Top 10 Management Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important way for management analysts to differentiate themselves in the job market. Having certifications demonstrates a commitment to the field and a level of expertise that employers are looking for. Certifications also provide tangible evidence that a management analyst has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job effectively. Additionally, certifications can help increase earning potential as they make an analyst more attractive to employers and may lead to higher salaries or promotions. Finally, certifications can help open up new opportunities within the field as they demonstrate mastery of certain subject areas and increase credibility with potential clients.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how top certifications for Management Analysts can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Management Analyst Certifications?

Management analyst certification is a designation that can be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful management analysis. This certification may be obtained through an accredited educational institution or professional organization.

The primary purpose of management analyst certification is to provide assurance to employers, clients and other stakeholders that a certified individual possesses the competency to perform the duties of a management analyst in an effective and efficient manner. Certification also serves as recognition of the individual’s level of expertise in the field.

Management analyst certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to their profession, gain credibility with employers and clients, increase their marketability, and potentially enhance their salary potential. In addition, it can provide employers with a way to identify qualified candidates for job openings, set performance expectations for employees, and ensure that employees are meeting those expectations. By certifying management analysts, organizations can also ensure consistency in quality of services provided by management analysts across the organization.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a management analyst certification, make sure to research the requirements and benefits of each certification in order to determine which one is best suited for your career goals. Consider the cost and time commitment associated with each certification, as well as the potential job opportunities that may arise from becoming certified.

Related: What does a Management Analyst do?

Top 10 Management Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of excellence in the field of management consulting. It is awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. (IMC USA), which is the only organization in the United States to grant this certification.

To become certified as a CMC, an individual must demonstrate mastery of core competencies and ethical standards in management consulting. This includes passing an exam and completing a minimum number of hours of professional experience in the field. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and an oral component.

The process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete all requirements. To get started, you must first become a member of IMC USA, which requires an application fee and annual dues. You will then need to pass the CMC Exam, which costs $400 for members and $600 for non-members. After passing the exam, you must submit your professional experience documentation for review by IMC USA’s Certification Committee. Once approved, you will be granted the CMC designation and may use it on your resume or business card.

Overall, becoming a Certified Management Consultant requires dedication and hard work but can be very rewarding for those who are passionate about helping businesses succeed through effective management consulting practices.

2. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of business analysis. The CBAP certification provides a globally recognized standard for those involved in the practice of business analysis, and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the profession.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the CBAP exam, depending on your experience and background in business analysis. To get certified, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having 7500 hours of work experience in business analysis over the past 10 years. You must also complete at least 35 hours of continuing education in business analysis topics within 4 years prior to applying for certification.

Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the CBAP exam through IIBA’s website. The cost of the exam is $325 USD for members or $450 USD for non-members. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your CBAP certification and can use it to demonstrate your expertise as a business analyst.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP credential is designed to help individuals demonstrate their ability to successfully manage projects and lead teams.

To become PMP certified, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass an exam. The education requirement consists of either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading projects, OR a four-year degree plus three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing a project; managing stakeholders; managing risks; developing budgets; and more.

The cost of the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of the PMI or not. For non-members, the cost is $555 for the application fee plus $405 for the exam fee. For members of the PMI, the cost is $405 for the application fee plus $375 for the exam fee.

Overall, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to become PMP certified depending on how quickly you can meet all of the requirements and pass your exam.

4. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification for individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to lead, manage and improve business processes in their organizations.

The CSSGB certification requires passing an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistical process control, project management, problem solving, design of experiments and process improvement tools. The exam typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

In order to obtain the CSSGB certification, candidates must first pass the ASQ exam. Candidates must also meet certain educational and/or experience requirements that vary depending on their industry or sector. For example, some industries may require a minimum number of years' experience in a related field in order to qualify for the certification.

The cost of obtaining the CSSGB certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. If you decide to take an online course or attend an in-person training program, costs can range from $500-$3,000 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the ASQ exam which range from $150-$400 USD depending on your location.

5. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop their knowledge and skills in the areas of Lean and Six Sigma. It is a comprehensive program that provides training in the principles and practices of both Lean and Six Sigma, as well as how to apply them in an organization.

The CLSSBB certification requires candidates to complete a series of courses, tests, and projects. The duration of the program depends on the provider but typically takes between 18-24 months. In order to qualify for the CLSSBB certification, candidates must have at least three years of experience working in a related field, such as quality management or process improvement.

In order to get certified, candidates must pass an exam administered by an accredited third-party provider. The exam covers topics such as process improvement techniques, project management tools, statistical analysis methods, problem solving techniques, change management strategies, and more.

The cost of the CLSSBB certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD. This cost includes all course materials and exams required for certification.

