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Best business consultant certifications
The best certifications for a business consultant are Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Sales Professional (CSP).
Business consultant certifications demonstrate your competency as a business consultant to employers. However, not all business consultant certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best business consultant certifications. Obtaining a business consultant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for business consultants
20 best business consultant certifications
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
3. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI)
The Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI) Program is a three-course education program in Bahasa Indonesia specifically designed to meet the industry education requirements of professionals in Indonesia. Recognized by the Insurance Directorate, Ministry of Finance and the Life Assurance Association of Indonesia (AAJI), who also requested LOMA create the program, the CPLHI Program provides a comprehensive business education for life and health insurance professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
7. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
8. Sales Management
The SIOR designation is a professional achievement for highly qualified commercial real estate practitioners with a strong transactional history in brokerage, fee-based services, or executive management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
9. Certified e-Business Consultant (CEC)
The test topic includes the benefits of sub-dividing an E-Business implementation to manage scope, recognize and understand how trends impacting E-Business affect implementing and managing E-Business projects, define what to consider when getting ready for an E-Business project, define approaches for E-Business implementations, identify and define needed skills and knowledge for a winning E-Business project manager and team, and discuss technology tools that contribute to successful E-Business project management, understand those factors, which are critical for managing risk in an E-Business effort, understand importance of monitoring E-Business implementation delivery activities, and understand the importance of E-Business project audits and post-completion
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
10. Associate Business Continuity Planner (ABCP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
11. Change Management Certified Professional
Today's organizations face frequent changes to workplace structures and processes. Business process reengineering provides a powerful framework for implementing change projects. To effectively implement change, an organization must develop and administer a successful change strategy that integrates the contributions of both people and process. Successful collaboration with others and the power to influence people at all levels are key factors in implementing a change project and accomplishing your business objectives.Certified graduates of this program have the knowledge to guide the people in their workplace through the process of change. After acquiring the tools to implement business process reengineering (BPR), they have an understanding of how to model adaptable behaviors and create new goals for employees.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
12. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
The Certified Business Analysis ProfessionalTM (CBAP) designation is a professional certification for individuals with extensive business analysis experience. With at least 7500 hours of hands-on BA experience, CBAP® recipients are the elite, senior members of the BA community.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Professional Business Analyst Certificate
Solidify, verify, and claim your business analysis expertise with our Professional Business Analyst Certificate. Through our four-course business analysis training curriculum, you can propel your skills as a business analyst.In this business analysis training program, you will examine the role and responsibilities of the business analyst. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, you will learn techniques for ensuring project success every step of the way - from identifying and analyzing potential projects to making sure that the final project product meets the requirements you identified.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
14. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
Certified Scrum Product Owner professionals have been taught the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that enable them to fulfill the role of Product Owner on a Scrum team. CSPOs are typically the individuals who are closest to the "business side" of the project. They are charged by the organization to "get the product out" and are expected to do the best possible job of satisfying all the stakeholders. CSPOs maintain the product backlog and ensure that everyone knows the priorities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
15. Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
16. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
By earning the Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR) certification you demonstrate that you have mastered the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management as practiced in the United States. The credential is designed for the HR professional who plans, rather than implements, HR policy, focuses on the "big picture," has ultimate accountability in the HR department, has breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines and understands the business beyond the HR function and influences the overall organization.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
17. Certificate in Global Business Services (CertGBS)
The ACCA Certificate in Global Business Services provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to perform successfully in a global business services organisation. We offer a range of ACCA courses on Global Business Services, including the Certificate in Global Business Services. The Global Business Services, Shared Services and Outsourcing industry is one of the fastest growing worldwide and is a key component of many finance transformation programmes. The ACCA Certificate in Global Business Services provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to perform successfully in a Global Business Services Organisation. It has been developed in consultation with over 50 major employers across the world, and is designed to develop the technical skills, industry knowledge, business acumen and analytical capabilities needed to add value across the entire delivery model.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
18. Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013
This exam is designed for people who are engaged in managing projects, programs, or portfolios in the Microsoft Project Portfolio Management (PPM) environment and have a solid understanding of key project management concepts and terminology. Candidates should also have extensive hands-on experience using Microsoft Project Professional 2013 and Project Web App 2013, including managing enterprise custom fields, views, and portfolio objects.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
19. Communication Management Professional (CMP)
•The Communication Management Professional certification is aimed at the generalist/specialist level, a mid-level stage in the communication professional's development, for those with 6-8 years of experience in the communication field.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
20. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Prepare for a new career in the high-growth field of data analytics, no experience or degree required. Get professional training designed by Google and have the opportunity to connect with top employers. There are 337,400 U.S. job openings in data analytics with a $67,900 average entry-level salary. Data analytics is the collection, transformation, and organization of data in order to draw conclusions, make predictions, and drive informed decision making. Over 8 courses, gain in-demand skills that prepare you for an entry-level job. You’ll learn from Google employees whose foundations in data analytics served as launchpads for their own careers. At under 10 hours per week, you can complete the certificate in less than 6 months. You’ll prepare yourself for jobs that include junior or associate data analyst, database administrator, and more. Upon completion of the certificate, you can directly apply for jobs with Google and over 130 U.S. employers, including Walmart, Best Buy, Astreya. 82% of Google Career Certificate graduates report a positive career outcome like a new job, promotion, or raise within 6 months.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
What is the best certification for a business consultant?
