Find out how to earn professional certification in an area of business administration, such as general management, management accounting, or marketing management. See what the education and experience requirements are and get information on professional organizations that issue certifications.
How Can Certification in Business Administration Help My Career?
Professional certification carries several benefits for business leaders. Certification programs typically include training to help you prepare for challenging exams. Becoming a member of the professional associations that offer certification provides you with several networking and professional development opportunities.
Certified business administration professionals also tend to earn more. To employers, your achievement demonstrates commitment and the attainment of a recognized skill level within the industry. Fees commonly apply in professional organizations for membership, certification application, exams, and recertification.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Benefits of Certification</b></td><td>Networking connections, demonstration of commitment</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Professional Management Certification</b></td><td>Obtained through the ICPM</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Management Accounting Certification</b></td><td>Obtained through the IMA</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Marketing Management Certification</b></td><td>Obtained through the AIPMM</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $141,490 (<i>for all marketing managers</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 6% growth (<i>for all marketing managers</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIBecomeCertifiedInManagement"> How Can I Become Certified in Management?</h3><p>The National Management Association and the International Management Council founded the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) in 1974 to provide formal management training and improve professional recognition. Supervisors, leaders, and managers in any field are eligible for its Certified Manager (CM) credential if they meet the eligibility requirements and pass three exams.
</p><p>To qualify for the program, you need a minimum of two years of college and four years of full-time management or eight years of non-management leadership experience. You prepare for the three certification exams by completing training modules, which are available online through a 9-month program. Recertification is annual and is achieved through documentation of professional development activities.
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIBecomeCertifiedInManagementAccounting">How Can I Become Certified in Management Accounting?</h3><p>The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), established in 1919, is an international organization with 60,000 members. By becoming a member as an accountant or business finance professional, you can apply for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential through the IMA's Institute of Certified Management Accountants.
</p><p>The eligibility requirements are a bachelor's degree and two years of full-time employment in financial management or management accounting. The professional experience requirement may be completed within seven years of passing the 2-part CMA qualification exam. You complete 30 hours of continuing education to maintain annual recertification.
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIBecomeCertifiedInMarketingManagement"> How Can I Become Certified in Marketing Management?</h3><p>The Association of International Product Marketing and Management (AIPMM) provides training, networking, and certification opportunities to its members. It offers certification exams leading to the Certified Product Manager (CPM) and Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM) credentials.
</p><p>The CPM certification exam covers topics that range from the initial product idea to launching of the product. The CPMM certification exam covers topics that range from product launch to market withdrawal. Preceded by review workshops, the exams are held on-site in a variety of cities throughout the year.</p>
