Top 10 Team Leader Certifications

Certifications are important for a team leader in the job market because they demonstrate the knowledge and skills that the individual has acquired through training and experience. Certifications can provide employers with evidence of the individual’s abilities and qualifications to perform certain tasks or lead a team. They also indicate that the individual is committed to continuing their professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. In addition, certifications may be required by some organizations in order to qualify for certain positions, so having them can give an individual an edge when applying for jobs.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Team Leaders and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Team Leader Certifications?

Team leader certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in leading and managing teams. This certification is designed to help individuals develop their skills as team leaders by providing formal training and assessment, as well as support and guidance from experienced professionals. The certification focuses on key areas such as team dynamics, communication, problem solving, decision making, communication styles, conflict resolution and resource management. Upon successful completion of the program, certified team leaders are able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of effective team leadership techniques.

The benefits of team leader certification include increased credibility in the workplace, improved job performance and greater job security. It also provides an opportunity to network with other personnel managers and gain valuable experience in leading teams. Additionally, having a recognized qualification can open up opportunities for advancement within an organization or industry. Finally, it can give individuals the confidence to take on more challenging roles in the workplace.

Pro Tip: When selecting a team leader certification program, look for one that provides an in-depth understanding of leadership skills and the ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. Additionally, make sure the certification is up-to-date with current best practices and has comprehensive assessment tools to measure progress.

Related: What does a Team Leader do?

Top 10 Team Leader Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Team Leaders today.

1. Certified Team Leader (CTL)

Certified Team Leader (CTL) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Facilitators (IAF). The CTL certification is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who lead teams, facilitate meetings, and manage projects. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in team leadership.

The CTL certification process involves completing a series of online courses, attending an in-person workshop, and passing a written exam. The online courses cover topics such as facilitation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and project management principles. The in-person workshop focuses on developing practical skills for leading teams and facilitating meetings. The written exam tests participants' understanding of the material covered in the coursework.

The CTL certification process typically takes between six to nine months to complete depending on individual learning styles and availability. In order to become certified, candidates must have at least two years of experience leading teams or facilitating meetings.

The cost of obtaining a CTL certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 USD. This cost includes registration fees for the online courses, attendance at the in-person workshop, and the cost of taking the written exam.

2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification for individuals who have an understanding of the Scrum framework and its principles. It is designed to help professionals become successful Scrum practitioners and promote the use of Scrum in organizations.

The CSM certification requires participants to attend a two-day course and pass an online exam. The course covers topics such as the history of Scrum, roles and responsibilities, sprint planning, product backlogs, sprint reviews, retrospectives, impediments, and more. After completing the course, participants must pass an online exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for a two-day course with an online exam included.

In order to get certified as a CSM you must first attend a two-day training course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). After attending the training course you will be required to take an online exam which will test your knowledge of the material covered in the class. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your CSM certification from the Scrum Alliance.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in successfully managing projects. PMPs must have a minimum of 4,500 hours of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education.

It usually takes about 6 months to prepare for the PMP exam. The preparation includes studying the PMBOK Guide, taking practice tests, attending training courses, and participating in study groups.

To get the PMP certification, you must first apply to become a member of PMI. After becoming a member, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it with your supporting documents such as your resume and proof of project management experience. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam and pay the required fees.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. If you are not a member, then it will cost $555 USD; if you are a member then it will cost $405 USD.

4. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to teach individuals the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a high level of understanding and proficiency in the field of quality management.

The certification process typically takes around four weeks to complete, depending on the individual's experience and knowledge level. The program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as Six Sigma methodology, process improvement techniques, data analysis, problem-solving methods, and project management tools. After completing the coursework, students must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must meet certain requirements. These include having at least three years of work experience in a relevant field or completing an accredited training program such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training from an accredited institution. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least one full-time project using Six Sigma methodology with documented results.

The cost for obtaining Six Sigma Green Belt Certification can vary depending on the provider and type of training chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 USD for self-paced online courses or up to $4,000 USD for instructor-led classroom courses.

5. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The ACP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a deep understanding of Agile principles, practices, and tools. It is intended for professionals who work in Agile environments and want to demonstrate their expertise in Agile project management.

The ACP certification requires an individual to pass an exam administered by PMI. The exam covers topics such as Agile values and principles, Agile project management processes, planning and estimating techniques, team dynamics, and collaboration methods. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as an ACP, you must meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least two years of experience leading or participating in projects using Agile methodologies; having 21 contact hours of formal training in Agile concepts; and passing the PMI-ACP exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States, the cost is $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members. Other countries may have different fees associated with taking the exam. Additionally, there are costs associated with preparing for the exam such as purchasing study materials or attending training courses.

Overall, it can take several months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam depending on your level of experience with Agile concepts and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the test.

6. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in Lean Six Sigma, a process improvement methodology used to improve business processes and operations. The certification requires the successful completion of a comprehensive training program and passing of an exam.

The duration of the training program typically ranges from four to six weeks, depending on the provider. The curriculum includes topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles and tools, data analysis, problem solving techniques, project management, and team dynamics.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must complete the training program and pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body. The certifying body may require additional requirements such as work experience or other qualifications for eligibility.

The cost of the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $2,000 to $5,000 USD for the entire program.

7. Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). The CCMP is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to effectively manage change in organizations.

The CCMP program consists of three levels:

1. Foundations Level – This level focuses on basic concepts and principles related to change management. It also covers topics such as stakeholder analysis, risk assessment, communication planning, and project management.

2. Practitioner Level – This level builds on the foundations level by introducing more advanced topics such as organizational design, process improvement, and change leadership.

3. Master Level – This level provides an in-depth exploration of complex change management topics such as culture transformation, strategy execution, and global change initiatives.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CCMP program depending on the individual’s experience and background in change management. To get certified at each level, candidates must pass an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions based on the ACMP’s Body of Knowledge for Change Management Professionals.

The cost for becoming certified at each level varies depending on whether you are an ACMP member or non-member. For members, it costs $595 for the Foundations Level exam; $795 for the Practitioner Level exam; and $995 for the Master Level exam. For non-members, it costs $795 for the Foundations Level exam; $995 for the Practitioner Level exam; and $1,195 for the Master Level exam.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a basic understanding of IT service management principles and best practices. It is based on the ITIL framework, which is a set of guidelines for managing IT services in an effective and efficient manner. The certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage IT services.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions, which must be completed within 60 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%.

To get the ITIL Foundation Certification, candidates must complete an accredited training course or self-study program. Accredited courses are offered by organizations such as PeopleCert, AXELOS, EXIN, and APMG International. Self-study programs are also available online from various providers.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider and type of training course or self-study program chosen. Generally speaking, accredited courses range from $500 to $1,000 USD while self-study programs can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 USD.

9. Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of quality process analysis. The CQPA certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management, process improvement, and statistical analysis.

The exam takes about four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in quality process analysis or equivalent education to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of the CQPA exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD. Candidates can register for the exam online through ASQ's website or by calling their customer service center. Once registered, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access their study materials and take the test. After passing the exam, a certificate will be issued within two weeks.

10. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that provides an individual with the necessary knowledge and skills to audit Quality Management Systems (QMS) based on the ISO 9001 standard. This certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for auditing, managing or implementing a QMS, as well as those who wish to gain an understanding of the ISO 9001 standard and its requirements.

The certification process typically takes around four weeks to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience with quality management systems. The process consists of completing a self-study course, taking an online exam, and attending a two-day in-person training session.

To become certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, you must first meet the eligibility criteria set by the certifying body. This includes having at least three years of experience in quality management systems or related fields. Once you have met the eligibility criteria, you can register for the self-study course and then take the online exam. After passing this exam, you will be eligible to attend a two-day in-person training session where you will learn more about auditing techniques and processes.

The cost of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on which certifying body you choose to use. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Team Leader Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, it is important to consider the type of team leader role you are seeking. If you are applying for a role in upper management or executive leadership, then a Team Leader Certificate might be necessary. These types of roles require a great deal of responsibility and knowledge about leading teams effectively, which can be obtained through courses and certifications.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more entry-level team leader role, then a certificate may not be necessary. In these cases, employers may be more focused on skills and experience rather than having an official certification in team leadership.

Ultimately, whether or not you need to obtain a Team Leader Certificate will depend largely on your own situation and the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. It is always best to research what qualifications employers are looking for when they advertise positions so that you can tailor your application accordingly.

Related: Team Leader Resume Examples

FAQs About Team Leader Certifications

1. What is a Team Leader Certification?

Answer: A Team Leader Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective team leaders. The certification includes topics such as leadership, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, motivation, decision-making and other related skills.

2. Who should pursue a Team Leader Certification?

Answer: Anyone interested in developing their professional skills in leading teams should consider pursuing a Team Leader Certification. This type of certification is beneficial for those who want to advance their career in management or those looking to obtain a leadership position within their organization.

3. How long does it take to complete a Team Leader Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete a Team Leader Certification will depend on the specific program you choose and your own learning speed. Generally speaking, most programs require between 10-20 hours of coursework and can be completed within 1-2 months.

4. Is there an exam required for a Team Leader Certification?

Answer: Yes, most Team Leader Certifications will require an exam at the end of the coursework in order for you to receive your certification. The exam typically consists of multiple choice questions or essay questions that must be answered correctly in order to pass the course.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Team Leader Certification?

Answer: Most programs do not have any formal prerequisites for obtaining a Team Leader Certification; however, some may require prior experience working with teams or taking courses related to management and/or leadership principles before being accepted into the program.