Top 10 Service Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for service consultants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and professionalism that employers look for. They show potential employers that a service consultant has taken the time to get certified in their field, which helps to build trust and credibility. Certifications also provide evidence of a consultant's commitment to ongoing professional development, which can be an attractive quality for employers. Finally, certifications can help to differentiate consultants from others in the job market by showcasing unique skills or knowledge that may not be available through other means.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Service Consultants and explain how they can contribute to a service consultant's career.

What are Service Consultant Certifications?

Service consultant certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality customer service. It is designed to help service professionals develop their skills and demonstrate a high level of expertise in the field. The certification can be obtained through accredited educational institutions or professional organizations, such as the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The certification program typically includes coursework on topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication techniques, problem-solving strategies, and conflict resolution. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate that shows they have achieved a certain level of proficiency in customer service. This certificate can be used to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in customer service and may be beneficial for those seeking positions in customer service roles.

Having a service consultant certification can also help individuals stand out from their peers when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to providing excellent customer service by obtaining this type of certification. Additionally, having this credential may open up additional opportunities for career advancement or even lead to higher salaries.

Pro Tip: When considering service consultant certification, look for programs that offer the most comprehensive training and resources, as well as those that provide ongoing support once you have completed the program. Additionally, research what type of credentials are required in your area or industry to ensure you are getting the most out of your certification.

Related: What does a Service Consultant do?

Top 10 Service Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Service Consultants today.

1. Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM)

Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of professional services marketing.

The CPSM program consists of three parts: an online exam, a portfolio review, and a written essay. The online exam tests knowledge of marketing principles, best practices, and strategies specifically related to professional services. The portfolio review assesses the candidate’s ability to apply those principles, best practices, and strategies in their work. Finally, the written essay allows the candidate to demonstrate their understanding of the material presented in both the online exam and portfolio review.

It typically takes six months or more to complete all three parts of the CPSM program. Candidates must register with SMPS prior to taking any part of the program. The cost for registering is $395 USD for members or $595 USD for non-members. Once registered, candidates have one year from their registration date to complete all three parts of the program.

Upon successful completion of all three parts, candidates are awarded their CPSM certification and become eligible for membership in SMPS at no additional cost.

2. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA). It is the highest distinction for management consultants and recognizes those who have achieved a level of excellence in their profession.

To become a Certified Management Consultant, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of experience as a consultant, passing an exam, and completing continuing education requirements. The exam covers topics such as business strategy and operations, financial analysis and reporting, marketing and sales management, organizational development, project management, risk management, technology consulting, and more.

The process typically takes between six to twelve months to complete. Applicants must submit an application form with proof of their qualifications and experience. Once approved by the IMC USA Board of Examiners, applicants can register for the CMC Exam. After passing the exam and meeting all other requirements, applicants will receive their CMC certificate from IMC USA.

The cost to become a Certified Management Consultant varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States it typically costs around $1,000 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees for taking the exam or completing continuing education requirements.

3. Certified Service Management Consultant (CSMC)

A Certified Service Management Consultant (CSMC) is a professional who has achieved a high level of expertise in the field of service management. The CSMC certification is awarded by the International Association of Service Management Professionals (IASMP).

The CSMC certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in service management, and to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, quality assurance, process improvement, and project management. The exam is offered twice a year in both online and paper formats.

In order to apply for the CSMC certification, applicants must have a valid email address and provide proof of their experience in service management. After submitting their application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the exam.

The cost for the CSMC certification varies depending on whether you take the online or paper version of the exam. The online version costs $395 USD while the paper version costs $495 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $50 USD for processing your application and issuing your certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

4. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in business analysis. The CBAP certification provides a way for employers and clients to identify individuals with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to effectively perform business analysis tasks.

The CBAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover six knowledge areas: business analysis planning and monitoring, elicitation and collaboration, requirements life cycle management, strategy analysis, solution assessment and validation, and underlying competencies. To be eligible for the CBAP exam, applicants must demonstrate at least 7500 hours of work experience in business analysis over the past 10 years.

To get the CBAP certification, applicants must first register for the exam with IIBA. After registering for the exam, applicants must study for it using materials provided by IIBA or other sources such as online courses or books. Once they have studied enough to feel confident in their knowledge of the material covered on the exam, they can take it at an authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the CBAP exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $325-$425 USD. The entire process from registration to completion usually takes several months depending on how much time you are able to devote to studying for it.

5. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a credential that is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected project management certification in the world. PMP certification demonstrates a professional’s experience, education and competency in leading and directing projects.

