Best Business Certification Programs for Career Advancement

The best business certifications

Defining the best “business certification” can be difficult. To narrow the field, we reviewed general business and management credentials, customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain, sales and purchasing certifications. Most of the certifications we selected as “best” are vendor-agnostic — not tied to a specific system or application — though we also researched several credentials from SAP, SAS and similar companies that specialize in business applications.

Project management

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has been around since 1969, helping business workers develop careers in project management, mainly through professional development and certifications.

• Why it matters: The CAPM is ideal for up-and-coming project managers looking to establish credibility and advance their earning potential by up to 25 percent more than non-certified professionals.
• Requirements and format: To sit for the exam, you need a high school diploma, GED or global equivalent, plus 23 hours of project management education completed before exam day. The exam consists of 150 questions and is administered through Pearson VUE.
• Target audience: Entry-level to mid-level professionals seeking their first project management credential.
• Cost: $225 for PMI members or $300 for nonmembers. The certification is valid for three years, after which you can retake the exam or earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) to renew.

PMI has other certifications aimed at the business community, such as the Project Management-related credentials: Professional, PMI Professional in Business Analysis, Portfolio Management Professional, Program Management Professional and PMI Scheduling Professional.

>> Get Started: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP from PMI is among the most recognized and sought-after certifications for both business and information technology. The requirements are stiff but the career benefits are substantial, with PMP holders commanding some of the highest premiums in project management.

• Why it matters: The PMI Earning Power Salary Survey reported that PMP holders out-earned non-certified professionals and that by 2035, 30 million more such professionals would be needed to meet the work demand.
• Requirements and format: Option one requires a high school diploma, associate degree or global equivalent; 60 months experience leading projects; and 35 hours of project management education. Option two is a four-year degree, 36 months leading projects and 35 hours of project management education. You must pass a 180-question exam to earn the PMP, which is available through Pearson VUE.
• Target audience: Mid-level to senior project managers with significant hands-on experience.
• Cost: The exam costs $425 for PMI members and $675 for nonmembers. You maintain the PMP certification by earning 60 professional development units every three years.

>> Get Started: Project Management Professional (PMP)

Business analysis

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

If you’re interested in analyzing business needs and coming up with solutions, take a look at the CBAP by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

• Why it matters: The CBAP is an advanced certification aimed at managers and leaders, with strong market demand; almost 20 percent of senior business analyst positions either require or prefer CBAP certification, according to the IIBA.
• Requirements and format: You need at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience over the last decade and 900 of those hours must directly relate to four of the six BABOK Guide knowledge areas. On top of that, you need at least 35 hours of professional development credits (earned over the last four years), plus two references. The CBAP exam has 120 multiple-choice questions, based on scenarios and case studies and is available through PSI.
• Target audience: Senior business analysts and managers with more than five years of business analysis experience.
• Cost: The exam costs $350 for IIBA members or $505 for nonmembers, and a $145 application fee is required. To maintain the CBAP, credential holders must earn at least 60 continuing development units within three years of achieving certification.

The IIBA offers related credentials, such as the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis, Certificate of Capability in Business Analysis, Agile Analysis Certification and Certification in Business Data Analytics.

>> Get Started: Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Supply chain management

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is all about understanding the supply chain. As part of its goal to develop qualified operators, supervisors and leaders, it offers the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and a few other certifications.

• Why it matters: APICS-certified supply chain professionals earn median salaries of $103,000 — 8 percent greater than those with no certification, according to ASCM’s 2025 supply chain salary report.
• Requirements and format: To earn the CSCP, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, at least one other approved certification and at least three years of related business experience. The CSCP covers supply chain concepts and technology, plus strategies for end-to-end operations, from supplier to company to consumer.
• Target audience: Supply chain professionals with bachelor’s degrees and at least three years of relevant experience.
• Cost: You need to pass an exam that costs $1,420 to $2,015, depending on your APICS membership status.

>> Get Started: Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Customer relationship management (CRM)

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.

• Why it matters: 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.
• Requirements and format: 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 you can take the exam through the SAP Certification Hub.
• Target audience: IT professionals and business consultants working with SAP systems.
• Cost: The exam costs $560 in the United States.

>> Get Started: SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM

Salesforce Certified Administrator

If you’ve ever worked with or considered using a CRM platform, you’ve likely heard of Salesforce. From help desk and lead management to sales and customer service, Salesforce is an all-in-one CRM platform that scales with a business’ needs as it grows. The platform has become so popular since its launch in 1999 that it’s considered an industry leader and one of the best CRM solutions available.

• Why it matters: If you’re looking to leverage the platform at an administrative level, Salesforce offers this certification program to increase your knowledge of the platform.
• Requirements and format: The program requires you to take several classes and workshops before completing a proctored credential exam. Salesforce suggests that anyone seeking this certification should already have a decent handle on the platform since the certification seeks to build upon their understanding of existing features and functions.
• Target audience: Salesforce administrators and power users seeking formal recognition of their platform expertise.
• Cost: The exam typically costs $200. Once you complete this program, the company also offers the Advanced Administrator certification to further your knowledge of the platform.

