Top 11 Professional Services Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for professional services consultants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications also give professionals an edge when competing for jobs, as they show that the candidate is qualified and has specific expertise in their field. Additionally, certifications can provide a sense of credibility to potential clients, which can help build trust and loyalty. Finally, certifications provide an opportunity for professional growth and development by allowing consultants to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Professional Services Consultants and explains how they can help to further a professional services consultant's career.

What are Professional Services Consultant Certifications?

Professional Services Consultant certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates a consultant's knowledge and experience in providing services related to the development, implementation, and management of enterprise-level business solutions. Professional Services Consultants are highly trained professionals who specialize in helping companies identify, implement and manage business solutions that will help them achieve their goals. They help organizations develop strategies, evaluate and select technology solutions, manage projects, optimize processes, and ensure successful implementations.

A Professional Services Consultant certification can be beneficial for both consultants and the businesses they serve. For consultants, it shows employers that they have specialized knowledge and experience in the field of professional services consulting. It also provides them with recognition for their skillset and can open up opportunities for career advancement. For businesses, having a certified consultant on staff provides assurance that the consultant has the necessary qualifications to effectively advise them on their business initiatives. Additionally, certified consultants can provide valuable insights into best practices that may not be readily available from other sources. Ultimately, having a Professional Services Consultant certification can help both consultants and businesses maximize their success by ensuring that the right solution is identified quickly and implemented accurately.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various certifications available for professional services consultants and ensure that you are obtaining a certification from an accredited organization. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field, and can be an important factor when seeking new clients or employers.

Related: What does a Professional Services Consultant do?

Top 11 Professional Services Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have met the highest standards of professional excellence in the field of management consulting. The CMC designation is administered by the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA), which is an affiliate of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI).

To become a Certified Management Consultant, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an examination. In order to qualify for the CMC exam, applicants must possess at least five years of relevant experience in management consulting or related fields. They must also demonstrate knowledge and expertise in areas such as business strategy, organizational design, change management, and project management.

The CMC exam consists of three parts: a written test, an oral presentation, and a case study. The written test covers topics such as business ethics, strategic planning, financial analysis, and operations management. The oral presentation requires candidates to present their solutions to a panel of experienced consultants. Finally, the case study requires candidates to analyze a given situation and develop a plan for addressing it.

The cost for taking the CMC exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for certification and maintaining certification status over time.

2. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification awarded by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of business analysis principles and practices. CBAP certification is aimed at experienced business analysts who can demonstrate expertise in their field, as well as those who are looking to move into the business analysis profession.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites and pass an exam administered by IIBA. Prerequisites include having 7500 hours of work experience in the business analysis field within the past 10 years, as well as 21 hours of professional development activities related to business analysis within the past 4 years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as requirements management and communication, enterprise analysis, solution assessment and validation, planning and monitoring, strategy analysis, and more. The exam takes 3 hours to complete.

To get CBAP certification, applicants must first apply for it through IIBA's website. The cost for applying for certification is $125 USD for members or $325 USD for non-members. Once approved to take the exam, applicants must pay an additional fee of $325 USD for members or $450 USD for non-members.

Overall, it can take several weeks or months to become certified depending on when you apply and how quickly you are able to prepare for the exam.

3. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected project management certification in the world. The PMP credential demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management and their ability to lead projects to successful completion.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your experience and the amount of time you are able to dedicate towards studying. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, have at least 4500 hours of project management experience, and pass a four-hour multiple choice exam.

The cost of getting certified as a PMP varies depending on your membership status with PMI. If you are not a member of PMI, it will cost $555 for the exam fee alone. If you are a member of PMI, it will cost $405 for the exam fee alone. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with preparing for and taking the exam such as study materials or classes.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance, a professional organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum. The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of Scrum.

The CSM certification process involves attending a two-day course in which participants learn about the fundamentals of Scrum, such as roles, ceremonies, artifacts, and how to apply them in their own organizations. At the end of the course, participants must take an online assessment to receive their certification.

It typically takes two days to complete the course and pass the assessment. The cost for taking the course varies depending on where it is taken; however, most courses range from $1,000-$1,500 USD.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that is designed to provide an understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve IT service management. The certification covers the fundamentals of ITIL, including the core processes, roles, and responsibilities of service management. It also provides an overview of the different stages of the ITIL lifecycle and how they interact with each other.

The certification typically takes about three days to complete, depending on the provider. To get certified, you must first register for an exam with a certified training provider. You will then need to attend a course or study materials provided by your chosen provider in order to prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your course or study materials, you will be able to take the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from your chosen provider.

The cost of getting ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on which provider you choose and what type of training they offer. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$2000 USD depending on the type of training offered and other factors such as location and duration.

6. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to help individuals understand, implement and lead process improvement projects in their organization. It is a valuable credential for professionals in any industry, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to improve processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes around four weeks to complete. The course consists of three modules: Introduction to Lean Six Sigma; DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) Process Improvement; and Project Management for Process Improvement. Each module includes lectures, discussions, case studies, exercises and assessments.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must pass an exam administered by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). The exam covers topics such as Lean principles, DMAIC process improvement methodology, project management tools and techniques, statistical analysis methods and problem solving strategies.

