Top 10 Strategy Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a strategy analyst in the job market as they demonstrate professional competency and knowledge. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the strategy analyst has met certain standards of education, training, and experience. They can also indicate that the individual is up-to-date on industry trends and regulations. Additionally, certifications can provide an edge over other applicants who may not have the same credentials. Finally, certifications can help build credibility with clients and colleagues, demonstrating that the individual has a commitment to their profession and is dedicated to staying informed about best practices.

This article reviews the top certifications for Strategy Analysts and explains how they can help enhance a strategy analyst's career.

What are Strategy Analyst Certifications?

Strategy Analyst Certification is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Strategy & Competitiveness (ISCP) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an advanced understanding of strategic analysis, problem solving and decision making. This certification is designed for professionals in all industries who are responsible for analyzing data, developing strategies and making decisions to drive business success.

The Strategy Analyst Certification program includes courses on topics such as competitive strategy, industry analysis, financial analysis, customer segmentation and market research. Through these courses, participants gain a deep understanding of how to structure complex problems and identify solutions that will lead to success. In addition to the coursework, there is also an online assessment that must be completed in order to earn the certification.

Having a Strategy Analyst Certification can help professionals stand out from the competition when applying for new jobs or promotions. It demonstrates their mastery of strategic thinking and ability to make sound decisions based on data-driven insights. Additionally, it can provide career advancement opportunities as businesses increasingly look for employees with advanced analytical skillsets. Ultimately, those with this certification have a better chance at achieving their professional goals and advancing their careers.

Pro Tip: Get certified as a strategy analyst to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop successful strategies for any organization. Certification programs are available online and in-person, providing comprehensive instruction on key topics such as financial analysis, market research, and competitive intelligence. Additionally, certification can provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

Related: What does a Strategy Analyst do?

Top 10 Strategy Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Strategy Analysts today.

1. Certified Strategy Analyst (CSA)

Certified Strategy Analyst (CSA) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Strategic Planning (ASP). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency and expertise in strategic planning, analysis, and implementation.

The CSA certification requires successful completion of two exams: the Certified Strategy Analysis Exam and the Certified Implementation Exam. The exams are designed to assess an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to strategic planning, analysis, and implementation. The exams cover topics such as strategic planning processes, strategy formulation techniques, financial analysis tools, project management methods, and change management strategies.

It typically takes up to six months to prepare for the CSA certification. Preparation includes studying ASP's official study guide and taking practice tests. Candidates should also have experience in strategic planning or related fields such as business analytics or project management.

To become certified as a CSA, candidates must submit an application form along with their exam scores and supporting documents such as proof of education or work experience. Upon successful completion of the application process, candidates will receive their CSA certificate from ASP.

The cost of becoming a CSA varies depending on which package you choose from ASP’s website. Prices range from $400-$1125 USD depending on if you purchase just the exam or if you purchase additional materials like practice tests or study guides.

2. 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 achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business analysis. The CBAP certification is intended for professionals with extensive experience in business analysis, and requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and skills through rigorous examination.

The CBAP certification process includes an application, a written exam, and an oral exam. The written exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The oral exam consists of two parts: an interview with a panel of experts and a case study presentation.

To qualify for the CBAP certification, applicants must have at least 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years. This experience must include activities such as requirements elicitation, requirements management, enterprise analysis, solution assessment and validation, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement. Applicants must also provide two references from current or former employers who can attest to their professional experience.

The cost for the CBAP certification varies depending on where you take the exams. In the United States, it costs $325 to submit an application and $385 for each part of the exam (written and oral). In Canada, it costs $400 to submit an application and $425 for each part of the exam (written and oral).

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete all three parts of the CBAP certification process from start to finish.

3. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is an internationally recognized professional designation that is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in the field of management consulting. The CMC designation is granted by the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA) and is recognized by organizations around the world.

In order to become a Certified Management Consultant, one must meet certain qualifications and pass an examination administered by IMC USA. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in management consulting or a related field, as well as a minimum of two years of post-graduate study in business or management. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least two approved courses in management consulting from an accredited university or college.

The CMC exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as business strategy, organizational structure and design, change management, project management, financial analysis and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken either online or at one of IMC USA’s regional testing centers.

The cost to take the CMC exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or at a testing center. Online exams cost $350 USD while exams taken at a testing center cost $400 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will receive your official CMC certificate from IMC USA.

4. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification for individuals who have mastered the tools, techniques, and principles of Six Sigma. It is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CSSBB certification shows that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in the field of Six Sigma and can lead process improvement initiatives.

It typically takes around three to four months to complete the requirements for the CSSBB certification. This includes passing an exam as well as completing a project demonstrating mastery of Six Sigma principles. To get certified, individuals must first become familiar with the body of knowledge associated with Six Sigma and then pass an exam administered by ASQ. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a project demonstrating their mastery of Six Sigma principles. Once approved, they will receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining the CSSBB certification varies depending on which training program or provider you choose to use. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,500 - $5,000 USD to obtain your certification.

5. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is an industry-recognized certification program for professionals in the field of analytics. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field and gain recognition from employers. CAP certification is offered by the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS), a professional society dedicated to advancing the practice of analytics.

The CAP program consists of a comprehensive exam that tests an individual’s knowledge and skills related to data science, predictive analytics, machine learning, optimization, and other related topics. The exam is composed of multiple-choice questions and requires approximately four hours to complete. To be eligible for the CAP exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in analytics or a closely related field.

To get certified as a Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), applicants must pass the CAP Exam with a score of at least 80%. After passing the exam, applicants are required to submit documentation verifying their work experience in order to receive their official certification.

The cost for taking the CAP Exam is $495 USD for members of INFORMS and $595 USD for non-members.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected project management certification in the world. The PMP credential recognizes an individual’s ability to plan, execute, and manage projects successfully.

