership level with the Scrum Alliance but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD depending on whether or not you choose to take an instructor-led class or complete it online.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program that is designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage IT services. The certification is based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is a set of best practices for IT service management.

The ITIL Foundation Certification covers the core concepts of IT service management, including service strategy, design, transition, operation and improvement. It also provides an introduction to the key processes and functions of IT service management. The certification typically takes two days to complete and requires passing an exam at the end.

To get certified, you must first take an approved training course or self-study using official study materials from AXELOS. After completing the training, you can register for the exam with an accredited provider such as PeopleCert or Prometric. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. You must score at least 65% to pass the exam and receive your certification.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you take your training course or purchase your study materials from. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on what you choose.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. The PMP credential validates an individual’s ability to plan, execute, and manage projects according to best practices and industry standards.

To be eligible for the PMP exam, individuals must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or global equivalent) with at least 5 years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; OR a four-year degree with at least 3 years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost for the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the Project Management Institute. For members, it costs $405 USD; for non-members it costs $555 USD.

Once you have passed the PMP exam, you will need to maintain your certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs can be earned through attending conferences or workshops related to project management as well as taking courses or reading books related to the field.

7. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively apply Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. The ACP is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and it is one of the most popular Agile certifications available.

It takes approximately six months to complete the ACP certification process. To get certified, you must first pass a three-hour online exam that covers topics such as Agile principles, values, and practices; team dynamics; project management; and communication. After passing the exam, you must submit an application for review by PMI's Certification Governance Board. Once approved, you will receive your official ACP certification.

The cost of the ACP certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members, the cost is $435 USD for the exam plus an additional $100 USD for the application fee. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD for the exam plus an additional $150 USD for the application fee.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful Six Sigma practitioners. It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the principles and practices of Lean Six Sigma. The certification is typically earned by completing a course or series of courses, depending on the provider.

The length of time required for completion of the Green Belt Certification varies by provider, but generally takes between four and eight weeks. The curriculum includes topics such as process improvement, problem-solving techniques, statistical analysis, project management, and team leadership. In addition to classroom instruction, many providers also offer online courses or self-paced learning options for those who prefer more flexibility.

To obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must complete an approved course or series of courses and pass an exam administered by the organization offering the certification. Different organizations may have different requirements for taking and passing the exam; some require applicants to have prior experience in Lean Six Sigma while others do not.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, self-paced online courses tend to be less expensive than instructor-led programs due to their lower overhead costs; however, they may require more time commitment from students as they are not able to receive direct instruction from an instructor. Prices can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for more comprehensive programs offered by accredited organizations such as ASQ (American Society for Quality).

9. Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) is a professional credential offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of change management principles, processes, and tools.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least three years of experience in change management or an equivalent field
• Pass the CCMP exam with a score of 70% or higher
• Agree to adhere to ACMP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
• Submit an application for certification and pay the associated fees.

The CCMP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as change management theory, methodology, tools, techniques, and best practices. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $495 USD for ACMP members and $595 USD for non-members.

10. Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE)

Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the design and implementation of industrial process systems. The CPDE program is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

The CPDE certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in process engineering, including safety, operations, control systems, instrumentation, and automation. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as process design principles, plant layout and operation, system integration, regulatory requirements, and project management.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the CPDE certification program. This includes studying for the exam as well as completing any required courses or workshops.

To get started on the path to becoming a CPDE certified engineer, you will need to register with ISA and pay an application fee of $200 USD. Once your application has been approved by ISA, you will be able to access study materials and take practice exams online. After successfully passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your official CPDE certificate from ISA.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on how much time it takes you to prepare for the exam and whether or not you choose to attend any additional courses or workshops related to the material covered on the exam. Generally speaking however, most people spend between $500 - $1,000 USD in total for their CPDE certification journey.

11. Oracle Implementation Specialist Certification

Oracle Implementation Specialist Certification is a professional certification program offered by Oracle to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the implementation of Oracle products and services. The certification is designed for those who are involved in the implementation, deployment, and support of Oracle solutions.

To achieve this certification, individuals must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as Oracle Database Administration, Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle Fusion Middleware, and other related technologies. The duration of the certification process depends on the number of exams taken and the complexity of each exam.

In order to get certified as an Oracle Implementation Specialist, you must first register with Oracle University and purchase an exam voucher. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can access the online training materials provided by Oracle University to prepare for the exams. After completing the training materials, you can then take your exams at an authorized testing center.

The cost of becoming an Oracle Implementation Specialist varies depending on which exams you choose to take. Generally speaking, most individuals spend between $500 - $1000 USD on exam fees alone.

Do You Really Need a Implementation Consultant Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. While an Implementation Consultant Certificate may be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in the field, it is not necessary for success. However, there are certain advantages to having an Implementation Consultant Certificate that can help you stand out from the competition.

Having a certificate in implementation consulting demonstrates your commitment to the field and your knowledge of best practices and industry standards. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the various aspects of implementation consulting, such as project management, systems analysis, and data architecture. This certificate can give you the edge over other candidates who may not have had any formal training in the area.

In addition to demonstrating your knowledge and commitment, having an Implementation Consultant Certificate can also open up opportunities for higher-level positions or promotions within a company. Employers often look favorably on individuals with specialized knowledge or certifications as they believe these individuals are more likely to succeed in their roles. Having a certificate can also provide credibility when applying for jobs or pursuing new business opportunities since employers know that you understand the details of implementation consulting and have been trained by professionals in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an Implementation Consultant Certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If becoming certified will help you reach those goals then it is worth considering getting one. However, if certification isn’t necessary for your current situation then it may not be worth investing in one at this time.

Related: Implementation Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Implementation Consultant Certifications

1. What are the benefits of an Implementation Consultant Certification?

Answer: An Implementation Consultant Certification provides you with the knowledge and skills to become a successful consultant in your chosen field. It gives you a comprehensive understanding of the implementation process, enabling you to effectively manage projects and ensure successful outcomes. This certification also offers a competitive edge in the job market, as employers look for consultants who can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence.

2. How do I obtain an Implementation Consultant Certification?

Answer: To obtain an Implementation Consultant Certification, you must complete a recognized program or course that covers topics such as project management, systems analysis, business analysis and software development. You may also need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the specific program or course you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require at least one year of study and some may require up to two years depending on the type of certification sought.

4. What is the cost of an Implementation Consultant Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an Implementation Consultant Certification will vary depending on the program or course chosen and any additional materials required for exam preparation or study aids. Prices can range from several hundred dollars for online courses to several thousand dollars for more intensive programs offered by accredited institutions.

5. Is there ongoing training required once I am certified?

Answer: Yes, many certifications require ongoing training after initial certification in order to maintain your credential status and stay up-to-date with changes in industry standards or technology advancements that may impact implementation processes or procedures.