Top 11 Service Delivery Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a service delivery manager in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge in their field. They also show prospective employers that the individual has a strong commitment to their profession and is dedicated to staying current with industry trends and best practices. Having certifications can give an applicant an edge over other candidates when applying for positions, as the employer will have more confidence in their ability to perform the tasks associated with the job. Additionally, certifications can provide recognition from peers and other professionals, which can be beneficial when networking or seeking out new opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Service Delivery Managers, and explains how they can help to advance a service delivery manager's career.

What are Service Delivery Manager Certifications?

Service Delivery Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help those working in the service delivery management field. It provides an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of service delivery, including customer requirements, project management, contract management, quality assurance and control, strategic planning and financial analysis. The program also covers topics such as risk management, problem solving, communication skills and change management.

The certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees alike. For employers, it helps to ensure that their employees have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage service delivery operations. It also serves as a way for employers to validate the credentials of their staff members who are responsible for managing service delivery operations. For employees, it provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in their roles as service delivery managers. Additionally, it helps to ensure that they understand industry best practices and can apply them when dealing with customers or managing projects. Finally, having this certification can make an individual more attractive to potential employers and increase their chances of getting hired or promoted into higher-level positions within organizations.

Pro Tip: When considering service delivery manager certification, ensure that you select a program that is tailored to the specific industry you are looking to enter. Many programs offer general certifications in service delivery management, but others may focus on specific industries. This can give you an edge when applying for jobs and make sure you are certified in the right skills for the position.

Related: What does a Service Delivery Manager do?

Top 11 Service Delivery Manager Certifications

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

1. ITIL Service Delivery Manager Certification

ITIL Service Delivery Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage service delivery in an IT organization. The certification is offered by the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is a set of best practices for IT service management.

The certification requires candidates to complete a two-day course, followed by an exam. The course covers topics such as service delivery processes, customer relationship management, and service level agreements. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of ITIL principles and practices through practical exercises.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from around $1,000 to $3,000. The cost includes the course materials and exam fees.

To get certified, you must first register for the course and then pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate in approximately four weeks.

2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program designed to provide an understanding of the Scrum framework and the role of a Scrum Master. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, which is an organization dedicated to promoting and teaching Scrum principles.

To become a Certified Scrum Master, one must attend a two-day training course that covers all aspects of the Scrum framework. The course includes lectures, group activities, and simulations to help participants learn how to apply Scrum in their work environment. After completing the course, participants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the two-day training course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. There are also additional costs associated with taking the online assessment and receiving your certificate after passing the assessment. These costs typically range from $100 - $200 USD.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of project managers in all industries. The PMP certification demonstrates that the holder has mastered the principles of project management and can effectively apply them to any project.

To obtain the PMP certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites and pass an exam administered by PMI. The prerequisites include having a minimum of 4,500 hours of leading projects over the past five years or 7,500 hours if you don’t have a four-year degree. Applicants must also complete 35 hours of formal project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost for taking the exam is $555 for non-members and $405 for members of PMI.

In total, it can take several months to prepare for and pass the PMP exam. After passing the exam, applicants must maintain their certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

4. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that demonstrates a professional’s understanding of project management principles. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the project management profession.

The CAPM certification requires applicants to have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education. Those who do not meet this requirement may still be eligible for the exam if they have a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent.

To get the CAPM certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by PMI. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit. The cost of the exam is $225 for members of PMI and $300 for non-members.

The entire process from start to finish typically takes between four and six weeks. This includes studying for the exam, registering for it, taking it, and receiving your results.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt

Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to use Six Sigma tools and techniques in their organization. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes between two and four weeks to complete. The program consists of a combination of classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on experience. During the course, students learn about the Six Sigma methodology, process improvement techniques, project management principles, data analysis methods, problem solving strategies, and more.

To become certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must successfully complete an accredited training program. There are many providers offering Six Sigma Green Belt certification programs which vary in length from two days to several weeks. The cost of these programs can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD depending on the provider and length of the program.

In addition to completing a training program, those seeking Six Sigma Green Belt certification must also pass an examination administered by an accredited certifying body such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost of this exam varies depending on the certifying body but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD.

Once certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt holder you will be able to apply your knowledge and skills in your organization’s processes to identify areas for improvement and lead projects with measurable results.

6. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills in designing, deploying, and managing cloud-based solutions using Microsoft Azure. The certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to use the latest technologies to build and maintain cloud solutions for their organization.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure exam. To get certified, you will need to pass one of the following exams: 70-535 Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions; 70-532 Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions; or 70-533 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions.

The cost of the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure exam varies depending on which exam you take. The 70-535 Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions exam costs $165 USD, while the 70-532 Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions and 70-533 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions exams both cost $150 USD.

7. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification designed to validate the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s ability to successfully manage projects of all sizes, from small to large. The certification covers topics such as project management fundamentals, scope and scheduling, risk management, communication, resource allocation, quality assurance, and more.

The exam for CompTIA Project+ certification consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes about 90 minutes to complete. To be eligible for the exam you must have at least one year of experience in project management or related field.

