Top 11 Product Specialist Certifications

Certifications for a product specialist are important for several reasons. First, certifications provide evidence of a certain level of expertise in the field, which is attractive to employers looking for qualified candidates. This allows employers to easily identify job seekers with the necessary knowledge and skills. Additionally, certifications can open up new professional opportunities and provide access to higher-level positions or specialized roles that may not have been available without the certification. Finally, certifications can give product specialists an edge over non-certified competitors in the job market by providing them with additional credibility and demonstrating their commitment to their profession.

This article reviews and explains how some of the top certifications for Product Specialists can help to further their career.

What are Product Specialist Certifications?

Product specialist certification is a type of professional credential that certifies an individual's expertise in a particular product or technology. It is designed to demonstrate the holder's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the product or technology in question. The certification typically requires successful completion of a series of courses or examinations and may involve additional requirements such as holding a certain level of industry experience or demonstrating proficiency in specific areas.

Product specialist certification can be beneficial for individuals who wish to advance their career by demonstrating their product-specific knowledge. It can also help employers better assess job candidates' qualifications and increase confidence in their ability to use the products they are responsible for. Additionally, it can provide holders with access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities that may not otherwise be available. Finally, having product specialist certification may give individuals an edge when competing for positions within their chosen field as it provides proof of competency and dedication to learning more about the relevant products or technologies.

Pro Tip: When considering a product specialist certification, look for certifications that include hands-on training and experience. This will give you the best chance of understanding the product thoroughly and being able to provide quality support.

Related: What does a Product Specialist do?

Top 11 Product Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Product Specialists today.

1. Certified Product Manager (CPM)

Certified Product Manager (CPM) is a professional certification that recognizes the skills and knowledge of individuals who are responsible for managing product development, marketing, and launch. It is offered by the Association of International Product Management & Marketing (AIPMM).

The CPM certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a comprehensive exam. The online course provides an overview of product management and marketing principles, as well as practical information on how to manage products from concept to launch. The comprehensive exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply these principles in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CPM certification program, depending on how quickly you can complete the online course and study for the exam. To get certified, candidates must pass both parts of the certification program with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which version of the CPM program you choose. The basic version costs $499 USD, while the advanced version costs $999 USD.

2. Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM)

Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Marketing Association. It is designed to recognize marketing professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in product marketing and management. The CPMM certification is based on the AMA’s Professional Standards for Product Marketing and Management, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in this field.

To become certified as a CPMM, applicants must have at least three years of experience in product marketing or management and pass an exam administered by the American Marketing Association. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as product strategy, market research, pricing strategy, promotions and advertising, distribution channels, customer segmentation, and more.

The cost of becoming a Certified Product Marketing Manager depends on the type of exam taken. The online exam costs $350 while the proctored exam costs $450. It typically takes four to six weeks to receive results from either type of exam.

3. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

A Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a professional certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the Scrum framework. It is one of the most popular and respected certifications in the Agile and Scrum space. The CSPO certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum.

The CSPO certification requires a two-day course that covers topics such as:

• Understanding and applying Scrum principles
• Working with stakeholders
• Establishing product vision
• Managing product backlogs
• Prioritizing features for development
• Assessing value and risk of features
• Facilitating sprint planning, review, and retrospective meetings
• Measuring progress against goals
• Releasing successful products

The course also includes several hands-on activities designed to help participants gain practical experience in using Scrum techniques. Upon completion of the course, participants can take an online exam to become certified.

The cost of taking the CSPO course varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

4. Agile Certified Product Owner (ACPO)

Agile Certified Product Owner (ACPO) is a certification program offered by the Agile Alliance to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in product ownership. The ACPO certification is designed to provide product owners with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and deliver successful products.

The ACPO certification requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of agile principles, practices, and tools as well as their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as product vision, user stories, backlog management, release planning, stakeholder engagement, and more.

The ACPO certification process takes approximately two months from start to finish. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with the required documentation. Once approved by the Agile Alliance, applicants will be given access to an online training course which they must complete within 30 days. Upon completion of the course, applicants must then take a proctored exam at a testing center which will take up to 2 hours.

