In recent times, small businesses have evolved into bigger and more lucrative businesses just by taking advantage of technology and diverse opportunities to be certified. You can scale up your business by obtaining any of the Top Business Certification in Demand in 2022.
In this article, We will be discussing some top business certification that gives information technology an advantage in the world of business/business management.
Table of contents
- What are Business Certifications?
- Why are Business Courses important?
- Why get Certifications in business?
- How much does it cost to get a certification in business?
- How long does it take to get a business certification?
- How can I get a certification in business?
- What certification does a small business consultant need?
- What certifications do business analysts need?
- Benefits of IT Certifications, Technical Certifications & Business Certifications
- What are the best certifications to have in business? The top 10 Business Certifications in Demand in 2022
- 1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- 2. Project Management Professional (PMP)
- 3. Professional Certificate in Team Leadership
- 4. Salesforce
- 5. HubSpot Inbound Marketing
- 6. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)
- 7. SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM
- 8. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
- 9. Project Management Institute (PMI)
- 10. International Qualification Board for Business Analysts (IQBBA)
- FAQs | Top Business Certification in 2022
- Conclusion
What are Business Certifications?
The term business also refers to the organized efforts and activities of individuals to produce and sell goods and services for profit.
Several lines of the theory are involved in understanding business administration including organizational behavior, organization theory, and strategic management.
Why are Business Courses important?
Business courses provide you with profound strategic skills and financial knowledge in the world of demand and supply.
There are lots of courses for business-oriented individuals to choose from, including individual business financial planning, health business, business administration, risk management, taxation, economic decision making & analysis, and even business analytics.
All these can be achieved depending on the specific business courses, requirements, the time of completion, and coursework vary, and there are scheduling options to meet the needs of every determined student.
There are numerous paid and free business courses available online. The majority of these business courses may or may not come with a certificate of completion.
Why get Certifications in business?
Getting a certification in business gives you the choice to freely stay online to get an education from industry experts at no cost. Also, there is comfort, convenience, and pace to study at your own will.
A business certification gives you proof of completion to advance to a career in business, administration, economics, or a related field. These certificates, however, come with a little token.
Having an education in business helps you become more strategic and financially sound thereby building a strong personal business decision-making initiative.
These certifications add up to enhancing the skills that will help you in solving strategic business tasks in your day-to-day life knowing that business in the heart of finance and finance is encompassed around planning and analysis.
How much does it cost to get a certification in business?
Obtaining a certification in business is worth the cost, it is a rewarding career professional in the IT industry.
To become a business analyst, you need to prepare to become proficient in business analysis skills as well as acquire certification.
Certification cost ranges from $225 to $295.
Read this: How To Get The Project Management Professional Certification In 2022
How long does it take to get a business certification?
Online courses that offer business certification are mostly free and can be completed within a short period of time depending on your study time and accuracy.
Business certification while some are free online courses that can take as short as a day or two to complete, others can be completed in about 6-8 weeks or some a year.
It is of importance to note that most online courses are self-paced and vary among the learning platforms providing them.
How can I get a certification in business?
A step-by-step guide on how to get a business certification.
Before you can get certified, you will first have to develop and document your production processes, implementing the correct procedures to ensure you can maintain your quality standards.
Here are the four essential steps to becoming a certified business-oriented person.
1. Develop your management system.
- Identify your core or business processes.
- Document processes with the involvement of employees.
- Review, approve and distribute the documents to those who need access to the information.
2. Implement your system
- Ensure procedures are being performed as they are described in your documentation.
- Ensure employees are trained properly for the tasks they are performing.
- Create effective reporting systems to cover inspection, testing, corrective actions, preventive actions, management review meetings, monitoring of objectives, statistical techniques, and so on.
- Monitor the effectiveness of your processes through the use of measurable data, where possible.
- Review and take action to improve in the areas required.
3. Verify that your system is effective
- Conduct the audit and review the processes and system for compliance and effectiveness.
- Identify and report strengths and weaknesses of the management system
- Take corrective action as required.
4. Register your system
- Select the appropriate auditing body for external registration.
- Submit your management system documentation
- Prepare for review by an external auditor to confirm that the system’s requirements are being satisfied.
What certification does a small business consultant need?
Business consultants may use more qualitative methods to give companies advice. Business consultants and business analysts can both come in many shapes and forms and are hired along a spectrum of generalized and highly specific functions.
A consulting career is often highly strategic. Consultants tend to be aware of the big picture, stay ahead of market and industry trends, and think about the long-term implications of their work.