The PMP certification process involves passing an exam that tests your knowledge of project management principles, processes, and best practices. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least three years of professional project management experience and 35 hours of formal education in project management.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time, you should review the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), attend a PMP preparation course or study group, and practice sample questions.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of PMI. In general, it costs around $400-$500 for non-members and $300-$400 for members.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official PMP certificate from PMI. This certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs).

7. Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) is a certification program offered by the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI). It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful financial analyst. The program covers topics such as financial modeling, valuation, corporate finance, accounting, Excel, PowerPoint and more.

The FMVA certification can be completed in as little as two months if you have prior experience in finance or accounting. If you are starting from scratch, it may take up to six months to finish the program. To get the certification, you must complete all of the required courses and pass an online exam at the end of each course.

The cost for the FMVA certification depends on which package you choose. The Basic Package costs $499 USD and includes access to all of CFI’s online courses and resources. The Professional Package costs $999 USD and includes access to all of CFI’s online courses and resources plus additional benefits such as job placement assistance and career coaching services.

8. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP). The CBPP certification recognizes and validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in business process management. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their proficiency in the field and advance their career.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of experience in business process management or related fields. They must also pass a written exam which covers topics such as process analysis, design, optimization, governance, and implementation.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 USD for ABPMP members ($495 USD for non-members). After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CBPP certification within two weeks.

The cost of maintaining the CBPP certification includes an annual fee of $95 USD for ABPMP members ($145 USD for non-members). This fee covers access to resources such as webinars, online courses, and other continuing education opportunities.

9. Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management (MBA-SM)

The Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management (MBA-SM) is a specialized degree program designed to prepare students for high-level positions in the field of strategic management. This type of program focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze business strategies and make informed decisions about how best to move an organization forward.

The duration of an MBA-SM program typically varies from one institution to another, with most programs lasting between two and three years. The curriculum includes courses in topics such as corporate finance, marketing, organizational behavior, operations management, and economics. Students may also take electives that focus more specifically on strategic management topics such as international business strategy, competitive analysis, and business ethics.

Admission requirements for MBA-SM programs vary depending on the school; however, most schools require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants may also need to submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, GMAT scores, and a personal statement outlining their career goals and objectives.

The cost of an MBA-SM program can range from $15,000-$50,000 depending on the school and location. Financial aid is available through grants, scholarships, loans or work-study programs for those who qualify.

Overall, an MBA-SM degree provides students with the skills needed to become successful leaders in the field of strategic management by giving them the tools necessary to analyze business strategies effectively and make informed decisions about how best to move organizations forward.

10. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a professional credential offered by the CFA Institute to financial and investment professionals. The CFA program provides a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of investment management, portfolio analysis, asset valuation, and ethical and professional standards. It is designed to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the global financial services industry.

The CFA Program consists of three levels of examinations that must be passed sequentially. Each level typically takes one year of study to complete, although some candidates may finish more quickly or take longer than one year. The exams are offered twice a year in June and December at testing centers around the world.

To get started on your path to becoming a CFA charterholder, you must first become a member of the CFA Institute and register for the program. After registering, you will need to purchase study materials from the CFA Institute or other providers, such as textbooks or online courses. You should also plan to spend at least 300 hours studying for each exam level before taking it.

The cost of becoming a CFA charterholder depends on several factors including membership fees, exam registration fees, study materials, and other related expenses such as travel costs for attending review courses or conferences. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 USD or more depending on how much time you spend preparing for each exam level.

Do You Really Need a Strategy Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on what you are trying to achieve by getting a strategy analyst certificate. If your goal is to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of the field of strategy analysis, then a certificate might be beneficial for you. However, if your goal is simply to add credentials to your resume in order to boost your chances of landing a job or promotion, then it may not be necessary.

For those who want to deepen their knowledge of strategy analysis, a certificate from an accredited institution can provide an opportunity for rigorous study and practice in the subject matter. It can also show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to learn more about the field on your own. Additionally, having a certificate may open up new career possibilities and help you stand out among other applicants for positions requiring expertise in strategy analysis.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working in the field or have significant knowledge of the subject matter, then a strategy analyst certificate may not be necessary. Employers will likely value your existing skills and experience more than any additional credentials that you may acquire through completing a certification program.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a strategy analyst certificate depends on your own goals and circumstances. Consider carefully what you hope to gain from such a program before making any decisions about pursuing it.

Related: Strategy Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Strategy Analyst Certifications

Q1. What are the benefits of a Strategy Analyst Certification?

A1. A Strategy Analyst Certification will give you the skills to analyze complex data, develop effective strategies and make informed decisions that can help organizations reach their goals. Additionally, it can open up career opportunities in areas such as business strategy, financial analysis and consulting.

Q2. What is the duration of a Strategy Analyst Certification?

A2. The duration of a Strategy Analyst Certification varies depending on the provider, but most certifications require between 6-12 months to complete.

Q3. What type of qualifications do I need to become a certified Strategy Analyst?

A3. To become a certified Strategy Analyst, you typically need an undergraduate degree in a related field such as economics or finance along with relevant work experience in strategy or analytics. Additionally, some providers may require additional qualifications such as professional certifications or advanced degrees in order to apply for their certification program.

Q4. How much does it cost to get a Strategy Analyst Certification?

A4. The cost of obtaining a Strategy Analyst Certification depends on the provider and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the length and complexity of the program itself.

Q5. What types of jobs can I get with a Strategy Analyst Certification?

A5: A Strategy Analyst Certification is beneficial for obtaining roles such as Business Strategist, Financial Analyst and Consultant within both public and private sector organizations across various industries including banking & finance, healthcare, technology and retail among others.