The best business consultant certification is Project Management Professional (PMP). The Project Management Professional (PMP) is awarded by the Project Management Institute. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this business consultant certification:
- To become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for business consultants?
The most in-demand business consultant certification is Project Management Professional based on all active job postings. Having this business consultant certification will give you access to more business consultant jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a business consultant career and salary?
The Project Management Professional certification will help you to secure a project manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A project manager's average salary is $85,365 whereas business consultants make an average salary of $87,214.
The most common combination of business consultant certifications include: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Sales Professional (CSP).
Online courses for business consultants to earn certifications
1. Data Analysis Immersive (Full-time)
Learn to problem solve, and effectively communicate, like an analyst. This course teaches you to use industry-standard tools to make ethical, data-driven decisions. Experience hands-on training to master SQL, Excel, Tableau, PowerBI, and Python – tools listed in virtually every data analytics job posting across industries...
2. Data Analytics (Part Time)
Harness Excel, SQL, and Tableau to drive powerful analysis and insights. Build confidence and credibility to apply this versatile skill set to countless jobs. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
3. Data Analyst
Use Python, SQL and Statistics to advance your programming skills and refine your ability to work with messy, complex datasets...
4. Data Structures and Algorithms
Get hands-on practice with over 80 data structures and algorithm exercises and guidance from a dedicated mentor to help prepare you for interviews and on-the-job scenarios...
5. Consulting Business: How to Start a Consulting Business
Consulting Business 90-Step Startup + 5-Phase Consulting Business Proposal Plan to Start Consulting Business Fast...
6. FMCG for Management Consultants and Business Analysts
A practical guide on how to analyze in Excel and improve consumer goods business during consulting projects...
7. Intro to Data Analytics
Discover if data is a career fit for you Regardless of your industry or role, fluency in the language of data analytics will allow you to contribute to data driven decision making. In this free, two-hour livestream, you’ll learn to understand, analyze, and interpret data so you too can join the data conversation. We’ll cover how to ask the right questions of your data and basic analytic functionality. Then you’ll apply your new found data analytic skills to a real-world dataset, allowing you...
8. Data Visualization
You will start by building data visualizations and dashboards, considering your audiences to be as effective as possible. Then, you’ll move into drafting presentations using storytelling techniques, visualizations, and animations to provide data-driven recommendations...
9. Intro to Data Analysis
Start your data science journey right with this hands-on introduction to the discipline of data analysis. In this course you'll learn the 5 key stages of the data analysis process and apply them to real data sets using Python libraries NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib...
10. Retail for Business Analysts and Management Consultants
A practical guide with cases studies how to analyze and improve a retail business during management consulting projects...
11. Consulting Business Masterclass: Start A Consulting Business
The Complete A-Z Consulting Course for Everyone Who Wants to Become Location-Independent...
12. Data Visualization
Discover how data visualization can communicate insights far more effectively than text or tables. In this course, you’ll learn how to build data visualizations programmatically using Python, and how you can use visualization to both discover and convey trends in your data...
13. Experimental Design & Recommendations
Learn two of the most in-demand skills in the entire field of data science! By the end of this course, you’ll know how to generate personalized recommendations based on user data, as well as run statistically valid tests that produce clean, interpretable results...
14. Strategy for Management Consultants & Business Analysts
Top advices from consulting practice with examples and case studies...
15. Business Analysis Fundamentals for Management Consultants
A practical guide for Business Analysts and Management Consultants with exercises in Excel...
16. Start and Run a successful consulting business
The ultimate guide how to build and run a consulting firm...
17. Supply Chain for Management Consultants & Business Analysts
A practical guide how to improve supply chain in a firm and analyze potential savings in Excel during consulting project...
18. Performance Improvement Projects for Management Consultants
A practical guide on how to conduct consulting projects on the level of Mc Kinsey, Bain, BCG, Pw C...
19. Sales Analysis for Management Consultants
A practical guide on how to improve sales and marketing of your customers during consulting projects like Mc Kinsey, BCG,...
20. Business Process Mapping
The complete guide to map any business process...