Top 10 Management Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for management consultants to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. They can provide potential employers with evidence of a consultant’s qualifications and experience, allowing them to stand out from other job candidates. Certifications also provide a way for consultants to stay up-to-date on best practices, giving them the ability to offer cutting-edge advice to clients. Finally, certifications can help consultants build credibility with employers and clients alike, increasing the likelihood that they will be hired or chosen for consulting projects. All of these benefits make certifications an invaluable asset in the management consulting job market.

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

What are Management Consultant Certifications?

Management consultant certification is a program designed to help individuals become certified management consultants. The certification provides assurance that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective consulting services. It is also intended to increase the credibility of consultants in the marketplace.

The program covers topics such as project management, organizational development, strategic planning, and change management. It also teaches best practices for working with clients and developing comprehensive solutions to their problems. After passing the certification exam, an individual will be able to demonstrate their expertise in consulting services and increase their chances of gaining employment or expanding their business opportunities.

The certification can help individuals stand out from the competition by showing potential employers or clients that they have achieved a certain level of competency in their field. This can lead to more job opportunities, better pay, and more respect within the industry. Furthermore, it can give professionals more confidence when dealing with clients and help them develop better relationships with them by providing advice based on sound principles. Finally, it can also help individuals stay up-to-date with industry trends and provide them with access to additional resources that could improve their performance as consultants.

Pro Tip: Before beginning your management consultant certification, take the time to research the different certifications available and find the one that best fits your career goals. Also, be sure to read up on any relevant industry regulations or standards associated with the certification you choose. This will help ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of all requirements prior to starting your certification journey.

Related: What does a Management Consultant do?

Top 10 Management Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional designation awarded to management consultants who have met the standards of excellence established by the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI). It is an internationally recognized mark of distinction for management consulting professionals.

To become a CMC, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to the profession and its ethical principles, provide evidence of their experience in management consulting, and pass a rigorous examination. The CMC certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

The first step in becoming a CMC is to join the ICMCI as an Associate Member. This requires submitting an application that includes information about your education, qualifications, and experience in management consulting. Once accepted as an Associate Member, you can then apply for the CMC Examination.

The cost of becoming a CMC varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through your organization. For individuals, there is a one-time fee of $450 USD for the initial application plus $200 USD for each additional exam attempt. Organizations may be eligible for discounted rates based on their size and number of applications submitted.

2. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully perform business analysis tasks in any organization. The CBAP certification provides validation of an individual’s expertise in business analysis and demonstrates their commitment to professional development.

The CBAP certification requires that applicants demonstrate a minimum of 7500 hours of business analysis experience over the past 10 years, as well as 35 hours of professional development activities within the last four years. In addition, applicants must pass a three-hour written exam consisting of 150 multiple choice questions.

The cost for the CBAP exam is $325 USD for IIBA members and $450 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center located around the world.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all requirements necessary for obtaining the CBAP certification.

3. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and sought-after project management certification in the world. The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in project management principles, practices, and techniques.

It typically takes about 4 to 6 months to prepare for and pass the PMP exam. To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete an application process. The application process includes submitting proof of experience, education, training hours, and passing the PMP exam.

The cost of the PMP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost around $400-$600 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials.

Overall, becoming a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) requires dedication and hard work but can provide valuable benefits in terms of career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

4. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Business Process Professionals (ABPP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of expertise in business process management. The CBPP certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of business process management.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites and pass an exam that covers topics such as process analysis, design, implementation, optimization, and governance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the CBPP certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD for the application fee and $250 USD for the exam fee.

It typically takes about three months from when you submit your application to when you receive your results. After passing the exam, you will be officially certified as a Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP).

5. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to assess and validate an individual’s understanding of the principles, methods, tools, and techniques associated with the Lean Six Sigma approach. The primary focus of this certification is to recognize individuals who have achieved a mastery level of knowledge and skills in the application of Lean Six Sigma.

The amount of time it takes to get Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) depends on an individual's experience, background, and commitment to the process. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to complete all the requirements for certification. This includes completing a course or program that covers all aspects of Lean Six Sigma as well as passing a certification exam.

Individuals interested in obtaining Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) must first complete a course or program that covers all aspects of Lean Six Sigma. There are many courses available online or through accredited universities and colleges. After completing the coursework, individuals must then pass a certification exam administered by either ASQ or IASSC. The cost for these exams varies depending on which organization administers them but typically range from $200-$400 USD per exam attempt.

In addition to completing the coursework and passing the exam, individuals must also demonstrate their proficiency in applying Lean Six Sigma by completing at least one project using the methodology within their own organization or through another organization they are affiliated with. This project should be documented with evidence demonstrating how they applied Lean Six Sigma principles and tools during their project execution.

Overall, obtaining Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) requires significant effort and dedication but can provide numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, greater credibility among peers/employers, and more recognition for your work.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to lead Lean Six Sigma projects. It is designed to help organizations improve processes and reduce waste while increasing customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete. The program consists of online coursework, self-study, and a final exam. To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must have an understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and demonstrate their ability to apply it in practice.