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's expertise in information security. It is the most sought-after credential for professionals working in the field of IT security. The CISSP certification is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive and deep understanding of information security concepts, principles, and practices.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CISSP exam. To become certified, you must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the (ISC)2 Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). You can also substitute one year of relevant college education for each year of experience required.

In order to get your CISSP certification, you must first pass the exam administered by (ISC)2. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes up to six hours to complete. It costs $699 USD for members and $999 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you must agree to abide by (ISC)2's Code of Ethics and submit an application with proof of work experience or education credentials. Once approved, you will be awarded your CISSP certification.

7. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to teach and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced Scrum practitioners. It recognizes a person’s ability to apply the principles, practices, and techniques of Scrum in an organization. The CSM certification is administered by the Scrum Alliance and requires passing an exam.

It typically takes two to three months of preparation to become certified as a CSM. Preparation includes reading books on Scrum, attending training courses, participating in online forums, taking practice exams, and studying for the actual exam.

To get certified as a CSM you must attend an approved two-day training course or take an approved online course. After completing the course you will be eligible to take the CSM exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. You must answer 37 out of 50 questions correctly in order to pass the exam.

The cost for becoming a Certified Scrum Master varies depending on where you take your training course or if you choose an online option. Generally speaking it can range from $500-$2000 USD for both the training and exam fees combined.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an internationally-recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of IT service management best practices. It is based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework, which is a set of principles and processes for managing IT services. The certification covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement and more.

The ITIL Foundation Certification is designed to take about two days to complete and can be taken in either a classroom setting or online. To become certified, you must pass an exam that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam fee varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $150 to $300 USD.

Once certified, you will receive an official certificate from the Examination Institute (EXIN) which is valid for three years. During this time, you can renew your certification by taking additional courses and exams or by attending refresher courses offered by accredited training providers.

9. Certified Quality Analyst (CQA)

Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality management and analysis. The CQA certification is intended to provide assurance that the individual has the necessary qualifications to be an effective quality analyst.

The CQA certification process consists of passing an exam, which covers topics such as quality tools, systems and processes, statistical methods, auditing principles, and problem-solving techniques. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must also complete a minimum of three years of related work experience prior to taking the exam.

To become certified as a CQA, candidates must submit an application to ASQ along with proof of their work experience and payment of the fee. The fee for the CQA certification is $299 USD for ASQ members or $399 USD for non-members. Once approved by ASQ, candidates will receive their official certificate within six weeks after passing the exam.

The CQA certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued; after this time period, individuals must retake the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

10. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the use of Agile principles, practices, and tools. The ACP certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their commitment to Agile principles and practices, and to help organizations identify qualified practitioners who can help them implement successful Agile projects.

The ACP certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a classroom-based training session. The online assessment assesses the candidate's knowledge of Agile concepts, processes, and tools. The classroom-based training session provides hands-on instruction on how to apply Agile principles and practices in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about three months to complete the entire ACP certification process from start to finish. During this time period, candidates must complete the online assessment as well as attend the classroom-based training session.

In order to get certified as an Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), you must first register for the certification program through the Project Management Institute (PMI). Once you have registered, you will be able to access all of the necessary materials for completing both parts of the process.

The cost of getting certified as an ACP varies depending on which organization or institution you are registering with. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for registration fees plus any additional costs associated with attending a classroom-based training session.

Do You Really Need a Management Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need a management analyst certificate depends largely on your career aspirations. If you are looking to enter the field of management consulting and want to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, then a certification is often necessary. The credential can help you stand out among other applicants, particularly if you are competing against highly-qualified individuals with similar backgrounds.

On the other hand, if you already have a strong academic background in business or related fields, many employers may be willing to overlook the lack of a formal certification. In some cases, they may even prefer candidates with practical experience over those who have an academic background but no real-world experience in management consulting. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not obtaining a management analyst certificate is worth the time and effort.

Related: Management Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Management Analyst Certifications

1. What are the different types of management analyst certifications?

Answer: There are several management analyst certifications available, including Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), and Certified Project Manager (CPM).

2. Are there any prerequisites for getting a management analyst certification?

Answer: Yes, depending on the certification you’re pursuing. Generally, most certifications require some level of professional experience in the field and an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

3. How long does it take to get a management analyst certification?

Answer: This varies depending on the type of certification and how much preparation you put into it. Generally, it takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete a management analyst certification program.

4. How much does a management analyst certification cost?

Answer: The cost of a management analyst certification depends on the type of certification you are pursuing as well as where you take the exam and any other associated fees. On average, expect to pay between $500-$2,000 for a management analyst certification.

5. What is the difference between a CMC and CMA certification?

Answer: A CMC is focused on providing consulting services related to strategy development and implementation whereas a CMA focuses more on accounting and financial analysis skills such as budgeting, forecasting, financial statement analysis etc.