Top 11 Policy Advisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a policy advisor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for when hiring. They show potential employers that the policy advisor has the necessary skills and qualifications to effectively advise on policy matters. Additionally, certifications can provide recognition from professional organizations and demonstrate commitment to continuing education and professional development. Certifications also give policy advisors an opportunity to stand out in their field, as many positions require specific qualifications or certifications in order to be considered. Ultimately, having certifications can make a policy advisor more attractive to employers, increase their chances of getting hired, and help them advance their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Policy Advisors and explains how they can contribute to a policy advisor's career.

What are Policy Advisor Certifications?

Policy advisor certification is an accreditation program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, analyze, and implement effective policy solutions. This certification provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of policy analysis, including legal and regulatory requirements, public opinion research, economics, fiscal management, and political strategy. The program also teaches participants how to effectively communicate their findings and recommendations to decision-makers.

By completing a policy advisor certification program, individuals can demonstrate their ability to understand the complexities of the policymaking process and the importance of considering alternative solutions when making decisions. This certification can help individuals to become more competitive in the job market by providing them with valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers. It also serves as proof that they are knowledgeable about current issues in policymaking, which can be extremely beneficial when applying for positions in government or public service organizations. In addition, those who hold this certification may find it easier to gain access to exclusive events or resources related to policymaking.

Pro Tip: When considering policy advisor certification, look for programs that offer courses in both the legal and political aspects of policymaking. This will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the different perspectives involved in crafting policy and can advise decision makers effectively.

Related: What does a Policy Advisor do?

Top 11 Policy Advisor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Policy Advisors today.

1. Certified Public Policy Advisor (CPPA)

Certified Public Policy Advisor (CPPA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in public policy. The CPPA designation is awarded by the National Association of Public Policy Advisors (NAPPA).

To become a CPPA, an individual must have at least five years of experience in public policy, including two years as a full-time employee of a public policy organization or government agency. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by NAPPA. The exam covers topics such as public policy analysis, research methods, and budgeting.

The cost for the certification process varies depending on the candidate’s experience and the type of exam taken. Generally, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,000. The exam fee is paid directly to NAPPA when registering for the exam.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the certification process from start to finish. This includes studying for and passing the exam, submitting all required documents and fees, and receiving confirmation from NAPPA that you are now a Certified Public Policy Advisor (CPPA).

2. Certified Government Affairs Professional (CGAP)

Certified Government Affairs Professional (CGAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of government affairs. The CGAP program is administered by the National Association of Government Affairs Professionals (NAGAP).

The CGAP certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge, experience and proficiency in the core competencies of government affairs, including: legislative process, advocacy, public policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and communication. In order to obtain the CGAP designation, applicants must pass an exam that covers these topics.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for and complete the CGAP exam. Applicants should plan on spending at least 20 hours studying for the exam and taking practice tests.

To apply for the CGAP certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their educational background and work experience in government affairs. The application fee is $395 USD.

3. Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP)

Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in regulatory and compliance matters. The CRCP designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of regulatory and compliance management.

The CRCP program is administered by the Regulatory Compliance Association (RCA), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in regulatory and compliance management. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of experience in the field of regulatory and compliance management. They must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, legal requirements, policy development, and enforcement procedures.

The CRCP program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, applicants are required to complete an online application form, submit their resume or CV for review by the RCA board of directors, take a written exam covering all aspects of regulatory and compliance management, and participate in an oral interview with the board.

The cost for obtaining the CRCP designation varies depending on the applicant’s experience level. For those with less than three years of experience in the field of regulatory and compliance management, the cost is $1,500 USD; for those with more than three years of experience, the cost is $2,000 USD.

4. Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO)

A Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual's expertise in government contract management. The CGCO program is administered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

To become a CGCO, an individual must meet certain requirements and pass an exam. The requirements include having at least three years of experience in government contracting, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and completion of the NCMA’s Fundamentals of Government Contracting course.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), contract law, negotiation techniques, and other aspects of government contracting. The exam can be taken at one of NCMA’s authorized testing centers or online.

The cost to take the CGCO exam is $395 for NCMA members and $495 for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional fee of $100 to receive your CGCO certificate.

Overall, it typically takes about six months to complete all the requirements and take the exam to become a CGCO.

5. Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)

Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) is a certification program offered by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). The CITP designation is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise and commitment to international trade. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and competency in international trade.

It takes about 12-18 months to complete the CITP program. To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as export/import regulations, logistics, marketing, finance, risk management, and other areas related to international trade.

To get the CITP designation, you must first complete an online application form and pay a fee of $250 USD. You will then be required to submit supporting documents such as your resume or CV and proof of education or professional experience in international trade. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to take the online exam which consists of multiple choice questions. After passing the exam with a minimum score of 70%, you will receive your CITP designation within two weeks.

The cost of becoming certified depends on whether you are taking the self-study course or attending live classes. The self-study course costs $850 USD while attending live classes costs $1,500 USD plus any applicable taxes.

6. Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO)

Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) is a professional certification program designed to provide public finance officers with the highest level of knowledge and skills in the field. The CPFO credential is recognized by many state governments and local government organizations as evidence of a high level of expertise in public finance.

The CPFO program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a portfolio review. The online course covers topics such as budgeting, financial analysis, debt management, capital planning, and public sector accounting. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge on the topics covered in the course. Finally, the portfolio review assesses the candidate’s experience in public finance and their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

It typically takes about six months to complete all components of the CPFO program. Candidates must first complete the online course before they can take the exam or submit their portfolio for review.

