Top 11 Strategic Planner Certifications

Certifications are important for a strategic planner in the job market because they demonstrate the individual’s knowledge and skills required to perform the job effectively. Certifications also make the individual more competitive by providing proof of their qualifications, making them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications can help a strategic planner stand out from other applicants and give them an edge when it comes to securing a position. Finally, certifications provide credibility and recognition within the industry and can open up opportunities for career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to review certifications for strategic planners, demonstrating how they can help to advance a planner's career.

What are Strategic Planner Certifications?

Strategic planner certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's understanding of the principles and skills necessary to create and implement effective strategic plans. Strategic planning is a vital part of any organization's success, as it involves creating strategies that will help achieve a company's desired goals and objectives. With the right strategic plan in place, organizations can effectively allocate resources and make sound decisions about their future direction.

Having certification in strategic planning can be beneficial for individuals who are looking to advance their career or gain more responsibility within an organization. It shows employers that you possess the knowledge and skills needed to develop effective strategies that will lead to success. Additionally, it helps demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing as a professional. Many organizations also require certification in order to qualify for certain positions or promotions, making it essential for anyone looking to move up in their current field.

Overall, strategic planner certification provides valuable insight into the fundamentals of strategy planning and allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment to becoming knowledgeable professionals in this area. With the right credentials, individuals will have an advantage when applying for positions or promotions within their field while also gaining more confidence in their ability to create and implement successful strategies.

Pro Tip: When considering a strategic planner certification, research the different organizations and certifications available. Look for programs that offer comprehensive training on strategic planning fundamentals, as well as more advanced topics such as scenario planning and risk management. Additionally, make sure to check the program’s accreditation status and look for references from past participants.

Related: What does a Strategic Planner do?

Top 11 Strategic Planner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Strategic Planners today.

1. Certified Strategic Planner (CSP)

Certified Strategic Planner (CSP) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge they need to become successful strategic planners. The CSP program is offered by the American Management Association (AMA). It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as strategy formulation, execution, and evaluation.

The CSP certification requires completion of a three-day intensive course, which includes lectures, workshops, and case studies. The course focuses on developing the skills necessary for effective strategic planning in any organization. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and essay questions covering topics from the course material.

The cost of the CSP program varies depending on location and provider but typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD. This cost includes registration fees, materials costs, and other related expenses. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel or lodging if needed.

In order to obtain the CSP certification, individuals must meet certain prerequisites including having at least two years of experience in strategic planning or management consulting roles or having completed an AMA-approved training course in strategic planning or management consulting prior to taking the CSP course. Additionally, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in business or related fields.

Once all prerequisites are met, individuals can register for the CSP program online through AMA’s website. Upon successful completion of the three-day intensive course and passing of the exam, participants will receive their official Certified Strategic Planner certificate from AMA within four weeks after completion of the program.

2. Certified Professional Strategic Planner (CPSP)

Certified Professional Strategic Planner (CPSP) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans. The CPSP program was created by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in workplace learning and performance.

The CPSP program consists of four courses: Introduction to Strategic Planning, Strategic Planning Processes, Strategic Implementation, and Evaluation of Strategic Plans. Each course is offered online or in-person and takes approximately 10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their CPSP certification.

In order to become certified as a CPSP, individuals must first complete an application form available on the ASTD website. Once approved, applicants must pay a fee of $495 USD for access to the four courses. After completing all four courses, applicants must submit proof of completion along with a completed application form for final review and approval by ASTD.

Once approved for certification, individuals will receive their official certificate from ASTD verifying their status as a Certified Professional Strategic Planner (CPSP). This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or re-certification exams.

3. Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP)

Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Strategic Planning (ASP). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in strategic planning. The CSPP certification validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of strategic planning.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical application project. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in strategic planning or related fields, and must also demonstrate a commitment to continuing education in the field.

The online exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as strategy formulation, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring; stakeholder analysis; financial analysis; and organizational development. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once the online exam is successfully completed, applicants must complete a practical application project that demonstrates their ability to apply the concepts they learned from taking the exam. This project should include elements such as developing an action plan for achieving goals, analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities, and evaluating potential risks associated with implementing strategies. The practical application project can take anywhere from one month to six months to complete depending on its scope.

The cost for taking the CSPP certification program varies depending on membership status with ASP. Non-members pay $1,195 for access to all course materials and examination fees while members pay $995.

4. Certified Business Strategist (CBS)

Certified Business Strategist (CBS) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate business strategies. The CBS certification is administered by the International Association of Business Strategists (IABS).

