Top 10 Small Business Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a small business consultant to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in their field. Having certifications from respected organizations can help prospective employers see that the consultant has the skills, experience, and qualifications to provide valuable services to their clients. Additionally, certifications can help the consultant stand out among other applicants and increase their chances of getting hired. Finally, having certifications shows potential clients that the consultant is committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can give them more confidence in hiring the consultant’s services.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the most beneficial certifications for Small Business Consultants and explain how they can help enhance a consultant's career.

What are Small Business Consultant Certifications?

Small business consultant certification is a type of professional training and certification that provides specialized knowledge to help small business owners succeed. It is designed to equip individuals with the skills and expertise needed to provide advice and guidance on a wide range of topics related to starting, running, and growing a small business. The training covers areas such as financial management, marketing, human resources, customer service, operations management, strategic planning, legal issues, and more.

Small business consultant certification can help entrepreneurs develop an understanding of the principles of successful business operations. This includes learning how to assess market conditions, identify potential customers and competitors in the marketplace, develop strategies for growth and expansion, manage finances effectively, create effective marketing plans and campaigns, hire the right employees for specific tasks or roles within the company, understand legal requirements related to their industry or area of expertise. Additionally, consultants can provide advice on setting up systems for tracking customer information or sales data as well as developing policies that ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

By obtaining a small business consultant certification, entrepreneurs can gain valuable insight into what it takes to run a successful small business. They will be better prepared to advise clients on various aspects of their businesses while also providing expert advice that can help them reach their goals. Certification programs are available from both online providers as well as traditional educational institutions so there are numerous options for those seeking this type of education.

Pro Tip: Before becoming a certified small business consultant, make sure to research the different certifications available and decide which one best fits your career goals. Consider the cost of each certification, the length of time it takes to obtain it, and any additional requirements needed to become certified. Additionally, investigate what benefits each certification provides and whether or not it is recognized by potential employers.

Related: What does a Small Business Consultant do?

Top 10 Small Business Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Consultant (CBC)

A Certified Business Consultant (CBC) is a professional designation awarded by the International Association of Certified Business Consultants (IACBC). The CBC certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of business consulting, including providing advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their operations and achieve success.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher in business or related field. Additionally, they must pass an exam administered by the IACBC. The exam covers topics such as strategic planning, organizational development, financial analysis, marketing strategy and change management.

The process of becoming a CBC typically takes several months. After completing the educational requirements and passing the exam, applicants must submit an application to the IACBC for review and approval. Once approved, they will receive their official CBC certification.

The cost of becoming a CBC varies depending on factors such as study materials used and exam fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to obtain the certification.

2. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is an internationally recognized professional designation awarded to those who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and proficiency in the field of management consulting. The CMC designation is granted by the Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. (IMC USA).

To become a Certified Management Consultant, you must meet certain criteria and demonstrate your experience, knowledge, and skills as a management consultant. This includes completing an IMC USA-approved course or program in management consulting, passing the CMC Exam, meeting certain work experience requirements, agreeing to abide by the IMC USA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and paying annual dues.

The CMC Exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as business strategy, organizational behavior and development, project management, financial analysis and decision making, marketing research and analysis, information systems consulting, human resources management consulting, operations management consulting and more. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

To get certified as a CMC you must first apply for certification through IMC USA's online application system. You will need to provide documentation that proves you have met all the requirements for certification including completing an approved course or program in management consulting; passing the CMC Exam; providing proof of at least three years of relevant work experience; agreeing to abide by the IMC USA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct; and paying annual dues.

The cost for becoming a Certified Management Consultant varies depending on your country/region but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD plus any applicable taxes.

3. Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA)

Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively serve older adults, their families, and those who work with them. The CPCA program is administered by the National Certification Commission for Aging Services Professionals (NCCASP), which is an independent certifying organization that sets standards of excellence in aging services.

To become certified as a CPCA, individuals must complete a minimum of 45 hours of approved continuing education courses related to aging services within the last three years. These courses must be taken from accredited institutions or organizations approved by NCCASP. In addition, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with older adults in an aging service-related field.

The cost for obtaining the CPCA certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as travel expenses and course fees. Generally, it costs about $1,000 to $2,000 to become certified as a CPCA.

In order to obtain the CPCA certification, applicants must submit an application along with proof of completion of all required courses and experience requirements. Once all materials are received and reviewed by NCCASP, applicants will be notified if they have been approved for certification or not. It typically takes up to four weeks for applications to be processed and approved.

4. Certified Quality Management Consultant (CQMC)

Certified Quality Management Consultant (CQMC) is a professional certification program that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in quality management. The CQMC certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a global organization dedicated to advancing quality principles and practices.

The CQMC certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, total quality management, and project management. Applicants must also demonstrate their experience in the field of quality management through a portfolio of work. The exam and portfolio review must be completed within one year of the initial application date.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least five years of professional experience in the field of quality management or related fields. Applicants must also possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience in the field of quality management.

The cost for the CQMC certification program varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, the fee is $450 USD; for non-members, it is $600 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams, as well as the official exam itself.

Overall, it typically takes about six months to complete all requirements for the CQMC certification program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete your portfolio review and exam preparation activities.

5. 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 individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the field of business analysis. This certification is highly sought after by employers, as it validates a person’s expertise in the field.

