Top 10 Problem Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for problem managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They also indicate that the individual has taken the time to invest in their professional development and can show potential employers that they have attained a certain level of skill. Certification programs provide problem managers with an opportunity to showcase their understanding of industry best practices and standards, which is beneficial when competing for jobs. Additionally, certifications can help distinguish problem managers from other applicants and may even open up more career opportunities.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Problem Managers and explains how they can help to advance a problem manager's career.

What are Problem Manager Certifications?

Problem Manager certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and competency in problem management. Problem Managers are responsible for identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems within an organization. They also oversee the development of strategies to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

Having a Problem Manager certification can help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise to employers and increase their employment opportunities. It also allows them to stay up-to-date on best practices and current trends in problem management. Additionally, having this certification may give IT professionals access to higher salaries, promotions, or other benefits depending on the employer.

The Problem Manager certification provides individuals with an understanding of the key principles behind problem management and how it is used to improve business operations. It covers topics such as incident management, root cause analysis, problem trends and patterns, service level agreements (SLAs), and proactive problem resolution techniques. This knowledge helps IT professionals become more effective at their jobs and troubleshoot any issues that arise in their organizations quickly and efficiently.

Pro Tip: When considering problem manager certification, focus on finding programs that offer comprehensive training in the specific areas of problem management you need to learn. Look for courses that include case studies and real-world examples to help you gain a deeper understanding of how effective problem management works in practice.

Related: What does a Problem Manager do?

Top 10 Problem Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Problem Management Professional (CPMP)

Certified Problem Management Professional (CPMP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Certified Problem Management Professionals (IACP). The CPMP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in problem management, which involves identifying and resolving problems in complex systems.

The CPMP certification process consists of an online assessment and an on-site examination. The online assessment consists of multiple choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of problem management principles, processes, and best practices. The on-site examination consists of a series of practical exercises that test the candidate’s ability to apply problem management techniques in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CPMP certification process, depending on how quickly you can study for and pass the online assessment and on-site examination.

To get certified as a CPMP, you must first register with IACP and pay a registration fee. You will then be provided with access to the online assessment, which must be completed within 90 days from the date of registration. Once you have passed the online assessment, you will be eligible to take the on-site examination at an IACP approved testing center.

The cost for registering for the CPMP certification program varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $500 - $1000 USD.

2. Certified ITIL Problem Manager (CITPM)

Certified ITIL Problem Manager (CITPM) is an advanced certification program that allows IT professionals to demonstrate their expertise in problem management. This certification is offered by the ITIL Accreditation Body and is based on the ITIL 4 framework.

The CITPM certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of training and a passing score on the associated exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. The cost of the exam is $250 USD.

In order to become certified, applicants must first complete a course that covers the fundamentals of problem management, such as how to identify problems, analyze them, and develop solutions. After completing the course, applicants must pass an online assessment with a score of at least 70%. Once this has been achieved, applicants can register for the CITPM examination.

The CITPM certification provides IT professionals with a comprehensive understanding of problem management processes and techniques. It also demonstrates an individual’s ability to effectively identify and manage problems in any organization or environment.

3. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and its tools. It is designed for individuals who have extensive experience in leading and managing process improvement projects, and who have the skills to coach, mentor, and lead teams in applying the principles of Lean Six Sigma.

The CSSBB certification requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, including at least one year as a project leader or team member on a Lean Six Sigma project. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To get certified as a CSSBB, you must first complete an ASQ-approved training program. The length of the program will vary depending on the provider, but most programs are between four and six weeks long. After completing the training program, you must take and pass the CSSBB exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, process improvement techniques, data analysis methods, problem solving strategies, and team dynamics.

The cost to become certified as a CSSBB depends on your chosen training provider. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for course materials and exam fees.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most recognized and respected certification for project management professionals. The PMP demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to successfully manage projects.

It typically takes 8-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. This includes studying the PMBOK Guide, taking online or in-person courses, attending workshops or seminars, and completing practice exams.

To get the PMP certification, you must meet certain prerequisites and pass a 200-question multiple choice exam. The prerequisites include having either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least 5 years of project management experience with 7500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; or a four year degree with at least 3 years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The cost of getting the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 to take the exam while members pay $405. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with training materials and courses which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your chosen method of preparation.

5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is designed to help individuals and organizations learn, understand, and apply Scrum principles and practices. The CSM certification provides an understanding of the core concepts and roles within the Scrum framework.

The CSM certification requires participants to attend a two-day course with an accredited trainer. During this course, participants will learn about the Agile Manifesto, Scrum values, roles, events, and artifacts that are used in the development of software products using the Scrum framework. At the end of the course, participants will take a test to become certified as a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

The cost of attending a two-day CSM course varies depending on which provider you choose. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

Once you have completed your training and passed your exam you will receive your official CSM certificate from the Scrum Alliance. This certificate is valid for two years before it needs to be renewed. To renew your certification you must either retake the same course or complete 16 hours of approved continuing education credits over two years in order to maintain your status as a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program designed to help individuals gain skills and knowledge necessary to improve processes and reduce waste in their organization. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines two powerful process improvement methods: Lean and Six Sigma.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification requires a minimum of 8-10 hours of classroom instruction or online training, depending on the provider. The course covers topics such as process mapping, data analysis, problem solving, project management and team dynamics. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their LSSGB certification.

In order to get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete an accredited training program. There are many providers offering this type of training, both online and in-person. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider and can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD for an online course or up to $4,000 USD for an in-person course.

