12 Best Management Certifications To Take In 2025

Management certifications are useful for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and credentials in leadership and organizational management roles.

In this article, I've summarized the best management certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.

Best Management Certifications Shortlist

1. Leadership and Management Certificate Program — Best for strategic thinking and decision-making skills
2. Certificate in Managing People for Performance — Best for enhancing team performance and productivity
3. Certificate in Effective Management — Best for developing core management skills
4. Professional Certificate in Effective People Management — Best for improving supervisory skills
5. UC People Management Certificate — Best for comprehensive people management strategies
6. Executive Certificate in Leadership and People Management — Best for executive leadership development
7. Management Essentials — Best for foundational management principles
8. Managing Yourself and Leading Others — Best for self-management and leadership skills
9. Professional Management Certificate — Best for advancing professional management careers
10. Great Manager Certification Program (GMCP) — Best for transforming managerial capabilities
11. Certificate Program in Leadership and Management — Best for leadership and organizational management
12. Managerial Leadership Certificate — Best for enhancing managerial leadership skills

Overview of the Best Management Certifications

Below are my detailed summaries of the best management certifications that made it onto my shortlist.

1. Leadership and Management Certificate Program - Best for strategic thinking and decision-making skills

The Leadership and Management Certificate Program is a self-paced course designed to enhance executives' leadership and management capabilities. Participants are guided to develop their skills in effective leadership, talent management, global market navigation, and strategic initiative implementation.

Issued by: Wharton

Focus:

• Leadership in the 21st Century
• Managing and Motivating Talent
• Managing the Global Firm
• Strategic Management

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Price: $3,600

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for executives seeking to enhance their strategic thinking and decision-making skills, equipping them to lead effectively in various organizational contexts.

2. Certificate in Managing People for Performance - Best for enhancing team performance and productivity

The Certificate in Managing People for Performance is designed for experienced supervisors and managers who want to enhance their team's performance. The program consists of four courses, totaling 80 CPD hours, and is structured to be completed in approximately four months through on-demand learning.

Participants will learn essential skills to motivate and empower their teams, manage accountability, and align team efforts with business objectives. Upon completion, participants receive a GMA Professional Credential, equipping them to transform their management practices effectively.

Issued by: Global Management Academy

Focus:

• Performance management
• Setting improvement targets
• Addressing poor performance and disciplinary issues
• Effective delegation and empowerment
• Management communication skills

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Experience as a supervisor or manager is beneficial
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No expiration

Price: $260

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for supervisors and managers who want to improve their ability to manage team performance and productivity. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development in management practices.

3. Certificate in Effective Management - Best for developing core management skills

The Certificate in Effective Management is tailored for experienced supervisors and managers aiming to enhance their management skills. The program includes five courses and requires approximately 100 hours of study over an average duration of four months.

Participants will learn to manage business units, improve team performance, manage budgets, and develop leadership styles. Upon completion, participants receive CPD certificates and digital credentials.

Issued by: Global Management Academy

Focus:

• Making professional presentations
• Managing for efficiency and effectiveness
• Planning complex teamwork
• Leading high-performance teams
• Managing budgets

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No expiration

Price: $350

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for experienced supervisors and managers who want to enhance their ability to manage business units effectively and lead high-performance teams. It signifies a commitment to professional development in core management skills.

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4. Professional Certificate in Effective People Management - Best for improving supervisory skills

The Professional Certificate in Effective People Management comprises six online courses, including four core courses that focus on essential supervisory skills and two elective courses that cater to personal preferences.

Participants will gain skills in conducting difficult conversations, applying effective leadership strategies, and using various management tools to boost team performance. The program offers flexibility, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace, ideally within two years. 

Issued by: Royal Roads University

Focus:

• Conducting difficult conversations
• Leadership techniques
• Management tools for team performance
• Essential supervisory skills

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for supervisors and managers looking to refine their leadership skills and improve team dynamics, allowing them to effectively manage and lead their teams.

5. UC People Management Certificate - Best for comprehensive people management strategies

The UC People Management Certificate is a program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to manage teams effectively within the University of California system.

This certificate covers a broad range of topics relevant to people management, providing a foundational understanding that is essential for handling workplace scenarios. Participants can expect to gain insights into managing performance, diversity, and organizational development, which are crucial for fostering a productive work environment.

Issued by: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Focus:

• Managing performance and development
• Understanding diversity and inclusion
• Organizational development
• Effective communication
• Leadership skills

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals working within the University of California system who aim to enhance their management capabilities and apply comprehensive people management strategies in their roles.

6. Executive Certificate in Leadership and People Management - Best for executive leadership development

The Executive Certificate in Leadership and People Management offered by SMU Academy is tailored for middle to senior-level executives who are looking to enhance their leadership and people management skills.

The program is divided into six modules, each spanning three days, and is designed to be completed within three years. Participants must meet a minimum attendance requirement of 75% to be eligible for the Certificate of Completion.

Issued by: SMU Academy

Focus:

• Personal effectiveness
• Strategic development
• Change management
• Effective communication
• Talent development

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Ideally over 5 years of managerial experience with direct reports
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No expiration

Price: 

• Permanent Resident < 40 years old: SGD 5,003.10 (After SSG Funding 70%)
• Singapore Citizen ≥ 40 years old : SGD 1,943.10 (After SSG Funding 70% + MCES Funding 20%)
• International Participant: SGD 16,677 (No Funding)

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for middle to senior-level executives who want to enhance their leadership capabilities and better manage their teams, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

7. Management Essentials - Best for foundational management principles

This certification, offered by Harvard University, focuses on equipping participants with essential managerial skills through an interactive, practical approach. The online program is accessible to individuals worldwide.

