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Top 10 Vice President Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications are important for a vice president in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is necessary to succeed in the role. Certifications can also be used to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and can often be used as a way to differentiate oneself from other applicants. Certification can also provide evidence of a vice president’s ability to handle complex tasks, manage teams, and make decisions under pressure. In addition, certifications can help employers identify qualified candidates who have the specific skillsets needed for the position. Finally, certifications can help create credibility in the marketplace and may lead to more job opportunities or higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Vice Presidents and explain how they can help to enhance a vice president's career.

What are Vice President Certifications?

Vice President Certification is a designation that can be earned by individuals who have achieved a high level of success in the business world. It is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a keen understanding of the financial and operational aspects of running a successful business. Vice President Certification is typically awarded by an independent organization or association such as the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The benefits of obtaining Vice President Certification are numerous. First and foremost, it demonstrates to employers that you possess the qualifications necessary to effectively lead an organization. It also provides an opportunity to network with other certified professionals in your field, which can open doors to prestigious positions and career advancement. Additionally, having this certification on your resume can allow you to command higher salaries than those without it.

In addition to these more tangible benefits, Vice President Certification also serves as an important personal development tool. It encourages individuals to continue their professional growth and stay up-to-date on best practices in their particular field. For executives looking to build their credibility within their industry, earning Vice President Certification can be invaluable.

Pro Tip: When pursuing vice president certification, be sure to research the specific requirements for your job role and industry. This will help ensure you have the necessary skills and experience to qualify for the position. Additionally, consider taking courses or participating in professional development programs that can help you gain the knowledge and expertise required for successful vice presidency.

Related: What does a Vice President do?

Top 10 Vice President Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Vice Presidents today.

1. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be a successful learning and performance professional. It is offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly known as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

The CPLP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in learning design, development, delivery, evaluation, management, strategy, and technology. The certification process includes passing an exam that covers these topics.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CPLP exam. To get started on your path to becoming certified, you'll need to complete an application process with ATD. This includes submitting your resume and other credentials such as education or work experience related to learning and performance.

Once accepted into the program, you will have access to study materials including textbooks and practice exams that will help you prepare for the CPLP exam. You can also take advantage of online courses or attend instructor-led classes offered by ATD or its partners.

The cost of obtaining the CPLP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of ATD or not. For members, it costs $795 USD plus applicable taxes; for non-members it costs $995 USD plus applicable taxes.

2. Certified Management Consultant (CMC)

Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA). It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a consultant’s expertise in management consulting. The CMC designation is designed to help consultants demonstrate their commitment to excellence, ethical standards, and professional development.

It typically takes two to three years for a consultant to become certified. To qualify for the CMC certification, applicants must have at least five years of full-time management consulting experience and meet other requirements such as completing an ethics course, passing an exam, and submitting letters of recommendation from clients or peers.

The cost of obtaining the CMC certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD to apply for the certification. This includes the application fee, exam fee, and any additional fees associated with taking courses or obtaining letters of recommendation.

3. Certified Project Manager (CPM)

Certified Project Manager (CPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully manage projects. The CPM certification is based on PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which outlines the key processes and areas of expertise required for successful project management.

The CPM certification requires a combination of education, experience, and examination. To be eligible for the CPM certification, you must have a minimum of five years of project management experience with at least 7500 hours spent leading and directing projects. You must also have 35 contact hours of project management education or training. Once you meet these requirements, you can then take the two-hour examination administered by PMI.

The cost of obtaining the CPM certification varies depending on your membership status with PMI. Non-members will pay $405 for the exam fee plus an additional $150 for application processing fees. For members, there is a discounted rate of $375 for the exam fee plus an additional $100 for application processing fees. Renewal fees are also required every three years in order to maintain your CPM certification status.

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA. The CPA credential is recognized in all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as many other countries.

To become a CPA, you must meet the requirements of your state board of accountancy, which includes passing the Uniform CPA Exam, completing a certain amount of college credit hours, and obtaining a certain amount of experience in accounting or auditing. Depending on your state’s requirements, it can take anywhere from two to five years to become a certified public accountant.

In order to qualify for the exam, you must have completed at least 150 semester hours of college coursework with an emphasis on accounting-related topics such as taxation, financial reporting, auditing, business law and ethics. You may also need to complete additional courses related to your state’s specific regulations and laws before you can sit for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on where you live and what type of educational program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, the total cost can range from $2,000-$5,000 or more depending on tuition costs and fees associated with taking the exam itself.

5. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program designed to teach the fundamentals of Scrum, an Agile methodology for managing complex projects. The CSM program is administered by the Scrum Alliance and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful Scrum teams.

The CSM program consists of a two-day course that covers topics such as product backlogs, sprint planning, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a multiple-choice exam in order to earn their Certified Scrum Master credential.

In order to become certified as a CSM, individuals must first complete the two-day course. Once the course has been completed, they can then register for the exam on the Scrum Alliance website. The cost of taking the exam is $250 USD. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official Certified Scrum Master certificate and be listed in the Scrum Alliance directory of certified professionals.

