Top 11 Regional Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a regional director in the job market because they demonstrate expertise, knowledge and commitment to their field. Certifications can provide employers with confidence that the candidate is qualified for the position and has the necessary skills to succeed in their role. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements, which demonstrate a commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications can be used to differentiate between similarly qualified candidates, making them an invaluable asset for those seeking a competitive edge in their job search.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Regional Directors and explains how they can help advance their careers.

What are Regional Director Certifications?

Regional Director Certification is a program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of regional planning and development. This certification provides a way for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field, as well as their commitment to advancing regional planning initiatives. Regional Director Certification also serves as a form of professional recognition, allowing certified professionals to be recognized by their peers and employers for their expertise.

The certification process involves completing an approved course or related training program, passing an examination, and submitting an application to the American Planning Association (APA). Once certified, Regional Directors must maintain their certification through continuing education credits.

Having Regional Director Certification can help professionals gain credibility with their peers and employers. It can also help them network with other professionals in the field, which may lead to more job opportunities. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who are certified since it demonstrates that they have met certain standards of excellence in the field of regional planning and development. Finally, having this certification can give professionals added confidence when applying for new positions or negotiating salary increases.

Pro Tip: When pursuing regional director certification, make sure to thoroughly research the requirements and regulations associated with the certification in your region. Additionally, consider seeking out a mentor who is already a certified regional director – they can provide valuable insight into the process and help you develop the skills needed to successfully complete the certification.

Related: What does a Regional Director do?

Top 11 Regional Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Regional Directors today.

1. Certified Regional Director of Education

A Certified Regional Director of Education (CRDE) is a professional certification for individuals who have completed advanced training in educational administration and management. It is a specialized certification that focuses on the unique needs of regional directors of education, such as developing budgets, managing staff, and overseeing curriculum development. It is designed to help regional directors of education be more effective leaders in their districts.

The CRDE certification requires applicants to complete an online program or attend an in-person workshop offered by an approved provider. The program typically takes between 12 and 18 months to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and availability. The cost can range from $1,000-$2,500 depending on the provider chosen.

To become certified, applicants must pass a series of tests that assess their knowledge and skills related to educational leadership. They must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices in the field by completing a code of ethics exam. After passing all required exams and completing the program, applicants will receive their CRDE certification from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

2. Certified Regional Director of Human Resources

Certified Regional Director of Human Resources (CRDHR) is a professional designation for human resource professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field. This certification is offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

It typically takes about three to five years to earn the CRDHR. To qualify, applicants must have at least five years of experience in human resources management or related fields, and must pass an exam that covers topics such as employment law, compensation and benefits, employee relations, staffing and recruitment, organizational development, and training and development.

To get the CRDHR certification, applicants must first become a member of SHRM. The cost of membership varies depending on the type of membership chosen. Once membership is obtained, applicants can register for the exam online through SHRM's website. The cost of taking the exam is $400 for members and $600 for non-members.

3. Certified Regional Director of Financial Management

Certified Regional Director of Financial Management (CRDFM) is a professional designation offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). The CRDFM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in financial management and can demonstrate their ability to lead and manage complex financial operations.

The CRDFM certification requires applicants to complete a rigorous application process, including passing an exam and submitting evidence of professional experience. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral presentation. The written portion covers topics such as budgeting, accounting, auditing, financial analysis, internal controls, and risk management. The oral presentation focuses on the applicant's ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate their knowledge in the field.

It typically takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the entire CRDFM certification process from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application for the certification along with all required documentation. Once approved, applicants will be eligible to take the exam and must pass both portions in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CRDFM certification varies depending on where you live and how long it takes you to complete the process. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for registration fees, study materials, and examination fees.

4. Certified Regional Director of Operations

Certified Regional Director of Operations (CRDO) is a professional certification program offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The CRDO credential is designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of health care operations. It is the highest-level certification available for healthcare executives and administrators.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain prerequisites, including having at least five years of experience in healthcare operations or management, as well as an advanced degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by ACHE.

