Top 10 Implementation Coordinator Certifications
Updated 17 min read
Certifications are an important tool for implementation coordinators to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. Having a certification gives employers assurance that the candidate is up-to-date with industry standards and best practices, as well as having the necessary knowledge and skills required for the position. Certification also makes it easier for employers to compare different candidates since they can compare credentials across different job seekers. Additionally, certifications provide implementation coordinators with recognition and credibility, making them more attractive to prospective employers.
This article reviews the top certifications for Implementation Coordinators and explains how they can enhance an implementation coordinator's career.
What are Implementation Coordinator Certifications?
Implementation Coordinator Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan, implement, and manage technology-related projects. This certification focuses on the development of project management techniques for IT implementations, including software and hardware product evaluation, installation, integration, and maintenance.
The certification covers topics such as project planning, budgeting and resource allocation, risk management and quality assurance processes. It also provides an understanding of the technical aspects of IT implementations such as software installation, system configuration, user training, network security protocols and troubleshooting.
Having an Implementation Coordinator Certification can help individuals gain a competitive edge in their career field by demonstrating their ability to successfully lead technology-related projects from start to finish. Employers may view this certification as an indication that applicants have the necessary skills to lead complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and systems. Additionally, having this certification may help open up new job opportunities in the technology industry as companies increasingly seek out employees who understand how to effectively manage IT implementations.
Pro Tip: When considering implementation coordinator certification, be sure to research the certifications available and their requirements. Understand what the certification entails and how it can benefit you as an implementation coordinator. Additionally, look into any prerequisites or continuing education requirements that may be necessary to maintain the certification.
Related: What does an Implementation Coordinator do?
Top 10 Implementation Coordinator Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Implementation Coordinators today.
1. Certified Implementation Coordinator (CIC)
A Certified Implementation Coordinator (CIC) is a professional who has achieved a certification from the Association of Implementation Professionals (AIP). The CIC certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the implementation of software systems and processes.
The certification process requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of implementation best practices, project management, and change management principles. The exam is offered online and takes approximately two hours to complete.
To become certified as a CIC, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements, which include having at least three years of experience in implementing software systems or processes. You must also have completed at least five successful implementations within the past five years.
Once you meet these requirements, you can register for the CIC exam through AIP's website. The cost of registration is $250 USD. After registering for the exam, you will be provided with study materials and access to practice exams to help prepare for the real test.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CIC certification from AIP. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed with additional continuing education credits or by taking the exam again.
2. Certified Professional Implementation Coordinator (CPIC)
Certified Professional Implementation Coordinator (CPIC) is a certification program offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to lead successful change initiatives, from planning through implementation. The CPIC certification is based on the ACMP Standard for Change Management, which provides a comprehensive framework for managing change in any organization.
The CPIC certification program consists of four parts: an online course, an exam, a portfolio review, and a professional development plan. The online course covers topics such as change management principles, strategies, tactics and tools. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics. After completing the course and passing the exam, you must submit a portfolio demonstrating your ability to apply what you have learned in real-world scenarios. Finally, you must develop a professional development plan that outlines how you will continue to grow your skills as a change management professional.
The entire process takes approximately six months to complete. To get started on the path towards becoming certified as a Certified Professional Implementation Coordinator (CPIC), you must first register with ACMP and pay the certification fee which is currently $1,195 USD. Once registered, you can begin taking the online course and preparing for the exam.
Good luck!
3. Certified ScrumMaster Implementation Coordinator (CSMIC)
A Certified ScrumMaster Implementation Coordinator (CSMIC) is a professional certification designed to help individuals and organizations implement Agile and Scrum practices. The CSMIC certification is offered by the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile).
The CSMIC program is an 8-day course that covers the fundamentals of Agile, Scrum, Lean, Kanban, and other related frameworks. It also includes hands-on exercises and case studies to provide practical experience in implementing these practices. The program also includes an exam at the end of the course.