To become certified, an individual must have at least 7500 hours of professional experience in business analysis over the past 10 years. Additionally, they must pass a rigorous exam that covers six areas: business analysis planning and monitoring, elicitation and collaboration, requirements life cycle management, strategy analysis, solution assessment and validation, and understating enterprise analysis.

The CBAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost for the exam is $325 USD for IIBA members or $450 USD for non-members.

In order to maintain their certification, CBAP holders are required to earn 60 continuing development units (CDUs) every three years. CDUs can be earned through activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to business analysis or writing articles about the profession.

6. Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP)

Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and execute successful strategic plans. The CSPP certification is offered by the American Management Association (AMA) and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their proficiency in strategic planning.

The CSPP certification requires applicants to complete a two-day course, which covers topics such as understanding organizational strategy, developing strategies for success, creating an effective strategic plan, and implementing the plan. To be eligible for the CSPP certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in strategic planning or related fields.

To obtain the CSPP certification, applicants must complete the two-day course and pass a written exam. The cost of the course is $1,395 and includes all materials needed for the exam. Upon successful completion of both the course and exam, applicants will receive their official CSPP certificate from AMA.

The CSPP certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance and can be renewed by completing continuing education requirements every year.

7. Certified Business Process Improvement Professional (CBPP)

A Certified Business Process Improvement Professional (CBPP) is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to analyze, design, and implement business process improvement initiatives. It is awarded by the International Association of Process Professionals (IAPP).

The CBPP certification requires completion of an online course and passing an exam. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete, and the exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

To get the CBPP certification, you must first register for the online course on the IAPP website. After completing the course, you will be able to schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost for the CBPP certification is $495 USD for members of IAPP and $595 USD for non-members.

8. Certified Business Performance Improvement Professional (CBPIP)

Certified Business Performance Improvement Professional (CBPIP) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve business performance. The program is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and focuses on process improvement, quality management, and customer satisfaction. The CBPIP certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of business performance improvement principles through an examination.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours. It covers topics such as process improvement, quality management, customer satisfaction, organizational development, change management, project management, and more. To become certified, individuals must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get the CBPIP certification you need to register for the exam online or through ASQ's Customer Service Center. You will then receive an authorization letter that contains instructions on how to schedule your exam date and location. The cost of the exam is $399 USD for members of ASQ and $599 USD for non-members.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and practices. It is designed for professionals who are looking to improve their skills in process improvement, problem solving, and data analysis.

The certification requires the successful completion of a course or program that covers the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma. The duration of the course or program varies depending on the provider, but typically takes between three to five days to complete. During this time, participants will learn about Lean Six Sigma methodology, tools and techniques, project management concepts, and more.

In order to obtain the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

Overall, obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification can be beneficial for professionals who are looking to advance their career in process improvement and problem-solving. It can also help organizations improve their processes by providing employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions that will increase efficiency and reduce costs.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in project management. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most sought-after certifications for project managers.

The PMP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education. The certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours.

To get the PMP Certification, applicants must first complete an application process with PMI, which includes submitting proof of their education and professional experience. Once the application is approved, applicants can register for the exam through PMI’s website or through an authorized testing center.

The cost of the PMP Certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD to take the exam; for non-members, it costs $555 USD. In addition to this fee, there may also be additional fees associated with registering for the exam at an authorized testing center.

Overall, it typically takes about two months from start to finish to get your PMP Certification once you have submitted your application and registered for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Small Business Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on the individual's goals. For some, a small business consultant certificate may be beneficial in order to gain credibility in the field of small business consulting. It could also be a way to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field and could lead to higher pay or more job opportunities.

On the other hand, if someone is already well-versed in small business consulting, a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it would likely just be an additional cost that does not necessarily add any value or tangible benefit.

Overall, whether or not someone needs a small business consultant certificate comes down to personal preference and goals. If it will help you reach your desired outcomes, then it might be worth pursuing. However, if it won't provide any tangible benefits, then it might not be necessary and could even be seen as an unnecessary expense.

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FAQs About Small Business Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a Small Business Consultant Certification?

A1. A Small Business Consultant Certification is a credential that provides recognition of an individual's knowledge and skills in providing consulting services to small businesses. The certification typically requires the successful completion of an exam and may also require additional training or experience in the field.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Small Business Consultant?

A2. To become certified as a Small Business Consultant, you must meet certain requirements, such as passing an exam, completing additional coursework, or having relevant work experience in the field. Additionally, many certifying organizations may have specific criteria that must be met before earning the certification.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as a Small Business Consultant?

A3. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Small Business Consultant depends on the particular certification program you are pursuing and your current level of knowledge and experience in the field. Generally speaking, most certifications can be earned within 6-12 months depending on your level of commitment and dedication to studying and preparing for the exam.

Q4. What are some benefits of becoming certified as a Small Business Consultant?

A4: Becoming certified as a Small Business Consultant offers several advantages such as increased credibility with clients; improved job prospects; higher salaries; access to exclusive resources; networking opportunities with other professionals; and more marketability for freelance consulting gigs.

Q5. Are there any online courses available for getting certified as a Small Business Consultant?

A5: Yes! There are many online courses available for getting certified as a Small Business Consultant that provide comprehensive instruction on topics such as business planning, marketing strategies, accounting principles, legal considerations, customer service techniques, etc., which can help prepare individuals for achieving their certification goals faster and more effectively than traditional methods alone.