Top 11 Proposal Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a proposal specialist in the job market because they demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Certifications can help to differentiate a candidate from other applicants and give them an edge when competing for jobs. They also show employers that the individual is committed to their profession and has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Furthermore, certifications can open up opportunities for higher pay or advancement within an organization.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Proposal Specialists and explains how they can help to enhance a proposal specialist's career.

What are Proposal Specialist Certifications?

Proposal specialist certification is a professional credential that recognizes expertise and knowledge in the field of proposal writing. It is awarded to those who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in writing winning proposals that meet customer requirements and expectations. The certification is offered by organizations such as the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Having proposal specialist certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or contracts. It shows employers that they have the necessary skills to create successful proposals, which can be invaluable in competitive markets. Certification can also provide an individual with an edge when seeking promotions or higher-level positions within their organization. Additionally, it demonstrates a commitment to one’s profession, providing evidence of ongoing education and training related to proposal writing. Finally, having this credential can open new doors for networking opportunities and career advancement.

Pro Tip: When looking for a proposal specialist certification, it is important to select one that provides comprehensive training and is accredited by a recognized professional organization. This will ensure that the certification is respected in the industry and validates your knowledge and skills as a proposal specialist.

Related: What does a Proposal Specialist do?

Top 11 Proposal Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Proposal Management Professional (CPMP)

Certified Proposal Management Professional (CPMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage the proposal process. The CPMP program is offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).

The CPMP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as proposal strategy, proposal development, proposal evaluation, and proposal management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPMP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in managing proposals. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues who can attest to their experience in managing proposals.

The cost for the CPMP certification is $495 USD, which includes the cost of the exam and one year’s membership in APMP. Additionally, applicants must pay an additional fee of $125 USD if they wish to receive a printed certificate.

Once certified, CPMPs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every three years.

2. Certified Proposal Writer (CPW)

Certified Proposal Writer (CPW) is a certification program for proposal writers. It is designed to help prepare proposal writers to develop and submit winning proposals. The CPW program was created by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), an international organization that provides education, resources, and networking opportunities to proposal professionals.

The CPW certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge in all aspects of proposal writing including best practices, processes, tools, techniques, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get started with the CPW program, you must first join APMP as a member. Membership costs vary depending on your membership type and level of involvement. Once you are an APMP member, you will have access to the CPW exam application form which includes details about the cost of taking the exam ($300 USD). You will also need to provide proof of your experience in proposal writing before you can take the exam.

Once you have completed all steps in the application process, you can register for an available testing date at a Prometric Testing Center near you. After passing the CPW exam, you will receive an official certificate from APMP certifying your achievement as a Certified Proposal Writer (CPW).

3. Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO)

A Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). The CGCO program provides a comprehensive overview of the federal government contracting process, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and prepares individuals to become certified as a Government Contracting Officer.

The CGCO program consists of four courses: Introduction to Government Contracting, FAR Fundamentals, Advanced FAR Concepts, and Professional Practices in Government Contracting. Each course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the federal acquisition process and how to effectively manage government contracts.

The CGCO certification requires successful completion of all four courses and passing an examination. The entire program typically takes between 6-9 months to complete depending on the individual’s schedule.

To get started in the CGCO program, individuals must first become members of NCMA and then register for each course individually. NCMA membership costs $75 per year for professionals or $50 per year for students. Each course costs approximately $500-$700 depending on whether you are an NCMA member or not.

In addition to completing the four courses and passing the exam, applicants must also have at least two years of experience working in government contracting or related fields before they can be certified as a CGCO.

4. Certified Federal Proposal Manager (CFPM)

Certified Federal Proposal Manager (CFPM) is a certification program developed by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who manage federal proposals. The CFPM credential is designed for proposal professionals who have experience in managing federal proposals and contracts.

The CFPM program is an intensive three-day course that covers all aspects of federal proposal management from pre-solicitation through post-award administration. The course includes topics such as understanding the government acquisition process, developing compliant proposals, negotiating with government customers, and managing contracts.

To become certified as a CFPM, applicants must successfully pass an exam administered by NCMA. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering all areas of federal proposal management. In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in managing federal proposals or contracts.

The cost for the CFPM program is $2,200 which includes registration fees for the three-day course and the exam fee. Upon successful completion of the program and passing the exam, applicants will receive their CFPM certification from NCMA.

