Top 11 Relationship Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for relationship managers. They demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for when hiring. Certifications show that a relationship manager has taken the time to learn the necessary skills needed to succeed in the field and is committed to staying up-to-date on trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications can help a relationship manager stand out from other applicants by showing potential employers that they are knowledgeable in their chosen field. Finally, certifications provide a form of credibility and validation that can increase a manager’s chances of success when applying for jobs or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Relationship Managers and explain how these certifications can contribute to a successful career as a Relationship Manager.

What are Relationship Manager Certifications?

Relationship Manager Certification is a program that helps Relationship Managers, who are responsible for managing customer relationships, develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in their role. The program focuses on topics such as customer service, communication, sales strategies, and problem solving. It also provides an overview of key areas such as marketing principles and customer segmentation.

The certification aims to help Relationship Managers build strong relationships with customers by improving their understanding of customer needs and expectations. By gaining a better understanding of customers’ wants and needs, Relationship Managers can provide superior service and build long-term loyalty. In addition, they can use their improved knowledge to identify potential opportunities for business growth.

The certification also helps Relationship Managers develop the ability to effectively manage customer interactions across multiple channels (e.g., email, phone calls, social media). This includes being able to quickly resolve customer issues while maintaining a positive relationship with them. Furthermore, the certification covers essential skills such as time management and conflict resolution which are important when dealing with demanding customers.

Overall, obtaining a Relationship Manager Certification can help enhance the skills of those in this profession. It equips them with the tools they need to excel in their role and build strong relationships with customers that will lead to long-term success for both parties involved.

Pro tip: When considering a relationship manager certification, look for programs that focus on developing the necessary skills to be successful in the industry. This includes training on communication and interpersonal skills, understanding customer needs and preferences, as well as knowledge of financial products and services. Additionally, research courses that specialize in developing sales strategies and tactics to help you build a lasting client base.

Related: What does a Relationship Manager do?

Top 11 Relationship Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Relationship Manager (CRM)

Certified Relationship Manager (CRM) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Certified Relationship Managers (ICRM). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful relationship managers in the banking, finance, and insurance industries.

The CRM certification program consists of three levels: Foundations, Advanced, and Professional. Each level requires completion of a series of courses, exams, and practical experience. The Foundations level is designed for entry-level professionals who are new to the field and want to gain an understanding of basic relationship management concepts and principles. The Advanced level focuses on more complex topics such as risk management and customer service strategies. Finally, the Professional level provides advanced training in areas such as financial analysis, negotiation techniques, and sales management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CRM certification program. The exact timeline will depend on how quickly you can complete each course and exam.

The cost of obtaining the CRM certification varies depending on which courses you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 USD for all three levels combined. This includes tuition fees for each course as well as any applicable exam fees.

In order to obtain your CRM certification you must first register with ICRM online or by mail. Once registered you can then select which courses you would like to take from their list of approved providers. After completing all required courses and exams you will be eligible to receive your official CRM certification from ICRM upon passing a comprehensive final exam.

2. Certified Professional Relationship Manager (CPRM)

Certified Professional Relationship Manager (CPRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in relationship management. This certification is offered by the Association of Relationship Management Professionals (ARMP).

The CPRM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in relationship management, as well as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, sales, marketing, communication, and ethics.

It typically takes about four months to complete the application process for the CPRM certification. The first step is to submit an online application form with your resume and other relevant documents. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be asked to take the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CPRM certification varies depending on your country of residence and whether you are a member of ARMP or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for non-members and $400-$450 USD for members.

3. Chartered Financial Relationship Manager (CFRM)

Chartered Financial Relationship Manager (CFRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in financial services. CFRMs are responsible for providing comprehensive advice to clients on their financial needs and goals. They must be able to analyze the client’s current situation, identify potential risks and opportunities, develop appropriate strategies, and provide ongoing monitoring and advice.

It typically takes two years to obtain the CFRM designation. The process involves completing an approved course of study from an accredited institution, passing a series of examinations, and meeting certain experience requirements. The coursework covers topics such as financial planning, investments, risk management, estate planning, taxation, retirement planning, and insurance.

The cost of obtaining the CFRM designation varies depending on the institution offering the program and other factors such as living expenses during the program. Generally speaking, it can range from several thousand dollars up to $20,000 or more for some programs.