Participants will be engaged in various activities to hone their decision-making and leadership abilities, providing them with the necessary tools to effect change within their organizations.

Issued by: Harvard University

Focus:

• Decision-making
• Change management
• Organizational learning
• Implementing effective strategies
• Leading organizational change

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No expiration

Price: $1,850

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for both new and experienced managers seeking to enhance their management capabilities and apply effective strategies in their organizations, thereby improving overall performance.

8. Managing Yourself and Leading Others - Best for self-management and leadership skills

The "Managing Yourself and Leading Others" certification from Harvard's Division of Continuing Education is tailored for managers with at least one direct report who are looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.

This program emphasizes self-management, team leadership, and motivation, utilizing a blend of readings, case discussions, and exercises. Learners will discover organizational dynamics and management best practices, while also exploring personal leadership styles.

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion, marking their improved management skills and personalized leadership style.

Issued by: Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Focus:

• Self-management
• Team leadership
• Motivation and achieving organizational goals
• Emotional intelligence
• Influence and trust-building
• Long-term leadership strategies

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Managers with at least one direct report
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Price: $2,850 (free cancellation up to 14 days prior)

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for both new and experienced managers seeking to refine their leadership abilities and develop a personalized management style, enabling them to effectively manage teams and drive organizational success.

9. Professional Management Certificate - Best for advancing professional management careers

The Professional Management Certificate program provides essential business skills and management training tailored for supervisors, managers, and technical professionals.

Participants must complete five specific courses to earn the certificate, with options to select individual courses based on their needs. This certification course is delivered online, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for participants.

Issued by: Ontario Tech University

Focus:

• Change Management
• Fundamentals of Leadership
• Management of Excellence
• Performance Management
• Strategic Management

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Who It’s For: This certification is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers in management by acquiring crucial leadership and business skills, and enhancing their ability to manage teams and projects effectively.

10. Great Manager Certification Program (GMCP) - est for transforming managerial capabilities

The Great Manager Certification Program (GMCP) is a 3-month initiative designed to enhance managerial and leadership skills. This program is developed by People Business and incorporates the R-OPTI Framework, which includes a great manager assessment, leadership workshops, business simulations, and practical on-the-job applications.

Participants who complete the program receive certifications from the great manager awards. The program is structured to upskill managers, preparing them for higher roles in their organizations.

Issued by: People Business

Focus:

• Leadership skills
• Managerial capabilities enhancement
• Business simulations
• On-the-job application
• Great Manager Assessment

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Price: INR 30,000 + GST per participant

Who It’s For: This certification positions managers to advance to higher roles by elevating their leadership and managerial skills through a well-rounded experiential learning approach.

11. Certificate Program in Leadership and Management - Best for leadership and organizational management

The Certificate Program in Leadership and Management at UC Berkeley is designed to enhance leadership and management skills through practical learning experiences.

Participants are required to complete a minimum of five core courses, with the option to take up to a total of 13 semester units. The program offers flexibility with courses available in both online and in-person formats. It is overseen by an advisory board of industry leaders and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The program ensures that participants learn essential management principles and strategic concepts relevant to individuals in or aspiring to leadership positions.

Issued by: UC Berkeley Extension

Focus:

• Effective leadership and management
• Organizational dynamics
• Strategic management concepts
• Advanced management applications

Prerequisites:

• Education: Bachelor's degree recommended
• Work Experience: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Price: $6,800

Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals aspiring to or currently in leadership roles, this certification demonstrates a commitment to developing leadership and management skills necessary for leading organizations effectively.

12. Managerial Leadership Certificate - Best for enhancing managerial leadership skills

The Managerial Leadership Certificate at the McCombs School of Business equips participants with essential skills for effective communication, collaboration, and leadership in a dynamic business environment.

The program offers a variety of classes, allowing individuals to customize their learning experience to align with their personal interests and professional objectives, ensuring they remain competitive in their field.

Issued by: McCombs School of Business

Focus:

• Effective communication
• Collaboration
• Leadership in dynamic environments

Prerequisites:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Work Experience: Not required
• Exam: Not required
• Other Certifications: Not required

Renewability: No

Who It’s For: Aimed at mid-career professionals and emerging leaders, this certification allows them to showcase their leadership skills and adaptability in dynamic business settings.

FAQs about Management Certifications

What are the benefits of obtaining a management certification?

Obtaining a management certification can enhance your professional credibility, provide you with advanced skills in leadership and management, and increase your career advancement opportunities. Certifications often reflect a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which can be attractive to employers.

How long does it typically take to complete a management certification program?

The duration of a management certification program varies depending on the certification type and the institution offering it. Some programs can be completed in a few months, while others may take a year or more. Part-time and self-paced options are often available to accommodate working professionals.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a management certification program?

Prerequisites for management certification programs differ across programs and providers. Some may require a certain level of professional experience or a bachelor's degree, while others might be open to individuals with varying levels of experience and educational backgrounds.

How do management certifications impact salary prospects?

Management certifications can potentially lead to higher salary prospects by making candidates more competitive in the job market. They demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills, which can justify salary increases or make candidates eligible for higher-paying positions.

What are some popular management certifications available?

Some popular management certifications include the Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Manager (CM), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and Lean Six Sigma certifications. Each of these certifications focuses on different aspects of management and is recognized across various industries.

Other Useful Resources

Here are a few other useful resources to check out:

• Best performance management courses
• Best change management conferences for managers
• Best training management software
• Best knowledge management certifications

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