Top 10 Parking Manager Certifications

Certifications for a parking manager are important to demonstrate that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage a parking facility. They show potential employers that the parking manager is qualified and knowledgeable about the different aspects of managing a parking lot, such as understanding how to properly operate ticket machines, properly manage staff, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Certifications also help to increase the credibility of the parking manager when applying for jobs, as they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and an understanding of proper industry practices.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available for Parking Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Parking Manager Certifications?

Parking manager certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in the field of parking management. It is awarded to those who have completed an approved program of study and met specific requirements, such as passing an exam. With this certification, a parking manager can demonstrate their knowledge and experience in managing parking lots and garages, including understanding proper safety protocols, ADA compliance regulations, and customer service best practices. This can help them become more competitive in the job market and give them access to higher-level positions within the industry. Additionally, having this certification may also lead to increased recognition from employers, which could result in more opportunities for advancement.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for parking manager certification in your specific state or locality before beginning the process. This will help ensure that you have all of the necessary materials and qualifications needed to successfully complete the certification program.

Related: What does a Parking Manager do?

Top 10 Parking Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Parking Professional (CPP)

Certified Parking Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of excellence in the parking industry. It is offered by the International Parking Institute (IPI), an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the parking profession.

The CPP program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as customer service, parking operations, financial management, legal issues, and technology. The practical assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge in a variety of real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CPP program. To get started, individuals must first register for the exam through IPI’s website. After registering, they will be sent a study guide and access to online resources that can help them prepare for the exam. Once they have completed their studies, they can take the exam at any approved testing center or online.

The cost of taking the CPP exam varies depending on where it is taken and whether or not there are any discounts available. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 for members of IPI and $400 for non-members.

2. Certified Parking Manager (CPM)

Certified Parking Manager (CPM) is an internationally recognized professional designation awarded by the International Parking Institute (IPI). It is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in parking management. The CPM credential is intended for individuals who are responsible for managing parking operations and facilities, including on-street and off-street parking, garages, lots, and valet services.

The CPM program consists of three components: a comprehensive exam, a portfolio of work experience, and continuing education credits. To become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam covers topics such as customer service, financial management, legal issues, marketing strategies, technology solutions, and industry trends.

The portfolio component requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge through real-world experience in the field. Candidates must submit a portfolio that outlines their experience in parking management over the past five years. This includes job descriptions and accomplishments related to their roles as well as any relevant certifications or awards they have received.

To maintain their certification status, CPMs must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education credits every two years. These can be obtained through IPI’s online learning platform or through approved third-party providers.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete all three components of the CPM program. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD.

3. Certified Valet Manager (CVM)

Certified Valet Manager (CVM) is a professional certification program designed to help valet professionals develop and improve their skills in the valet industry. It is offered by the National Parking Association (NPA). The certification is designed to provide valet professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the best practices and procedures for managing successful valet operations.

The CVM program consists of four courses: Introduction to Valet Management, Advanced Valet Operations, Financial Management & Budgeting, and Human Resources & Risk Management. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and must be completed within one year from the date of registration. Upon completion of all four courses, participants will receive their CVM certificate.

To get certified as a Certified Valet Manager, you must first register for the NPA’s CVM program online at www.npaparking.org/certification-programs/cvm/. The cost for the entire program is $400 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. Once registered, you will have one year to complete all four courses in order to become certified as a CVM.

4. Professional Parking Management Certification (PPMC)

Professional Parking Management Certification (PPMC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage parking operations. The program is administered by the International Parking Institute (IPI).

The PPMC consists of three levels of certification: Certified Professional Parking Manager (CPPM), Certified Professional Parking Supervisor (CPPS), and Certified Professional Parking Operator (CPPO). Each level requires a certain number of hours of training, as well as successful completion of an exam.

To become certified at each level, applicants must meet the requirements set forth by IPI. These include completing a minimum number of hours in approved courses, passing an exam, and submitting proof of professional experience. In addition, applicants must also complete an application form and pay the applicable fee.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the required courses and exams. Typically, it takes about 6-12 months to complete all three levels of certification.

The cost for each level varies depending on the type of course you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 for each level of certification.

Overall, getting your Professional Parking Management Certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in parking operations and management. It will help you stand out from other candidates in your field, as well as give you access to more job opportunities within the industry.

5. Certified Parking Operations Specialist (CPOS)

Certified Parking Operations Specialist (CPOS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Parking Institute (IPI). The CPOS certification is designed for parking professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in parking operations. It is an industry-recognized credential that validates the expertise of parking professionals.

The CPOS program consists of an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as customer service, revenue control, safety and security, parking lot design, and facility management. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to manage a real-world parking operation.

It typically takes about two months to complete the CPOS program. Applicants must first register with IPI and pay the registration fee ($250 USD). They then have 60 days to complete the online exam and submit their application for the practical assessment. Once approved, applicants will have 90 days to complete the practical assessment and become certified.

The cost of becoming a Certified Parking Operations Specialist includes the registration fee ($250 USD), plus any additional fees associated with taking the online exam or completing the practical assessment (such as travel expenses).

6. Certified Parking Administrator (CPA)

Certified Parking Administrator (CPA) is a professional certification program that provides parking professionals with the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage and operate a parking facility. The CPA program is offered by the International Parking Institute (IPI), an association of parking professionals, and is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field.

The CPA certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral examination. The written exam covers topics such as parking operations, facility design, customer service, and financial management. The oral examination focuses on the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Candidates must pass both exams in order to become certified.

