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Given the breakneck speed at which new technologies emerge, it seems things change ever faster every day. Perusing a change management certification is now more relevant than ever, equipping professionals with the tools and insights needed to lead successful transitions.
Let's explore what change management is, why it's important and the top change management certifications available today.
What Is Change Management?
Change management is the systematic approach to handling the transition or transformation of organizational goals, core values, processes or technology. Change leaders create and apply strategies to mitigate disruptions to ongoing operations, foster acceptance among staff and improve the organization's adaptability.
Different types of change management cater to different needs:
- Strategic: Changes to policies, processes, mission and vision.
- Technological: Keeping pace with changes and embracing new technologies.
- Structural: Adjusting management hierarchies, redefining job descriptions, etc.
- Cultural: Shifts in the company's beliefs and behaviors, such as DEI initiatives and sustainability efforts.
Why Is Change Management Important?
Today's employees are less willing to adapt to change than they were just a few years ago. According to a Gartner survey, 74% of employees in 2016 were willing to adapt to organizational change. By 2022, that number dropped to 38%.
The right change manager on the team could make all the difference, helping smooth the transition for employees and ensuring a higher likelihood of success. Effective change management mitigates the impacts of transition fatigue and addresses common barriers to change, like poor communication, lack of resources and employee resistance.
Related Podcast: Making Change Stick on the U.S. Air Force
10 Notable Change Management Certification Programs
There are plenty of change management certifications online that can increase your skills and boost your career. These certifications range from introductory level to advanced courses on specific change management methodologies.
1. Prosci Change Management Certification
The Prosci Change Management Certification is a must-have for anyone serious about change management, according to Brenda Luterbach, senior program manager and change leader at Intuit.
"Their ADKAR model (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) provides a simple yet effective framework for guiding individuals through change. The program's research-backed approach and community-driven updates ensure it remains relevant and effective."
This three-day course can be completed in-person or online. The price varies based on delivery method, with the online training priced at $4,500.
2. Change Management Specialist (CMS) Certification
The Change Management Specialist (CMS) certification program is offered by the Management and Strategy Institute (MSI). While it's an advanced program, MSI claims no prior experience is necessary.
The training material covers:
- Types of change
- How change affects people
- The change process
- Managing resistance
- Engaging key stakeholders
The cost of the course ranges between $224-$299. It includes 12 self-paced modules, which learners will have access to for one year.
3. Change Management Foundation Certificate
The Change Management Foundation program is offered through APMG International. It's ideal for anyone interested in learning the basic principles of change management or any team member involved in the organizational change management process.
This program covers change management skills like:
- Structured approaches to shape change initiatives
- Sources of resistance to change
- Factors affecting people's motivation during change
- Essential communication principles to support change
- Key metrics for evaluating change
The course can be completed online and at your own pace. The cost of training varies on the training provider you choose, and the final exam costs approximately $390.
4. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI), is ideal for project managers who already have three to five years of experience with change management and project management. It covers how to manage conflict, lead a team, support team performance, empower team members and more.
The price of the program is $675 for non-members, and both in-person and online training are available. The final exam consists of 180 questions and takes around four hours to complete.
Related Article: Change Management When Employees Are Exhausted by Change
5. Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)
The Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) program, offered through the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP), is a credible and respected certification, according to Jonathan Westover, chair, organizational leader department and professor of organizational leadership and change at Utah Valley University.
"It validates expertise across all aspects of change with an emphasis on real-world application," he explained. "Passing the CCMP exam demonstrates a practitioner understands theory as well as how to execute change initiatives."
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The CCMP Certification program requires 21 hours of training, a complete application and a final exam consisting of 150 questions. The price of the application and exam is $745 for non-members.
6. Strategic Change Canvas Masterclass
The Strategic Change Canvas Masterclass, offered by IdeaLeap, seems particularly promising, said Luterbach. Plus, she added, the company offers valuable insights and resources on change management through their engaging social media presence.
This change management course includes six modules, covering:
- What the strategic change canvas is
- A structured thinking approach to designing change strategy
- How to run a strategic change canvas workshop
- Customizing the strategic change canvas
This online training course is self-paced and priced at $299.
7. AIM Change Management Certification
The Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM) change management program offers a flexible framework for managing organizational changes. AIM accreditation provides the change management tools needed to identify and mitigate barriers within the organization, create new strategies, analyze your company's implementation history and more.
Program sessions can be customized to fit your specific organizational projects. Class sizes are capped to small groups, and the cost is approximately $3,000.
8. Change Manager Certificate
The Change Management Certificate from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) explores the process of facilitating organizational change and introduces ATD's CHANGE model.
This change management certificate program covers:
- Change management tools
- Making the business case for change
- Assessing organizational readiness
- Helping stakeholders through change
- The role of the certified change management professional
This course is available both online and in-person and costs $2,425 for non-members. Those who complete the program will earn the ADT Certificate of Completion.
9. Certified Problem and Change Manager Certification
The Certified Program and Change Manager (CPCM) program is offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM). The course includes three modules and covers topics like making good group decisions, analyzing and selecting solutions, dealing with resistance, strategies for dealing with anger and more.
The final exam consists of 40 questions. It can be taken online but is proctor-based, requiring learners to use a webcam. The cost of the online course and exam is $188.
10. Accredited Change Professional Specialist Program
The Accredited Change Professional (ACP) Specialist Program is offered through the Change Management Institute (CMI). It's ideal for those with three to six years of change management experience, operating at the project or program level. The right applicant will be well-versed in change fundamentals and know how to prepare people for effective, sustainable change.
The application fee for the program is $675 for those in the US. The Change Management Institute also offers similar programs for those of other skill levels, such as the ACP Foundation and the ACP Master.
Related Article: Communicating Change: Overcoming Resistance With Empathy
Want to Further Your Change Management Skills?
A change management certification is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and broaden your job opportunities. Those interested in a more in-depth program might consider a degree in organizational change.
"A master's degree in organizational development, organizational behavior/change or business administration with a change management concentration provides a solid foundation," said Westover. Plus, "many programs incorporate the latest research and allow specialization through electives," he added.
Plenty of universities offer degrees in organizational change, including:
- Penn State University
- Northwestern University
- Rutgers University
- Cornell University
- Concordia University Chicago
Change Management Is Evolving — Keep Up
Like all things, the world of change management is not immune to change either. Trends in change management education include more emphasis on data and analytics, evolving methods like design thinking and a focus on the cultural and people aspects of change, said Westover. Today’s programs are also more likely to involve real-world projects and simulations.
"Certifications and degree programs are adapting by incorporating new frameworks like complexity theory and being more interdisciplinary," he said. "There is a push for customization too so individuals can receive credentials without disrupting their work/life balance."
AI is also changing the change management field, said Luterbach. Her team is currently experimenting with AI-powered content creation, feedback analysis and video generation. "As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative applications in the future."
