Top 11 Implementation Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an implementation manager in the job market because it demonstrates their level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certification can help a potential employer assess if an individual has the necessary skills to be successful in the role. Additionally, certification can give a candidate a competitive edge when applying for positions and provide employers with assurance that they have hired someone who is well-versed in best practices and industry standards. Finally, certifications can help build credibility within the industry and open up opportunities for career advancement.

This article reviews the top certifications for Implementation Managers and explains how they can contribute to an implementation manager's career by providing additional knowledge and skills.

What are Implementation Manager Certifications?

Implementation Manager Certification is a professional designation that recognizes those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in managing the implementation of new systems, processes and technologies. This certification is offered by many organizations, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA).

Having an Implementation Manager Certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees. For employers, having certified personnel on staff ensures that they have individuals with up-to-date knowledge and experience in implementing new systems and processes. This can help reduce the time it takes to transition from old to new systems, leading to more efficient operations. It also helps ensure that implementations are done correctly and with minimal risk.

For employees, having an Implementation Manager Certification demonstrates their commitment to staying current with industry standards and best practices. It also shows potential employers that they possess the skills necessary to successfully manage implementations. Having this certification may also make them more attractive for promotions or higher paying positions within their organization.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming an Implementation Manager, it is important to pursue certification in order to demonstrate your expertise and stay competitive. Certification programs can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that will help you stand out from the competition. Look for a program that offers comprehensive training on the tools, processes, and techniques used in implementation management.

Related: What does an Implementation Manager do?

Top 11 Implementation Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Implementation Manager (CIM)

Certified Implementation Manager (CIM) is a certification program offered by the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the implementation and management of IT projects. The CIM certification is designed for those who are responsible for the successful completion of IT projects, including project managers, system administrators, and software engineers.

The CIM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as project management principles, project planning and execution, risk management, budgeting, resource allocation, quality assurance, and customer service. The exam is administered online and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified as a CIM, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of experience in IT project management or related roles. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of current industry standards and best practices.

The cost of the CIM certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200 to $500 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CIM certification from AITP. This credential is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to teach and validate the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective Scrum Master. A CSM is a servant leader who facilitates the process of product delivery using the Scrum framework. The primary responsibilities of a CSM include coaching, guiding, and educating teams on how to use Scrum effectively.

It typically takes two days to complete the Certified Scrum Master training course. During this time, participants will learn about the principles and values of Scrum, as well as how to apply them in practice. At the end of the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become a Certified Scrum Master, you must first attend an official CSM training course offered by a Registered Education Provider (REP). These courses are typically offered online or in-person at various locations around the world. You can find REPs offering courses near you by searching for “Certified Scrum Master” on Google or visiting scrumalliance.org/findacourse/.

The cost of becoming a Certified Scrum Master varies depending on which REP you choose and where you take your course. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,500 USD for two days of training and certification.

3. Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of agile project management. The certification validates an individual’s ability to successfully lead and manage agile projects.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and must be completed within 3 hours. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

To get the CAPM certification, you must first register with PMI and pay the registration fee. After registering, you will need to study for the exam using PMI’s recommended study materials. Once you are ready to take the exam, you can schedule it through PMI's website or through a third-party testing center.

The cost for taking the CAPM exam is $225 USD for PMI members and $300 USD for non-members. There may also be additional fees associated with scheduling your exam at a third-party testing center.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and highly sought-after certification in project management. PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience to lead and direct projects.

To become a PMP, you must have a minimum of three years of professional project management experience and at least 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. You must also complete 35 hours of formal project management education prior to taking the exam.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD; for members, it costs $405 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with becoming certified such as application fees or renewal fees.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will receive your official PMP credential from PMI. This credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued; after this time period has expired you must renew your certification by completing 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs).

5. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have a basic understanding of project management principles and practices. The CAPM certification provides a foundation for further project management training and experience.

To become certified as a CAPM, an individual must complete an application, pass an exam, and meet the PMI's educational requirements. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to qualify for the exam, applicants must have either:

• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least 1,500 hours of professional project experience; or
• 23 contact hours of formal education in project management prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the CAPM certification varies depending on whether you are an existing PMI member or not. For non-members, it costs $300 USD to take the exam plus an additional $150 USD for the application fee. For existing PMI members, it costs $225 USD to take the exam plus an additional $150 USD for the application fee.

Once you have successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your CAPM certification within four weeks of passing your test.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the ITIL framework. The certification is awarded by Axelos, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc.

The ITIL Foundation certification usually takes around 2-3 days to complete, depending on the provider. It is typically delivered as a classroom-based course or online training. The course covers topics such as service management principles, processes, functions, roles, and activities.

To get certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited provider. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 60 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%.

The cost of ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider and location but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead Six Sigma projects, analyze data, and implement process improvements.

