We must remind ourselves that it is not so much about obtainment; rather, it is about what we learn and experience on the path to obtainment.

We recommend the Certified Manager (CM) certification for:  new managers and supervisors; individuals who are not in official management positions but their position requires they perform at least a few managerial/supervisory duties; and for any manager who has received little formal management education and training, regardless of their experience level.   

• Offered through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM)  
• Requires passing three multiple-choice online exams
• Can prepare through three different study formats
• Involves up to 90 hours of learning 
• A candidate has up to 15 months to complete 
• Upon successful completion of the three exams, the candidate is awarded the CM designation

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation is designed specifically for individuals who have professional experience in HR; it is not intended for general managers who perform some HR-related duties but are not involved in HR as the main function of their job.  The PHR designation is well-regarded among both employers and HR professionals.

• The criteria for qualifying for the exam is listed on the HRCI website
• The exam consists of 90 scored questions, plus 25 pre-test questions
• The exam is rigorous and will require a significant amount of preparation
• HRCI offers exam prep materials for purchase (you can bundle prep materials with the cost of the exam to receive a discount)  
• If you do not qualify to sit for the PHR exam, the HRCI also offers the Associate PHR (aPHR) option.

The primary difference between the PHR and SPHR is the amount of experience and education required to qualify for the exam.  Essentially, the SPHR is meant for HR professionals whose experience and education has prepared them for involvement in strategic-level policy and in partnering with organizational executives to integrate HR policies and objectives within the overall strategy of the organization.

• The criteria for qualifying for the exam is listed on the HRCI website 
• The exam consists of 115 scored questions, plus 25 pre-test questions 
• The exam is rigorous and will require many hours of preparation 
• HRCI offers exam prep materials for purchase (you can bundle prep materials with the cost of the exam to receive a discount)  

The SHRM-CP designation is meant for individuals who perform general HR-related duties as a major function of their jobs (thus making it less restrictive than the PHR for who is eligible to apply).  Although their certifications have not been around as longs as HRCI's, SHRM is highly respected as a comprehensive resource for HR professionals and their certifications therefore carry significant clout with both employers and HR professionals.  

• The criteria for qualifying for the exam is listed on the SHRM website
• SHRM strongly recommends using the SHRM Learning System to prepare for the exam
• The Learning System is offered in several formats, to include self-study, instructor-led, and webinars.
• SHRM also offers the SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) option

The PMP has long been considered the gold-standard in project management designations and it is designed for individuals with considerable experience and/or education related to managing projects.

• The criteria for qualifying for the exam is listed on the Project Management Institute's (PMI) website
• PMI offers a free, downloadable comprehensive Certification Handbook to help you though the certification process
• They also offer a free, downloadable Exam Content handbook that details what is covered on the exam
• PMI also offers the Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM) option for less experienced project managers

The Agile and Scrum Master designations have become increasingly sought-after and their designations are offered by several organizations.  However, given PMI's reputation, we selected their DASM designation for this list.  An additional consideration was that there are no specific eligibility requirements to complete the course and take the exam.   

• This designation is for those who want to be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to lead agile, flexible teams, which is increasingly becoming a standard expectation within many industries
• Preparation for the exam includes an optional Basics of Scrum video and either a self-paced or instructor-led DASM course
• Upon successful completion of the exam, the candidate is awarded the DASM designation and badge

The PMI-RMP designation is intended for individuals whose position has a significant focus on risk management, whether that be as a project manager, a C-suite executive, or in a specifically-designated risk manager position.

• The criteria for qualifying for the exam is listed on the PMI website and its PMI Certification Handbook
• The 115-question exam is available in person and online
• Exam Content Outline and Specifications
• PMI Certification Handbook

If you have had any significant involvement in process change or improvement, you have probably heard of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles.  LSS is considered an industry standard for effecting purposeful change based on quantitive data and methodology.  It is not a course meant for the faint-of-heart nor for those unwilling to spend a significant amount of time taking the courses and preparing for the exam.  Depending on your level of experience and particular aims, you can gain LSS designation at several levels (Black Belt, Green Belt, and Yellow Belt).  The Council for Six Sigma Certification is an excellent source for detailed information on LSS courses, exams, and preparation. 

Offered through the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the CPIM designation is designed for individuals whose positions require involvement in inventory management.  While the process for becoming CPIM certified requires a significant investment of effort, time, and money, securing this well-regarded designation signals to employers and other members within the field of supply chain management that you have a level of knowledge and degree of commitment beyond the typical non-certified peer.  