Interested in a career in business consulting? Before committing to the profession, you’ll probably want to answer the question: what does a business consultant do?
Business consultants External links are hired for their expertise and ability to help businesses achieve their goals.
For many businesses, the main goal is growth: growing revenue, increasing their customer base, expanding in size, and cutting costs to increase the bottom line.
Generally, a business consultant collects information, performs research, and formulates comprehensive plans to help companies achieve certain results.
Certification Requirements for Business Consultants
Is there such a thing as a business consultant certification? Should you get a certification in business consulting? Obtaining a certification in business consultancy is a personal choice.
As a business consultant, you can pursue optional certifications to enhance your career, show employers and clients that you’re self-motivated, and potentially even leverage them to earn a higher salary.
Here are a few certifications you might consider:
Certification: Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC) and Accredited SME Consultant (ASMEC) External link from the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants (AASBC)
These two certifications are internationally recognized and set professionals up to provide consulting services to small-to-medium-sized businesses. This is especially useful if you primarily work with small businesses and would like to help them on a deeper level.
Cost: $749
Renewal: $149; recertification required every year
Certification: CMC® (Certified Management Consultant) External link from the Institute of Management Consultants
If you’re interested in advancing as a management consultant, this certification may help. Candidates must have achieved a high level in their management consulting career, be able to meet rigorous standards, and pass an examination.
Cost: $350 for members, $550 for non-members
Renewal: $150 for members, $250 for non-members; recertification is required every third year.
What certifications do business analysts need?
Business analysts are becoming increasingly common in many industries. During the hiring process, employers want to make sure you have the skills and knowledge to effectively perform the job.
An active business analyst certification can show you not only have the skills and knowledge to excel in the role but are also dedicated to your career.
Additionally, many employers seek certified professionals, so you are likely to expand the job opportunities that are available to you by earning a certification.
Common business analyst certifications
There are several business analyst certifications you can earn. Here are four institutes that offer a variety of options:
International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)
The IIBA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the business analysis profession. It follows the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge standard, which defines knowledge areas and perspectives that business analysts should study.
Business analysts may pursue one or more of these certifications:
Academic Business Analysis Certificate (ABAC)
This is an entry-level certification you can obtain from a college or institution partnered with the IIBA. The ABAC can help students prepare for competency-based IIBA certifications.
Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)
The ECBA shows an individual has a foundational knowledge of business analysis practices. You must have at least 21 hours of professional development and pass an exam to earn this certification.
Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA)
This certificate shows a candidate’s ability to apply business analysis techniques to real-life scenarios. To earn a CCBA, candidates need to have at least 3,750 hours of business analysis experience, provide references, complete 21 hours of professional development, and pass an exam.
Check this: Top 10 Certifications For Small Businesses
Certified Business Analysis Professional
The CBAP is the highest competency-based certification a business analyst can earn from the IIBA. It demonstrates mastery of business analysis and the ability to lead others.
Applicants must have 7,500 hours of business analysis experience, complete at least 35 professional development hours, and pass an exam.
Benefits of IT Certifications, Technical Certifications & Business Certifications
1. Expand your employment opportunities
Having an IT certification in your field of study positions you ahead of your peers. This is especially true if you are searching for jobs.
Hiring managers always look for professionals with up-to-date knowledge in their niche specializations. This means you will be preferred over those who do not have certifications.
2. Get increased knowledge and qualifications
Professional certification gives you a qualification that you can use anywhere in the world. It shows you have improved your knowledge in a specific domain and this prepares you for more job responsibilities. This is invaluable in the current digital world.
3. Raise your income prospects
Certified professionals earn more than their non-certified counterparts. So, you are likely to get an increase in your salary.
4. Gain professional credibility
Certified IT professionals show dedication and motivation to professional development. This is the reason companies support employees who are certified by raising their salaries.
5. Avail better networking opportunities
When you are a certified IT professional, you become a part of a group of certified professionals.
This group can be a priceless resource that you can connect with, whenever you need help in solving one problem or the other.
You can learn how to improve your career or build on your professional expertise through support from your network.
6. Get an increment in your income/salary potential compared to non-certified individuals
When you are employed as a technology-certified professional, your income is high. Your employer will more likely pay more money because you have demonstrated that you have undergone focused study to enhance your skills.
A Peer impact survey in 2016 revealed that certified professionals get 1.65x pay raise as compared to their non-certified counterparts.
For example, PMP® certified professionals on average receive 20% more income than their non-certified peers.
Companies are ready to pay you what you are worth because you have more to offer.