To get certified as a CSMIC, you must first complete the 8-day course and pass the exam. You will then need to submit a portfolio of evidence showing your understanding of Agile principles and how you have applied them in practice. Once your portfolio has been reviewed by ICAgile, you will be awarded your certification.
The cost of the CSMIC program varies depending on where it is taken and who offers it. Most courses range from $2,000 - $3,000 USD.
4. Certified Agile Implementation Coordinator (CAIC)
Certified Agile Implementation Coordinator (CAIC) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have the skills and knowledge to lead successful agile implementations. It is designed to help organizations adopt agile practices, improve their agility, and ensure that their agile implementations are successful.
The CAIC certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as agile principles, values, and practices; project management; change management; risk management; and organizational dynamics. The exam also covers topics such as communication, collaboration, team building, facilitation techniques, coaching, and mentoring.
It takes approximately 3-4 months to complete the CAIC certification process. To get started on the path to becoming certified as a CAIC you must first complete a training program offered by an accredited provider. After completing the training program you must then pass the CAIC exam in order to become certified.
The cost of obtaining the CAIC certification varies depending on which accredited provider you choose for your training program. Generally speaking, most accredited providers offer packages that range from $2,000-$3,500 USD for the full course of study and exam preparation materials.
5. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized and respected credential for project managers. The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills to lead and direct projects in any industry.
To become certified as a PMP, an individual must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least three years of professional project management experience, leading and directing projects with at least 4500 hours of experience, and 35 contact hours of formal project management education.
The process of becoming certified as a PMP can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the individual's experience level. To get started, individuals must first create an account with PMI and submit an application for certification. Once accepted into the program, individuals will have to pass the PMP exam before they can receive their certification.
The cost of becoming certified as a PMP varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of PMI. For non-members, the fee is $555 USD while members pay $405 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with taking the exam such as study materials and practice exams which can range from $50 - $200 USD depending on what resources you choose to use.
6. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is an internationally recognized certification program designed to help professionals develop their problem-solving, decision-making, and data analysis skills. It is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to quality and process improvement.
The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is typically completed in 2-4 months depending on the individual's availability and dedication. The certification consists of two parts: classroom instruction and project work. During the classroom instruction, participants learn about the fundamentals of Six Sigma such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) methodology, statistical tools and techniques, problem solving strategies, project management skills, etc. After completing the classroom instruction part of the program, participants are required to complete a project that demonstrates their ability to apply what they have learned in a real world setting.
To get Six Sigma Green Belt Certified one must first complete a training course from an accredited provider such as ASQ or IASSC. After completing the training course one must pass an exam administered by either ASQ or IASSC in order to receive certification.
The cost for Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider but can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD for both the training course and exam fees combined.
7. ITIL Foundation Certification
ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It is designed to help organizations align their IT services with business needs and objectives, as well as improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
The certification process consists of a two-hour exam that tests knowledge across five core areas: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement. The exam includes 40 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 65 percent to pass.
It typically takes about two weeks to complete the coursework required for the certification. This includes studying the ITIL Foundation Handbook, attending an accredited training course, or completing self-study courses online. It is also recommended that candidates have at least two years of experience in IT service management before attempting the exam.
The cost of obtaining an ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the type of training chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 depending on whether you choose to attend a classroom or online course. Additionally, there is usually a fee associated with taking the certification exam itself which can range from $150-$250 per attempt.
8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification offered by Microsoft that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for designing, deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting networks and systems.
It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the MCSE exams. The amount of time required depends on the individual's experience level and how much time they can dedicate to studying. To get certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as Windows Server 2016, Azure Solutions, Office 365 Solutions, Enterprise Mobility + Security Solutions, Data Management & Analytics Solutions, Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Solutions.
The cost of the MCSE certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and the country in which it is taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs approximately $165 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.
9. CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for entry-level IT professionals. It is a comprehensive, vendor-neutral certification that covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and operating systems, as well as basic networking concepts. The certification is designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge needed to troubleshoot, configure, and maintain PCs, mobile devices, laptops, printers, and other related hardware.