The cost for the ACPO certification is $495 USD which includes both the online training course and the proctored exam fee.

5. Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO)

Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) is a certification program designed to help product owners, business analysts, and other stakeholders understand the principles of Scrum and how to apply them in order to maximize value. It is based on the Scrum Guide and provides an understanding of how to use Scrum to create valuable products.

The PSPO certification consists of two parts: a one-day course and an online assessment. The one-day course covers topics such as the roles and responsibilities of a product owner, how to create user stories, how to prioritize work, and how to manage stakeholder expectations. After completing the course, participants can take the online assessment which consists of 80 multiple-choice questions.

To get PSPO certified, you must first attend a Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) I training course. These courses are offered by various accredited organizations around the world. You can find more information about these courses on the official Scrum Alliance website.

The cost for attending a PSPO I training course varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, most courses range from $800-$1,500 USD per person. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $200 USD that must be paid when registering for the online assessment.

6. Certified Digital Product Manager (CDPM)

Certified Digital Product Manager (CDPM) is a professional certification program designed to provide product managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage digital products. The program focuses on the core principles of product management, such as customer discovery, product strategy, user experience design, agile development methodology, and analytics. It also covers topics such as data-driven decision making, pricing strategies, monetization models, and more.

The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Digital Products; Product Strategy & Design; Agile Methodology & Analytics; and Monetization Strategies & Tactics. Each course is approximately 8 weeks in length and consists of lectures, readings, case studies, hands-on exercises, discussion forums, and assessments. Upon successful completion of all four courses and passing the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, participants will receive their CDPM certification.

The cost for the entire program is $2195 USD. This includes access to all course materials including lectures and assessments. Participants can pay for the full program upfront or they can opt for an installment plan that allows them to pay in three installments over six months.

To get started on your path towards becoming a Certified Digital Product Manager you should first create an account on the CDPM website. Once you have created your account you can begin enrolling in courses that are available online at any time. After completing each course you will be required to take a final exam which must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your certification.

7. Certified Enterprise Product Manager (CEPM)

Certified Enterprise Product Manager (CEPM) is a certification program created by the Association of International Product Management and Marketing (AIPMM). It is designed to provide product managers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively manage products in an enterprise environment.

The CEPM program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as product strategy, market analysis, customer segmentation, competitive analysis, product roadmaps, pricing models, product launch planning, and more. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete. After completing the online course, candidates must pass a final exam in order to receive their CEPM certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess a candidate’s understanding of the material covered in the online course.

To get certified as a CEPM, you must first register for the program through AIPMM's website. The cost of registration is $499 USD. Once registered, you will have access to the online course materials and will be able to take the final exam when you are ready. Upon passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your CEPM certification from AIPMM.

8. Certified Technical Product Manager (CTPM)

Certified Technical Product Manager (CTPM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Product Management and Marketing (IAPMM). It is designed to help product managers, product marketers, and other professionals in the technology industry gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage products throughout their lifecycle.

The CTPM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of product management experience, as well as demonstrate knowledge in areas such as product strategy, market research, pricing strategy, customer segmentation, and product launch. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as product visioning, market analysis, feature prioritization, user experience design, and more. The exam tests the applicant’s understanding of these topics.

The CTPM certification typically takes around 6 months to complete. To get started on the program you must first register with IAPMM and pay a fee of $350 USD. Once registered you will be able to access the online course materials which are available 24/7 for self-paced learning. After completing the course material you can then register for the exam which costs an additional $250 USD. Upon successful completion of both parts you will receive your CTPM certification from IAPMM.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Product Management

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Product Management is a certification program designed to provide product managers with the knowledge and skills to improve the performance of their products. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines Lean principles with Six Sigma statistical analysis. The program emphasizes problem-solving, process improvement, and data-driven decision making.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Product Management certification typically takes between two and four months to complete. To get certified, one must first register for a course that covers the core concepts of Lean Six Sigma, such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) and root cause analysis. After completing the coursework, one must then pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Product Management certification varies depending on the provider and type of course taken. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$2,000 USD. Additionally, some providers may require additional fees for exam registration or other services related to the certification process.