The process typically takes 6-9 months to complete, depending on how quickly the candidate can complete all required steps. The cost for taking the exam is $595 for ACHE members and $795 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with submitting applications and renewing certifications every three years.

5. Certified Regional Director of Business Development

Certified Regional Director of Business Development (CRDBD) is a professional certification program for individuals who are interested in advancing their career and taking on leadership roles in the business development field. The CRDBD certification is offered by the American Association of Professional Business Development Professionals (AAPBDP). This certification program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of regional business development, including how to identify and capitalize on opportunities, develop effective strategies, and manage resources.

The CRDBD certification consists of two components: an online assessment and an in-person workshop. The online assessment covers topics such as market analysis, strategy development, and project management. Upon successful completion of the online assessment, candidates must attend an in-person workshop to complete the certification process. The workshop focuses on building relationships with clients, developing customer loyalty programs, and other advanced business development techniques.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CRDBD certification program depending on the candidate’s availability for completing the online assessment and attending the in-person workshop.

To get certified as a Regional Director of Business Development, candidates must first register with AAPBDP and pay the required fee. After registering, they will be given access to an online portal where they can take the assessment and register for an upcoming workshop. Candidates must successfully pass both components before being awarded their CRDBD certification.

The cost for obtaining a Certified Regional Director of Business Development certificate varies depending on which package you choose; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

6. Certified Regional Director of Quality Assurance

Certified Regional Director of Quality Assurance (CRDQA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of quality assurance. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of quality assurance, including risk management, process improvement, and organizational change management. The CRDQA certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CRDQA certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in quality assurance or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as project management, process improvement, customer service, and problem solving. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to obtain the CRDQA certification, applicants must submit an application to ASQ along with proof of experience and payment for the exam fee. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded the CRDQA certificate.

The cost for the CRDQA certification varies depending on whether you are taking it through ASQ or through another organization such as a college or university. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the exam through ASQ.

7. Certified Regional Director of Community Engagement

Certified Regional Director of Community Engagement (CRDCE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association for Community Engagement (IACE). The CRDCE program is designed to recognize and promote excellence in community engagement practice. It provides a framework to assess and validate an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of community engagement.

The CRDCE program consists of three components: an online course, a portfolio review, and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as community engagement principles, strategies, tools, and best practices. The portfolio review requires individuals to demonstrate their experience in the field of community engagement through case studies, reports, presentations, or other evidence. Finally, the final exam tests an individual's knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete all three components of the CRDCE program. Individuals who successfully complete all three components will receive their Certified Regional Director of Community Engagement credential from IACE.

The cost of the CRDCE program varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or organization. For individuals applying as an individual, it costs $1125 for members or $1350 for non-members; for organizations applying as a group, it costs $1500 for members or $1800 for non-members.

8. Certified Regional Director of Strategic Planning

A Certified Regional Director of Strategic Planning (CRDSP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and related areas. The CRDSP certification is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). It is designed to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of regional strategic planning.

The CRDSP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in regional planning, including an understanding of the principles and practices associated with regional planning, public policy, economic development, land use, transportation, and environmental management. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to work effectively with stakeholders from multiple sectors and disciplines.

The process for becoming a Certified Regional Director of Strategic Planning typically takes between 6-12 months. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application to AICP along with supporting documentation such as resumes or letters of recommendation. Once approved, applicants must then complete a series of courses covering topics such as project management, public policy analysis, community engagement strategies, data collection/analysis techniques, and more. Following successful completion of these courses, applicants are required to pass an examination administered by AICP before they can be awarded the CRDSP certification.

The cost for becoming a Certified Regional Director of Strategic Planning varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking however, it is estimated that the total cost can range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD.