5. Certified Capture and Proposal Manager (CCPM)

Certified Capture and Proposal Manager (CCPM) is a professional certification program designed to help capture and proposal professionals develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of capture management, proposal development, and win strategies. The CCPM certification is offered through the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

The CCPM certification program consists of three parts: an online assessment, a two-day workshop, and a final exam. The online assessment is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge of capture management, proposal development, and win strategies. The two-day workshop covers topics such as understanding customer requirements; developing a competitive strategy; creating persuasive proposals; managing the proposal process; analyzing customer feedback; and understanding legal aspects of contracting. The final exam tests the applicant’s mastery of these topics.

It typically takes approximately three months to complete all three parts of the CCPM certification program. To get started on the program, applicants must first submit an application form to NCMA along with payment for the registration fee ($395). Applicants must also submit proof that they have at least five years of experience in capture or proposal management or related fields. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be sent instructions on how to access the online assessment. After completing all three parts of the program successfully, applicants will receive their official CCPM certificate from NCMA.

The cost for obtaining a Certified Capture and Proposal Manager (CCPM) certification is $395 USD for NCMA members or $495 USD for non-members.

6. Certified Professional in Proposal Development (CPPD)

Certified Professional in Proposal Development (CPPD) is a credential offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate excellence in the field of proposal development. The CPPD certification provides an industry-recognized standard of professional competence and knowledge.

The CPPD certification requires passing a two-part exam that tests knowledge and skills related to proposal development. The exam consists of a written component and an oral component. The written component covers topics such as government contracting, proposal writing, pricing strategies, and contract negotiation. The oral component assesses the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members.

The CPPD certification can be obtained by completing a self-study program or attending an NCMA-approved training course. Those who complete the self-study program must pass both the written and oral components of the exam within one year from their enrollment date. Those who attend an NCMA-approved training course must pass both components within six months from their completion date.

The cost for obtaining the CPPD certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the self-study program or attend an NCMA-approved training course. Self-study programs typically cost between $400-$600 while courses cost around $2,000-$3,000 depending on location and length of course.

7. Certified Government Business Development Professional (CGBDP)

Certified Government Business Development Professional (CGBDP) is a certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize professionals with expertise in government business development.

The CGBDP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in government contracting and business development. The requirements include passing an exam, having at least three years of experience in government business development, completing three required courses, and meeting any applicable continuing education requirements.

The CGBDP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as federal acquisition regulations, contract management principles, government sales processes, and more. The exam must be taken at a designated testing center.

It typically takes about one year to complete the requirements for the CGBDP certification. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances.

To get the CGBDP certification, applicants must first register for the NCMA’s certification program and pay the associated fees. Next, they must pass the CGBDP exam and complete all required courses within two years of registering for the program. Finally, they must meet any applicable continuing education requirements to maintain their certification status.

The cost of obtaining the CGBDP certification varies depending on individual circumstances but generally ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD. This cost includes registration fees for both the NCMA’s certification program and the CGBDP exam as well as any course fees or other related expenses.

8. Project Management Institute’s Program Management Professional Certification (PMP-PC)

The Project Management Institute’s Program Management Professional Certification (PMP-PC) is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in program management. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their ability to effectively manage complex projects and programs, as well as provide the foundation for successful project delivery.

To obtain the PMP-PC certification, one must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the PMP-PC exam. The eligibility requirements include having a minimum of four years of professional project management experience with 7,500 hours leading projects, 35 hours of formal education in project management topics, or a combination of both.

The PMP-PC exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It covers five domains: Initiating the Program; Planning the Program; Executing the Program; Monitoring and Controlling the Program; Closing the Program.

The cost of taking the PMP-PC exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of Project Management Institute (PMI). For members, it costs $405 USD while for non-members it costs $555 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for rescheduling or canceling your exam appointment.

Once you have passed the PMP-PC exam and met all other eligibility requirements, you will receive your official certification from PMI which is valid for three years from date of issue. To maintain your certification status, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years in order to renew your certification.

9. Association of Proposal Management Professionals’ Accredited Proposal Manager Certification (APMP-APM)

The Association of Proposal Management Professionals’ (APMP) Accredited Proposal Manager Certification (APMP-APM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate the highest level of competency in proposal management. The APMP-APM is an internationally recognized credential that validates a person’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of proposal management.

The APMP-APM program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as proposal strategy, project management, business writing, editing and proofreading, graphics design, and more. The oral exam focuses on the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with clients and stakeholders.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the APMP-APM program. During this time, candidates must complete all required reading materials, take practice tests, attend webinars or workshops related to proposal management topics, and pass both the written and oral exams.

