Top 11 Knowledge Management Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for knowledge management specialists in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the field and its related technologies, processes, and best practices. Certifications provide proof that an individual is qualified to work in the knowledge management field and can help them stand out from other job applicants. They also provide evidence of continued professional development, which is valued by employers. Finally, certifications can open up more career opportunities and increase earning potential since certified professionals typically command higher salaries than those without certification.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Knowledge Management Specialists and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Knowledge Management Specialist Certifications?

Knowledge management specialist certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field of knowledge management. Knowledge management is the practice of capturing, organizing, and leveraging organizational knowledge for strategic advantage. The certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as information architecture, data analysis, user experience design, content strategy, and process improvement.

This certification can help those working in knowledge management or related fields by providing them with the recognition needed to advance their careers. It also provides employers with assurance that they have hired an individual who has the necessary skills and experience to effectively manage organizational knowledge. Additionally, it can provide a valuable networking opportunity for professionals looking to expand their network and gain access to new opportunities. Finally, it may help organizations identify qualified candidates for positions within their organization more quickly and accurately.

Pro Tip: A knowledge management specialist certification can help you gain a competitive edge in the job market and differentiate yourself from your competition. It also provides an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in the field, which can help attract potential employers. Additionally, it can be used to validate your skills and experience, allowing you to secure higher pay or better job opportunities.

Related: What does a Knowledge Management Specialist do?

Top 11 Knowledge Management Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Knowledge Management Specialists today.

1. Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM)

Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of knowledge management. It is offered by the Institute for Knowledge Management (IKM), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of knowledge management.

The CKM program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project. The written exam covers topics such as information architecture, data analysis, and organizational learning. The practical project involves developing a knowledge management plan for an organization or business.

The CKM certification process takes about six months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form with their resume and other supporting documents. After submitting the application, applicants will then be invited to take the written exam. Once they have passed the written exam, they must complete their practical project within six months in order to receive their CKM certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Knowledge Manager varies depending on where you take your exams and how many exams you need to take in order to become certified. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD depending on your location and requirements.

2. Certified Knowledge Management Professional (CKMP)

Certified Knowledge Management Professional (CKMP) is a certification program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and leverage organizational knowledge. The CKMP certification is offered by the International Association of Knowledge Management (IAKM).

The CKMP certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as knowledge management principles, strategies, techniques, tools, and technologies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in knowledge management or related fields in order to be eligible for the exam.

In order to get the CKMP certification, candidates must successfully pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, candidates are awarded a certificate from IAKM and can use the title “Certified Knowledge Management Professional” (CKMP).

The cost for taking the CKMP exam is $395 USD. This fee includes access to all study materials and practice exams as well as one attempt at taking the final exam.

3. Certified Knowledge Management Specialist (CKMS)

A Certified Knowledge Management Specialist (CKMS) is a professional who has been trained and certified to use knowledge management tools, techniques, and processes to help organizations improve their performance. The CKMS designation is offered by the Knowledge Management Institute (KMI), a global organization dedicated to advancing the practice of knowledge management.

The CKMS certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and a one-day in-person examination. The self-study course covers topics such as knowledge management principles, models, tools, techniques, and best practices. It also includes case studies and hands-on exercises that allow participants to apply the concepts they have learned. Upon completion of the self-study course, participants must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their CKMS certification.

The cost of the CKMS certification program varies depending on where you live. In the United States, it costs $1,495 for both the online self-study course and in-person examination. In other countries, prices may vary due to exchange rates and other factors.

In order to become a Certified Knowledge Management Specialist (CKMS), you must complete both parts of the certification program within 12 months of registering for it. After completing both parts successfully, you will receive your certificate from KMI and be eligible to use the CKMS designation after your name.

4. IBM Certified Knowledge Manager (IBM CKM)

IBM Certified Knowledge Manager (IBM CKM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and maintain an IBM Knowledge Management system. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for the implementation, configuration, maintenance, and support of IBM Knowledge Management systems.