>> Get Started: Salesforce Certified Administrator

Database and cloud technologies

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 two million people have earned their OCP credentials and our initial research found more than 2,000 job openings for the designation.

• Why it matters: With numerous certification paths spanning the platform’s cloud-based and on-premises software and hardware solutions, Oracle offers comprehensive training for in-demand database and cloud skills.
• Requirements and format: Oracle offers free learning courses in a wide range of specialties. Once you’re ready for an exam, you must purchase a voucher. The vouchers are good for six months, giving you enough time to hone your skills with the Oracle platform before committing to a test.
• Target audience: Database administrators, developers and cloud architects working with Oracle technologies.
• Cost: Most Oracle Certification exams cost $245, with Junior Associate exams priced at $95 for entry-level candidates. Oracle also offers learning subscriptions ranging from $1,695 to $6,995 that include multiple exams and unlimited access to training content for 12 months.

>> Get Started: Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

Other business certifications to consider

The industry and career path you’re in will determine which certifications make the most sense for you. Here are some strong options organized by field:

• Accounting and finance: If you work in accounting or finance, you are probably already familiar with the certified public accountant certification and certified management accountant certification. You may want to check out other popular accounting and finance certifications like Certified Government Financial Manager, Chartered Financial Analyst certification and the Enrolled Agent credential.
• Purchasing: The American Purchasing Society is the membership organization behind the Certified Purchasing Professional, Certified Professional Purchasing Manager, Certified Green Purchasing Professional, Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing and Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant programs.
• Record keeping: If your career involves the creation, use, retrieval and disposal of business records, check out the Institute of Certified Records Managers, Certified Records Analyst and Certified Records Manager programs.
• Marketing: There are several great marketing certifications for digital marketing experts to boost their careers. These include certifications like the Meta Blueprint Certification program, Google Ads certifications and Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification.
• HR: The HR industry has many certifications to help you advance your skills and hireability, such as a Professional in Human Resources, Senior Professional in Human Resources and a SHRM-Certified Professional.
• Global business: On the global front, the Institute of Management Consultants offers the Certified Management Consultant certification and NASBITE’s Certified Global Business Professional focuses on global business management and marketing, supply chain management and trade finance.
• Relationship management: The Business Relationship Management Institute has two certifications: The Business Relationship Management Professional and Certified Business Relationship Manager.

Free certification spotlight

Several high-quality business certifications are available at no cost for professionals looking to build credentials without a major investment:

• HubSpot Inbound Marketing: This free certification course consists of nine lessons, complete with 24 videos and seven quizzes, which takes almost five hours to complete. It teaches how to use content creation, social media and other inbound marketing methods to your advantage.
• Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate: Google career certificates are offered through Coursera, with financial aid available for those who qualify.
• Microsoft Learn certifications: Free learning paths are available for various Microsoft business applications.
• Oracle University free courses: These cover database fundamentals and cloud concepts.
• Salesforce Trailhead: This free learning platform offers multiple certification preparation tracks, available for all skill levels..

Certification comparison table

How to choose the right certification

Selecting the right business certification requires careful evaluation of your career stage, industry demands and return on investment to ensure the credential aligns with your professional goals.

1. Assess your career goals.

Determine whether you’re seeking entry-level credibility, mid-career advancement or executive-level recognition. Entry-level professionals should consider CAPM or free certifications, while experienced professionals benefit from PMP, CBAP or specialized vendor certifications.

2. Evaluate industry demand.

Research job postings in your target market. For example, our 2025 analysis shows PMP leads with 24,780 postings, followed by CAPM (3,923), HubSpot (3,371) and CSCP (3,306).

3. Consider the return on investment.

Factor in both cost and potential salary impact. While CSCP requires significant investment ($1,420 to $1,975), it delivers notable salary premiums. Free certifications like HubSpot provide immediate value with no financial risk.

4. Match prerequisites to your background.

Ensure you meet experience requirements. CBAP requires 7,500 hours of business analysis experience, while CAPM only needs a high school diploma and 23 hours of project management education.

5. Plan for maintenance requirements.

Consider ongoing certification requirements. PMP requires 60 PDUs every three years, while CAPM requires complete re-examination every five years.

Industry trends and market insights

The business certification landscape continues to shift as organizations prioritize skills-based hiring over traditional degree requirements. Recent data reported by IBISWorld shows the business certification and IT schools sector has been rising at a CAGR of 7.6 percent over the past five years, reaching 15,731 institutions and $6.4 billion in revenue nationwide

This growth reflects the rise of online MBA alternatives and increased demand for skill-based credentials. Professionals are increasingly choosing targeted certifications over lengthy degree programs, with many earning multiple certifications to demonstrate comprehensive expertise. Security and governance certifications, particularly those from ISACA, have shown remarkable growth with pay premiums rising for CGEIT and CISM certification holders.

Skye Schooley and Kim Lindros contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.