To become certified, candidates must first complete an application for admission into the CPA program. This includes submitting documentation such as proof of education, work experience, and references from employers or supervisors. Once accepted into the program, candidates must complete all required coursework within two years and pass both exams before they can be certified as a CPA.

The cost of becoming a Certified Parking Administrator varies depending on the applicant's experience level and other factors. Generally speaking, applicants should expect to pay around $1,000 for tuition fees plus additional costs for books and materials.

7. Certified Transportation and Parking Professional (CTPP)

Certified Transportation and Parking Professional (CTPP) is a certification program offered by the International Parking Institute (IPI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional expertise in the transportation and parking industry. The CTPP certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers all aspects of parking and transportation operations, management, planning, marketing, technology, safety and security.

The CTPP program requires applicants to complete an online application process that includes submitting proof of experience in the field. Once approved, applicants must pass a written exam to become certified. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as parking operations, facility design, technology systems, customer service, financial management, marketing and public relations.

The CTPP certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on how quickly you can complete the application process and pass the exam. The cost for the CTPP certification is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

8. International Parking Institute's Certified Facility Manager Program (IPI-CFM)

The International Parking Institute’s Certified Facility Manager Program (IPI-CFM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of parking facility managers. It is the only international certification program for parking facility managers, and it is recognized by industry professionals worldwide.

The IPI-CFM program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Parking Management, Advanced Parking Management, and Professional Practices in Parking Management. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The courses cover topics such as customer service, financial management, operations management, technology applications, security, marketing and more.

To obtain the IPI-CFM certification, applicants must pass all three courses with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the parking industry or related field. After passing all three courses and meeting the experience requirements, applicants can submit their application for review by an IPI-CFM Board Member.

The cost to apply for the IPI-CFM certification is $350 USD (plus applicable taxes). This fee covers the cost of the application review process and any necessary follow-up exams or interviews that may be required. Once approved, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD (plus applicable taxes).

9. National Parking Association's Advanced Management Program (NPA-AMP)

The National Parking Association's Advanced Management Program (NPA-AMP) is a comprehensive, online program that provides parking professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful leaders in the parking industry. The program consists of six core courses and two elective courses, which cover topics such as customer service, financial management, marketing, technology, operations and leadership. The program can be completed in as little as four months or up to one year depending on the student’s schedule.

To get NPA-AMP certification, individuals must complete all eight courses and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you are an NPA member or non-member. For NPA members, the cost is $2,495 for all eight courses; for non-members it is $3,495.

10. International Association of Parking Professionals' Accredited Garage Manager Program (IAPP-AGM).

The International Association of Parking Professionals (IAPP) Accredited Garage Manager Program (IAPP-AGM) is a comprehensive program designed to provide garage managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage parking facilities. The program focuses on developing the key competencies required for successful garage management, including customer service, financial management, personnel management, operations and maintenance, and security.

The IAPP-AGM program consists of three parts: an online course, an in-person workshop, and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, financial management, personnel management, operations and maintenance, and security. The in-person workshop provides hands-on experience in managing a parking facility. Finally, the final exam tests participants’ understanding of the material covered in both the online course and the in-person workshop.

The IAPP-AGM program typically takes about six months to complete. During this time period, participants are expected to complete all three parts of the program: the online course, the in-person workshop, and the final exam.

To get started with IAPP-AGM program you must first register for it through IAPP's website. Once registered you will be given access to all materials related to the program including instructions on how to complete each part of it.

The cost of enrolling in IAPP-AGM varies depending on whether you are an individual or organization member of IAPP. For individual members it costs $395 USD while for organizations it costs $795 USD.

Do You Really Need a Parking Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Parking Manager Certificate depends largely on the job you’re hoping to apply for. If you’re looking to be hired as a parking manager, then yes, having a Parking Manager Certificate will be necessary. This certificate is available through the International Parking Institute (IPI) and it provides training in various aspects of parking management, including operational and financial management, customer service, and safety.

Having this certification shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage a parking facility. It also demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. In addition, having certification can open up more opportunities for advancement within the field of parking management.

However, if you’re not planning on applying for a job as a parking manager, then the certificate may not be necessary. Depending on your other qualifications and experience in the field of parking management, employers may still consider hiring you without the certification.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Parking Manager Certificate really depends on what kind of job you’re seeking. If it’s a position in which such certification is required or preferred by employers, then obtaining it would be beneficial for your career prospects.

Related: Parking Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Parking Manager Certifications

1. What is a Parking Manager Certification?

Answer: A Parking Manager Certification is a professional credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage parking facilities. It is typically earned by completing an accredited program and passing an exam.

2. How do I become certified as a Parking Manager?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an accredited program and pass the certification exam. The program should provide you with the necessary education and training in parking management principles, laws, regulations, and operations.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Parking Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified demonstrates your commitment to excellence as a parking manager, which can help you stand out from other applicants when seeking employment or promotion opportunities. Additionally, it can help demonstrate your knowledge of best practices in parking management to employers or clients.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Parking Manager?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the certification program you choose, but most programs require at least one year of study and completion of the certification exam within two years of enrolling in the program.

5. Is there financial assistance available for those pursuing certification as a Parking Manager?

Answer: Yes, some organizations may offer scholarships or grants to help offset the cost of tuition for individuals pursuing certification as a Parking Manager. Additionally, many employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who successfully complete their certification exams.