To get CompTIA Project+ certified, you need to register for the exam with CompTIA. You can do this by visiting their website or contacting them directly. After registering for the exam, you will need to pay a fee which varies depending on your location. The cost of the exam typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Once you have completed the exam and passed it successfully, you will receive your CompTIA Project+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you will need to recertify by taking another exam or completing certain continuing education requirements in order to maintain your certification status.

8. COBIT 5 Foundation Certification

COBIT 5 Foundation Certification is a certification program designed to help IT professionals understand and apply the COBIT 5 framework. COBIT 5 is an international standard for IT governance, risk management, and compliance. It provides guidance on how to effectively manage technology-related risks and opportunities. The certification covers the core components of the COBIT 5 framework, such as principles, processes, enablers, and metrics.

The COBIT 5 Foundation Certification exam takes approximately one hour to complete. It consists of 40 multiple choice questions that must be answered within the allotted time frame. The passing score for the exam is 65%.

In order to become certified in COBIT 5 Foundation, individuals must first register for the exam through ISACA's website or through an accredited training provider. Once registered, individuals can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via an approved proctoring service.

The cost of taking the COBIT 5 Foundation Certification exam varies depending on where you take it and who administers it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$300 USD for a single attempt at the exam.

9. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in business analysis.

To become a CBAP, you must meet certain prerequisites, including having at least 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years. You must also have at least 900 hours of experience in four out of six areas of business analysis: enterprise analysis, requirements planning and management, requirements elicitation and analysis, solution assessment and validation, stakeholder engagement, and business solutions development.

Once you have met the prerequisites for CBAP certification, you can apply to take the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as project management, process modeling, requirements gathering techniques, stakeholder management and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CBAP exam is $325 USD for IIBA members or $450 USD for non-members. Once you pass the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $100 USD to maintain your certification status.

10. ISO/IEC 20000 Foundation Certificate

ISO/IEC 20000 Foundation Certificate is a certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the ISO/IEC 20000 standard. It is designed for IT professionals and organizations who are looking to demonstrate their commitment to service management best practices. The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of an online exam and requires a minimum score of 70%.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and covers topics such as: Service Management System (SMS) requirements, service delivery processes, service level agreements, incident management and problem resolution.

To get the ISO/IEC 20000 Foundation Certificate, you must first register for the exam through the ISO/IEC website or through an accredited training provider. Once registered, you can take the exam at any time that is convenient for you. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges between $150-$200 USD.

11. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage Lean Six Sigma projects within their organization. It is a widely accepted approach to process improvement that combines the principles of Lean, which focuses on eliminating waste, and Six Sigma, which focuses on reducing variation and defects.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification typically takes between four to six months to complete, depending on the program chosen. The program includes classroom-based instruction, online learning modules, and hands-on project work. To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The cost of becoming a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on the provider; however, it generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. This cost typically covers all materials needed for the course including books and online access codes. In addition to this cost, some providers may also charge a fee for taking the exam or for additional services such as coaching or mentoring.

Do You Really Need a Service Delivery Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Service Delivery Manager Certificate depends largely on the type of job you are looking to obtain. It is important to understand that, while having a certificate may make you more attractive to potential employers, it is not always necessary.

If you are looking for a position in the service delivery field, having a certificate could be beneficial. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the industry and have invested in your own professional development. Having the credential can also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your ability to work hard and stay organized.

On the other hand, if you are already working in service delivery or have experience in related fields, having a Service Delivery Manager Certificate may not be as important. In these cases, it is more important for potential employers to know that you have relevant experience and knowledge of the field than just having a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Service Delivery Manager Certificate depends on what type of job you are looking for and how much experience and knowledge you already possess in this particular area. If your current skillset is lacking in this area, then obtaining this certification could be beneficial; however, if your skillset is already strong then it may not be necessary.

Related: Service Delivery Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Service Delivery Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Service Delivery Manager Certification?

A1: A Service Delivery Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in managing the delivery of services within an organization. It validates their ability to effectively manage service operations, improve customer satisfaction, and develop and maintain service delivery processes.

Q2: What are the benefits of having a Service Delivery Manager Certification?

A2: Having a Service Delivery Manager Certification can provide numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, improved credibility and respect from employers, and recognition as an expert in the field. Additionally, it can provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Service Delivery Manager?

A3: To become certified as a Service Delivery Manager you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body. The exam typically covers topics such as project management, IT service delivery models, ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) frameworks and principles, customer service best practices, budgeting and resource allocation strategies.

Q4: What is the cost of becoming certified as a Service Delivery Manager?

A4: The cost of becoming certified as a Service Delivery Manager can vary depending on the certifying body you choose. Generally speaking, most certifications will require registration fees ranging from $100-$500 plus any additional associated costs such as study materials or exam prep courses.

Q5: How long does it take to become certified as a Service Delivery Manager?

A5: The length of time it takes to become certified will depend on your level of knowledge and experience prior to taking the exam. Most certifications require at least 150 hours of study time before sitting for the exam; however this can be reduced or extended depending on your individual needs.