How long does it take to get it?

The length of time required for certification depends on the individual's experience and education level. For those without prior experience or training, it usually takes between three and six months to complete the coursework and pass the exam. Those with prior experience may be able to complete the program in as little as two months.

How to get it?

In order to obtain Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must first complete an approved course of study through an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). After completing the coursework, individuals must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by ASQ or another approved certifying body.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, courses range from $2,000-$5,000 USD. The cost of taking the exam is typically included in the price of the course.

8. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Lean Six Sigma practitioners. The certification is offered by many organizations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically takes between four and six months to complete. It involves both classroom-based training and on-the-job practice. During the classroom portion, participants learn about the principles of Lean Six Sigma, such as process improvement, problem solving, project management, and data analysis. They also learn how to apply these principles in a variety of business settings. During the on-the-job portion of the program, participants work with their organization’s team members to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must first pass an exam administered by ASQ or another approved organization. The exam covers topics related to process improvement, problem solving, project management, and data analysis. Once they have passed the exam, they can then apply for certification through ASQ or another approved organization.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on which organization you choose to get certified through. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000 USD depending on the provider and course materials included in the package.

9. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to manage projects from initiation through closure. The certification covers topics such as project management fundamentals, project planning and scheduling, risk management, communication, procurement, quality assurance, and more.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 90 minutes.

To get the CompTIA Project+ certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website.

The cost for the CompTIA Project+ exam is $319 USD (or local currency equivalent).

10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure) is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and maintain cloud solutions based on Microsoft Azure technologies. It demonstrates an individual’s ability to build modern data centers, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, networking, security, and more.

It typically takes three to six months of study and practice to prepare for the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess an individual’s understanding of the topics covered in the course material. To get this certification, individuals must pass one or more exams related to cloud platform and infrastructure solutions.

The cost for taking the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure exam varies depending on country location but usually ranges from $165 USD to $200 USD per exam.

11. Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 8 Essentials

Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 8 Essentials (P6 EPPM) is a comprehensive project and portfolio management solution from Oracle. It is designed to help organizations plan, manage, and control projects and portfolios of any size or complexity. It provides an integrated suite of tools to help organizations define their objectives, identify risks, allocate resources, track progress, and measure results.

P6 EPPM can be implemented in as little as two weeks depending on the size of the organization and the complexity of its projects. The implementation process typically involves installing the software on-premise or in the cloud, configuring it to meet organizational needs, importing existing project data into the system, training users on how to use it effectively, and setting up reporting capabilities.

Organizations can purchase P6 EPPM directly from Oracle or through one of its authorized resellers. The cost depends on the number of users and other factors such as hosting requirements and additional services required for implementation.

Overall, P6 EPPM is a powerful tool for managing projects and portfolios that can help organizations maximize efficiency and optimize resources.

Do You Really Need a Implementation Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not necessarily need an implementation manager certificate to be a successful implementation manager. However, having one can give you an edge in the job market and provide you with additional knowledge and skills that may help you succeed in the role.

An implementation manager certificate can provide you with an understanding of project management fundamentals and best practices for managing implementations. It can also teach you how to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, manage budgets and timelines, and troubleshoot problems. Additionally, it can provide insights into software development life cycles, business process analysis, and change management.

Obtaining an implementation manager certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the industry and your willingness to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in project management. It also shows potential employers that you have the skills necessary to execute projects successfully. Having a certification may also make it easier for hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications and give them confidence in your abilities as an implementation manager.

In conclusion, while having an implementation manager certificate is not absolutely necessary to become a successful implementation manager, it certainly has its benefits. Those seeking a career in this field should consider whether or not obtaining such a certificate would be beneficial for their particular situation before making any decisions about their future career path.

Related: Implementation Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Implementation Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an Implementation Manager?

Answer: To become an Implementation Manager, you should have a degree in computer science, information systems, business administration or a related field. You should also have experience in project management and software development.

2. How long does it take to complete an Implementation Manager certification?

Answer: The length of time required to complete an Implementation Manager certification will vary depending on the specific program you choose. Generally, most certifications can be completed within six months or less.

3. What is the cost of an Implementation Manager certification?

Answer: The cost of an Implementation Manager certification will vary depending on the specific program you choose and the institution offering the program. Generally, most programs range between $500-$2000 USD.

4. Are there different levels of Implementation Manager certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are three levels of certifications available for those interested in becoming an Implementation Manager – Associate, Professional and Master’s Level certifications. Depending on your experience and education level, you may qualify for one or more of these levels of certification.

5. What are some common topics covered in an Implementation Manager certification program?

Answer: Common topics covered in an Implementation Manager certification program include project management principles and practices, software engineering methods, database design and management, system architecture and design, system integration methods, security protocols and data privacy standards.