Top 11 Manager Trainee Certifications

Certifications are important for a manager trainee in the job market because they demonstrate mastery of the subject matter and provide evidence that the individual is qualified to perform certain tasks. They can also be used to differentiate between candidates with similar experience levels, as certifications prove that an individual has taken the time and effort to gain additional knowledge and expertise. Certifications may also be required by some employers, making them a critical factor when applying for jobs. Finally, certifications can help increase salaries and career opportunities, as they show employers that an individual is serious about their profession.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Manager Trainees and explain how they can help to enhance their career prospects.

What are Manager Trainee Certifications?

Manager trainee certification is a specialized training program designed to help managers and supervisors prepare for their future roles. It provides a comprehensive understanding of managerial principles, practices, and techniques to ensure successful leadership in the workplace. Through this certification, individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective leaders in their organizations.

The manager trainee certification program can be beneficial for both those who are new to management as well as experienced professionals who want to refine their managerial skills. It can help them develop an understanding of the fundamentals of managing people and resources, learn how to make decisions effectively, and gain insight into the different aspects of organizational management. Additionally, it can provide guidance on how to motivate employees and establish goals for success.

By taking part in this type of certification program, individuals can gain the confidence they need to take on greater responsibilities within their organizations. They will also have the opportunity to network with other managers and develop their professional relationships with colleagues in similar fields. Ultimately, manager trainee certification can give individuals the tools they need to thrive in a managerial role and build successful careers within their organization.

Pro tip: Before enrolling in a manager trainee certification program, make sure you understand the specific requirements and expectations of the program. Ask questions about the curriculum and any additional resources that may be available to help you succeed.

Related: What does a Manager Trainee do?

Top 11 Manager Trainee Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Manager Trainees today.

1. Certified Management Trainee (CMT)

Certified Management Trainee (CMT) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful managers. The program focuses on developing management capabilities in areas such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership. It also covers topics related to business planning, financial management, human resource management, and organizational behavior.

The CMT program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, participants will participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training in order to gain the knowledge and skills needed for successful management. Participants may also be required to take an exam at the end of the program in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a CMT, individuals must meet certain prerequisites such as having a bachelor's degree or higher in business or a related field; completing at least two years of work experience; passing an examination; and paying any applicable fees. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have completed specific courses or have relevant work experience prior to applying for certification.

The cost of obtaining Certified Management Trainee (CMT) certification varies depending on the organization offering the program. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $2,000 - $4,000 USD for tuition and other associated costs such as textbooks and materials.

2. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of management. The CPM certification is awarded by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of management.

The CPM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, human resources, operations and customer service. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and continuous learning.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as leadership, decision making, communication, problem solving and team building. The exam is administered by ICPM and consists of multiple choice questions and essay questions. It typically takes about three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CPM exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$300 USD for the full exam package which includes registration fees, study materials and the actual exam fee.

Once you have passed the CPM exam, you will be eligible to receive your official certificate from ICPM. This certificate will be valid for five years after which time you will need to renew your certification by taking additional courses or exams related to management topics.

3. Certified Human Resources Manager (CHRM)

Certified Human Resources Manager (CHRM) is a professional certification awarded by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources management. The CHRM certification is intended to provide HR professionals with a way to demonstrate their commitment to the profession, as well as their expertise in the field.

The CHRM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as recruitment and selection, employee relations, compensation and benefits, labor law, and organizational development. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in human resources management or a related field.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between $300-$400 USD.

To prepare for the exam, SHRM offers several study materials including practice exams, books, e-learning courses, webinars and workshops. Additionally, many universities offer courses specifically designed to help students prepare for the CHRM exam.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will become a Certified Human Resources Manager (CHRM). This designation demonstrates your commitment to excellence in HR management and provides employers with evidence that you are knowledgeable about current trends in HR best practices.

4. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in quality management. The CQM certification focuses on the application of quality principles and practices to ensure an organization's products and services meet customer requirements.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CQM certification process. To get certified, you must first pass a three-hour exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. You must also demonstrate your knowledge through a series of essays or case studies. After passing the exam, you will be required to submit an application for certification with supporting documentation such as proof of education and experience in quality management.

The cost of obtaining the CQM certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose with ASQ. For non-members, it costs $399 USD for the exam fee alone, while members pay $299 USD. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake the exam or if you require additional materials during your studies.

5. Certified Business Manager (CBM)

Certified Business Manager (CBM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Business Managers (ICBM). It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in business management.

The CBM program requires successful completion of three exams: the ICBM Core Exam, the ICBM Advanced Exam, and the ICBM Professional Exam. The Core Exam covers basic business management principles, including financial management, strategic planning, marketing, and operations. The Advanced Exam focuses on more specialized topics such as risk management, project management, and human resources. The Professional Exam tests knowledge and skills related to leading teams and managing change.

The entire CBM program typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on how quickly you are able to study for and pass each exam.

To get started with the CBM program you will need to register for an account with ICBM and pay an initial fee of $75 USD. You will then be able to access study materials for each exam as well as practice tests that can help you prepare for the actual exams.

Once all three exams have been passed successfully you will receive your official CBM certification from ICBM. The total cost of completing the CBM program varies depending on how quickly you are able to complete it but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD including registration fees and exam fees.

6. 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 project management certification in the world and demonstrates an individual’s ability to successfully manage projects.

In order to become PMP certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements. The PMI requires that applicants have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as 7,500 hours of leading and directing projects, 35 hours of project management education, and an understanding of the PMI’s code of ethics.

Once these criteria are met, individuals can apply for the PMP exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost of the exam is $405 for non-members and $555 for members.