The cost of obtaining a CPFO credential varies depending on where you are taking your courses and exams from. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500 - $1,000 USD for all components of the program including registration fees, textbooks, materials for portfolio review, etc.

7. Certified Public Management Analyst (CPMA)

Certified Public Management Analyst (CPMA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Certified Public Managers (AACPM). This certification is designed for individuals who are interested in advancing their careers in public management and administration. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of essential skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to effectively manage public sector organizations.

To obtain the CPMA credential, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination administered by the AACPM. The exam consists of four parts: Planning and Evaluation; Organization and Human Resources; Financial Management; and Leadership and Communication. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

The cost of the CPMA exam varies depending on the applicant's location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Applicants can register for the exam online or by mail. After passing the examination, applicants will receive their CPMA certificate within 8-12 weeks.

8. Certified Legislative Analyst (CLA)

Certified Legislative Analyst (CLA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the legislative process. The certification is offered by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

To become a Certified Legislative Analyst, an individual must have at least five years of experience in the legislative process, including three years working as a legislative analyst or equivalent role. Applicants must also complete an online application and submit two letters of recommendation from current or former employers. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as public policy analysis, state legislative procedures, and budgeting.

The certification process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete once all requirements are met. The cost for the CLA certification is $250 for NCSL members and $375 for non-members.

9. Certified Environmental Policy Analyst (CEPA)

Certified Environmental Policy Analyst (CEPA) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess, analyze, and develop environmental policy initiatives. It is designed for professionals who are engaged in environmental policy work or those who want to pursue a career in this field.

The CEPA certification program is offered by the International Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP). To become certified as a CEPA, applicants must have at least two years of experience in environmental policy development or analysis and pass an exam administered by IAEP. The exam covers topics such as environmental law and regulations, risk assessment, public participation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CEPA certification process. This includes completing the required application form, submitting the necessary documents (e.g., transcripts and letters of recommendation), taking the exam, and receiving results from IAEP.

The cost of obtaining the CEPA certification varies depending on whether you are already an IAEP member or not. For non-members, it costs $600 for the application fee plus $200 for each year of membership fees if applicable. For members, it costs $400 for the application fee plus $100 for each year of membership fees if applicable.

10. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional credential awarded by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). The CRMP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of risk management principles and practices. The certification is ideal for those in the fields of finance, insurance, banking, accounting, and other related areas.

To obtain the CRMP certification, an individual must complete a series of courses and exams offered by GRMI. The program consists of four core courses: Foundations of Risk Management; Principles & Practices of Risk Management; Advanced Topics in Risk Management; and Ethics & Professionalism in Risk Management. Each course is followed by an exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. Once all four courses are completed and passed, individuals can apply for the CRMP certification.

The cost to obtain the CRMP certification varies depending on the number of courses taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,500-$3,500 USD to complete all four courses and exams required for the certification. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all four courses depending on how quickly you work through them.

Once an individual has obtained their CRMP certification they will be eligible for various job opportunities within the field of risk management as well as higher salaries due to their increased knowledge and expertise in this area.

11. Certified Economic Development Specialist (CEDS).

Certified Economic Development Specialist (CEDS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of economic development. The CEDS certification enables professionals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professional development, as well as their ability to apply the principles of economic development in their daily work.

The CEDS program requires applicants to complete an online application, submit two letters of recommendation, and pass a written exam. The exam covers topics such as economic analysis, business retention and expansion, financing strategies, workforce development, marketing and communications, project management, and more. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in the field of economic development or a related field.

The cost for the CEDS certification program is $595 for IEDC members and $795 for non-members. The exam fee is an additional $150 for both members and non-members. Once an applicant has completed all requirements for the CEDS program they will be awarded their certification within 4-6 weeks.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Economic Development Specialist (CEDS) certification can provide individuals with recognition of their skills and knowledge in the field of economic development as well as provide them with access to a network of peers who are dedicated to advancing economic development around the world.

Do You Really Need a Policy Advisor Certificate?

A policy advisor certificate can be an extremely valuable asset to anyone who is looking to pursue a career in policy advice and analysis. It demonstrates not only an understanding of the fundamentals of policy but also a mastery of the language, principles, and techniques used in the field.

That said, it is not necessarily essential for everyone to obtain a policy advisor certificate. While having one may be beneficial for certain job seekers, there are other ways to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this area. For example, you can take courses or seminars related to policy that help you gain an understanding of the subject matter and hone your critical thinking skills. Additionally, if you have already held positions within this field or worked on projects related to policy development and implementation, those experiences may be enough to demonstrate your competence in this area.

Ultimately, whether or not you should obtain a policy advisor certificate depends on what kinds of opportunities you’re seeking out and how competitive they are. If you’re applying for positions where a certificate would give you an edge over other applicants, then it might be worth investing in one. However, if the job market is less competitive or if the positions don’t require such credentials, then it may not be necessary for you to get certified.

Related: Policy Advisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Policy Advisor Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: There are a variety of certification options available, including Certified Policy Advisor (CPA), Chartered Policy Advisor (CPA-P), and Advanced Certified Policy Advisor (ACPA).

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). The exam covers topics such as risk management, policy analysis, financial planning, and insurance laws.

3. What is the cost of taking the exam?

Answer: The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $200 to $400.

4. How long does it take to receive my certification?

Answer: Once you have passed the exam, you will generally receive your certification within 4-6 weeks.

5. Is continuing education required for certification renewal?

Answer: Yes, continuing education units are required in order to maintain your certification status. You must complete a minimum number of CEUs every two years in order to renew your certification.