Top 11 Strategy Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a strategy manager in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in a strategic role. Certifications also provide evidence that the individual is committed to professional development, which can be attractive to employers looking for candidates with a long-term vision and commitment. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement within an organization or access to higher-level roles within certain industries. Ultimately, certifications give strategy managers a competitive edge when it comes to standing out from other applicants and securing the job they want.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Strategy Managers and provides an overview of how they can boost a strategy manager's career prospects.

What are Strategy Manager Certifications?

Strategy Manager Certification is a professional certification that offers individuals the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in developing and executing successful business strategies. By obtaining this certification, individuals will be able to demonstrate their understanding of strategic management principles, processes, and tools. This can help them become more effective strategists within their organizations.

The certification program consists of two levels: Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals of strategy development, while Level 2 dives deeper into how to apply those principles in practice. Both levels include courses on topics such as goal setting, market analysis, competitive advantage, decision making, and implementation planning. During these courses, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to develop effective strategies and how to use them to drive organizational success.

Once certified at either level, individuals will be better equipped to create and execute effective strategies for their organizations. They will also be able to provide input into their organization's overall strategy development process as well as make better-informed decisions based on data-driven insights. Additionally, they can expect an increase in career opportunities due to the increased value they bring to their organization through the knowledge gained from Strategy Manager Certification.

Pro Tip: When pursuing strategy manager certification, make sure to find a program that offers a comprehensive curriculum and an experienced faculty. Additionally, look for programs that provide practical experience and case studies to give you hands-on experience in the field. Finally, be sure the program is accredited by a recognized organization to ensure your certification is valid and respected.

Related: What does a Strategy Manager do?

Top 11 Strategy Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional certification that recognizes the competency and expertise of management consultants. The CMC designation is awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA) to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of management consulting.

To become a CMC, applicants must meet certain educational, experience, and ethical requirements. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in management consulting or related fields, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field from an accredited university. They must also pass an exam administered by IMC USA that covers topics such as organizational behavior, project management, process improvement, and financial analysis.

The process for becoming a Certified Management Consultant typically takes about six months to complete. After submitting an application to IMC USA and meeting all eligibility requirements, applicants are required to take an online assessment exam. Once they pass the exam, applicants will be invited to attend an orientation session and then take the final CMC exam.

The cost for becoming a Certified Management Consultant varies depending on the country you are applying from. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to apply for the certification in the United States. This fee includes the application fee, assessment exam fee, orientation session fee, and final CMC exam fee.

2. Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP)

Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Strategic Planning (ASP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills and abilities in strategic planning.

The CSPP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers the principles of strategic planning, including topics such as goal setting, strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation. The exam consists of multiple choice and essay questions. In order to qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in strategic planning or related fields.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the CSPP certification process. Applicants must first submit an application form with supporting documentation and pay a fee of $295 USD. After submitting the application form, applicants will receive an email notification with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants will have up to one year to take and pass the exam.

Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their CSPP certificate within two weeks and become officially certified as a Certified Strategic Planning Professional (CSPP).

3. 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 proficiency in business analysis. The CBAP certification is intended for experienced business analysts who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field.

The CBAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 4 hours. In order to become certified, applicants must demonstrate their understanding of the six knowledge areas outlined by IIBA: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring, Elicitation & Collaboration, Requirements Life Cycle Management, Strategy Analysis, Requirements Analysis & Design Definition, and Solution Evaluation.

To get certified as a CBAP, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having 7500 hours of experience in business analysis over the past 10 years or more. Applicants must also submit an application form and provide evidence that they meet the eligibility requirements. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam with IIBA and pay the associated fees.

The cost to take the CBAP exam is $325 USD for members of IIBA or $450 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with training courses or materials needed to prepare for the exam.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a project manager’s knowledge, experience, and skills in leading and directing projects. PMP certification is highly sought after by employers, as it provides assurance of a project manager’s ability to deliver successful projects on time and within budget.

The PMP certification process typically takes around 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by PMI. These include having a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience over the past 8 years, or 7500 hours if you have a college degree. You must also pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements and passed the exam, you will need to pay for your certification fees. The cost for the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are an existing PMI member or not. For non-members, the cost is $555 USD; for members, it is $405 USD.

You will then be required to submit your application form and supporting documents to PMI for review and approval. Once approved, you will receive your official PMP certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

Overall, getting your PMP certification requires significant effort and dedication but can be well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities and higher salaries that come with this prestigious credential.

5. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is designed to provide professionals with an understanding of the principles and practices of Scrum, an Agile framework for managing complex projects. The CSM certification is intended to demonstrate a level of proficiency in Scrum and to give professionals the skills needed to lead successful Scrum teams.

It typically takes two days to complete the CSM course, which includes lectures, group activities, and practice exams. Participants must also pass a multiple-choice exam at the end of the course in order to become certified.

To get Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification, you must attend an authorized training course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). You can find these courses through the website of the Scrum Alliance or through other organizations that offer them.

The cost of attending a CSM training course varies depending on where it is held and who is providing it. Generally, courses range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD for two days of instruction.

6. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CSSGB program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful Six Sigma projects and initiatives. It focuses on the core principles of Six Sigma, such as process improvement, problem-solving, and data analysis. The program also provides an understanding of how to apply these principles in a variety of business contexts.

The CSSGB certification typically takes around three months to complete. This includes completing coursework, taking an exam, and receiving feedback from an ASQ-approved mentor or instructor. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD.