9. Certified Regional Director of Information Technology

Certified Regional Director of Information Technology (CRDIT) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Information Technology Professionals (IAITP). The CRDIT certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of Information Technology. It is an advanced certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in IT management and leadership.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for the CRDIT certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as IT security, project management, system administration, and network engineering. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate significant experience in IT management and leadership roles.

The cost of obtaining the CRDIT certification varies depending on where you are taking the exam and what materials you need to purchase. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 USD to obtain the CRDIT certification.

Once certified, individuals can expect higher salaries and greater job opportunities in their chosen field. Additionally, having a CRDIT certification can give individuals more credibility when applying for jobs or negotiating salary increases with current employers.

10. Certified Regional Director of Marketing and Communications

A Certified Regional Director of Marketing and Communications (CRDMC) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the areas of regional marketing and communications. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field, and have demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence.

The CRDMC certification is offered through the International Association of Regional Directors of Marketing and Communications (IARDMC). To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least five years of experience in regional marketing or communications, successfully completing an exam, and providing proof of continuing education credits.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion that covers topics such as strategic marketing planning, public relations tactics, digital media strategies, and crisis communications; and an oral portion that assesses the candidate's ability to develop effective campaigns for different audiences. The exam can be taken online or in person at IARDMC-approved testing centers.

The cost for the CRDMC certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the applicant. Non-member applicants pay $250 for the exam fee plus $50 for each continuing education credit earned. Member applicants pay $200 for the exam fee plus $25 for each continuing education credit earned.

Overall, it typically takes around 6 months to complete all requirements necessary to become certified as a CRDMC.

11. Certified Regional Director of Public Relations

Certified Regional Director of Public Relations (CRDPR) is a professional certification program offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It is designed to recognize public relations professionals who have achieved a high level of professional development in their field. The CRDPR certification requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of public relations principles and practices, as well as knowledge of regional public relations issues and trends.

The CRDPR certification process typically takes six to nine months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having at least five years’ experience in the field, completing an approved course of study, and passing a comprehensive exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application for review by PRSA’s Certification Board. If approved, they will receive their CRDPR certificate.

The cost of obtaining the CRDPR certification varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more. This cost includes application fees, course fees, exam fees, and any other costs associated with earning the certification.

It is important to note that this certification does not guarantee employment or success in public relations; rather it signifies that an individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in their field and is committed to continuing their professional development.

Do You Really Need a Regional Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific situation. A Regional Director Certificate is usually required for those who wish to manage multiple locations or oversee a large geographic area. It is also sometimes needed for those seeking higher-level positions within a company.

If you are just starting out in your career, then it may not be necessary to obtain a Regional Director Certificate. However, if you are interested in taking on more responsibility and advancing within an organization, then having one can certainly help. It shows that you are serious about your career and have taken the time to further your knowledge and skills in this area.

Having a Regional Director Certificate can also demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to manage multiple locations or oversee large areas. This can be particularly helpful when applying for jobs at larger organizations where there is often competition for higher-level positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Regional Director Certificate will depend on your current career goals and ambitions. If you think it could help advance your career, then it may be worth pursuing one.

Related: Regional Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Regional Director Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Regional Director?

Answer: The requirements for becoming a Regional Director vary by region, but typically involve having several years of experience in education administration and/or leadership, as well as passing an exam or completing a training program.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Regional Director?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Regional Director depends on the individual's experience and the specific requirements of their region, but typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

3. What is the cost of obtaining certification as a Regional Director?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification as a Regional Director will vary depending on the specific requirements for each region, but is generally between $500 and $1,000 USD.

4. Are there continuing education requirements after obtaining certification?

Answer: Yes, most regions require that Regional Directors maintain their certifications through ongoing professional development courses or workshops.

5. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Regional Director?

Answer: Being certified as a Regional Director can provide many benefits such as increased job security, higher pay and more career opportunities. Additionally, it can also be seen as an endorsement of one’s leadership abilities and knowledge in educational administration and management.