The cost of the IASSC exam varies depending on the country where you take it; however it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with training courses or materials required for certification preparation.

7. Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQPA certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of quality processes.

The CQPA certification requires individuals to pass an exam that covers topics such as process improvement, process control, process mapping, and process optimization. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To become certified as a CQPA, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ASQ. These include having at least three years of experience in quality management or related fields and having either a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Applicants must also complete an application form and submit it to ASQ with payment for the exam fee.

The cost of the CQPA exam is $395 USD for members of ASQ and $495 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken at any ASQ-approved testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive their official CQPA certificate from ASQ within 4-6 weeks after successful completion of the exam.

8. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP). The CBPP is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of business process management principles and practices. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for developing, managing, and improving business processes.

The CBPP program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project. The written exam covers topics such as process modeling, process improvement, process design, process automation, and business process management best practices. The practical project requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts they have learned in the written exam to a real-world business problem.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CBPP program depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying and completing the requirements.

To get certified as a CBPP, you must first apply for admission into the program. This involves submitting your resume along with any relevant experience or education related to business process management. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to take an online course covering all of the topics covered in the written exam before taking it. After passing the written exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will then be eligible to take on a practical project which must be completed within 12 months from when you took your written exam.

The cost for becoming certified as a CBPP varies depending on where you are located but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD for both parts of the certification program (the online course and practical project).

9. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead projects, identify process improvement opportunities, and implement Lean Six Sigma methodology.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification consists of an intensive training course that typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. During this time, individuals will learn the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma and how to apply them in their organization. They will also learn advanced techniques such as Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and more.

In order to obtain the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, individuals must first complete a formal training program provided by an accredited provider. This can be done either in person or online depending on the provider. Once the training is completed, individuals must pass a written exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

Once an individual has passed the written exam, they are eligible to take the certification exam which is administered by ASQ. The cost of this exam is usually around $1,000 USD and it typically takes 3-4 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of both exams, individuals will receive their Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. Certified Lean Practitioner (CLP)

Certified Lean Practitioner (CLP) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful Lean practitioners. The CLP credential is awarded by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME).

The CLP program consists of three levels: the Lean Foundation, Lean Practitioner and Lean Leader. To obtain the CLP credential, an individual must complete all three levels. Each level has its own set of requirements, which includes attending a series of courses and workshops, passing an exam and completing a project.

The amount of time it takes to obtain the CLP credential varies depending on how quickly an individual completes each level. Generally speaking, it takes between six months and one year to complete all three levels.

To get started with the CLP program, individuals must first become members of AME and then register for the appropriate courses or workshops. Courses are available online or in-person at various locations around the world.

The cost of obtaining the CLP credential varies depending on which courses or workshops are taken as part of each level. Generally speaking, it can cost between $2,000-$4,000 USD to complete all three levels and obtain the CLP credential.

11. Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in agile project management. The certification is designed to help project managers understand how agile principles can be applied to projects, as well as how to effectively manage those projects.

It takes approximately 150 hours of study time to prepare for the CAPM exam. This includes reading materials, attending classes or webinars, and taking practice tests.

To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set out by PMI. These include having at least 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 contact hours of formal education in project management topics. Once you have met these criteria, you can register for the exam online and pay the associated fee of $225 USD.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least a 73%. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CAPM certification along with a digital badge that they can display on their website or social media profiles.

Do You Really Need a Professional Services Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If you are looking to gain knowledge of professional services consulting, then a professional services consultant certificate may be beneficial. This type of certification can help you learn the basics of professional services consulting, such as how to manage projects, analyze data, and provide strategic advice to clients. It can also help you stand out from other applicants in the field who may not have a formal certification.

However, if you are already working in the industry or have experience that is relevant to professional services consulting, then a certificate may not be necessary. Employers will likely be more interested in your experience and skills than any formal certification you may have obtained. In addition, those with years of experience in the field may not need to take courses or obtain certifications in order to stay up-to-date with current trends and developments in the industry.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a professional services consultant certificate. If you feel like it could help you advance your career or give you an edge over other applicants then it may be worth considering investing time and money into obtaining one. However, if your current experience is enough for employers then a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: Professional Services Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Professional Services Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a Professional Services Consultant Certification?

A1. A Professional Services Consultant Certification is a credential that recognizes an individual or organization for their expertise in providing professional services such as consulting, project management, and other related disciplines. It is granted by an independent third-party organization or certifying body that evaluates the applicant’s qualifications and experience to ensure they meet the standards of the certification program.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A2. Becoming certified as a Professional Services Consultant can help you stand out from your peers, increase your credibility and professional standing, demonstrate a commitment to excellence in your field, and increase your earnings potential. It also provides a platform for continuing education and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Q3. How do I become certified?

A3. To become certified as a Professional Services Consultant, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having relevant work experience and passing an exam administered by the certifying body. Once these requirements have been met, you must then submit an application to take the exam along with any applicable fees or dues associated with it.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The amount of time required to complete the certification process varies depending on the specific program and its requirements but typically takes several months from start to finish including study time for preparing for the exam if necessary.

Q5. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

A5. Yes, most certifications require renewal every few years in order to maintain current status, which typically involves completing additional continuing education credits or taking another exam depending on the program’s requirements