Top 10 Principal Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a principal consultant in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that you have a certain level of proficiency and knowledge in your field. They also show that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your industry. Having certifications can help you stand out from other candidates, as they demonstrate that you are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest developments in your field. Certifications also give employers confidence that you have the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in the role.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Principal Consultants and demonstrate how they can benefit a principal consultant's career.

What are Principal Consultant Certifications?

Principal consultant certification is a professional credential that recognizes consultants who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. This certification is typically awarded to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and experience in areas such as project management, strategic planning, change management, and organizational development.

The primary benefit of becoming certified as a principal consultant is the credibility and recognition it provides in the consulting industry. By achieving this certification, it shows potential clients that you are knowledgeable and experienced in your field. It also demonstrates to employers that you have taken the initiative to further develop your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in consulting.

In addition to providing credibility, certification can also lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries for consultants. Companies often look for certified professionals when hiring new staff or promoting existing employees. It can also open doors for consulting projects outside of your current area of expertise by demonstrating your ability to think critically about complex problems. Finally, certifications can help you stand out from the competition by showcasing your commitment to professional growth.

Pro Tip: When considering principal consultant certification, make sure to research the different certifications and programs available in order to find the one that best meets your professional goals and needs. Also, be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer any type of reimbursement or recognition for certification completion.

Related: What does a Principal Consultant do?

Top 10 Principal Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. (IMC USA). It is the highest level of certification in the management consulting profession and recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field.

The CMC certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience through a combination of written examinations, peer review, and an oral interview. The process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete.

To become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least five years of professional experience in management consulting or related fields. Applicants must also submit an application form and fee to IMC USA. After submitting the application, applicants will be required to take two written exams: one on general management principles and another on business ethics. Upon passing these exams, applicants will then be subject to a peer review process conducted by experienced CMCs from around the country. Finally, successful candidates will be invited for an oral interview with IMC USA's Certification Board before being awarded their CMC designation.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an individual or corporate applicant; however, it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

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 an industry-recognized certification for business analysts who have at least seven years of experience in the field and have demonstrated their knowledge and skills. The CBAP exam covers topics such as business analysis planning and monitoring, enterprise analysis, requirements management and communication, solution assessment and validation, and more.

The CBAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of at least 65%.

To get the CBAP certification, candidates must meet certain prerequisites. They must have a minimum of 7500 hours of documented work experience in business analysis over the past 10 years; they must also provide two references from a current or former employer to verify their work experience. Candidates can also demonstrate their knowledge through education or professional development activities such as attending workshops or seminars related to business analysis.

The cost for taking the CBAP exam varies depending on your location. In the US, it costs $325 USD to take the exam. If you are located outside of North America, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam.

3. Certified Consulting Professional (CCP)

Certified Consulting Professional (CCP) is a certification program designed to recognize experienced consultants who have demonstrated excellence in their profession. The CCP credential is awarded by the International Association of Certified Consultants (IACC).

The CCP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as a consultant or in a related field, and to demonstrate mastery of the IACC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Applicants must also pass an online exam that covers topics such as project management, client relations, communication skills, and business development.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the process of becoming certified. To get started, applicants must submit an application form and pay the application fee. Once accepted into the program, they must complete all required coursework and pass the online exam.

The cost for the CCP certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through your employer. For individuals, it costs $995 USD for IACC members and $1,295 USD for non-members. For employers, it costs $2,495 USD for IACC members and $2,995 USD for non-members.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is designed to validate a project manager’s knowledge, skills, and experience in leading and directing projects. It is considered the gold standard for demonstrating an individual’s proficiency in project management.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least 4500 hours of professional project management experience or 7500 hours if you have a non-project management bachelor's degree. You must also complete 35 contact hours of formal education in project management.

To get your PMP certification, you must pass the PMP Exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as initiating projects, planning projects, executing projects, monitoring and controlling projects, closing projects, and professional responsibility.

The cost of taking the PMP Exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For members of PMI it costs $405 USD for the exam fee plus an additional $100 USD for application processing fees. For non-members it costs $555 USD for the exam fee plus an additional $100 USD for application processing fees.

5. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of Six Sigma. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the use of Six Sigma tools and techniques, and who have demonstrated their ability to lead and manage successful process improvement projects.

Typically, it takes about four months to complete the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program, depending on the provider. The certification consists of both classroom learning and hands-on project work. In order to obtain this certification, individuals must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and demonstrate their mastery of the material through a project or case study.

The cost for obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies by provider, but generally ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 USD. This includes all course materials and access to online resources such as video lectures, practice exams, and other study materials. Some providers also offer discounts for group enrollments or for those who already hold other certifications related to Six Sigma.

In order to maintain the credential over time, most providers require that certified individuals participate in continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops or completing additional projects.

6. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification for individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the principles of Scrum.

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead and manage agile projects. The certification requires that applicants complete a two-day course, pass an online exam, and agree to abide by the Scrum Alliance Code of Conduct.

The two-day course covers topics such as agile principles, team dynamics, product backlogs, sprint planning, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and more. During the course participants will learn how to apply Scrum in their own organizations. After attending the class participants must take an online exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions. To pass they must answer at least 37 questions correctly within 60 minutes.

The cost for taking the CSM course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,000 – $2,000 USD per person. There are also discounts available for groups or teams that register together for the same class.