To become certified as a PMP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements which include having at least 4500 hours of project management experience, 35 hours of project management education, or a combination of both. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are an existing PMI member or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD to take the exam while for members it costs $405 USD.

The entire process can take anywhere from several months to one year depending on how much time you have available to study and prepare for the exam.

6. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization that promotes and supports the use of Scrum in software development. The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the Scrum framework and their ability to apply it in real-world situations.

It typically takes two days to complete the CSM training course. During this time, participants learn about the fundamentals of Scrum, including its roles, events, artifacts, and rules. They also gain hands-on experience with Scrum tools and techniques. After completing the course, participants must pass a 50-question multiple choice exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a Certified Scrum Master varies depending on the training provider you choose. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$1500 USD per person. In addition to course fees, there is also an annual membership fee of $100 USD for individuals who wish to maintain their certification status with the Scrum Alliance.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead Six Sigma improvement projects, analyze and solve quality problems, and support organizational goals.

The certification process typically takes about 3-4 months to complete. The first step is to take an online or in-person training course on the fundamentals of Six Sigma. This will cover topics such as problem solving, data analysis, project management, and process improvement. After completing the training course, you will need to pass an exam administered by a certified Six Sigma organization.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Green Belt Certification from the organization that administered it. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed after that period if necessary.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it and the type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$3000 USD depending on the provider and program chosen.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive overview of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices for IT service management. It is designed to help organizations understand how to use ITIL to improve their service delivery and support processes. The certification covers the five core ITIL disciplines: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes about two days to complete and requires passing an exam with a minimum score of 65%. To become certified, individuals must attend an accredited training course or self-study using official materials from AXELOS, the organization responsible for managing the ITIL framework.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of training course chosen. Generally speaking, online courses are more affordable than in-person classes. The cost also varies depending on location and other factors such as group discounts or special offers.

In addition to the cost of training, individuals must pay a fee for taking the exam. This fee ranges from $150-$200 USD depending on where you take it.

9. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s ability to use Agile practices in their work. The ACP certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of Agile principles, values, and frameworks, as well as their understanding of how to apply them in real-world situations.

The ACP exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. To be eligible for the ACP exam, individuals must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) or at least 21 contact hours of training in Agile practices.

Individuals can prepare for the ACP exam by taking courses from PMI approved providers or studying on their own using the PMI Agile Practice Guide. There are also several books and online resources available to help prepare for the exam.

The cost of the ACP certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members, the cost is $435 while non-members pay $495.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program that helps professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead process improvement projects. The certification is designed for individuals who want to become experts in Lean Six Sigma and project management.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete, depending on the provider. It requires a combination of classroom training, online learning, and hands-on practice. During this time, students learn about Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques as well as how to apply them to real-world situations.

In order to get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple choice questions and covers topics such as process improvement methods, data analysis techniques, problem solving strategies, and project management fundamentals.

The cost of the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,000 - $5,000 USD. This cost includes tuition fees for training materials as well as the cost of taking the ASQ exam.

Do You Really Need a Service Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your particular circumstances. For some people, a Service Consultant Certificate may be necessary or beneficial in order to pursue a career or further their education in the field of service consulting. For example, if you are looking for a job as a service consultant, then having a certificate could give you an advantage over other applicants who don’t have one.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working as a service consultant and feel confident that you can do the job without any additional qualifications, then there is no need to obtain a Service Consultant Certificate. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you decide to pursue this type of certification.

If you do decide to go ahead with obtaining a Service Consultant Certificate, it’s important to research the various options available and make sure that the program will provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in your future career. You should also compare different programs and look into their requirements before making your final decision.

Related: Service Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Service Consultant Certifications

Q1: What is a Service Consultant Certification?

A1: A Service Consultant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in providing customer service, problem solving, communication and operational efficiency. It is designed to help individuals become more effective service consultants.

Q2: What types of certifications are available?

A2: There are several different types of certifications available including Certified Service Professional (CSP), Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), Certified Service Consultant (CSC) and Certified Professional Services Manager (CPSM).

Q3: How do I become certified?

A3: To become certified, you must complete the necessary training and pass the relevant exams. The specific requirements may vary by certification type.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified?

A4: The amount of time required to get certified will depend on the particular certification program, but typically ranges from one to three months.

Q5: Are there any benefits to getting a Service Consultant Certification?

A5: Yes! Achieving certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in customer service, which can open up career opportunities such as promotions or higher salaries. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire those with a certification as they have already demonstrated their expertise in this field.