Top 10 Software Release Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a software release manager in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and knowledge in their field. Certifications also show potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills to successfully manage software releases. They can provide evidence of an individual's proficiency with certain technologies, processes, and tools, as well as their ability to effectively manage projects. In addition, certifications can help build credibility and trust with employers and customers alike. Finally, certifications may be required by some organizations in order to qualify for certain positions or promotions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Software Release Managers and explains how they can benefit a software release manager's career.

What are Software Release Manager Certifications?

Software Release Manager Certification is a professional certification program aimed at helping individuals who are responsible for managing the release of software products and services. The certification provides an industry-recognized credential that helps to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to software release management. Through this certification, individuals can gain a better understanding of the entire software release process, from planning to execution. This includes topics such as risk management, change control processes, configuration management, and more.

The certification also helps professionals stay up-to-date on best practices in the field by providing access to continuing education resources such as seminars and workshops. These resources provide individuals with the opportunity to continuously deepen their knowledge of software release management principles and techniques while keeping them informed about new trends in the industry. Additionally, having the Software Release Manager Certification may help open doors for career advancement opportunities or even job offers from employers looking to hire qualified individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in this field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for certification in your particular state or country before pursuing a software release manager certification. Some certifications may require additional training, experience, and/or exams beyond what is typically required in other areas. Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with any relevant laws and regulations that may apply to software release management in your region.

Related: What does a Software Release Manager do?

Top 10 Software Release Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the Scrum framework and its application to product development. The CSPO certification is designed to help product owners, business analysts, and other stakeholders understand how to effectively manage product development using Scrum.

The CSPO certification requires completion of a two-day course taught by an authorized Scrum Alliance trainer. During the course, participants learn about the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles, artifacts, events, and processes. They also gain practical experience with applying Scrum in their own organizations through hands-on activities and case studies. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive their CSPO certification.

The cost for attending a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course varies depending on the location and provider. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD per person.

In order to maintain your CSPO certification status you must complete at least 20 continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be earned by attending conferences or workshops related to Agile/Scrum topics or taking online courses related to Agile/Scrum topics.

2. Certified Agile Release Train Engineer (CARTE)

Certified Agile Release Train Engineer (CARTE) is a certification program designed to help software professionals demonstrate their ability to lead and facilitate the successful delivery of an Agile Release Train (ART). An ART is a long-lived team of Agile teams, which are responsible for delivering incremental value in the form of working, tested software.

To become a CARTE, one must have at least two years of experience leading an ART or equivalent experience with scaled Agile frameworks. The individual must also pass the SAFe 5.0 Program Consultant (SPC) exam and complete the required training course.

The SPC exam is offered online and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The cost for the exam is $500 USD. The training course can be completed online or in person and typically lasts two days. The cost for the training course varies depending on provider but generally ranges from $1,000 - $1,500 USD.

3. Certified Software Release Manager (CSRM)

Certified Software Release Manager (CSRM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage software releases. The CSRM certification is offered by the International Association of Software Professionals (IASP).

The CSRM certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as release planning, scheduling, testing, deployment, and risk management. The practical project requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to manage a software release from start to finish. This includes creating a plan for the release, managing stakeholders, executing the plan, and ensuring successful deployment.

The cost for the CSRM certification is $395 USD. It typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete both parts of the program. To get started on obtaining your CSRM certification, you must first register with IASP and pay the registration fee. Once registered, you will receive access to study materials and practice exams to help you prepare for the online exam portion of the program. After successfully passing the online exam, you will be eligible to submit your practical project for review by IASP’s panel of experts. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, you will be awarded your CSRM certification.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after certifications in project management and is recognized globally.

The PMP certification validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in leading and directing projects. It demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the profession and their ability to apply project management principles to successfully deliver projects.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on the individual’s level of experience and knowledge. To become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and professional requirements, pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam, and demonstrate their understanding of project management concepts through real-world application.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $405-$555 USD. Additionally, there are several study materials available that can help prepare for the exam such as books, online courses, practice exams, etc., which may require additional costs.

5. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of software quality assurance principles, techniques, and tools.

The CSQA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as software engineering processes, software testing, quality management systems, and project management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CSQA, an individual must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the software quality field or have completed a degree in computer science or related field.

The cost of taking the CSQA exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $319 for ASQ members and $419 for non-members.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification that provides an understanding of the ITIL framework and its core components. It is designed to help organizations implement best practices for IT service management. The certification is awarded by AXELOS, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc.

The ITIL Foundation Certification consists of a two-day course and an exam. The course covers the five stages of the ITIL lifecycle (Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement). It also covers key concepts such as service catalogs, service level agreements, incident management, problem management, change management, and configuration management.