The duration of the training and certification process depends on the individual's experience level. For those with no prior experience in knowledge management, it could take up to four months to complete all of the required courses and exams. For those with some prior experience in knowledge management, it could take two to three months.

To get IBM Certified Knowledge Manager (IBM CKM) certification, individuals must first pass the IBM Certified Professional – Knowledge Management (CKMP) exam. This exam covers topics such as content management, search engine optimization, data analysis, user interface design, and more. After passing this exam, individuals must then complete one or more additional courses related to knowledge management before they can become certified. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but typically range from $500-$2,000 per course.

Once all requirements are met, individuals will receive their IBM Certified Knowledge Manager (IBM CKM) certificate from IBM after passing a final exam administered by IBM itself. There is no fee associated with this final exam; however, there may be fees associated with taking practice tests or other preparatory materials prior to taking the official exam.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert in Knowledge Management (MCSE-KM)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert in Knowledge Management (MCSE-KM) is a certification for professionals who have expertise in the design, implementation and management of knowledge management solutions. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to use Microsoft technologies to create, manage and maintain knowledge management systems.

The MCSE-KM certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-345: Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016, and Exam 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements. It typically takes 3 to 6 months of study to prepare for these exams.

To get the MCSE-KM certification, you must first register with Pearson VUE or Prometric and pay the exam fee of $165 USD per exam. You must then pass both exams within 12 months of registering for the program. Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded the MCSE-KM certification.

In total, it costs $330 USD to get the MCSE-KM certification.

6. Oracle Certified Master – Knowledge Management (OCMKM)

Oracle Certified Master – Knowledge Management (OCMKM) is an advanced certification that demonstrates a mastery of knowledge management and its related technologies. It is the highest level of Oracle’s knowledge management certifications.

To obtain the OCMKM certification, you must pass two exams: Oracle Knowledge Management Cloud 2020 Implementation Essentials and Oracle Knowledge Management Cloud 2020 Advanced Implementation. The exams are designed to test your knowledge in areas such as data modeling, content management, search engine optimization, analytics, and reporting.

The exams take approximately four hours each and cost $245 USD per exam. To register for the exams, you must first create an account on Oracle’s website and then purchase a voucher from Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your OCMKM certification.

7. International Association of Information and Data Quality Professionals – Certified Knowledge Manager (IAIDQ-CKM)

The International Association of Information and Data Quality Professionals (IAIDQ) Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field of data quality management. The CKM program was established by IAIDQ in order to help organizations identify and hire qualified professionals with the skills necessary to effectively manage data quality initiatives.

The CKM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as data governance, data quality metrics, data cleansing, and more. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam.

In order to qualify for the CKM certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of data quality management or related areas such as database administration or information technology; they must also have completed at least 15 hours of IAIDQ-approved training courses within the past five years.

The cost for taking the CKM exam is $350 USD, plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate from IAIDQ and be recognized as a Certified Knowledge Manager.

8. Institute of Management Consultants USA – Certified Knowledge Manager (IMC-CKM)

The Institute of Management Consultants USA – Certified Knowledge Manager (IMC-CKM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage an organization’s knowledge assets. It is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and expertise in the field of knowledge management.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the IMC-CKM certification process. The program consists of four components: online coursework, onsite training, written exams, and practical experience. To get certified, applicants must complete all four components and pass the written exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost of the IMC-CKM certification program varies depending on the type of training chosen by the applicant. Most applicants choose to take the online coursework which costs $1,500. Onsite training costs $2,000-$3,000 depending on location and length of training. The written exam fee is $250 and there may be additional fees for travel expenses associated with attending onsite training or taking the written exam.

Overall, it can cost between $3,750 - $4,750 to become IMC-CKM certified.

9. Project Management Institute – Professional in Knowledge Management (PMI-PKM)

The Project Management Institute – Professional in Knowledge Management (PMI-PKM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMI-PKM certification recognizes professionals who demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of project management, knowledge management, and organizational development.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the PMI-PKM certification program. To get started, you must first become a PMI member. After becoming a member, you can register for the PMI-PKM exam. You must then pass an online assessment before taking the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The cost of the PMI-PKM certification program varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members, the cost is $450 USD while non-members pay $600 USD. This fee includes access to study materials as well as a one year membership with PMI upon successful completion of the exam.

