The CCMP Change Management Certification: Pros and Cons
CCMP vs. Prosci – which is the better certification? And how do these certifications stack up against other change management certifications?
A certification in change management can be an excellent way to boost one’s credentials and skills, but there are quite a few training and certification programs.
In today’s fast-paced economy, where digital transformation and organizational change have become the norm, certifications such as these can be a valuable addition to one’s educational background. However, since training programs such as these are investments, it is important to choose wisely.
Below, we’ll take a look at the CCMP program, then compare it to other change management training options.
What Is the CCMP?
The Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) is, as the name suggests, a professional certification geared towards change managers. This certification is offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP), a reputable and well-known network of change management professionals.
Here is a quick overview of the certification, its benefits, and who can benefit from obtaining one:
Benefits of the CCMP
Obtaining a CCMP can, among other things:
- Demonstrate knowledge in the ACMP’s change management methodology, which they call “the Standard”
- Enhance credentials, boost career prospects, and provide a competitive advantage in the workplace
- Offer a change management framework that can improve organizational change program performance and outcomes
For those who are seriously committed to improving their career and their job performance, the CCMP can add significant value, both in terms of the knowledge it provides and as a credential booster on one’s resume.
However, unlike some other change management certifications, certain prerequisites must be met before one can earn the CCMP.
How to Obtain the CCMP
Here are the core steps that must be taken to earn the CCMP:
- Eligibility. To apply for the CCMP, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus three years of on-the-job change management experience. During the application process, candidates must successfully answer three out of five essay questions that demonstrate their change management experience.
- Training. Applicants are also required to complete 21 hours of training in the ACMP’s change management methodology. A list of qualified education providers can be found on the ACMP’s website.
- Examination. The final step to obtaining the CCMP is completing an examination and receiving a passing grade.
Once the CCMP is earned, it will remain valid for three years and the exam must be retaken in order to maintain its validity.
Who the CCMP Is For
As mentioned, the CCMP is for change management professionals who are seriously dedicated not only to improving their change management skills, but to learning the ACMP’s approach to change management.
Though the CCMP is an excellent credential, it may not be ideal for certain professionals, such as those who:
- Are not interested in the ACMP’s approach to change management
- Lack the proper experience
- Want to learn change management best practices but do not want or need such a rigorous training
Below, we’ll look at some alternatives to the CCMP and see how they compare to the ACMP’s well-known training program.
CCMP vs. Prosci vs. Other Change Management Certifications
The CCMP is only one of many certification options for those interested in improving their change management knowledge and their resumes.
Other options include:
- Obtaining certifications from universities. Many universities offer change management certifications. Naturally, each certification will vary in terms of its content, quality, costs, and admission requirements. As with the other options covered here, it pays to investigate each one carefully to ensure that it aligns with one’s objectives.
- Earning an accredited degree in change management or organizational development. Those pursuing change management as a career may also want to consider a bachelor’s or a graduate degree in a field closely aligned to change management. The names and the emphases of the degree will vary from institution to institution, but common degree titles include terms related to organizational development, change management, organizational leadership, and other degrees related to organizational change. These can naturally be supplemented by a certification if necessary.
- Acquiring certification from other organizations. There are a number of other organizations that offer certifications. Prosci change management certifications, for instance, are viable options for many change practitioners. They are affordable and accessible to anyone, including those who lack experience as change managers. However, as with almost every other available change management certification, Prosci’s certification trains students in its own proprietary approach to change management.
Since there are so many change management methodologies, it makes sense that there are also a wide variety of choices when it comes to certification.
On the one hand, this can be a good thing. This means, for instance, that there are educational opportunities for professionals from virtually any background or with any level of expertise.
On the other hand, the sheer number of options can make it difficult to research and choose the right training pathway. Also, certain organizations may prefer a specific approach to change management, which can limit job opportunities.
When researching and evaluating change management certifications, it is a good idea to clearly define one’s priorities, learning objectives, and career goals beforehand. Doing so will make it much easier to choose the most suitable certification.