To get started on the path towards earning your APMP-APM certification, you must first become a member of the APMP organization by paying an annual membership fee. After becoming a member, you can register for the certification program online or through your local chapter.

The cost of obtaining your APMP-APM certification varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of the organization. For members, it costs $1125 USD for both parts of the certification process (written + oral). For nonmembers it costs $1400 USD for both parts (written + oral).

10. American Purchasing Society’s Certified Purchasing Professional Certification (CPP-CPP)

The Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) certification is a professional designation offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of purchasing and supply chain management. The CPP-CPP certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, as well as passing an exam.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost for the exam is $400 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their work experience and education in order to receive the CPP-CPP certification.

In order to maintain the certification, certified professionals must complete at least 30 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every three years. These credits can be obtained through attending seminars, workshops, conferences, or other educational activities related to purchasing and supply chain management.

11. National Contract Management Association's Contract Management Certification Program (CMCP).

The National Contract Management Association’s (NCMA) Contract Management Certification Program (CMCP) is a comprehensive program designed to help contract professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of contract management. The program consists of four certification levels: Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), and Certified Professional Public Procurement Officer (CP3O).

To obtain any of the certifications, individuals must first complete an application process that includes passing a written exam. The exams are administered by NCMA and are offered at various locations throughout the United States. To be eligible for the exams, applicants must have two years of professional experience in contract management or related fields.

The CPCM exam is a three-hour, multiple-choice test that covers topics such as contracts law, negotiation strategies, risk management, project management, and ethics. The CFCM exam is similar to the CPCM exam but focuses more on federal contracting regulations. The CCCM exam covers commercial contracts topics such as international law, intellectual property rights, dispute resolution methods, and industry best practices. Finally, the CP3O exam focuses on public procurement principles such as cost analysis techniques, bid evaluation procedures, and contract administration processes.

The cost to take each exam varies depending on whether you are an NCMA member or not. For non-members it costs $400 per exam while members pay $350 per exam. Additionally there is a one-time registration fee of $50 for all exams regardless of membership status.

Once you have passed an exam you will receive your certification within 4-6 weeks from NCMA via mail or email depending on your preference. Your certification will remain valid for five years after which time you must renew it by taking a recertification examination or completing continuing education credits through approved courses offered by NCMA or other organizations.

Do You Really Need a Proposal Specialist Certificate?

No, you do not need a Proposal Specialist Certificate in order to be successful in the field of proposal writing. A great deal of the skills and knowledge needed to write effective proposals can be acquired through education, experience, and self-study. While having a certificate may give you an edge when applying for certain jobs, it is certainly not necessary.

If you are looking to gain some additional knowledge or skills related to proposal writing, there are several other options available. You could attend seminars or workshops on the topic, read books or articles related to proposal writing, or connect with experienced professionals in the field who could provide mentorship. All of these activities can help you develop your ability to craft compelling proposals without needing a specific certification.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Proposal Specialist Certificate depends on their individual goals and circumstances. If you have identified that this type of certification would give you an advantage when pursuing particular opportunities, then it may be worth considering obtaining one. However, if you feel confident about your current level of expertise and knowledge in proposal writing and don’t think that having a certificate would make much difference for your career prospects, then it is probably best to focus on other areas of professional development instead.

Related: Proposal Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Proposal Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Proposal Specialist Certification?

A Proposal Specialist Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of proposal writing. It typically involves completing courses or workshops, passing an exam, and/or gaining experience in the field of proposal writing.

2. How do I become certified as a Proposal Specialist?

The process for becoming certified as a Proposal Specialist varies depending on the specific certification program you choose to pursue. Generally, this includes taking courses or workshops, passing an exam, and/or gaining experience in the field of proposal writing.

3. Is a Proposal Specialist Certification worth it?

Yes! A Proposal Specialist Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and make you more attractive to potential employers. It also provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of proposal writing.

4. What are some common topics covered in Proposal Specialist Certifications?

Common topics covered in Proposal Specialist Certifications include project management, research methods, proposal development strategies, editing techniques, persuasive writing techniques, and legal issues related to proposal writing.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a Proposal Specialist?

The length of time it takes to become certified as a Proposal Specialist depends on which certification program you choose to pursue and how much effort you put into studying for the exam or completing coursework or workshops. Generally speaking, most certification programs take between six months and one year to complete.