Once certified, you will be able to use the designation “PMP®” after your name and will have access to exclusive career opportunities in project management and knowledge management fields.

10. Global Association of Risk Professionals – Certified Knowledge Manager (GARP-CKM)

The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM) is an international certification program for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of risk management principles and practices. It is designed to help individuals develop the skills needed to effectively manage the risks associated with their organizations. The CKM certification is offered by GARP, a leading provider of risk management education, training, and certifications.

To be eligible for the GARP-CKM certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in risk management or related fields. They must also pass a series of exams that cover topics such as financial markets, corporate governance, enterprise risk management, and more. The exams are administered online and can be taken over a period of six months or less.

The cost of the GARP-CKM certification varies depending on the country in which you take the exam and other factors such as whether you choose to take the exam online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified.

In order to get your GARP-CKM certification, you must first register with GARP and complete all required coursework and exams before receiving your certificate. You will also need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits every two years in order to keep your certification active.

11. American Productivity & Quality Center – Certified Knowledge Manager (APQC-CKM).

The American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC) Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage organizational knowledge. The CKM certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and tools necessary to identify, capture, store, maintain, and share organizational knowledge assets.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to complete the CKM program. To become certified as a CKM, you must first complete the APQC's online training course which covers topics such as knowledge management strategy development, knowledge mapping and assessment, knowledge capture and storage techniques, and best practices for sharing organizational knowledge. After completing the coursework, you must then pass an exam that tests your understanding of the material covered in the course.

The cost of becoming a CKM varies depending on whether you are an APQC member or non-member. For members, it costs $2195 USD while for non-members it costs $2495 USD. This cost includes access to all materials needed for the program including online courses and exams.

Once you have completed all requirements for certification and passed your exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official APQC Certified Knowledge Manager certificate from APQC.

Do You Really Need a Knowledge Management Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For some, having a Knowledge Management Specialist (KMS) Certificate could be an important step in advancing their career and increasing their value in the workplace. For others, it may not be necessary or even beneficial.

For those who are interested in becoming a KMS specialist, a certificate can provide them with a valuable credential that demonstrates their knowledge of the field and shows potential employers that they have taken the time to learn about the subject. Additionally, having a certificate can open up new opportunities for advancement within the field, as it shows that the individual has gone above and beyond what is expected of them.

On the other hand, for those who are already working in the field or who do not necessarily need a KMS certification to advance in their current position, there may be no real benefit to obtaining one. It may also require significant time and effort to obtain a certificate, which could be better spent on gaining hands-on experience or furthering one’s education in other areas.

Ultimately, whether or not someone should pursue a KMS specialist certificate is up to them; it depends on their goals and what they hope to achieve by obtaining this credential. While it can certainly provide many benefits, it is not always necessary for everyone.

Related: Knowledge Management Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Knowledge Management Specialist Certifications

Q1: What is a Knowledge Management Specialist Certification?

A1: A Knowledge Management Specialist Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in the field of knowledge management. The certification is designed to help organizations identify and hire knowledgeable professionals who can help them develop and implement effective knowledge management strategies.

Q2: What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Knowledge Management Specialist Certification?

A2: In order to obtain a Knowledge Management Specialist Certification, you must have at least 3 years of experience in knowledge management or related fields, as well as pass an exam administered by the certifying body.

Q3: What topics are covered on the Knowledge Management Specialist Certification exam?

A3: The exam covers topics such as knowledge management principles and practices, information architecture, data governance, and analytics. It also includes questions on project management, communication skills, and organizational change management.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified?

A4: Typically it takes around 6 months to complete the requirements for certification. This includes taking the exam and completing any required courses or other training activities.

Q5: How much does it cost to get certified?

A5: The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the certifying organization and any additional materials you may need to purchase (such as study guides). Generally speaking, however, certification fees range from $300-$1000 USD.