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Best principal consultant certifications
The best certifications for a principal consultant are Project Management Professional (PMP), IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL), and Certified Scrum Master (CSM).
Principal consultant certifications demonstrate your competency as a principal consultant to employers. However, not all principal consultant certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best principal consultant certifications. Obtaining a principal consultant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for principal consultants
20 best principal 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. IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)
The ITIL Foundations Certification course is designed for all IT service and support staff members. Whether you are just adopting ITIL or are working on continuous service improvement, you will gain a fundamental understanding of how IT service and support can be best organized to align IT with business needs, improve service quality, and reduce long-term costs. Course Benefits: 1) Gain an understanding of the ITIL framework and its relationship with the 10 foundational processes and Service Desk function, 2) Learn how ITIL processes can be utilized in any size organization, 3) Promote a common vision and language within the IT infrastructure.
- 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
3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.
- 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?
4. Six Sigma Green Belt
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology who both leads or supports improvement projects, typically as a part-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.
- 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?
5. ITIL Foundation
This LCS-accredited course outlines the ITIL best-practices framework and prepares the participant for the ITIL Foundation certification exam, a prerequisite for all other ITIL certifications. This course provides an understanding of the service lifecycle and processes as well as the best and common practices for IT service 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? Every 2 year(s)
6. 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?
7. 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)
8. Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP)
CISSP-ISSAP requires a candidate to demonstrate 2 years of professional experience in the area of architecture and is an appropriate credential for Chief Security Architects and Analysts who may typically work as independent consultants or in similar capacities. The architect plays a key role within the information security department with responsibilities that functionally fit between the C-suite and upper managerial level and the implementation of the security program. The candidate would generally develop, design, or analyze the overall security plan. Although this role may typically be tied closely to technology, it may be fundamentally closer to the consultative and analytical process of information security.
- 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)
9. 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
10. 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?
11. 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)
12. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
HR professionals who develop strategies, lead the HR function, foster influence in the community, analyze performance metrics, and align HR strategies to organizational goals, should take the SHRM-SCP exam.
- 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)
13. Six Sigma Black Belt
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology, who leads improvement projects, typically in a full-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.
- 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?
14. The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF)
The TOGAF® standard, a standard of The Open Group, is the open Enterprise Architecture standard used by the world's leading organizations to improve business efficiency. The Open Group TOGAF Certification Program, with over 75,000 certifications, enables Enterprise Architects and trainers around the globe to demonstrate their proven knowledge of the framework. The TOGAF 9 Certified qualification is achieved through passing two exams, following a course of self-study or attendance at an Accredited Training Course. There is also an entry level qualification, TOGAF 9 Foundation, which is achieved by passing just the first exam.
- 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? Every 2 year(s)
15. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)
A Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a Certified Public Accountant recognized for his or her unique ability to provide business insight by leveraging knowledge of information relationships and supporting technologies.
- 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. 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)
17. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA designation is a globally recognized certification for IS audit control, assurance and security professionals. Being CISA-certified showcases your audit experience, skills and knowledge, and demonstrates you are capable to manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance and institute controls within the enterprise.
- 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 1 year(s)
18. 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)
19. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- 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. 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?
What is the best certification for a principal consultant?
The best principal 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 principal 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 principal consultants?
The most in-demand principal consultant certification is Project Management Professional based on all active job postings. Having this principal consultant certification will give you access to more principal consultant jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a principal consultant career and salary?
The IT Information Library Foundations Certification certification will help you to secure a senior project manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior project manager's average salary is $108,931 whereas principal consultants make an average salary of $116,478.
The most common combination of principal consultant certifications include: Project Management Professional (PMP), IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL), and Certified Scrum Master (CSM).
Online courses for principal consultants to earn certifications
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2. Retail for Business Analysts and Management Consultants
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5. Strategy for Management Consultants & Business Analysts
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6. Consulting Business Masterclass: Start A Consulting Business
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7. Performance Improvement Projects for Management Consultants
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8. Business Process Mapping
The complete guide to map any business process...
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A practical guide how to improve supply chain in a firm and analyze potential savings in Excel during consulting project...
10. Leadership, Business Process Improvement, & Process Mapping!
Learn the leadership, communication, and process mapping skills to accelerate your career!...
11. The Complete Business Process Management (BPM) Master Class
12000+ enrollments Learn the Business Process Management methods used by the world's most successful organizations...
12. Lean BPM - Lean Business Process Management Change Skills
Lean BPM - learn how to use lean business management techniques to reduce waste and improve your business efficiency...
13. Operations Management A-Z: Business Processes and Systems
Operations Management: Supply Chain & Business Processes in Industry for Manufacturing and Services Organizations...
14. Start and Run a successful consulting business
The ultimate guide how to build and run a consulting firm...
15. Introduction to Business Process Modeling
Learn how to analyze, model, and improve your organization's business processes...
16. Production for Management Consultants and Business Analysts
Practical guide on how to improve production and operations in a firm and analyze potential savings in Excel...
17. Data Warehouse Development Process
Specific aspects of Data Warehouse Development Process...
18. Practical Project Management for Management Consultants
How to manage successfully a consulting project - a practical guide for Project Managers...
19. Business Analytics Complete Course
Learn Business Analytics with complete Hands on Exercises...
20. Essential Excel for Business Analysts and Consultants
Master the formulas and tricks that will save you time and make you as efficient as consultants in Mc Kinsey, BCG, Bain...