Certifications for Business Consultants

Business Consulting is an attractive profession for many reasons, from ditching the 9-5 lifestyle, to earning an attractive salary. This article will explain why to get certified as a Business Consultant, as well as how to get certified.

Certification for many professions isn’t a new concept, for a lot of roles certification isn’t necessary and for others you need the backing to prove your skill set. 

As a Business Consult, Coach or Advisor, certification isn’t typically a requirement you need to get started, but it can help give you credibility and recognition in the field.

So, what are the benefits of being certified as a Business Consultant?

• Expands and furthers your knowledge

• Builds your confidence in the discipline

• Establishes authority in the field of Business Consulting

• Recognition and credibility from a respected certification

• Professionalism

• Distinguishes yourself from other Business Consultants based on your expertise

• Connects you with other professionals

Not sure where to start? Here are our some Business Consulting Certifications, including a summary of each, requirements and the course fee*:

1. The Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC) - Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants® (AASBC®)

The AASBC® certification signifies that you have demonstrated your expertise in the area of small business and SME consulting. 

Training is completed online via their 400-page training book & supplemented with 40-hours of lecture videos to watch at your convenience. The training will complement your existing business knowledge and experience.

There are 3 easy steps to getting certified:

• Become a member

• Prepare for the exam by studying the SEMP training book and videos

• Take the online exam (from your own computer). 

Once you’ve passed you become publicly recognized as an Accredited Small Business Consultant or Accredited SME. There is also a membership community forum to connect you with like-minded Business Consultants.

There is a $749 USD all-inclusive initial membership fee for your first year.

2. CBC® : Certified Business Consultant

Certified Business Consultant (CBC) is administered by The American Institute for Business Management and Communication.

The CBC examination is a 3-hour exam, made up of 100 multiple-choice questions examinations. The exam is given in booklet form and can be completed online if there is no course provider where you live.

It is a self-study program, with a one off entrance registration fee and certification fee of US$990 which include the official exam materials.

You will need to re-certify every 4 years to prove you have maintained your general management knowledge and skills.

3. Certified Management Consultant at Institute of Management Consultants New Zealand

CMC stands for Certified Management Consultant and is an international qualification that is recognised in over 50 member countries of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI). 

The qualification identifies a management consultant whose competency is certified and to be eligible a minimum of three years consulting experience is required.

Your application for the certification is assessed against the following:

• Competence Framework 

• Common Body of Knowledge 

• Code of Professional Conduct

If you are normally a New Zealand resident you can apply for the Certified Management Consultant following either of the below steps:

1. Apply for CMC at the same time that you apply for Professional Membership - provide the necessary documents and pay the CMC application fee.

2. Apply for CMC after you have attained IMC New Zealand Professional membership - provide the necessary documents and pay the CMC application fee.

The CMC application fee is NZ$250 plus GST. 

4. Certified Business Consultant - Institute of Certified Business Consultants®

The Certified Business Consultant (CertBC) Program is a global business management credential that represents commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. It is a 100% online course with tutor support.

Requirements for becoming a CertBC through the Institute of Certified Business Consultants®

• Take their online course in Diploma in Business Administration

• If you have three years' work experience and obtained the Diploma in Business Administration you can apply for the CertBC designation by requesting a certification package

• Your completed application will be considered by their Certification Board and on approval a certificate will be issued on the payment of appropriate fee.

There is a US$480.00 membership fee.

Are you wondering what it takes to become a successful Business Consultant? Check out this article where we look at the skills & experience required.

Conclusion

Certification helps to establish authority, further your knowledge and provide you with additional credibility. There are many bodies that offer certification, some require previous experience and others do not. When considering whether to complete a Business Consulting Certification consider your requirements, the certification framework, the fee, and the time it may take to complete it. 

*Please note that this information was what was available at the time of writing.

Have you completed one of the Business Consulting Certifications we mentioned above? What was your experience like?