Getting CompTIA A+ certified typically takes about six months of studying for the two required exams. The first exam covers the basics of PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware and peripherals, network technologies, troubleshooting principles and procedures, security fundamentals, operational procedures, virtualization technologies, cloud computing concepts and best practices. The second exam focuses on software installation and configuration; diagnosing and resolving problems; security; safety; communication protocols; mobile device connectivity; virtualization; cloud computing; data storage management; scripting languages; system administration tasks; customer service principles; IT professional responsibilities; industry regulations and standards.
To get CompTIA A+ certified you must pass both exams with a minimum score of 720 out of 900 points (on a scale of 100-900). You can take each exam separately or in combination at any authorized testing center around the world.
The cost for taking the CompTIA A+ certification exams varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200 - $300 USD per exam.
10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in networking. It is the first step in Cisco's professional-level certifications, which include the CCNP and CCIE.
The CCNA certification covers topics such as network fundamentals, routing protocols, switching protocols, IP addressing, security fundamentals, and troubleshooting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 825 out of 1000 points.
It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete the CCNA certification depending on your experience level and study habits. To get started you need to have basic knowledge of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, LANs, WANs etc. You can then begin studying for the exam using self-study materials or attending a training course from Cisco or an approved training provider.
The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $325 - $400 USD.
Do You Really Need a Implementation Coordinator Certificate?
When considering whether or not to pursue an implementation coordinator certificate, it is important to weigh the potential benefits of such a certification against the cost and effort required to acquire it. Depending on your particular goals, having an implementation coordinator certificate may be beneficial for certain types of jobs.
Having an implementation coordinator certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills for the job. Companies are often looking for employees who can hit the ground running, and having a certification can make you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, having a certification may give you access to more job opportunities as well as higher pay rates in the field.
On the other hand, obtaining an implementation coordinator certificate requires time and money. You will need to invest in courses or programs related to this field in order to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Additionally, depending on where you live, there may be additional costs associated with taking exams or attending workshops. Moreover, acquiring a certification also requires dedication and consistency; completing courses or exams may take several weeks or months in some cases.
Ultimately, whether or not you need an implementation coordinator certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you are interested in working in this field and believe that having a certification would give you an edge over other applicants then pursuing one might be worth your time and energy. However, if you do not think that a certificate would add value to your career trajectory then it might not be necessary for you at this time.
Related: Implementation Coordinator Resume Examples
FAQs About Implementation Coordinator Certifications
Q1: What is an Implementation Coordinator Certification?
A1: An Implementation Coordinator Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder's knowledge and skills in the area of implementation coordination. This certification is offered by various organizations and certifying bodies, and it validates the holder's ability to coordinate the implementation of projects and programs, as well as manage related activities.
Q2: Who should get an Implementation Coordinator Certification?
A2: The ideal candidate for an Implementation Coordinator Certification would be someone with experience in project management, program management, software development, or other related disciplines. A good understanding of project/program lifecycles, technical requirements, and change management processes are also beneficial.
Q3: How can I get an Implementation Coordinator Certification?
A3: There are several paths to obtaining an Implementation Coordinator Certification. Depending on the certifying body you choose to pursue your certification from, you may need to take a course or exam to demonstrate your proficiency. Additionally, some certifications require continuing education credits or recertification every few years in order to stay current with industry standards.
Q4: What are the benefits of getting an Implementation Coordinator Certification?
A4: Earning an Implementation Coordinator Certification can help you stand out from other professionals in your field. It can also demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development, helping you advance your career opportunities. Additionally, having a certification may qualify you for higher salaries or more job responsibilities.
Q5: What is the cost associated with obtaining an Implementation Coordinator Certification?
A5: The cost associated with obtaining an Implementation Coordinator Certification will vary depending on which organization or certifying body you choose to pursue your certification from. Generally speaking, however, most certifications will include a fee for registration as well as any associated costs such as exam fees or course materials.