The entire process from application to taking the exam can take several months depending on when you submit your application and when you are able to schedule your exam. Once you pass the exam, you will officially become a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

7. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The CSSGB certification requires a minimum of three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma methodology. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, and quality management systems.

In order to get certified as a CSSGB, individuals must complete an approved training program. These programs are available online or through accredited universities and colleges. The length of these programs varies depending on the provider; some courses can be completed in as little as two weeks while others may take several months to complete.

The cost of obtaining a CSSGB certification depends on the type of program chosen. Online courses typically cost between $500-$1,500 while university courses may cost up to $3,000 or more depending on the institution and length of the program.

8. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is an internationally recognized certification designed to demonstrate a mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is awarded by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). The certification is designed to help professionals understand and apply the principles of Lean Six Sigma in order to improve processes and reduce waste.

The CLSSBB certification requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of work experience in a Lean Six Sigma environment, as well as successful completion of an approved training program. The training program typically consists of two phases: a classroom-based course and an online exam. Candidates must pass both phases in order to receive their certification.

The length of time it takes to complete the training program depends on the individual candidate’s schedule, but typically takes around four months. During this time, candidates will learn about the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, including process mapping, data analysis, problem solving techniques, project management and more. Once they have completed the training program, candidates can take the online exam which consists of multiple choice questions and written responses.

The cost for obtaining a CLSSBB certification varies depending on where you take your training course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 - $3,500 USD for the entire certification process.

9. Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The CAPM certification is designed to demonstrate a project manager’s knowledge and experience in agile project management. It is an entry-level certification for project managers who are new to the field of project management, or those who have limited experience in leading and directing projects.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as agile principles, processes, tools and techniques, team dynamics, communication and collaboration, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and more.

To become certified as a CAPM, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least 1,500 hours of professional experience in leading or directing projects
• Have 23 contact hours of formal education related to project management
• Pass the CAPM examination

The cost of the CAPM exam varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States it costs $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.

10. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program that is designed to provide an understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework and how it can be used to improve IT service management. It is the entry-level certification for anyone interested in learning about IT service management best practices.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes 2-3 days to complete, depending on the provider. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. The passing score for the exam is 65%.

To get certified, you must attend an accredited training course or self-study using approved materials. You must also pass the ITIL Foundation Exam, which can be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or online with an approved proctoring service.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider and delivery method chosen. Generally, classroom courses are more expensive than online courses, but may include additional benefits such as instructor support and access to practice exams. The cost of taking the exam itself can range from $150-$250 USD depending on the provider and delivery method chosen.

11. Professional Scrum Master Certification

Professional Scrum Master (PSM) is a certification program offered by Scrum.org that validates an individual’s understanding of the principles and practices of the Scrum framework. The PSM certification is designed to help professionals become more effective in their roles as Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and other agile practitioners.

The Professional Scrum Master certification consists of two parts: a one-hour online assessment and a two-day classroom course. During the online assessment, individuals must answer 50 multiple-choice questions based on the official Scrum Guide and demonstrate their knowledge of the basics of Scrum. The two-day classroom course covers topics such as product backlogs, sprint planning, daily standups, retrospectives, release planning, and more.

To get the PSM certification, individuals must first successfully complete the online assessment with a score of 85% or higher. After passing this assessment, they can then register for an accredited PSM course with a qualified instructor to complete the classroom portion of the certification.

The cost for the Professional Scrum Master Certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Manager Trainee Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their specific career goals. For some, a manager trainee certificate may be essential for getting a job in the field; for others, it may simply be an added bonus or something that helps them stand out from other applicants.

In many cases, having a manager trainee certificate can provide tangible benefits. It can demonstrate to employers that you have taken the time and effort to acquire specialized knowledge related to the role of a manager, which can help increase your chances of being hired. It can also give you an edge over other candidates who lack such credentials when competing for promotions or higher-level positions. Additionally, taking courses as part of a manager trainee program can give you an opportunity to network with other professionals in your field, further increasing your chances of success.

On the other hand, there are some instances where obtaining a manager trainee certificate may not be necessary. If you already have significant experience in management and feel confident about your abilities, then taking additional classes may not be necessary. Moreover, if you are certain that you possess all the skills and knowledge required for the job without any formal training or certification, then spending time and money on obtaining such credentials may not be worth it. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether they need a manager trainee certificate based on their own circumstances and career goals.

Related: Manager Trainee Resume Examples

FAQs About Manager Trainee Certifications

Q1. What is a Manager Trainee Certification?

A1. A Manager Trainee Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the fundamentals of management. It covers topics such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Manager Trainee Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Manager Trainee Certification can help improve job prospects, increase confidence in your ability to manage people effectively, and demonstrate commitment to professional development. Additionally, many employers view this certification as an indication of competency and may be willing to offer higher salaries or promotions for those with the certification.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a Manager Trainee Certification?

A3. The amount of time required to complete a Manager Trainee Certification will vary depending on the specific program requirements and your learning style. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed in six months or less if taken full-time or one year if taken part-time.

Q4. What are the requirements for obtaining a Manager Trainee Certification?

A4. Requirements for obtaining a Manager Trainee Certification will vary depending on the particular program you choose to pursue; however, most programs require applicants to have at least three years of managerial experience or equivalent education and training prior to applying for certification. Additionally, applicants must typically pass an exam demonstrating their mastery of management principles before they can receive their certification credentials.

Q5. Is there an expiration date on my Manager Trainee Certification?

A5. Most certifications do not have an expiration date; however some programs may require periodic recertification or continuing education credits in order to maintain certification status over time. Be sure to check with your program provider for more information about their specific requirements for maintaining certification status over time