• Obtainment of the designation requires the successful completion of two comprehensive exams 
• ASCM provides preparation for the exams through its APICS Learning System, which comes with self-study, instructor-led, instructor-supported, and corporate/group options.  
• ASCM also offers certified designations as a supply chain professional (CSCP) and in logistics, transportation, and distribution (CLTD)

CSCP designation signals that an individual has comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the essential concepts, strategies, and technologies of modern supply chain management.  Earning the CSCP designation is a significant investment of time, effort, and cost, but is well-regarded by industry leaders and other members of the supply chain management community.  

• Obtainment of the designation requires the successful completion of one comprehensive exam  
• ASCM provides preparation for the exam through its APICS Learning System, which comes with self-study, instructor-led, instructor-supported, and corporate/group options 
• ASCM also offers certified designations in planning and inventory management (CPIM) and logistics, transportation, and distribution (CLTD)

According to ASCM, the CLTD designation demonstrates to employers and peers that the designee has "an in-depth understanding of how to streamline logistics, transportation and distribution, including order management, distribution inventory management and warehouse management."

• Obtainment of the designation requires the successful completion of one comprehensive exam   
• ASCM provides preparation for the exam through its APICS Learning System, which comes with self-study, instructor-led, instructor-supported, and corporate/group options 
• ASCM also offers certified designations in planning and inventory management (CPIM) and as a supply chain professional (CSCP)

According to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), "the CMPE credential is recognized as the professional standard in medical practice management — a unique identifier that can demonstrate your professional expertise and open new doors throughout the industry."

• There are three pathways to achieving CMPE certification, each requiring the successful completion of exams, MGMA membership, and the upfront completion of continuing education
• Pathway Two allows for those new to healthcare or pursuing a degree to begin the credentialing process prior to meeting the experience and/or degree requirements 
• MGMA provides for purchase a study book to help a candidate better prepare for the exams

Individuals who earn the CMOM designation will have demonstrated they have the knowledge and understanding needed to motivate employees, meet medical practice financial objectives, and manage risk.  

• CMOM requires the completion of a comprehensive training course, which is divided into five overarching areas AND the successful completion of a comprehensive online exam
• The training course can be completed online or through in-person classes
• Candidates should have at least one year of experience working within a medical practice

According to the PHACOM website, "the CMM Credential validates knowledge of the Nine Domains of Medical Practice Administration and recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to manage physician practices and ambulatory service centers in increasingly complex environments. CMMs work as critical links between providers, patients, staff and payers. The CMM is the only nationally accredited professional certification specific to practice management with focus on managers of solo provider and small group physician practices."

• To qualify, a candidate must have at least two years of experience within the healthcare industry and in support of patient care AND have earned at least 12 post-secondary credits related to healthcare or business 
• Each year of experience beyond the two-year requirement reduces the education requirement by one credit
• Designation requires the completion of a 200 multiple-choice exam

Unquestionably, the FACHE is the gold standard of healthcare executive designations and the time and effort needed to secure it is part of the reason why.  Like all the certifications and designations on this list, this is no easy, automatic credential.  However, the required prerequisites to even challenge for the designation far exceed any other designation on this list. 

• You must be a current member of ACHE and have at least one year of membership tenure
• You must possess a post-graduate degree
• You must currently hold an executive healthcare management position and have a minimum of five years of healthcare management experience
• There are also requirements for professional references, continuing education, and volunteer activity

According to the NAHQ website, "the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is the only accredited certification in healthcare quality," and is designed to "validate your knowledge of healthcare quality practices and competencies."

• Certification requires the completion of an exam
• NAHQ provides resources to help a candidate prepare for the exam
• There are no formal eligibility requirements to sit for the exam and achieve certification

According to the ACI website:  "[The CBME designation] program is a self-paced training and certification program on business management fundamentals, industry terms, and best practices. The CBME program is self-study and 100% online. Designed to provide you with a practical learning approach, the CBME covers project management, product and sales funnels, management of staff, and an overview of management tools, systems, and methods. Learn the art of combining ethics, leadership, and management to effectively achieve more."

• Unlike most of the other credentials on this list, the CBME does not have name recognition in its favor
• However, we included it because it came highly recommended by several individuals we respect and who either completed the course themselves or had direct-reports who completed the course
• We think it is comparable to the Certified Manager (CM) program offered through ICPM.  

Lastly, but certainly not least, is the MOS: Excel 2013 designation.  We included it because we believe that an ability to operate within Excel is a skill that would be beneficial to most managers; but many managers are unaware of its usefulness because it is not usually fully revealed until one understands the variety of tracking and calculation capabilities Excel offers.  The key to gaining this designation is finding a program that will prepare you for it.  Such programs are offered at a variety of educational institutions, through private training vendors, and even through online courses.  You will need to discover those on your own, but the basic requirements for the MOS: Excel 2013 can be found by clicking the button below.