Top 11 Research Manager Certifications

Certifications for a research manager are an important part of the job market, as they demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the industry. Certification shows potential employers that a research manager is up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, has a comprehensive understanding of the field of research management, and is capable of leading teams and projects to success. Certifications also provide credibility to a research manager’s resume, helping them stand out among other applicants. Certification can also open doors to higher-level positions or better opportunities with more competitive pay. Finally, certifications can be beneficial when negotiating salary or benefits packages with potential employers.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Research Managers and how they can help further a research manager's career.

What are Research Manager Certifications?

Research Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals in the field of research management. It is designed to give research managers the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage research projects, develop research plans, analyze data, and interpret results. The certification program includes courses on topics such as data analysis, project management, and report writing. By obtaining this certification, individuals will demonstrate their commitment to excellence in research management and show employers that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage complex projects.

The Research Manager Certification program helps ensure that those working in the field of research management are well-equipped with the skills needed for success. This certification provides a competitive edge for those seeking employment or promotion opportunities within the field of research management. Furthermore, by earning this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in various areas related to research management such as data analysis, project planning, budgeting and evaluation. Additionally, it gives professionals an opportunity to network with other certified professionals in the industry which may lead to future job opportunities or career advancement.

Pro Tip: Research Manager Certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in the field and to stand out from the competition. Make sure to research the various certifications available and select one that best meets your needs. Additionally, take advantage of online courses, webinars, and other resources to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in research management.

Related: What does a Research Manager do?

Top 11 Research Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Research Manager (CRM)

Certified Research Manager (CRM) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of research professionals. It is an internationally recognized credential that provides assurance of quality and professionalism in research management.

The CRM program is administered by the International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT). To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an examination, and adhere to a code of ethics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, risk management, data collection, analysis techniques, and research methodology.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the exam. Candidates should review the IAMOT study guide and practice test questions prior to taking the exam. Additionally, there are various online courses available that provide additional preparation materials.

The cost for the CRM certification program varies depending on your country or region; however, it typically costs between $500-$1000 USD.

2. Certified Professional Research Manager (CPRM)

Certified Professional Research Manager (CPRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Professional Researchers International (APRI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in research management. The CPRM certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage research projects, interpret data, and develop strategies for successful research outcomes.

The CPRM program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, data analysis, research design, and communication. Applicants must also demonstrate their experience in research management through a portfolio review process. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in research management or related fields.

The CPRM exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken online or at designated testing centers throughout the United States and Canada. The cost of the exam is $395 USD plus applicable taxes. Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years.

3. Certified Clinical Research Manager (CCRM)

Certified Clinical Research Manager (CCRM) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced clinical research professionals. The CCRM credential is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and is designed to demonstrate expertise in the management of clinical research projects.

The CCRM program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in clinical research or related field, including two years of direct experience managing clinical trials or studies. Applicants must also have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in clinical research-related topics within the past three years.

To obtain the CCRM credential, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, regulatory compliance, data management, ethics and safety. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CCRM certification program varies depending on whether you are an ACRP member or non-member. For members, it costs $450 for the application fee plus $495 for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $650 for the application fee plus $695 for the exam fee.

4. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual's ability to successfully manage projects. The PMP certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in project management and demonstrates a professional’s commitment to the profession.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your experience and background. To qualify for the exam, you must have either a four-year degree or equivalent experience in leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of project management education.

To get the PMP certification, you must first apply online with PMI and pay an application fee of $555 for members or $700 for non-members. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam through Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam fee is $405 for members or $555 for non-members. After passing the exam, you will be awarded your PMP credential.

The cost of getting a PMP certification varies depending on how much time you spend studying and preparing for the exam, as well as any additional courses or materials you choose to purchase. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $1000-$3000 USD to become certified depending on your individual situation.

5. Certified Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM)

Certified Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in quality assurance management. The CQAM program is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CQAM certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in quality assurance management, including topics such as process improvement, root cause analysis, and customer satisfaction. Applicants must also pass an exam to earn the certification.

To become certified as a CQAM, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of professional experience in quality assurance or related fields, and completing at least 30 hours of approved quality-related training or education within the last three years.

Once these eligibility requirements are met, applicants can register for the CQAM exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. It is offered twice a year at various locations around the world.

The cost of obtaining the CQAM certification varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the fee is usually around $400 USD; for members it may be discounted to around $300 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CQAM certificate from ASQ. This certificate will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed by taking additional training courses or passing another exam.

6. Certified Survey Research Professional (CSRP)

Certified Survey Research Professional (CSRP) is a certification program offered by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR). The CSRP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in survey research. The CSRP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of survey design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical standards.

The CSRP certification process involves three steps: an online application, a written exam, and an oral exam. The online application includes questions about the applicant's education, experience, and training in survey research. Once the application is approved, the applicant must pass a written exam that covers topics such as survey design principles; sampling techniques; questionnaire development; data collection methods; data analysis techniques; and ethical standards. Finally, the applicant must pass an oral exam that tests their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the entire CSRP certification process. To get started with the process, applicants must submit an online application form available on AAPOR's website. There is no fee associated with submitting the application form. However, applicants will be required to pay a fee when they register for either the written or oral exams. The fees for both exams are currently $400 each ($800 total).

7. Qualified Market Research Professional (QMRP)

Qualified Market Research Professional (QMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of market research and are committed to advancing their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The QMRP certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in market research.