7. Complete projects with greater efficiency
Tech certified professionals are likely to complete their projects with greater efficiency because they have gained the needed hands-on skills during the training. They have been exposed to ideas and approaches that can make their work easier.
8. Make your employer more likely to retain you
Employers are more likely to retain certified professionals than their non-certified peers. This is because they are always looking for ways to reduce operating costs by hiring certified professionals instead of spending money on training existing employees.
Getting certified as an IT professional means your skills and knowledge are enhanced, making you more useful to the company.
9. Increase your job security & job stability
Getting your certification as a technology professional means you have gained more knowledge in the technological field, which can be leveraged to stabilize your position in the company. Therefore, certification adds both job security and stability.
10. Increase the marketability of your resume by standing out from the crowd!
Certifications differentiate you from your peers. They make you stand out from the crowd, and you will become more marketable to employers than your peers who are not certified.
What are the best certifications to have in business? The top 10 Business Certifications in Demand in 2022
These certifications are the most well-known throughout the business community, therefore helping you advance your career in more locations.
They also cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and business analysis to sales and marketing.
You can put any one of these certifications on your resume, and it will help you stand out, no matter where you want to work.
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Professional Certificate in Team Leadership
- Salesforce
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)
1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
The CBAP certification is offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis. It is intended for individuals who have an interest in analyzing businesses and coming up with solutions to fit their needs.
To enroll in this certification, you will need at least a few years of prior experience working in business analysis. Specifically, the course requirements include:
- 7,500 hours of business analysis work experience
- 35 hours of professional development
- Two references
To receive this certification, individuals will need to pass an exam. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in under 3.5 hours.
Topics covered within the exam include strategy analysis, solution evaluation, life cycle management, and business analysis planning.
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Advancing your career in business means taking on more leadership responsibilities. You will need to be effective at managing both people and projects.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an industry-recognized certification for project managers. With it, you can improve your hiring and salary prospects.
To acquire this certification, you will need to pass an exam of 200 multiple-choice questions without using reference materials. The exam covers topics such as project planning, project implementation, and monitoring projects.
To enroll in this program, you will need some prior experience managing projects, at least a secondary degree, such as an associate’s degree, and 35 hours of previous project management education.
The course costs $555 for non-members of the Project Management Institute.
Related: Learn About Being a Project Manager
3. Professional Certificate in Team Leadership
Another leadership certification, the Professional Certificate in Team Leadership, focuses on improving your ability to lead other people. This internationally recognized certificate will allow you to demonstrate your leadership abilities.
You can use it either in your current senior role or advance your career. During the certification process, you will learn things like:
1. Different team leadership styles
2. How to communicate positively
3. How to effectively manage your time and priorities
4. Ways to improve team performance
5. How to lead a team through changes?
To receive this certification, it is recommended that you first take the training program. The training program takes place at one of the Chartered Institute for IT’s training providers, which can be found all over the world, or you can study from your home via e-learning.
Once you’ve completed training—or if you decide to skip it and study on your own—you will then need to pass their exam. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE center around the world, and the exam costs around $380.
There are no prerequisites needed to complete this certification program.
4. Salesforce
Salesforce is one of the most popular customer relationship management (CRM) platforms currently available.
Many businesses are now specifically requesting Salesforce experience in their job descriptions because they rely on this CRM.
Salesforce offers several different certifications, some related to IT and software development and others related to marketing and sales. Which certification you should get will largely depend on where you want to take your career.
The available certifications include:
Salesforce Administrator
This certification focuses on managing users, data, and security. You will also learn to create reports and workflows.
A Salesforce Administrator certification demonstrates your advanced ability with the Salesforce CRM.
Also, you can check this: Best Data Analysis Courses with Certification in 2022
Salesforce Developer
There are several certifications available related to Salesforce development. These certifications demonstrate your ability to build and implement applications on the Lightning platform.
It is designed more for programmers and engineers who want to build custom applications.
Salesforce Marketer
A Salesforce marketer will learn to create targeted marketing strategies on the Salesforce platform. There are several certifications under this category, such as Marketing Cloud Administrator or Marketing Cloud Email Specialist.
Salesforce Consultant
A Salesforce consultant works with customers and clients to help them get the most out of the platform.
These certifications will provide you with in-depth knowledge of the Salesforce platform so that you can help businesses find technical solutions to their problems.
5. HubSpot Inbound Marketing
Inbound marketing plays a big role in the sales process for many businesses. With inbound marketing, you work to bring customers to you, rather than going out and getting them yourself.
If you can demonstrate your proficiency with inbound marketing tactics, you will make yourself a much stronger candidate and employee. A great way to do this is with the inbound marketing certification provided by HubSpot.