To get certified as an ITIL Foundation professional you must attend an accredited training course and pass the associated exam. The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 USD. The exam fee is usually around $250 USD.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official certificate from AXELOS which is valid for three years. After three years you can renew your certification by passing another exam or attending additional training courses.

7. Certified Change Manager (CCM)

Certified Change Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program for change management professionals. It is offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) and provides an internationally recognized standard of excellence in the field of change management. The CCM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to effectively manage organizational change initiatives.

The CCM certification process consists of two parts: 1) a written exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of change management principles and practices; and 2) an application process that requires you to demonstrate your experience in leading successful change initiatives. The written exam takes approximately three hours to complete, while the application process can take up to six months or more depending on the complexity of your project portfolio.

To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set out by ACMP, which include having at least three years of professional experience in managing organizational change initiatives. You must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in core competencies such as stakeholder engagement, communication planning, risk assessment, and project planning. Once you have met these requirements, you may then apply for certification online through ACMP's website.

The cost for becoming a Certified Change Manager varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ACMP. For non-members, the cost is $595 USD plus applicable taxes; for members, it is $495 USD plus applicable taxes.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the principles and practices of Six Sigma. This certification is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes three to four months to complete depending on the individual’s existing knowledge and experience. To become certified, individuals must first complete a training program that covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and project management. Once the training is completed, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited third-party organization.

The cost of the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and the type of program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 for a self-study program or up to $4,000 for an instructor-led course.

In addition to completing the training and passing the exam, individuals must also have at least three years of work experience in a relevant field in order to be certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt. This experience must include working on projects related to process improvement or quality control.

9. Certified Configuration Manager (CCM)

Certified Configuration Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competence in the areas of configuration management, change control, and software release management. The CCM credential is offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA).

The CCM certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam tests knowledge in the areas of configuration management, change control, and software release management. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete this exam.

To be eligible for the CCM certification, you must have at least three years of experience in configuration management or related fields. You must also pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CCM certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $500 USD to register for the online exam and another $200 USD for the practical project.

10. DevOps Foundation Certification

DevOps Foundation Certification is a certification that aims to provide an understanding of the core principles, practices, and tools of DevOps. It is designed for individuals who are looking to gain a better understanding of the concepts and techniques used in DevOps. It is also suitable for those who want to pursue a career in DevOps or use it as part of their job role.

The certification consists of one exam that takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as Agile, Continuous Delivery, Infrastructure as Code, Monitoring & Logging, Security & Compliance, Automation & Orchestration, and Culture & Collaboration.

To get the certification you must first register with an accredited training provider. Once you have registered you will be able to access the online course material which will provide you with all the information needed to prepare for the exam. After completing the course material you will then be able to sit for the exam at an accredited testing center near you.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your chosen training provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Software Release Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a software release manager certificate to become a successful software release manager. However, having such a certification may give you an edge in the job market and open up more opportunities.

Having a software release manager certificate may demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field of software development. A certificate can show employers that you are committed to the profession and have been trained in best practices for managing software releases. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the complexities involved with releasing new versions of software.

Furthermore, having a certificate can help you stand out from other applicants by showing that you have gone above and beyond the basics of software development. This type of certification also demonstrates your commitment to staying on top of industry trends and new technologies related to software development.

In conclusion, while having a software release manager certificate is not essential for success, it can certainly give you an advantage over other applicants in the competitive job market. If you decide to pursue this certification, make sure that it is from an accredited institution and covers topics relevant to your current or future role as a software release manager.

Related: Software Release Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Software Release Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Software Release Manager Certification?

A1. A Software Release Manager Certification is a professional certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing software releases. The certification requires individuals to have knowledge of software development processes, testing, deployment and release management tools and techniques.

Q2. Who should get a Software Release Manager Certification?

A2. A Software Release Manager Certification is beneficial for anyone involved in the software release process such as software engineers, project managers, system administrators, IT professionals or anyone else responsible for ensuring successful software releases.

Q3. How long does it take to earn a Software Release Manager Certification?

A3. The amount of time required to earn a Software Release Manager Certification varies depending on the program you choose and your level of experience with the subject matter. Generally speaking, most programs require anywhere from 6-12 months of study and preparation before taking the exam.

Q4. What topics are covered in a Software Release Manager Certification?

A4. Topics covered in a Software Release Manager Certification include: understanding software development processes; mastering deployment and release management tools; creating test plans; managing risk; working with stakeholders; scheduling and tracking releases; troubleshooting; and more

Q5. What are the benefits of having a Software Release Manager Certification?

A5. Having a Software Release Manager Certification helps demonstrate an individual’s expertise in managing software releases, which can lead to career advancement opportunities or higher pay levels within the industry. It also helps increase credibility among peers and employers while providing additional industry recognition for those who hold it.