Top 10 Strategy Consultant Certifications

Certifications are essential for strategy consultants in the job market as they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that can be easily verified by potential employers. Certified professionals are more likely to be seen as credible and trustworthy, making them more attractive to employers. Certification also provides recognition for the skills and abilities required for success in the field, allowing strategy consultants to stand out from their peers. Finally, certifications can help strategy consultants establish career advancement opportunities and open doors to new job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Strategy Consultants and explain how they can help enhance a strategy consultant's career.

What are Strategy Consultant Certifications?

Strategy consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of strategic consulting. It is designed to provide consultants with the skills, tools, and resources needed to effectively advise clients on all aspects of their business strategy. This certification provides a comprehensive overview of the different techniques and approaches used in strategic consulting, including market research, financial analysis, forecasting, competitive intelligence, organizational development and more. By obtaining this certification, consultants can develop their understanding of how to effectively assess a situation and develop solutions for their clients that will help them reach their goals.

The benefits of strategy consultant certification are numerous. Having this certification allows consultants to demonstrate their expertise in the field, increase their value as a consultant, boost their chances of getting hired or promoted by employers or clients, and differentiate themselves from other candidates when competing for jobs or contracts. Additionally, having this certification can give consultants access to exclusive training programs or conferences where they can learn more about the latest trends in strategic consulting. Finally, having this credential can help establish credibility among potential clients who may be unfamiliar with the consultant’s work history or qualifications.

Pro Tip: When considering strategy consultant certification, research the various certifications available and choose one that is tailored to your career goals. Also, look for certifications that are offered by reputable organizations that have a proven track record of success. Finally, make sure the certification you choose will be recognized by potential employers and other industry professionals.

Related: What does a Strategy Consultant do?

Top 10 Strategy Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is an internationally recognized professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of professional competence and ethical standards in the practice of management consulting.

To become a CMC, applicants must meet certain requirements including:

• A minimum of five years of experience as a management consultant
• A valid license or certification from a relevant professional organization
• Successful completion of the CMC exam
• Completion of an ethics course
• Demonstration of continuing education in their field
• Payment of an application fee and annual dues.

The CMC exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as business strategy, organizational design, project management, operations management, financial analysis and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center around the world. The cost for taking the CMC exam is $595 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

2. 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 achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of business analysis. The CBAP certification is an internationally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise and experience in the field of business analysis.

To become certified, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by IIBA. The requirements include having at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience over the past 10 years, as well as 21 hours of professional development within the past four years.

The CBAP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering six knowledge areas: business analysis planning and monitoring; enterprise analysis; requirements management and communication; solution assessment and validation; understating stakeholder needs; and managing benefits realization. The exam takes three hours to complete and must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost to take the CBAP exam varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $325 - $400 USD. Additionally, there is an annual membership fee for IIBA which costs $125 USD per year.

3. Certified Strategy and Competitive Analysis Professional (CSCAP)

Certified Strategy and Competitive Analysis Professional (CSCAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to perform strategy and competitive analysis. The CSCAP certification is offered by the Competitive Intelligence Professionals Association (CIPA).

The CSCAP certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge in four core areas: strategic planning, competitive intelligence, market research, and decision-making. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by CIPA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as strategic analysis, competitive analysis, market research methods, and decision-making techniques.

The process of obtaining the CSCAP certification takes approximately six months to complete. After submitting an application to CIPA, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to prepare for the exam. This includes studying the course material provided by CIPA and taking practice exams. Once the applicant has completed all necessary steps, they can register for the exam online or in person at a testing center near them.

The cost of obtaining the CSCAP certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the exam online or in person at a testing center. Taking the exam online costs $395 USD while taking it in person costs $495 USD.

4. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). The CFP certification is considered to be one of the most respected and recognized financial planning credentials in the world. To become a CFP, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as investments, taxes, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and risk management.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete the educational requirements necessary for CFP certification. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree or higher in finance or a related field; completing at least six college-level courses in financial planning; and passing the CFP Certification Examination.

In order to apply for the CFP Certification Examination, individuals must have completed their education requirements and have at least three years of full-time professional experience providing financial advice or services to clients. They must also submit an application with supporting documentation and pay an application fee.

The cost of taking the CFP Certification Examination varies depending on where you take it. The examination fee itself is $595 USD if taken in North America or $795 USD if taken outside of North America. Additionally, some states may require additional fees for licensing purposes.

5. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute to individuals who have met certain educational, experience, and ethical requirements. It is highly respected in the finance and investment industries as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the highest standards of financial analysis and portfolio management.

To obtain the CFA designation, candidates must pass three levels of examinations. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study and preparation. The exams are offered twice a year in June and December at various locations around the world.

The cost for each level of the exam varies depending on when you register but typically ranges from $700-$1,400 USD per exam. In addition to exam fees, there are also membership fees associated with becoming a CFA charterholder which range from $450-$550 USD annually.

In total, it can take up to four years to complete all three levels of exams and become a CFA charterholder. However, many candidates finish earlier than that if they are able to dedicate enough time for studying and preparation for each exam.

6. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to those who have successfully passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA. CPAs are licensed by the state in which they practice, and are responsible for preparing, examining, analyzing, and verifying financial records. They provide services such as auditing, tax preparation, financial planning, consulting, and other related activities.