Overall, it typically takes two days to complete the CSM training course and another day or two to take and pass the examination. The total cost for becoming a Certified Scrum Master is approximately $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam.

6. 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 demonstrated expertise in the field of business analysis. The CBAP certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and experience in six key knowledge areas: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring, Elicitation & Collaboration, Requirements Life Cycle Management, Strategy Analysis, Requirements Analysis & Design Definition, and Solution Evaluation.

In order to become certified as a CBAP, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements. The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must have at least seven years of cumulative business analysis experience within the past 10 years.

The process for getting certified as a CBAP involves completing an online application form and submitting it to the IIBA for review. Once approved, candidates must complete a three-hour written exam which covers all six knowledge areas. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CBAP certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CBAP varies depending on the country in which you are located and other factors such as whether you are taking advantage of any discounts or special offers available through IIBA. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from $500 - $1,000 USD depending on your location and other factors.

7. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help businesses and individuals improve their processes, products, and services. It is based on the Six Sigma methodology developed by Motorola in 1986. The certification is offered through various organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ), International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), and the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC).

To become certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, you must complete a series of courses and exams. Generally, it takes around three months to complete the required training and pass all of the exams. Courses typically cover topics such as quality management systems, process improvement tools, problem solving techniques, project management principles, statistical analysis methods, and more.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt you must first find an accredited organization that offers the certification. Once you have chosen an organization, you can register for their courses and exams. Most organizations offer online courses which can be taken at your own pace or in-person classes which are usually held over several days or weeks.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which organization you choose and whether or not you take online or in-person classes. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $500-$3000 to become certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive overview of the ITIL framework. It is designed to help individuals understand how IT services are delivered and managed within an organization. The certification is administered by Axelos, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc.

The ITIL Foundation certification exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions, which must be completed in 60 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% (26 out of 40).

To get certified, you must first register for the exam with an accredited training provider or take an online course from an approved provider. Once you have registered for the exam, you will need to study for it and prepare yourself for the test. After passing the exam, you will receive your official ITIL Foundation certificate.

The cost of taking the ITIL Foundation exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD to take the exam through an accredited training provider or online course provider.

9. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security. The CISSP is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC2).

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that cover eight domains of information security: access control, telecommunications and network security, software development security, cryptography, security architecture and design, operations security, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, and legal regulations.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CISSP exam. During this time, it is recommended that candidates study from books or online courses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the eight domains. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience working in two or more of the eight domains in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of taking the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $699 USD to take the exam. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $85 USD to maintain your certification status.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals understand the principles of Lean Six Sigma and apply them in their workplace. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the provider and format chosen. The program consists of classroom instruction, online learning modules, and hands-on project work. During the program, participants learn how to identify process improvement opportunities, analyze data to determine root causes of problems, develop solutions and implement them.

To earn a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have completed at least 8 hours of formal training in Lean Six Sigma methods and techniques.

The cost for a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and format chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD for classroom instruction or online courses with access to instructors; however some providers may offer discounts or other incentives for group purchases or multiple certifications.

Do You Really Need a Vice President Certificate?

No, you do not need a vice president certificate to become a successful leader. While having a vice president certificate may be helpful when applying for certain jobs or promotions, it is not essential. There are many other ways to demonstrate leadership skills and capabilities that will help you achieve success.

For example, you can demonstrate your leadership abilities through your actions and behavior in the workplace. Taking initiative, leading by example, and being able to take charge of a situation are all qualities that employers look for in potential leaders. In addition to these qualities, having excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others are also important characteristics of successful leaders.

In conclusion, while a vice president certificate may be beneficial for certain career opportunities, it is not necessary for achieving success as a leader. Your own personal qualities and experiences can be just as important—if not more so—when it comes to demonstrating your leadership capabilities.

Related: Vice President Resume Examples

FAQs About Vice President Certifications

Q1: What is a Vice President Certification?

A1: A Vice President Certification is a professional accreditation that recognizes the individual's knowledge and experience in the area of vice presidency. It is designed to demonstrate the individual's expertise in key areas such as leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational development.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Vice President?

A2: To become certified as a Vice President, you must complete an approved program which typically includes courses in areas such as business management, financial analysis, human resource management, and marketing. You may also need to pass an exam or provide work experience related to the field of vice presidency.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Vice President?

A3: Becoming certified as a Vice President provides recognition for your knowledge and experience within the field. It can also be beneficial for career advancement opportunities and increases your chances of securing higher-level roles within an organization.

Q4: How much does it cost to become certified as a Vice President?

A4: The cost of certification varies depending on the program you choose and other factors such as location and duration. Generally speaking, programs range from $500-$5000 USD depending on all of these factors.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for certification?

A5: Yes, most programs will require applicants to have at least five years of relevant work experience in addition to meeting educational requirements such as having a degree in business or related field.

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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