The CBS certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as strategic planning, market analysis, competitive analysis, financial management, and organizational development. The exam consists of multiple choice questions as well as essay-style questions. It typically takes between three and four hours to complete the exam.

In order to take the CBS exam, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience in business strategy or related fields; completing a minimum of 40 hours of training in business strategy; and having a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

The cost for taking the CBS exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $300 USD for the application fee and $350 USD for the exam fee.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Business Strategist (CBS) certification can be beneficial for individuals looking to demonstrate their expertise in developing and implementing effective business strategies. With this credential, professionals can show employers that they possess the knowledge required to create successful strategies that will help their organizations reach their goals.

5. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC). It is a globally recognized mark of excellence and achievement in the management consulting profession. The CMC designation is a symbol of commitment to ethical practices, high standards of professional conduct, and continuing education in the field of management consulting.

To become certified as a CMC, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least five years of experience in the consulting field, completing an approved training program, and passing an exam administered by IMC. The exam covers topics such as ethics, business strategy, project management, and communication skills.

The process for becoming a CMC typically takes about six months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first submit an application to IMC along with their resume and proof of experience in the consulting field. Once approved, they can then register for the CMC exam which consists of two parts: a written multiple-choice test and an oral presentation. After successfully completing both parts of the exam, applicants will receive their official CMC certification.

The cost for becoming a CMC varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD. This includes registration fees for both parts of the exam as well as any additional costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or study materials.

6. Certified Strategy and Planning Professional (CS&PP)

Certified Strategy and Planning Professional (CS&PP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Strategic Planning (ASP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning, management, and execution. The certification provides an objective measure of competency in the field of strategy and planning.

The CS&PP program consists of two levels: Certified Strategy and Planning Professional (CSPP) and Master Certified Strategy and Planning Professional (MCSPP). To obtain the CSPP certification, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as strategic planning, project management, financial analysis, risk management, decision-making, innovation, and organizational development.

To become a MCSPP certified professional requires a minimum of five years of experience in strategy or planning related roles. In addition to passing the written exam for the CSPP certification, applicants must also submit evidence of their experience and demonstrate mastery through a portfolio review process.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for either level of certification. The cost of obtaining the CSPP certification is $495 USD while the cost for obtaining the MCSPP certification is $895 USD.

7. Chartered Strategic Planner (CSPr)

Chartered Strategic Planner (CSPr) is a professional designation that recognizes the highest level of expertise in strategic planning. It is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The CSPr designation is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced knowledge and understanding of strategic planning, as well as the ability to apply it to complex business situations.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete the requirements for the CSPr designation. To qualify for the CSPr, applicants must have a minimum of three years’ experience in strategic planning or related fields, and must pass a series of examinations administered by CIMA. The exams cover topics such as strategy development, risk management, financial analysis, and organizational design.

The cost of obtaining the CSPr designation varies depending on where you are located and what type of program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, however, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

In addition to passing the exams and meeting other requirements, applicants must also adhere to a code of ethics set out by CIMA. This includes maintaining professional standards in their work and adhering to best practices when providing advice or opinions on matters related to strategic planning.

8. Master of Business Administration in Strategic Planning (MBA-SP)

The Master of Business Administration in Strategic Planning (MBA-SP) is a specialized degree program designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful strategic planners. It focuses on the development of strategies that are used to achieve organizational objectives. The program covers topics such as financial analysis, marketing strategy, competitive analysis, strategic decision making, and technology management.

It typically takes two years to complete an MBA-SP program. Most programs require students to complete core courses in business administration, such as finance, accounting, economics, and management. In addition, students must take specialized courses related to strategic planning. These may include topics such as market research, project management, risk management, and corporate governance.

In order to get an MBA-SP degree, you must first have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. After completing your undergraduate degree, you can apply for admission into an MBA-SP program at a business school or university. You will be required to submit transcripts from your undergraduate studies along with letters of recommendation and other application materials. Once accepted into the program, you will need to complete all coursework and pass any exams required by the school in order to graduate with your MBA-SP degree.

The cost of obtaining an MBA-SP degree varies depending on the school you attend and the length of the program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $20,000-$50,000 per year for full-time programs; however some schools offer discounts for part-time students or those who work while attending classes. Additionally, many schools offer scholarships or grants that can help offset some of these costs.

9. Project Management Professional in Strategic Planning (PMP-SP)

Project Management Professional in Strategic Planning (PMP-SP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills of project managers who have demonstrated expertise in strategic planning. This certification provides project managers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively plan and execute projects that deliver successful outcomes.

The PMP-SP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in project management, including at least three years of experience in strategic planning. Applicants must also demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). In addition, applicants must pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions that covers topics such as risk management, quality assurance, procurement management, and stakeholder management.

