Top 10 Proposal Manager Certifications

Certifications can be invaluable for a proposal manager in the job market. They provide proof that a person has achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in their field, and they can make them stand out from other candidates who may not possess such credentials. Certifications also show that the proposal manager is committed to staying current with industry trends and best practices, which can give employers confidence in their abilities. Additionally, certifications are often seen as an indication of dedication to the profession and may even open doors to new opportunities that might otherwise not be available.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Proposal Managers and explain how they can help to further a Proposal Manager's career.

What are Proposal Manager Certifications?

Proposal manager certification is a specialized credential designed to help proposal professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. It is awarded by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation level provides an introduction to the basic principles of proposal management, while the Practitioner level requires a more comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices associated with successful proposal development.

The certification helps to ensure that proposal managers are up-to-date on best practices for developing effective proposals. It also serves as a benchmark for employers, who can be confident that certified proposal managers have been trained in the latest techniques for creating winning bids. Additionally, having this credential can help individuals stand out from other job applicants or consultants in their field. Finally, it provides recognition within the profession and can be used to advance one's career opportunities or increase earning potential.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a course or certification in Proposal Manager to expand your knowledge and better understand the proposal process. This will help you develop the skills required to effectively manage complex projects, as well as improve your ability to communicate with stakeholders and potential clients. Additionally, a Proposal Manager certification can provide you with an edge when competing for jobs.

Related: What does a Proposal Manager do?

Top 10 Proposal Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Proposal Manager (CPM)

Certified Proposal Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to help proposal management professionals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. It is offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).

The CPM certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge of proposal management best practices, processes, and principles. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. To be eligible for the CPM certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the field of proposal management or related fields.

To get certified, applicants must first apply online through APMP’s website. Once approved, they will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Applicants must pay an application fee of $395 USD and an additional fee for each attempt at the exam. The cost for each attempt is $295 USD.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their official CPM certificate from APMP within four weeks.

2. Certified Professional Proposal Manager (CPPM)

Certified Professional Proposal Manager (CPPM) is a certification program designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in proposal management. It is offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).

The CPPM program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in proposal management through an assessment process. The assessment includes a written exam, an oral presentation, and a portfolio review. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions about proposal management topics such as writing processes, project planning, and customer relations. The oral presentation requires the applicant to present a proposal solution to a panel of experts. The portfolio review evaluates the applicant’s experience in managing proposals from start to finish.

It typically takes six months or more for an applicant to complete the CPPM program. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in proposal management before they can apply for certification.

The cost of the CPPM program varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of an organization. For individual applicants, the cost is $1,750 USD plus applicable taxes; for organizations, it is $2,500 USD plus applicable taxes.

In addition to the fees associated with the CPPM program, applicants must also pay for any travel expenses related to attending training sessions or taking exams at APMP-approved locations.

3. Certified Technical Proposal Manager (CTPM)

Certified Technical Proposal Manager (CTPM) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage the proposal development process.

The CTPM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in proposal management, including developing strategy, analyzing customer requirements, managing timelines, writing and editing proposals, and leading proposal teams. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to use APMP best practices in their work.

To get certified as a CTPM, applicants must meet certain prerequisites and pass an exam. The prerequisites include having at least two years of experience in proposal management or related fields, such as marketing or business development. Additionally, applicants are required to submit proof of completion of an APMP-approved training program or equivalent experience.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as proposal management processes, best practices for preparing proposals, customer needs analysis and evaluation criteria development.

The cost for the CTPM certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in person. The online exam costs $495 USD while the in-person exam costs $595 USD. Both exams include a one-year membership with APMP which provides access to additional resources and benefits such as discounts on workshops and conferences.

4. Certified Government Proposal Manager (CGPM)

A Certified Government Proposal Manager (CGPM) is a professional certification program designed to help government contractors increase their ability to win and manage government contracts. The CGPM program was developed by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The CGPM program requires completion of an online course, which includes modules on proposal writing, pricing strategies, and contract management. After completing the course, participants must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their certification. The exam covers topics such as federal acquisition regulations, proposal development and evaluation, cost analysis, and contract management.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CGPM program from start to finish. To get started, you will need to register for the course through NCMA's website or through an authorized training provider. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you choose self-study or instructor-led training; however, it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

5. Certified Federal Proposal Manager (CFPM)

Certified Federal Proposal Manager (CFPM) is a professional certification offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing and preparing federal government proposals.

The CFPM certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of the various aspects of proposal management, including proposal planning, proposal development, proposal evaluation, and contract negotiation. The certification also requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of federal acquisition regulations and contracting principles.

To obtain the CFPM certification, an applicant must complete a four-part examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as federal acquisition regulations, contract types, and proposal preparation techniques. Applicants must score at least 70% on each section of the exam in order to pass.

The CFPM examination typically takes about four hours to complete. The cost for the exam is $250 for NCMA members and $350 for non-members.

6. Certified Bid and Proposal Management Professional (CBPMP)

Certified Bid and Proposal Management Professional (CBPMP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of bid and proposal management. This certification is offered through the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).

To become a CBPMP, an individual must demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and best practices associated with bid and proposal management by passing a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as developing strategies for responding to requests for proposals, understanding customer requirements, preparing cost estimates, managing resources, and writing winning proposals.