Once you have successfully completed the course and passed the exam you will receive your CSM certificate from the Scrum Alliance which is valid for two years. After two years you must renew your certification by taking additional courses or attending conferences related to Agile/Scrum development practices.

7. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). The CBPP is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in business process management, analysis, design, optimization, and improvement. It is the highest level of certification offered by IIBA and requires a commitment to continuing education.

The CBPP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of business process management best practices, techniques, and tools. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions with a time limit of three hours. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in business process management or related fields such as project management or software engineering.

Getting the CBPP certification can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the applicant's level of experience and dedication to studying for the exam. Applicants should plan to spend significant amounts of time studying for the exam in order to be successful.

The cost for taking the CBPP exam varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. There may also be additional fees associated with registering for and taking the exam.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete an application form which includes providing evidence of their professional experience and references from current or former employers. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their official CBPP certificate from IIBA.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a basic understanding of IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices and processes. It is designed to help IT professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and deliver IT services.

The certification consists of a two-hour, multiple-choice exam with 40 questions. Candidates must answer at least 26 out of 40 questions correctly in order to pass the exam. The exam is available in both English and Japanese, and can be taken online or at a certified testing center.

In order to obtain the ITIL Foundation Certification, candidates must complete an accredited training course or self-study program. Accredited courses typically take three days to complete, while self-study programs can be completed in as little as one week. Candidates should also have at least two years of experience working in an IT environment prior to taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider offering the course or program. Generally, accredited courses range from $1,500-$2,500 USD, while self-study programs range from $400-$600 USD.

9. Certified Change Management Practitioner (CCMP)

Certified Change Management Practitioner (CCMP) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in change management principles, practices, and tools.

The CCMP program consists of a three-step process:

1. Completion of the ACMP’s Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) Exam.

2. Submission of an application that demonstrates experience in change management.

3. Successful completion of a portfolio review conducted by the ACMP Board of Directors.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost for the exam is $495 USD for ACMP members or $595 USD for non-members. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you can then submit your application for review along with your resume and other supporting documents such as letters of reference from employers or colleagues attesting to your experience in change management. The cost for submitting an application is $295 USD for ACMP members or $395 USD for non-members. Finally, once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be invited to participate in a portfolio review conducted by the ACMP Board of Directors which will assess your knowledge and skills related to change management principles, practices, and tools. The cost for this review is $295 USD for ACMP members or $395 USD for non-members.

Once all requirements have been completed, you will receive your official CCMP certificate from the ACMP along with access to exclusive resources such as networking opportunities with other certified practitioners, discounts on conferences and workshops, and more.

10. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

The Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification program developed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead quality improvement initiatives in their organizations. The CQIA is an intermediate-level certification that focuses on quality improvement concepts, tools, and techniques.

It typically takes about three months of study to prepare for the CQIA exam. This includes studying the course material provided by ASQ, attending workshops or courses offered by ASQ or other organizations, and taking practice exams.

To get the CQIA certification, you must first pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as: quality management systems, process improvement tools and techniques, project management principles, problem solving methods, statistical analysis methods, and customer satisfaction measurement techniques. After passing the exam, you will be awarded a certificate from ASQ indicating that you have achieved the CQIA certification.

The cost of taking the CQIA exam varies depending on your location and whether you take it online or in person at an authorized testing center. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 USD to take the exam.

Do You Really Need a Principal Consultant Certificate?

When it comes to a career in consulting, the Principal Consultant Certificate is an important credential that can help you stand out from the competition. This certification demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience in the field and can be a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates when applying for jobs.

However, before you decide to pursue this certification, it’s important to consider whether or not it’s necessary for your career goals. In some cases, having the certificate may be beneficial, such as if you are looking to move up in your current consulting role or if you are trying to break into a new role with a different company. On the other hand, if your current job is going well and you don’t feel like you need any additional credentials or qualifications in order to advance, then it might not be worth investing in the extra time and money required to obtain the certificate.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue a Principal Consultant Certificate should depend on your individual goals and needs. If you think that obtaining this certification will help further your career objectives and give you an edge over other applicants, then by all means go ahead and get it! On the other hand, if you feel like it won’t provide much benefit for your particular situation, then there is no need to invest in obtaining one.

Related: Principal Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Principal Consultant Certifications

1. What is a Principal Consultant Certification?

Answer: A Principal Consultant Certification is an advanced level of certification in consulting that recognizes the consultant’s expertise, skills and knowledge in their field. This certification is often earned through rigorous coursework, training and experience.

2. How do I become a Certified Principal Consultant?

Answer: To become a Certified Principal Consultant, you must first meet the requirements set by the certifying organization. These may include completing coursework or other training programs, passing exams, demonstrating professional experience and more.

3. What are the benefits of a Principal Consultant Certification?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a Certified Principal Consultant include increased credibility with employers and clients, higher salaries and job opportunities, greater recognition within the industry, access to exclusive resources and networks, and more.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Principal Consultant?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified as a Principal Consultant depends on several factors including experience level, type of certification sought, required courses or exams taken and more. Generally speaking it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year or longer to complete the process.

5. Is there an annual fee for maintaining my Principal Consultant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations charge an annual fee for recertification or renewal of your principal consultant certification status.