The cost for the PMP-SP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of PMI. For members, the cost is $405 USD; for nonmembers it is $555 USD. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken online or at one of PMI’s testing centers around the world.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official PMP-SP credential from PMI within two weeks after completing your application process. After receiving your certificate, you will need to maintain your credentials by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years through activities such as attending conferences and workshops or taking courses related to project management or strategic planning.

10. Certified International Strategic Planner (CISP)

Certified International Strategic Planner (CISP) is a certification program offered by the Association of International Certified Professional Planners (AICPP). It is designed to help professionals in the field of strategic planning gain recognition and credibility in their field. The CISP certification program consists of four distinct courses that cover topics such as strategy development, implementation, evaluation, and communication.

The program takes approximately three months to complete. Each course requires 30 hours of study time, which can be completed at the student's own pace. Upon completion of all four courses, students must take an online exam to receive their certification.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a degree in a related field and at least two years of experience in strategic planning or related fields. Additionally, applicants must pay a one-time fee of $150 for the application process and $400 for the exam fee.

Once certified, individuals will have access to exclusive resources such as professional networking events and job postings from AICPP members. They will also be able to use the CISP designation on their resumes and other professional documents to demonstrate their expertise in international strategic planning.

11. American Institute of Certified Planners – Strategic Planning Certification Program (AICP-SCCP).

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Strategic Planning Certification Program (AICP-SCCP) is a professional development program designed to provide planners with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified in strategic planning. The program consists of two parts: a core curriculum and an elective course. The core curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of strategic planning, including topics such as visioning, goal setting, stakeholder engagement, data collection, analysis and evaluation. It also covers communication strategies and project management techniques.

The AICP-SCCP requires a minimum of 40 hours of instruction over a period of at least four weeks. The program is offered online or through in-person classes. Participants must complete all required courses before they can be certified as an AICP-SCCP Professional Planner.

To get certified, applicants must pass the AICP-SCCP Exam with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also submit an application form and pay the applicable fee to receive their certification card.

The cost for the AICP-SCCP varies depending on the delivery method chosen. Online courses typically cost between $400-$600 USD while in-person classes may cost up to $1,000 USD or more depending on location and duration.

Overall, becoming an AICP-SCCP Professional Planner requires dedication and commitment but it is well worth it for those seeking to advance their career in strategic planning.

Do You Really Need a Strategic Planner Certificate?

When it comes to choosing a career, it is important to consider all the options available. A strategic planner certificate can be an invaluable asset for those looking to break into the field of strategic planning. The certificate can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful in this highly competitive field.

At its core, strategic planning involves creating strategies that will help companies or organizations achieve their goals. This requires a great deal of research, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Those who earn a strategic planner certificate will have access to courses that teach these important concepts and techniques. They may also receive instruction on how to create effective plans and strategies, as well as how to evaluate them for success.

The benefit of having a strategic planner certificate is that employers are more likely to hire those who have taken the time to learn about the field. Having such credentials on your resume shows employers that you have invested in developing your skills and understanding of the industry. It also demonstrates that you are willing to go above and beyond what is expected from someone in your position. Additionally, having a certificate may provide you with access to higher paying jobs or positions within larger organizations.

Ultimately, whether or not you should invest in getting a strategic planner certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you feel like this type of certification would help advance your career goals then it could be worth pursuing. However, if you lack the time or resources necessary for completing such training then it might not be worth investing in right now. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh all of your options before making any decisions regarding your professional development plan.

Related: Strategic Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Strategic Planner Certifications

1. What is a Strategic Planner Certification?

Answer: A strategic planner certification is a professional credential that demonstrates mastery of the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement, and measure successful strategic plans. It is typically earned through an accredited program or certification exam.

2. How do I become certified as a Strategic Planner?

Answer: To become certified as a strategic planner, you must complete an approved course of study or pass an examination that covers topics such as organizational strategy, financial planning, business operations, and project management.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Strategic Planner Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a strategic planner certification can help demonstrate expertise in the field and may open up career opportunities in areas such as corporate planning, budgeting, and operations management. Additionally, it may be beneficial for those looking to pursue higher-level positions within their organization or industry.

4. Is there a cost associated with obtaining a Strategic Planner Certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be costs associated with obtaining a strategic planner certification depending on the program or examination you choose to pursue. These costs typically include tuition fees and/or exam fees.

5. What organizations offer Strategic Planner Certifications?

Answer: There are several organizations that offer strategic planner certifications including the Project Management Institute (PMI), American Planning Association (APA), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), and International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).