In order to become a Chartered Financial Relationship Manager (CFRM), you must meet all requirements set forth by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This includes passing a series of exams administered by FINRA as well as completing at least two years of relevant work experience in the financial services industry. Additionally, you must have at least three years of professional experience in finance or investment banking prior to applying for your CFRM designation.

4. Certified Bank Relationship Manager (CBRM)

Certified Bank Relationship Manager (CBRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in managing relationships between financial institutions and their customers. The CBRM certification is offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA).

The CBRM program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Banking, Customer Relationships, and Advanced Banking Strategies. Each course must be completed within a year to earn the certification. The total cost for all three courses is $2,600.

The ABA also offers an online version of the CBRM program for those who prefer to study from home or at their own pace. This option requires a one-time fee of $1,000 and can be completed in as little as six weeks.

In order to qualify for the CBRM certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least five years of banking experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. They must also pass an exam administered by the ABA that tests their knowledge of banking operations, customer service strategies, and risk management principles.

Once certified, individuals are expected to adhere to the ABA’s Code of Ethics for Bank Relationship Managers which includes maintaining confidentiality with customers, providing accurate information about products and services, and acting in good faith when dealing with customers.

5. Certified Financial Services Relationship Manager (CFSRM)

A Certified Financial Services Relationship Manager (CFSRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of financial services relationship management. It is awarded by the Association of Financial Services Professionals (AFSP), an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the financial services industry.

The CFSRM program requires applicants to complete a two-day workshop, pass an exam, and fulfill continuing education requirements. The workshop covers topics such as customer service, sales and marketing, compliance and regulation, risk management, and financial analysis. After completing the workshop, applicants must pass an exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and case studies.

To obtain the CFSRM designation, applicants must pay a registration fee of $395 for members of AFSP or $495 for non-members. The fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as the cost of attending the two-day workshop. Additionally, CFSRMs are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification.

6. Certified Investment Management Relationship Manager (CIMRM)

A Certified Investment Management Relationship Manager (CIMRM) is a professional designation offered by the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). The CIMRM designation is designed to recognize investment professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field of investment management.

The CIMRM program requires candidates to complete a course of study, pass an exam, and meet certain professional experience requirements. The course of study includes topics such as: portfolio theory, asset allocation, risk management, portfolio construction, performance measurement and evaluation, tax planning strategies, client communication and relationship management.

The CIMRM program typically takes about six months to complete. Candidates must first enroll in the IMCA’s online learning platform and complete all required coursework. Once the coursework is completed, candidates must then register for and pass the CIMRM Exam. After passing the exam, candidates must submit proof of two years of relevant professional experience in order to receive their designation.

The cost of the CIMRM program varies depending on whether or not you are already an IMCA member. For non-members, the cost is $1,795 plus applicable taxes; for members it is $1,595 plus applicable taxes.

7. Certified Wealth Management Advisor (CWMA)

Certified Wealth Management Advisor (CWMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American College of Financial Services, one of the largest and oldest non-profit educational institutions in the United States. The CWMA program focuses on helping financial advisors gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive wealth management services to their clients.

The CWMA program requires a minimum of 300 hours of study, including both online and in-person coursework. The program also includes an exam that must be passed in order to earn the designation. The exam covers topics such as asset allocation, estate planning, retirement planning, risk management, tax planning, and investment strategies.

In order to become a Certified Wealth Management Advisor (CWMA), you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time experience as a financial advisor or related field; having completed at least 30 hours of continuing education credits related to financial planning; and having passed the CWMA exam.

The cost for taking the CWMA exam is $595 for members of the American College of Financial Services and $695 for non-members. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake the exam or if you need additional study materials or textbooks.

8. Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)

Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) is a professional certification awarded by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in financial counseling, financial education, and money management. The AFC designation is held by professionals who have met rigorous educational, experience, and ethical standards.

To receive the AFC designation, applicants must complete an approved program of study that includes coursework in financial counseling, financial education, debt management, consumer rights and responsibilities, budgeting and money management. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the AFCPE.

The process of obtaining the AFC designation takes approximately six months to complete. The first step is to enroll in an approved program of study. This can be done through either an online or on-campus program offered by accredited universities or colleges. Once the coursework has been completed and all other requirements have been met (including passing the exam), applicants will receive their official certification from the AFCPE.

The cost of obtaining the AFC designation varies depending on which program you choose to enroll in. Generally speaking, online programs tend to be more affordable than on-campus programs due to their lower overhead costs. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or other forms of assistance for employees seeking to obtain their certification.

9. Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)

Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) is a professional designation offered by the College for Financial Planning. It is designed to help financial advisors better serve their clients by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to create comprehensive retirement plans. The CRPC program focuses on four key areas: retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, and tax planning.

The CRPC program consists of two courses: Retirement Planning Strategies and Investment Strategies. Each course includes an online exam that must be passed in order to receive the designation. The courses can be completed in approximately six months, although this may vary depending on individual study habits and other factors.

In order to become a Certified Retirement Planning Counselor, you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of experience in providing financial advice or services related to retirement planning, or having a bachelor’s degree in finance or economics from an accredited college or university. You must also pass both courses with a minimum score of 70%.

The cost for the CRPC program varies depending on which version you choose. The self-study version costs $2,595 while the live online version costs $3,295. Both versions include access to the online exams and all course materials.

10. Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC® )

Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) is a professional designation offered by the College for Financial Planning. It is designed to help financial advisors better serve their clients in the area of retirement planning.

To become a CRPC®, individuals must complete a course of study that covers topics such as retirement plan design, retirement income strategies, Social Security and Medicare, taxation of retirement plans and distributions, estate planning, risk management and investments. The course also requires successful completion of an exam.

The course typically takes about three months to complete and the cost varies depending on the materials purchased. The total cost can range from $1,000 to $2,000.

In order to be eligible for the CRPC® designation, individuals must have at least three years of experience in providing personalized investment advice or financial planning services to individual clients or employers. They must also have completed an approved program in financial planning or hold one of several other professional credentials recognized by the College for Financial Planning.

Once all requirements are met, individuals will receive their CRPC® designation from the College for Financial Planning. This certification demonstrates that they possess knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive retirement planning services to their clients.

11. Certified Fund SpecialistSM (CFS® )

Certified Fund SpecialistSM (CFS®) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Business and Finance (IBF). It is a comprehensive program designed to provide financial advisors, brokers, and other professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage mutual fund investments.

The CFS® program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as portfolio management, asset allocation strategies, tax considerations, and more. The exam is a multiple-choice test that covers the material presented in the online course.

The CFS® program typically takes about six months to complete. To get started, you must first register for the program through IBF's website. Once you have registered, you will receive access to the online course materials and be able to begin studying for the exam.

The cost of the CFS® program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500-$800 USD. This fee includes access to all study materials as well as registration for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Relationship Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking to become a relationship manager in the finance industry, then having a Relationship Manager Certificate would be beneficial. It would demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field, as well as give you an edge over other applicants who may not have the same credentials.

A Relationship Manager Certificate will also equip you with the necessary skills needed to manage relationships with clients. This includes understanding their needs, developing plans to meet those needs, and negotiating contracts. You will also learn how to develop trust with your clients and how to identify areas of potential risk. As a relationship manager, you must be able to handle difficult conversations and build strong relationships with clients. All of these skills can be learned through a Relationship Manager Certification program.

On the other hand, if you are already working in the finance industry or have had previous experience managing relationships with customers, then a Relationship Manager Certificate may not be necessary for you. However, if you are new to the industry or want to expand your knowledge base in order to move up in your current job or pursue higher positions within the field, then obtaining a certificate could prove beneficial for your career development.

In short, whether or not you need a Relationship Manager Certificate depends on where you currently stand in terms of experience and education within the finance industry. If you are just starting out or want to gain more knowledge about managing customer relationships within this sector, then obtaining a certification could help open doors for further opportunities down the line.

Related: Relationship Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Relationship Manager Certifications

1. What is a Relationship Manager Certification?

A Relationship Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage relationships and build strong customer connections. It is designed to help professionals in sales, customer service, marketing, and other related fields develop the skills necessary for success in their role.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

The primary benefit of obtaining a Relationship Manager Certification is that it can provide employers with evidence of your knowledge and commitment to the profession. It can also help you stand out from other job applicants and make you more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications can provide you with access to valuable networks and resources that can further your career growth.

3. How do I become certified?

In order to become certified, you must complete a certification program provided by an accredited organization or institution. These programs typically involve completing coursework, passing an exam, and/or meeting certain experience requirements.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

The amount of time required to obtain certification varies depending on the specific program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed in 6-12 months if studying full-time or up to 24 months if studying part-time.

5. Is certification worth it?

Yes! Becoming certified as a relationship manager provides numerous benefits such as increased job opportunities and earning potential as well as providing evidence of your expertise in the field which can lead to greater recognition within your industry or organization.