Top 10 Process Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a process manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties effectively. Through certifications, employers can quickly assess whether or not an individual is qualified for a particular position. Additionally, certifications can help process managers stand out from other applicants and may even increase their earning potential. Certifications also provide ongoing education opportunities, which allow process managers to stay current with industry trends and best practices. Ultimately, having certifications associated with a process manager’s name can help them succeed in their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Process Managers and explains how they can contribute to a process manager's career development.

What are Process Manager Certifications?

Process Manager Certification is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge, skills and abilities in the management of business processes. It provides recognition for those who have developed and implemented comprehensive process management systems that are effective and efficient. This certification helps employers identify individuals with the ability to manage complex process-oriented projects, as well as those who can provide valuable insight into how to improve processes within an organization.

The Process Manager Certification program focuses on both the theory and practice of managing business processes. The curriculum includes courses in process improvement, project management, change management, process control, and other related topics. Upon completion of the certification program, individuals will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively utilize processes to improve organizational performance. Furthermore, they will acquire the necessary skills needed to implement successful process improvement initiatives across multiple departments within an organization.

By obtaining a Process Manager Certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence and can set themselves apart from their peers in the competitive job market. Additionally, it helps organizations ensure that their staff have the necessary skillsets required for successful process improvement initiatives that lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness within their organizations.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements and qualifications of the process manager certification you are seeking, as they can vary greatly depending on the industry and organization. Additionally, consider attending workshops or taking classes to further your knowledge in process management, as this will help you gain a better understanding of the certification requirements and standards.

Related: What does a Process Manager do?

Top 10 Process Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s ability to manage projects and lead teams. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the project management profession.

The PMP certification process typically takes between four and six months, depending on your experience level and preparation. To become certified, you must meet PMI’s eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions based on the PMBOK Guide, which outlines best practices for project management.

To be eligible for the PMP certification, you must have either:

• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; OR
• A four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent) with at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The cost for the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, the fee is $555 USD; for members it is $405 USD. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with taking the exam such as study materials or practice tests.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to provide professionals with an understanding of the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology used in project management. The CAPM certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to project management and their ability to apply project management principles and practices.

The CAPM certification requires that applicants have at least 1500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of formal project management education. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or equivalent).

To get certified as a CAPM, you will need to complete an application process with PMI which includes completing an online application form, providing proof of your educational qualifications and/or work experience, paying the applicable fees, and passing the CAPM exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes 3 hours to complete. The exam fee is $225 for members of PMI and $300 for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from PMI.

3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is a professional certification program for individuals who want to demonstrate their understanding of the agile methodology, Scrum. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of Scrum in software development. The CSM certification provides a comprehensive overview of the Scrum framework and its principles, as well as practical advice on how to apply it in real-world projects.

The CSM certification requires completion of a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). Participants must attend both days of the course and pass an online exam in order to receive their certificate. The cost of the course varies depending on location and instructor but typically ranges from $800-$1,500 USD.

The CSM certification is valid for two years from the date of completion, after which time recertification is required. To recertify, participants must take another two-day course or submit evidence that they have been actively practicing Scrum during that time period. The cost for recertification is typically lower than for initial certification.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in agile practices, principles, and tools. The ACP certification validates an individual’s ability to apply agile principles and practices to successfully manage projects.

The ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the exam, candidates must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) or 2,000 hours of general project experience within the past five years. In addition, 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the past three years is required.

To prepare for the exam, PMI offers several resources including study guides and practice tests. Candidates are also encouraged to take an Agile Certified Practitioner training course from an accredited provider. This course will provide an in-depth look at the concepts covered on the exam and help build confidence in taking the test.

The cost of taking the ACP exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members, it costs $435; for non-members it costs $495. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking a training course if one is chosen to prepare for the exam.

5. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a process-based approach for project management providing an easily tailored and scalable method for the management of all types of projects. It is recognized as one of the most popular project management methodologies worldwide and is used extensively in both the public and private sectors. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications are designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology, enabling them to apply it effectively to their own projects.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification provides an introduction to the PRINCE2 methodology, including its principles, processes, themes and techniques. It focuses on how to apply these elements within a project environment. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their understanding of the methodology by passing an exam. The exam can be taken online or at an accredited training centre, with results available immediately after completion.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification builds on the knowledge acquired during the Foundation course by focusing on how to tailor and apply PRINCE2 within a specific project environment. This includes understanding how different components interact with each other and how they should be applied in order to ensure successful project delivery. The Practitioner certification requires individuals to pass both a written exam as well as a practical application assessment, which tests their ability to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios.

It typically takes around two months from start to finish for individuals to complete both certifications, depending on study time commitment and availability of exams/assessments. To get certified, individuals must register with an accredited training provider who will provide access to course materials and exams/assessments as required.

The cost of obtaining both certifications varies depending on provider but typically ranges from £900 - £1,500 (GBP).

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized entry-level certification for IT professionals. It is based on the ITIL framework, which is a set of best practices for IT Service Management (ITSM). The certification demonstrates an understanding of the core concepts of ITSM and how they can be applied to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 65%.