The QMRP certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as survey design, sampling methods, data collection techniques, data analysis, and reporting. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

To become certified as a QMRP, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with proof of education or experience in the field of market research. Applicants must also pay an application fee of $250 USD. Once the application has been approved, applicants will receive an invitation to take the exam.

The cost for taking the QMRP exam is $450 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams provided by MRA as well as the actual proctored exam itself. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their official QMRP certificate within 2-3 weeks.

8. Institute of Management Consultants USA Certification in Market and Social Research

The Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA) Certification in Market and Social Research is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively conduct market and social research. This certification is awarded to those who have met the standards for excellence in the field of market and social research.

To be eligible for this certification, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of experience in the field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also pass an IMC USA exam that covers topics such as research design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, report writing, ethics, and more.

The process of obtaining this certification typically takes 6-12 months depending on an individual's experience level. The first step is to create an account with IMC USA and submit the required documents such as a resume/CV and proof of education/experience. Once approved by IMC USA staff, applicants can then register for the exam which is offered twice per year (in April & October). The exam fee is $595 USD.

After passing the exam, applicants will need to complete a portfolio review which includes submitting three samples of their work along with a written summary describing each project. Once approved by IMC USA staff, applicants will be awarded the certification. The cost for this portion is $395 USD.

In total, it costs approximately $990 USD to obtain this certification from IMC USA.

9. International Institute for Analytics Certified Analytics Manager

The International Institute for Analytics (IIA) Certified Analytics Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of analytics professionals. The CAM credential is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the core principles and practices of analytics management, including data collection and analysis, predictive modeling, data visualization, machine learning, and more.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the certification process. Candidates must first apply for the CAM program and submit their credentials for review by IIA’s Certification Board. If approved, candidates must then pass an exam that covers topics such as analytics strategy, data governance, project management, business intelligence, and more.

To get the CAM credential, candidates must register with IIA's Certification Portal and pay a fee of $495 USD. This fee includes access to all necessary materials such as study guides and practice exams. Once registered, candidates have 12 months to complete the certification process before their registration expires.

The IIA Certified Analytics Manager credential is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in analytics management and provide them with an edge in today’s competitive job market.

10. American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer

The Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) is a professional certification offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to recognize marketing professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field. The PCM is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of the core principles, practices, and strategies of modern marketing.

It typically takes between six months and one year to earn the PCM certification. To get certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as marketing strategy, customer segmentation, digital marketing, analytics, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and requires a score of 70% or higher to pass.

The cost for the PCM certification varies depending on whether you are an AMA member or not. For non-members, it costs $299 USD; for members, it costs $249 USD. Additionally, there are discounts available for students and those who purchase multiple exams at once.

Once certified, PCMs receive access to exclusive resources from the AMA such as webinars and networking events with other certified marketers. They also receive discounts on AMA products and services such as conferences and publications.

11. International Association of Business Analysts' Certified Business Analysis Professional

The International Association of Business Analysts' Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the field of business analysis. The CBAP is one of the most sought-after certifications for business analysts, as it provides employers with assurance that an individual has the necessary skills and abilities to perform at a high level in the field.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience, with at least 2,000 hours spent on tasks related to business analysis. In addition, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge by passing an exam consisting of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as requirements gathering, project management, process improvement and more.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application along with supporting documentation such as proof of education and work experience. Once approved, applicants are required to attend a two-day training course and pass the exam within 12 months. The cost for taking the exam is $325 USD for members or $450 USD for non-members.

Overall, obtaining the CBAP certification requires significant effort and dedication but can be extremely rewarding for those looking to advance their career in business analysis.

Do You Really Need a Research Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your current job role, the industry you work in, and the specific requirements of your employer. For many people, having a Research Manager Certificate (RMC) can be beneficial in terms of career advancement and earning potential.

For starters, an RMC shows that you have taken the time to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead research projects. It also demonstrates that you understand how to effectively manage data and use it for decision-making purposes. Having an RMC may open up opportunities for more senior positions or promotions within your company. Furthermore, employers often view it as a sign that you are dedicated to staying informed about developments in the field of research management.

On the other hand, if you already possess the necessary skills and experience needed to manage research projects without an RMC, then obtaining one may not be necessary. Ultimately, whether or not you need an RMC will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you think that having an RMC can help you reach those goals faster or make it easier for you to move up in your career path, then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Research Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Research Manager Certifications

1. What do research manager certifications entail?

Answer: Research manager certifications involve specialized knowledge and skills in managing research projects, data analysis and interpretation, as well as project management. They also involve a good understanding of the principles of research design, statistical analysis, and the ethical issues involved in conducting research.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a research manager certification?

Answer: Obtaining a research manager certification can enhance your career prospects by demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the field of research management. It can also open up new job opportunities and provide you with access to higher salary ranges. Additionally, having a certification can give you greater credibility when working with clients or employers.

3. What qualifications are required for obtaining a research manager certification?

Answer: In general, most certifications require at least a bachelor’s degree in an area related to research management or a related field such as business administration or psychology. Specific requirements may vary depending on the organization offering the certification program.

4. How long does it take to obtain a research manager certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain a research manager certification varies depending on the specific requirements for each program, but typically it takes between six months and two years to complete all necessary coursework and exams needed for certification.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a research manager certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have some prior experience in either conducting or managing research projects before they are eligible to apply for certification. Additionally, many programs require applicants to pass an initial exam before being accepted into the program as well as passing additional exams upon completion of coursework in order to receive their certificate or diploma.