It typically takes four years of college-level coursework in accounting or business administration to become eligible to take the Uniform CPA Exam. Candidates must also meet additional requirements set by their state board of accountancy including passing an ethics exam and completing a certain number of hours of continuing professional education each year.

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), candidates must first pass the Uniform CPA Examination. This exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation; Financial Accounting & Reporting; Regulation; and Business Environment & Concepts. Each section has its own time limit and is graded separately. The exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The cost of becoming a CPA varies from state to state but generally includes fees for taking the exam, application fees for licensure, background check fees, continuing education fees, and other miscellaneous costs such as study materials. The cost can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on where you live.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of experienced project managers. The PMP credential demonstrates a mastery of project management principles, processes, and techniques.

To become certified as a PMP, you must have at least 4,500 hours of experience leading projects over the past 8 years, or 7,500 hours if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree. You must also complete 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics.

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the exam online through PMI’s website. The cost to take the exam is $405 for members and $555 for non-members. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are administered over four hours.

The certification is valid for three years and requires 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years to maintain your credential. PDUs can be earned through various activities such as attending conferences or workshops, writing articles or books, teaching classes, etc.

8. Six Sigma Black Belt

Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead Six Sigma projects in their organization. It is a comprehensive program that covers the principles, tools, and techniques of Six Sigma.

The program typically takes about four months to complete, depending on the individual’s background and experience. To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, project management, and quality control.

Individuals can prepare for the exam by taking courses offered by universities or organizations like ASQ. These courses often include hands-on practice with real-world problems and case studies that provide insight into how Six Sigma can be applied in different industries. Additionally, many organizations offer online training programs that allow individuals to study at their own pace.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on where you take the course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, courses range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD but some may be more or less expensive depending on their length and content.

9. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals who are involved in business process management. The CBPP certification is awarded by the Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP).

The CBPP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of business process management principles, best practices, and techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, case studies, and simulations. Applicants must demonstrate mastery of topics such as process design, process optimization, process governance, process improvement methodology, and change management.

The CBPP certification typically takes around four months to complete from start to finish. This includes studying for the exam, taking the exam itself, and waiting for your results. It is recommended that you allow at least two months for study time before taking the exam.

To get certified as a CBPP you must first apply online through the ABPMP website. You will be required to provide proof of your education background and work experience in order to be eligible for the program. Once accepted into the program you will need to pay a fee which varies depending on your country or region of residence.

The cost of getting certified as a CBPP varies depending on your country or region but generally ranges from $400-$800 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead projects and process improvement initiatives. It is an intermediate level of training that focuses on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines Lean principles with Six Sigma tools and techniques.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program typically takes about four weeks to complete. During this time, participants will learn about the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) approach to problem solving as well as how to use various statistical tools such as control charts and Pareto diagrams. Participants will also be taught how to create project plans and lead teams through successful project completion.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by one of several accredited organizations. These organizations include ASQ (American Society for Quality), IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification), and CSSC (Certified Six Sigma Certification). The cost of certification varies depending on the organization chosen but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, many organizations require applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in order to qualify for certification. Furthermore, some organizations may require applicants to complete a certain number of hours of training prior to taking the exam or even participate in an internship or apprenticeship program.

Do You Really Need a Strategy Consultant Certificate?

No, you do not need a strategy consultant certificate to be successful in the field. A strategy consultant certificate is not a requirement for most consulting positions, and some firms may even consider it a hindrance in the hiring process. However, depending on your specific goals and the type of consulting firm you are applying to, having a strategy consultant certificate could be beneficial. It could also provide an extra boost of credibility when you are competing against other candidates who have similar qualifications or experience.

In addition, having a strategy consultant certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to the field and demonstrate that you have taken the time to learn the fundamentals of consulting. This could give potential employers confidence that you will be able to quickly adapt to their needs and make an immediate impact on their business operations. Additionally, having this type of certification may open doors for more advanced consulting roles or opportunities with larger companies.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a strategy consultant certificate will depend on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you believe that doing so would benefit your career path then it is certainly worth considering obtaining one. However, if you feel that such a certification is unnecessary or too costly then it might be better to focus on other areas of professional development instead.

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FAQs About Strategy Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a strategy consultant certification?

A1. A strategy consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of strategic consulting. It is typically earned through completing a program or course that focuses on developing and refining skills related to strategic planning, organizational development, competitive analysis and problem-solving.

Q2. How do I become certified as a strategy consultant?

A2. To become certified as a strategy consultant, you must complete an accredited program or course that covers topics such as strategic planning, organizational development, competitive analysis and problem-solving. After completing the program or course, you must pass an examination to receive certification from an approved organization.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified strategy consultant?

A3. Becoming a certified strategy consultant can help increase your credibility within the industry and give you access to higher-level positions in the field. Additionally, it can provide more opportunities for career advancement and recognition among employers, peers and clients for your knowledge and expertise in the area of strategic consulting.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a strategy consultant?

A4. Yes, most organizations offering certifications require applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in the field of strategic consulting before they are eligible to take their exams. Additionally, some certifying bodies may also require applicants to have completed certain educational courses or have obtained other prerequisites before taking their exams.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a strategy consultant?

A5: The time it takes to become certified depends on which certifying body is used as well as what prerequisites are required by that organization prior to taking their exam(s). Generally speaking however, it could take anywhere from one year up to two years before receiving certification depending on individual circumstances and requirements set forth by the certifying body being used for testing purposes