In order to get the LSSGB certification, individuals must first complete a training program or course that covers the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma. After completing the training program or course, they must pass an exam administered by an accredited body such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of obtaining the LSSGB certification varies depending on the provider and type of training chosen. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$3000 depending on length and quality of instruction.

7. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification for individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the Scrum framework and its application. CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides education, networking, and resources to those interested in using Scrum.

The CSM certification requires applicants to attend a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The course covers topics such as Agile principles, product ownership, sprints, and team dynamics. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their CSM certification.

The cost of the two-day course varies depending on the instructor and location but typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 USD. In addition to the course fee, there is also a one-time membership fee of $100 USD required to become a member of the Scrum Alliance.

After completing the course and paying all fees associated with it, applicants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their CSM certification. Once certified, individuals can use their credentials to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in Scrum.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification for IT professionals that provides a comprehensive understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It is designed to help IT professionals understand how to align their organization’s technology with its business goals, and provide guidance on how to improve service delivery and support.

The ITIL Foundation certification exam typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and candidates must score at least 65% in order to pass. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $150 - $300 USD.

In order to become certified, individuals must first attend an accredited training course or self-study using approved materials. After completing the training, they can then register for the exam through an accredited examination institute such as PeopleCert or EXIN. It is important to note that some countries may require additional steps before registering for the exam, so it is important to check with local authorities prior to registering.

9. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is an industry certification that demonstrates a practitioner’s understanding and proficiency in Agile principles and practices. It is designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations adopt Agile principles and practices to improve project performance, reduce risk, and increase customer satisfaction.

The ACP certification requires successful completion of a three-day training course followed by a two-hour online exam. The training course covers topics such as Agile values, principles, frameworks, roles & responsibilities, planning & estimation techniques, release management & delivery processes, team dynamics & communication strategies.

To get the ACP certification you must first complete the required three-day training course. After completing the course you can register for the two-hour online exam which will test your knowledge of Agile principles and practices. Once you pass the exam you will be awarded the ACP certification.

The cost of getting the ACP certification varies depending on where you take the training course but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD.

10. Change Management Certification

Change Management Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles, processes, and tools used to manage organizational change. It provides evidence of an individual’s commitment to their profession and ability to lead successful change initiatives.

The length of time it takes to get Change Management Certification depends on the program chosen. Generally, most programs require a minimum of six months to complete all coursework and exams. Some programs may offer accelerated courses or allow students to complete coursework at their own pace.

To get Change Management Certification, individuals must first meet the prerequisites for the program they choose. This can include having a certain amount of work experience in the field, as well as completing any required coursework or exams. After meeting the prerequisites, individuals must then pass an exam administered by the certifying body in order to receive their certification.

The cost for Change Management Certification varies depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with it (e.g., application fees). Generally, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Management Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and the specific situation. If you are looking for a job in management consulting, then having a management consultant certificate may be beneficial because it shows that you have some level of expertise in the field. Additionally, if you want to become a consultant and provide services to businesses, then having a certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

Having a management consultant certificate also signals to potential employers that you are serious about your career and are dedicated to continuing your professional development. It is important to note that many organizations will not hire someone who has not completed at least some formal training in the field, so having a certificate can give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have one.

In addition to helping with job applications, having a management consultant certificate can also help open up networking opportunities. These days, many professionals rely on networking as one of their primary sources for finding new clients or jobs. Having a certification demonstrates that you have specialized knowledge in the field and can make it easier for people to trust your expertise when they need advice or assistance.

Overall, whether or not you need a management consultant certificate depends largely on what type of work you want to do and how much experience you already have in the industry. It is important to consider all of these factors before deciding if getting certified is necessary or beneficial for your particular situation.

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FAQs About Management Consultant Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a certified management consultant?

Answer: To become a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), you must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in consulting and/or management, pass an examination administered by the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA), and adhere to the IMC USA Code of Ethics.

2. What is the difference between a CMC and other types of certifications?

Answer: The CMC certification is specific to management consulting and focuses on areas such as project management, change management, and strategy development. Other certifications may focus on different areas such as finance or technology.

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

Answer: Depending on your experience level and preparation, it can take anywhere from one to two years to complete all the requirements for the CMC certification.

4. Is there any continuing education required after getting my CMC certification?

Answer: Yes, maintaining your CMC certification requires that you participate in at least 20 hours of continuing education activities per year. These activities may include attending workshops or seminars, reading relevant materials related to management consulting, or participating in online training courses.

5. Are there any benefits associated with having a CMC certification?

Answer: Yes, having a CMC certification can open doors for career opportunities and provide recognition among peers as an experienced professional in the field of management consulting. Additionally, many companies prefer to hire consultants who are certified by a recognized organization like IMC USA.