To prepare for the exam, you can take an accredited training course or self-study using official study materials. Training courses are available both in-person and online and range from one to five days in length. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider and location.

The cost of taking the exam also varies depending on where it is taken. In most countries, the fee ranges from $150 to $200 USD. In some countries, discounts may be available for students or those who have recently completed an ITIL training course.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead Six Sigma projects. It is a widely recognized, highly sought-after credential that demonstrates an individual's ability to use the Six Sigma methodology to improve processes and reduce waste.

The Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes between four and six weeks of study time, depending on the individual's prior experience and level of commitment. The coursework includes topics such as project management, process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and team building. Upon successful completion of the coursework, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first complete the required coursework or training program from an accredited provider. There are many providers offering courses online or in-person that can help you prepare for the exam. After completing the coursework or training program, individuals must then register for and take the official exam administered by ASQ (American Society for Quality).

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on which provider you choose to take your course from. Generally speaking, online courses cost around $1,000-$2,000 while in-person courses range from $3,000-$4,000. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the official exam which typically costs around $400-$500.

8. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help individuals become more effective problem-solvers and process improvement professionals. The certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and its tools and techniques, as well as an ability to apply them to real-world business problems.

The certification typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete, depending on the type of program you choose and your level of commitment. To get certified, you must first take an approved Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training course from a recognized provider. During the course, you will learn about the Lean Six Sigma methodology, its tools and techniques, how to apply them to solve business problems, and how to lead successful projects. After completing the training course, you must pass an exam administered by the provider or another third-party organization in order to receive your certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which training provider you choose and what type of program they offer. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 USD for a full program including both training and certification.

9. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes professionals who demonstrate expertise in developing and managing project schedules. It is designed to help project managers ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. The PMI-SP certification requires individuals to have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in project scheduling, or 5,000 hours of direct work experience in project scheduling.

To get the PMI-SP certification, you must first pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within three hours. You can prepare for the exam by taking courses offered by PMI or by studying independently using resources such as books, online courses, and practice tests.

The cost of the PMI-SP certification varies depending on your country of residence; however, it typically costs between $400-$500 USD for members and $550-$650 USD for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there is also an annual maintenance fee which must be paid each year to maintain your certification status.

Once you have passed the exam and paid all applicable fees, you will receive your PMI-SP certification from PMI within 4-6 weeks.

10. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and respond to project risks. The PMI-RMP demonstrates an individual’s expertise in risk management and their ability to help organizations anticipate, assess, and manage project risks more effectively.

The PMI-RMP certification requires applicants to meet certain prerequisites before they can apply for the exam. These include having a four-year degree or higher, at least three years of project risk management experience, and at least 4500 hours of specialized risk management experience within the past five years.

To get the PMI-RMP certification, applicants must first pass an online examination. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as risk management principles, processes, tools and techniques. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is available in English or Japanese.

The cost of the PMI-RMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD for the application fee plus $405 USD for the exam fee; for nonmembers it costs $555 USD for both fees combined.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your PMI-RMP certificate within six weeks of passing your exam date. You will also be required to maintain your certification by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years in order to maintain your credential status.

Do You Really Need a Process Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. A process manager certificate isn't a requirement for most jobs in the field, and in many cases, experience and knowledge of the position can outweigh any certification. However, if you are looking to advance your career in process management, then a certificate could be beneficial.

A process manager certificate is designed to provide an individual with specialized knowledge and training about how to manage processes within an organization. It covers topics such as project management, process analysis, workflow design, and other related areas. The certificate may also include information on how to develop and implement effective strategies for managing processes within an organization.

Having a certificate can help demonstrate that you have the skills needed to become an effective process manager. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn more about the field and are dedicated to improving your skillset. Additionally, having a certificate may make you stand out among other applicants when applying for positions or promotions.

In order to get a process manager certificate, you will need to complete coursework related to the field as well as pass an exam or receive credits from professional organizations. Depending on what type of program you choose, there may also be additional requirements such as work experience or community service hours.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a process manager certificate depends on where you are in your career and what your goals are for yourself professionally. If you already have experience in the field and feel like it would be beneficial for advancing your career then getting certified might be worth considering. However, if you don’t think it’s necessary then it’s up to you whether or not it’s worth pursuing a certification at this time.

Related: Process Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Process Manager Certifications

1. What is a Process Manager Certification?

Answer: A Process Manager Certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in managing and improving processes within an organization. It typically involves completing a course on process management and passing an exam.

2. What are the Benefits of Becoming Certified as a Process Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified as a process manager provides numerous benefits, including increased job security, higher wages, better career opportunities, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced credibility with employers.

3. What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Process Manager Certification?

Answer: The requirements to obtain a process manager certification vary by provider but generally include completing an approved course or program, passing an exam, and meeting any other prerequisites such as years of experience or continuing education credits.

4. How Much Does it Cost to Become Certified as a Process Manager?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a process manager certification varies by provider but typically ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with the application process.

5. How Long Does it Take to Become Certified as a Process Manager?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified as a process manager depends on the specific requirements for each provider but can range from several months to several years depending on the program chosen and any additional requirements needed for completion.