Once you have completed your training program, you will need to take an exam administered by an accredited third party such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The cost of this exam typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Once you have passed the exam with a score of at least 70%, you will be awarded your LSSGB certification.

Overall it can take anywhere from 2-6 months to obtain your LSSGB certification depending on how quickly you complete your training program and pass the exam.

7. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQE designation is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of quality engineering principles and practices. It is an internationally recognized credential that can help professionals advance their careers in quality engineering and management.

It typically takes 6-9 months to prepare for the CQE exam, depending on the individual’s background and experience. To become certified, one must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality control, design of experiments, statistical process control, process capability analysis, reliability engineering, and more.

The cost to take the CQE exam varies depending on the country you are located in. In the United States, it costs $399 USD to take the exam. Other countries may have different pricing structures; please check with your local ASQ office for more information.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain educational and work experience requirements in order to be eligible for certification. For example, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in a related field or have completed an approved degree program in quality engineering or management within five years prior to applying for certification.

8. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to provide an entry-level qualification for project managers and demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes of effective project management.

To become a CAPM certified professional, you must pass the CAPM exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To qualify for the exam, you must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

In order to take the CAPM exam, you must first register with PMI and pay an application fee. Once your application has been approved, you can then purchase the exam from PMI's website. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI; members receive a discounted rate. As of 2021, non-members pay $225 USD for the exam while members pay $150 USD.

Once you have passed the CAPM exam, your certification will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) over those five years and paying a renewal fee to PMI.

9. IT Infrastructure Library Foundation Certificate in Problem Management (ITILFPC-PM)

The IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Certificate in Problem Management (ITILFPC-PM) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and processes of problem management. It is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage problems within an organization.

The ITILFPC-PM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Expert. The Foundation level focuses on the fundamentals of problem management, including its purpose, process, tools, techniques and best practices. The Intermediate level covers more advanced topics such as incident resolution, root cause analysis and service improvement plans. The Expert level focuses on implementing problem management strategies across an organization.

It typically takes around 40 hours to complete the ITILFPC-PM coursework and pass the associated exams. To get certified, you must first complete a training course from a registered training provider or take self-study courses online. Once you have completed your training, you can then take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online via ProctorU. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Platform (MCSE: Data Platform).

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Platform (MCSE: Data Platform) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who design, build, and manage data solutions using Microsoft’s SQL Server technology. This certification is intended for individuals who are experienced in working with relational databases, data warehousing, business intelligence, and analytics.

To obtain the MCSE: Data Platform certification, candidates must pass two exams. The first exam covers core database administration topics such as installation and configuration of SQL Server, performance tuning and optimization, security management, high availability and disaster recovery. The second exam covers more advanced topics such as designing database solutions for mission-critical environments, implementing data models and reports with Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS), and developing complex T-SQL queries.

The time it takes to get the MCSE: Data Platform certification varies depending on the individual's experience level. Generally speaking, if a candidate has prior experience with SQL Server technologies then they should be able to complete the requirements within three months or less.

To get the MCSE: Data Platform certification you must first register for an account on Microsoft’s Learning Portal website. From there you can purchase vouchers for each of the required exams which cost around $150 each ($300 total). Once you have purchased your vouchers you can schedule your exams at any Pearson VUE testing center located near you.

In total, the cost of obtaining an MCSE: Data Platform certification will vary depending on additional study materials or courses that may be needed; however it typically costs around $300 for both exams plus any additional fees associated with registering for an account on Microsoft’s Learning Portal website.

Do You Really Need a Problem Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Problem Manager Certificate to be successful in the field of problem management. However, having a certification can definitely give you an edge over the competition and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

A Problem Manager Certificate is typically offered by professional organizations or universities that specialize in problem management. The certificate program typically covers topics such as identifying and addressing problems, developing solutions, and monitoring progress. Although this type of certification does not guarantee success in the field, it does demonstrate that you have taken the time to understand the basics of problem management and have developed a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Having a Problem Manager Certificate can also help when applying for jobs in the field. Employers often look for candidates with certain certifications or qualifications when they are hiring for positions in problem management. Having this type of certification on your resume will show employers that you have taken extra steps to learn more about the profession and that you are serious about pursuing a career in problem management.

In conclusion, while having a Problem Manager Certificate is not necessary to be successful in this field, it can certainly give you an advantage over other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge of problem management principles.

Related: Problem Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Problem Manager Certifications

Q1. What is problem management certification?

A1. Problem management certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of problem management. It involves demonstrating knowledge and understanding of best practices in problem management, as well as the ability to apply those practices in a real-world setting.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a problem manager certification?

A2. Problem manager certifications can help demonstrate expertise in the field to employers, customers and other stakeholders, as well as provide career advancement opportunities through higher salaries and increased job security. Additionally, they can increase an individual’s confidence and competence when dealing with difficult situations and challenging problems.

Q3. How do I become certified in problem management?

A3. To become certified in problem management, individuals must typically pass an exam administered by an accredited provider such as the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA) or Project Management Institute (PMI). The exam covers topics such as root cause analysis, incident management, change control processes and more.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for taking the problem manager certification exam?

A4. Yes, most providers require candidates to have at least two years of professional experience related to IT service delivery or operations before they can take the exam. Some providers may also require additional qualifications or certifications prior to taking the exam.

Q5. How long does it take to receive a problem manager certification?

A5: The amount of time it takes to receive a problem manager certification varies depending on the provider chosen and whether any additional qualifications are required prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it usually takes between 4-6 weeks after passing the exam for individuals to receive their official certificate from their chosen provider.