Overall, obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Product Management certification can be an invaluable asset in any professional’s career path. Not only does it demonstrate mastery of key concepts related to product management and improvement processes but it also provides access to job opportunities that require this type of expertise.

10. International Association of Project and Program Management (IAPPM) Certification

The International Association of Project and Program Management (IAPPM) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of experienced project and program managers. It is an internationally recognized certification that provides recognition of the highest standard of excellence in project and program management.

To obtain the IAPPM Certification, applicants must have a minimum of five years’ experience in project or program management, complete a series of online courses, pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher, and submit a portfolio demonstrating their skills and experience. The application process typically takes between four to six months to complete.

The cost for the IAPPM Certification varies depending on the country where you are located. In the United States, it costs $1,500 USD for all required course materials, exams, and portfolio assessment fees. In other countries, the cost may vary slightly due to exchange rates.

Overall, obtaining the IAPPM Certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence in project and program management. It can help you stand out from other professionals in your field and give you access to additional career opportunities.

11. Certified Professional in Innovation and Commercialization (CPIC).

Certified Professional in Innovation and Commercialization (CPIC) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead innovation initiatives. It is offered by the International Association of Certified Professionals in Innovation and Commercialization (IACPC). The CPIC program provides training, resources, and tools to help professionals become successful innovators and commercializers.

The CPIC certification requires completion of a three-part program that includes an online course, a written exam, and an oral exam. The online course covers topics such as innovation strategy, customer discovery, product development, market validation, business model design, finance and operations management. The written exam consists of multiple choice questions covering the material from the online course. The oral exam is conducted with a panel of IACPC experts who assess the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

To obtain the CPIC certification, applicants must complete all three parts of the program within 12 months. Applicants must also submit proof of completion for each part of the program before they can be certified.

The cost for taking the CPIC certification program varies depending on whether you are taking it as an individual or as part of a group. For individuals, the cost is $1,995 USD; for groups (5 or more people), it is $1,495 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Product Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual goals and the type of product specialist position that you are seeking. If you are looking for a job in the field of product specialist, then having a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have a certain level of knowledge and experience with products, which may be useful if you are applying for jobs in the field.

In addition, if you are interested in taking on more advanced roles as a product specialist, such as managing or leading teams, then having a certificate may give you an added advantage when it comes to applying for those positions. Having proof of your expertise and knowledge will likely make your application stand out from other applicants who do not have any formal qualifications.

On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the product specialist field and don't yet have any experience or qualifications, then obtaining a certificate is not necessarily necessary. Instead, it's important to focus on building up your skills and gaining experience through internships or volunteering opportunities. With time and dedication, you can build up your portfolio of work and eventually be qualified to apply for more advanced roles within the product specialist field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a product specialist certificate depends on what type of job position that you're looking for and how much experience and training you already have in the field. If getting certified is something that interests you, there are many different courses available online that can help get started on your path towards becoming a qualified product specialist.

Related: Product Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Product Specialist Certifications

Q1: What is a product specialist certification?

A1: A product specialist certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in a specific product or technology. The certification validates the knowledge and skills required to effectively use and support the product or technology.

Q2: How do I become certified as a product specialist?

A2: To become certified as a product specialist, you must complete a training course and/or pass an exam. Training courses are typically offered by the manufacturer of the product or technology, as well as from third-party organizations. Exams are administered by the manufacturer or third-party organizations.

Q3: What types of certifications are available for product specialists?

A3: There are many different types of certifications available for product specialists, depending on the type of product or technology being supported. Some examples include Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), CompTIA A+ Certification, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Oracle Database Administrator (ODA) Certification, and VMware Certified Professional (VCP).

Q4: Are there any prerequisites for taking a certification exam?

A4: Most certification exams have prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam. Generally, these prerequisites include completing an approved training program and/or having a certain amount of experience with the technology being tested on. It is important to review the requirements for each specific certification prior to signing up for it.

Q5: How long does it take to receive my certification after passing an exam?

A5: After passing a certification exam, it typically takes between 1-3 weeks to receive your certificate in the mail. In some cases, you may be able to access your digital certificate immediately upon completion of your exam.