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Best category manager certifications
Category manager certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an category manager to employers. However, not all category manager certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a category manager are Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), and Certified Product Safety Manager (CPSM).
Below is a list of the best category manager certifications. Obtaining an category manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
12 best certifications for category managers
12 best category manager certifications
1. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Due to an overwhelming request for an entry level industry certification, the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) now offers the Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PLS) to professionals seeking an understanding of the key strategies for improving customer service and increasing the efficiency of their logistics and supply chain operations. The purpose of the PLS is to recognize individuals that have completed a course of study examining the strategies for improving logistics and supply chain operations and are seeking to apply this knowledge within their profession. This designation is granted to AST&L members who have successfully passed the comprehensive examination.
- 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 5 year(s)
2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
- 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 5 year(s)
3. Certified Product Safety Manager (CPSM)
The CPSM program has attracted a high caliber of hazard control leaders who serve in industry, government, and education. Earning the CPSM provides recognition and status to those meeting the education, experience, and examination requirements to be designated as a CPSM. Product safety can be most effectively achieved by using a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses engineering, systems methods, environmental science, behavioral science, ergonomics, human factors, law, economics, and 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? Every 5 year(s)
4. Certified Practice Manager (CPM)
Becoming a Certified Practice Manager (CPM) demonstrates your ability to effectively and efficiently run a medical practice.
- 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. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) announces the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) as the title for the profession's new qualification. The Certified Professional in Supply Management is slated to be the qualification that supply management professionals strive to obtain. The CPSM will be relevant internationally and reflect the expanded education, skills and experience needed to be a successful supply management professional. The CPSM will debut in 2008.
- 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?
6. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- 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)
7. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.
- 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 3 year(s)
8. 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)
9. 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?
10. 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)
11. National Professional Certification in Retail Management
This certification captures the core of what Retail Managers need to know for a broad range of management and supervisory positions.
- 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 3 year(s)
12. 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)
What is the best certification for a category manager?
The best category manager certification is Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is awarded by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics. 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 category manager certification:
- To become a certified Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for category managers?
The most in-demand category manager certification is Certified Purchasing Manager based on all active job postings. Having this category manager certification will give you access to more category manager jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of category manager certifications include: Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), and Certified Product Safety Manager (CPSM).
Online courses for category managers to earn certifications
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