In order to become certified as a CSSGB, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements set by ASQ. These include having at least three years of work experience in a related field and passing an exam administered by ASQ. Once you have met these requirements, you can then register for the CSSGB program through an approved provider or online course provider. After completing all coursework requirements and passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from ASQ confirming your status as a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

7. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage successful Lean Six Sigma projects. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

The CLSSBB course typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on the program provider. During this time, participants will learn how to apply the Lean Six Sigma methodology to identify and eliminate waste, reduce costs, improve quality, and increase customer satisfaction. The course also covers tools such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), process mapping, data analysis techniques, and project management best practices.

To get certified as a CLSSBB, individuals must first complete a training program from an accredited provider. After completing the training program, they must then pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Once they have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CLSSBB certification.

The cost of getting certified as a CLSSBB varies depending on the provider and location of the training program. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 USD for classroom courses or online courses.

8. Strategic Leadership Program from Harvard Business School

The Strategic Leadership Program from Harvard Business School is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to help experienced executives become more effective and successful leaders. The program consists of four modules that focus on developing core leadership competencies, including: leading with impact, driving organizational change, leading teams and organizations, and managing strategic initiatives. Each module is composed of interactive lectures, case studies, simulations, and group discussions.

The Strategic Leadership Program takes three weeks to complete in total. It is offered twice a year in the spring and fall at Harvard Business School's campus in Boston. To get into the program, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience as well as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The cost of the program is $25,000 USD per person.

9. Strategy Execution Certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business

The Strategy Execution Certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business is an online program that provides participants with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and execute successful strategies. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Participants will gain an understanding of how to create a strategic plan, identify key stakeholders, develop a timeline for execution, measure performance, and more.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. Each course is self-paced and can be completed at any time within the six month period. Participants have access to the course materials for one year after completing the program.

To get the Strategy Execution Certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business, applicants must complete all four courses in the program. Applicants must also pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the Strategy Execution Certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business is $2,000 USD. This fee covers all course materials and access to faculty mentors throughout the duration of the program.

10. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute to financial professionals who have met certain educational and work experience requirements and have passed a series of three examinations. The CFA designation is considered to be one of the most respected credentials in the investment management industry.

The CFA program typically takes between two and four years to complete, depending on how quickly you can study for and pass all three exams. Each exam consists of 240 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours. The exams cover topics such as economics, accounting, portfolio management, ethics, and quantitative methods.

To become a CFA charterholder, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have at least four years of professional experience in the investment decision-making process
• Pass all three levels of the CFA exam
• Agree to abide by the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
• Become a member of the CFA Institute
• Pay annual membership fees

The cost for taking each level of the CFA exam varies depending on when you register for it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD per level if you register early. If you wait until closer to the exam date, it may cost more than $1,500 USD per level. Additionally, there are other associated costs such as study materials and review courses which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your approach to studying for the exams.

11. International Institute for Learning’s Strategic Management Certification

The International Institute for Learning’s (IIL) Strategic Management Certification is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage organizations. The certification focuses on developing an understanding of strategic planning, project management, change management, and leadership. It also covers topics such as financial analysis, risk management, and communication strategies.

The certification requires completion of five courses: Introduction to Strategic Management; Project Management Fundamentals; Change Management Fundamentals; Leadership Fundamentals; and Financial Analysis & Risk Management. Each course is approximately 15 hours in length and can be completed online or in-person.

To get the certification, you must complete all five courses within two years, pass a final exam with a score of at least 70%, and submit an application for the certification.

The cost of the IIL’s Strategic Management Certification varies depending on how you choose to take the courses. If you choose to take them online, the cost is $2,495 USD; if you choose to take them in-person, the cost is $3,795 USD.

Do You Really Need a Strategy Manager Certificate?

A strategy manager certificate can be an extremely valuable asset for those looking to break into the field of strategy management. The certificate is designed to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in this particular area, which can be very helpful when applying for a job or promotion within a company. However, it is important to note that there is no single certification or program that will guarantee success in any career path.

The decision as to whether or not you should pursue a strategy manager certificate depends largely on your individual goals and the industry you are interested in pursuing. For example, if you are interested in working for a large organization with a well-established strategy team, then having additional credentials may give you an edge over other applicants who do not have the same level of specialized knowledge. On the other hand, if you plan on starting your own business or consulting firm, then having a strategy manager certificate may be less important than having other qualifications such as business acumen and entrepreneurial skills.

In addition to considering your individual goals, it is also important to think about the cost associated with obtaining a strategy manager certificate. While some programs may offer scholarships or discounts based on academic achievement or professional experience, most require some form of financial investment. Before making any commitments, it is important to research different programs and compare tuition costs and curriculum requirements so that you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a strategy manager certificate should depend on your individual interests and career aspirations. If you are confident that this type of credential will help further your career goals, then it could be worth investing the time and money necessary for certification.

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FAQs About Strategy Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Strategy Manager Certification?

A1. A Strategy Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s competency in strategy management, which includes the ability to develop and implement business strategies, lead strategic initiatives, and manage operations.

Q2. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Strategy Manager?

A2. To become certified as a Strategy Manager, you must have at least five years of experience in strategy development and implementation, including working with senior executives and stakeholders across all levels of the organization. You should also possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, problem-solving capabilities, and analytical thinking.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified?

A3. It typically takes between three to six months to complete the certification process depending on your individual background and experience level. It is important to note that you will need to pass an exam in order to obtain the certification.

Q4. Is there any ongoing education required for maintaining my certification?

A4. Yes, once you are certified as a Strategy Manager you will be required to participate in continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to strategy management topics in order to maintain your certification status.

Q5. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Strategy Manager?

A5: Becoming certified as a Strategy Manager can provide many benefits including increased credibility within the field of strategy management, enhanced job prospects, greater career advancement opportunities, improved knowledge base related to strategy development and implementation, and increased potential for higher earnings due to increased expertise in the field of strategy management.