This certification is free to get and can be completed entirely online. You will learn all about the fundamentals of inbound and how you can apply them to a business.
The courses consist of about two hours’ worth of video, with several quizzes located throughout. After completing the certification, HubSpot offers additional certifications you can take, including ones for content marketing and social media.
With these certifications, you will make yourself a stronger candidate for any sales or marketing-related position.
6. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)
The CSCP certification recognizes your ability to develop streamlined operations. It is focused more on the supply side of a business, rather than the sales or marketing aspects.
Through this certification, you will learn things such as how to manage global end-to-end supply chains and how to maximize your organization’s ERP investments.
There are several ways you can prepare for this certification. One option is to study on your own, using materials provided online. Another option is to attend classes taught by APICS instructors all over the world.
Finally, you can take courses offered through the Fox Valley Technical College.
After completing your preparation, you may sign up to take the exam at a location near you.
The exam consists of three sections that focus on supply chain design, supply chain planning and execution, and supply chain improvements and best practices.
The cost for residents of North America is $965 for non-members of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
7. SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM
Are you SAP savvy? SAP, a European multinational software program, stands for “systems, applications, and products.”
The software is used by companies around the world to manage business operations and customer relationships across several lines of business, including human resources, marketing, sales, manufacturing, and supply chain.
The SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM recognizes a consultant’s skills in understanding and using SAP CRM software, including how it integrates with other SAP solutions like NetWeaver.
SAP recommends that candidates have a combination of experience and training before sitting for the certification exam; training courses are available if needed. The exam has 80 questions and costs $571. You can take the exam through the SAP Certification Hub.
8. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
Oracle is a leading cloud database software company that helps apply the nebulous digital concept to numerous business functions.
More than 2.2 million people have earned their Oracle Certified Professional credentials, and our initial research found over 2,000 job openings for the designation.
With numerous certification paths spanning the platform’s cloud-based and on-premises software and hardware solutions, Oracle offers free learning courses in a wide range of specialties.
Once you’re ready for an exam, you must purchase a voucher at prices ranging from $95 to $245.
These vouchers are good for six months, giving you enough time to hone your skills with the Oracle platform before committing to a test.
9. Project Management Institute (PMI)
The PMI’s focus is to teach and maintain the best standards of project management practices. It offers one business analysis certification:
Professional in Business Analysis (PBA)
This certification is for analysts that work closely with project teams. For PBA certification, candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam consisting of 200 questions.
Those who hold a PBA must keep it active by submitting a renewal application every three years, which includes proof of completing 60 professional development units.
10. International Qualification Board for Business Analysts (IQBBA)
The IQBBA focuses on business analysis in the information technology field. Analysts working in fields such as software development or website security may find certifications from the IQBBA ideal. It offers two certifications:
• Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA)
This certification shows an individual has a basic knowledge of business analysis practices. To earn a CFLBA, applicants must pass an exam.
• Certified Advanced Level Business Analyst (CALBA)
This certification expands on the CFLBA and also focuses on business analysis process management. Applicants must pass an exam to earn a CALBA.
Both the CFLBA and CALBA certifications are lifetime certifications, meaning business analysts don’t need to apply for a renewal or earn continuing education hours.
Read this: 15 Best Business Schools in Canada, 2022
FAQs | Top Business Certification in 2022
Enrollment for free online business courses is available for everyone – both those in the business field and those who intend to learn more to become professional business strategists.
The majority of free online business courses do not have prerequisites except for a sense of curiosity to learn more and broaden your knowledge.
There are things to consider before enrolling for a free business course such as:
1. A working computer or phone.
2. The right operating system.
3. Web browsers.
4. Reliable internet access.
5. A few accessories.
Here is a list of business certifications you can have:
1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP).
2. Project Management Professional (PMP).
3. Professional Certificate in Team Leadership.
4. Salesforce.
5. HubSpot Inbound Marketing.
Conclusion
Business can range from small operations operating in one industry to large operations operating in many industries around the world.
Decisions involving the exchange of currency require a sound knowledge of business and this can be applied to individual enterprises and public entities. In the long run, business is involved in our everyday life.
Business courses provide you with the fundamental business analytical skills and knowledge you need. Having a strong business background gives you the opportunity to interact with a vast number of people thereby measuring your strength and weakness.
Additionally, having a certification in business adds up to your resume giving such an individual a bright spot in pursuit of their career.
A free online business course with a certification gives you the flexibility to learn at your convenience at no cost with proof of completion to expand your career outlook.