The CBPMP exam takes approximately four hours to complete. It can be taken either online or at an APMP-approved testing center. The cost of the exam is $695 USD for members of APMP or $795 USD for non-members.

7. Certified Capture and Proposal Professional (CCPP)

Certified Capture and Proposal Professional (CCPP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage capture and proposal processes.

The CCPP certification program consists of three courses: Capture Management, Proposal Management, and Advanced Proposal Management. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of all three courses, participants will earn their CCPP certification.

To get the CCPP certification, individuals must first register for the program through NCMA's website. Once registered, they can purchase the course materials online or through NCMA’s bookstore. The cost of the program is $1,500 plus applicable taxes.

Once purchased, individuals can begin taking the courses at their own pace. Upon completion of all three courses, they will receive their CCPP certificate from NCMA via email within two weeks after completing all requirements.

8. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Business Development Professionals (ICBDP). The CBDP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in business development. It is an international certification that provides recognition for professionals who have achieved a certain level of excellence in their field.

The CBDP certification requires applicants to complete a series of courses, examinations, and other requirements. The courses cover topics such as business strategy, customer relationship management, sales process management, marketing, and finance. After completing the courses, applicants must pass an examination to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Upon successful completion of the coursework and examination, applicants are awarded the CBDP designation.

The cost for obtaining the CBDP certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for all materials required for completion of the program.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements necessary for obtaining the CBDP designation. This includes completing all coursework and passing all examinations associated with the program.

9. Project Management Institute - Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Project Management Institute – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate an individual’s experience and knowledge in agile project management. The PMI-ACP credential demonstrates that the holder has a thorough understanding of agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques; is able to apply them in real-world situations; and can effectively lead agile projects.

In order to become PMI-ACP certified, applicants must have 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years, 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years, 21 contact hours of formal education in agile topics prior to taking the exam. In addition to this requirement, applicants must pass a multiple choice exam that covers agile principles, practices and tools.

The PMI-ACP certification process typically takes about two months from start to finish. After you submit your application and it is approved by PMI you will be able to register for the exam. You will then have up to one year from the date of registration to take the exam. Once you pass the exam you will receive your certificate in four weeks or less.

The cost for becoming PMI-ACP certified varies depending on whether you are already a member of PMI or not. For non members it costs $435 for members it costs $375 plus any applicable taxes.

10. Association of Proposal Management Professionals - Accredited Proposal Professional (APMP-APP)

The Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) is a global non-profit organization that provides training and certification for proposal management professionals. The APMP-Accredited Proposal Professional (APP) certification is designed to recognize the expertise of experienced proposal professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully manage proposals.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the APP certification exam. To get started, you should review the APMP Body of Knowledge (BoK), which outlines the topics covered on the exam. You can also take an online course or attend an in-person training session to help you better understand the material. Once you feel confident in your understanding of the BoK, you can register for and take the exam.

The cost of taking the APP certification exam varies depending on where you are taking it and whether or not you are a member of APMP. For members, it costs $395 USD; for non-members, it costs $495 USD. Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee of $50 USD after your first year as a certified APP professional.

In addition to taking and passing the exam, applicants must also submit evidence that they have at least two years of proposal management experience within five years prior to submitting their application in order to be eligible for certification.

Do You Really Need a Proposal Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Proposal Manager Certificate to become a successful proposal manager. However, depending on the company or industry, having a Proposal Manager Certificate may be advantageous.

Having a certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to the field and give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one. It also shows that you have knowledge and experience in proposal management, which could give you an advantage when competing for jobs. Additionally, it can provide additional credentials that could make you more attractive to potential employers.

A Proposal Manager Certificate can also be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career. It can provide evidence of your knowledge and skills in managing proposals as well as help build credibility with colleagues and supervisors. Furthermore, having the certificate may open up opportunities for professional development or mentorship that could help improve your skills even further.

Overall, obtaining a Proposal Manager Certificate is not necessary for becoming a successful proposal manager but it can be beneficial in some cases. Companies and industries may value the credential differently so it is important to weigh the costs and benefits before making the decision to pursue one.

Related: Proposal Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Proposal Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Proposal Manager Certification?

A1. A Proposal Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in developing and managing winning proposals. It requires knowledge of the entire proposal development process, from research to submission, as well as the ability to lead teams and collaborate with stakeholders.

Q2. What are the benefits of getting certified?

A2. Becoming certified can provide many benefits including increased job opportunities and better salary potential, enhanced credibility and recognition among peers, plus improved skills for leading proposal teams and creating successful strategies for winning bids.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified?

A3. The time frame for obtaining certification varies depending on the certifying body you choose, but generally it takes an average of three months to complete the coursework and exams required for certification.

Q4. What is included in the certification process?

A4. Generally, the certification process includes coursework in topics such as proposal writing, management principles and practices, project management methodology, proposal budgeting and pricing strategies, customer service training, communication skills training and more. Additionally, most certifying bodies require applicants to pass an exam in order to earn their credential.

Q5. How much does it cost to get certified?

A5. The cost of becoming certified will vary depending on which certifying body you choose; however, most programs range between $500 - $2000 USD depending on course materials required or additional services offered by the certifying body such as mentorship or coaching programs or access to exclusive resources such as webinars or other learning tools.