14 Best Change Management Certifications to Take in 2025
If ever there was a time to fine tune your change management skills, it's now. Change management certifications can help you and your team build skills to lead through uncertainty, foster adaptability, and drive successful transformations.
This article is your guide to the best certifications in 2025. We’ll examine their content, benefits, and what makes them a valuable addition to your HR toolkit. Whether you’re leading change initiatives or building resilience in your workforce, there’s something here for you.
Best Change Management Certifications Shortlist
- Change Management Certificate Program — Best for leadership and strategic management
- Change Management Certification Program — Best for comprehensive change management training
- Certified Change Management Professional™ — Best for professional recognition in change management
- Change Management Certification — Best for foundational change management skills
- Change Management Professional Certification — Best for experienced change management professionals
- Change Management Certificate — Best for practical application of change management
- Change Management Certificate — Best for post-baccalaureate students
- Change Management Certificate — Best for organizational change strategies
- Change Management Certification Programme — Best for European practitioners
- Strategic Change Management Certificate — Best for strategic organizational change
- Certified Change Manager - Foundation (CCMF) — Best for foundational knowledge in change management
- Certified Change Manager - Practitioner (CCMP) — Best for advanced change management practices
- Certificate in Change Management — Best for continuing education credits
- Certificate of Change Management — Best for Australian professionals
Overview of the Best Change Management Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best change management certifications on my shortlist.
1. Change Management Certificate Program - Best for leadership and strategic management
This certificate is designed for leaders to manage and implement change within their organizations effectively. The program includes four core courses and two leadership electives, allowing participants to tailor their learning to specific professional goals. Participants also gain a year of free access to Symposium events featuring live sessions with Cornell faculty.
Issued by: eCornell
Focus:
- Navigating power relationships
- Negotiation skills
- Strategic decision-making
- Motivating high performance
- Team dynamics
- Cross-cultural leadership
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire
Price: $3,900
Who It's For: This certification is ideal for leaders who aim to enhance their ability to manage organizational change effectively. It equips them with practical skills to navigate complex change processes.
2. Change Management Certification Program - Best for comprehensive change management training
This three-day interactive training is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills for managing organizational change. Available both online and in-person, the program includes tuition, course materials, and a one-year subscription to Prosci's digital tool suite.
Participants engage for approximately 8 hours each day, with additional self-study required. Upon completion, learners receive a digital badge and become Prosci Certified Change Practitioners, gaining access to a network of professionals. The program is praised for its practical application and effectiveness in preparing individuals for change management roles.
Issued by: Prosci
Focus:
- Defining change management
- Applying the Prosci ADKAR® model
- Formulating a change management plan
- Prosci 3-phase process
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire
Price:
- In-person Training: SGD 5,950
- Online Training: SGD 5,600
Who It’s For: This program is designed for HR professionals, organizational leaders, project managers, and any change leaders within an organization. It’s also valuable for consultants and change practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise in change management.
3. Certified Change Management Professional™ - Best for professional recognition in change management
This designation is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual's ability to effectively manage and lead change efforts in organizations. It is administered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) and reflects a high standard of competence in the field of change management.
The certification is suitable for professionals who have significant experience in managing change and want to formalize their skills and knowledge with a recognized credential.
Issued by: Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP)
Focus:
- Leading change efforts
- Change management methodologies
- Best practices in change management
- Organizational change strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: At least three years of experience in change management
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Price:
- ACMP members: $595
- Non-members: $745
Who It’s For: This certification is intended for change management professionals seeking recognition for their expertise and commitment to leading change successfully in organizations. It demonstrates a thorough understanding of change management principles and the ability to apply them effectively.
4. Change Management Certification - Best for foundational change management skills
This is tailored to equip individuals with the essential skills to manage organizational changes effectively. It is designed for beginners and includes comprehensive online training materials at no additional cost.
The certification exam consists of 35 to 60 randomized questions and requires a passing score of 70%. Upon completion, participants earn a physical certificate and a digital badge, along with 30 Professional Competency Units (PCUs).
Issued by: Management and Strategy Institute
Focus:
- Communication skills
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resistance management
- Developing a change management plan
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire.
Price: $299.95
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals who wish to develop foundational change management skills, enabling them to facilitate and manage change within organizations effectively.
5. Change Management Professional Certification - Best for experienced change management professionals
This program equips individuals with the tools and skills to lead change initiatives effectively. It covers best practices in tactical and behavioral change management through an interactive change management toolkit that helps assess resilience to change, define roadmaps, manage resistance, and ensure sustainable change.
The course includes lessons, quizzes, instructor support, a simulated project, and a final certification exam. It is self-paced, accessible for three months, and typically requires five hours per week over six weeks.
Issued by: Acuity Institute
Focus:
- Tactical and behavioral elements of change
- Change Management Toolkit utilization
- Resilience assessment
- Change roadmap definition
- Resistance management
- Sustainability of change
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire.
Price: $799
Who It’s For: The certification is ideal for individuals who are looking to enhance their ability to lead change projects effectively, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of change management principles and practical tools to apply in real-world scenarios.
6. Change Management Certificate - Best for practical application of change management
This is designed to equip professionals with essential skills to lead and facilitate organizational change. The program focuses on conducting diagnostic assessments, utilizing the ATD CHANGE model, and creating strategic change plans that enhance stakeholder engagement and minimize disruption.
Participants gain insights into both personal and organizational dynamics of change and learn how to establish effective change management teams. Upon completion, attendees earn a recognized certificate, continuing education credits, and a digital badge. The course is available in both live online and face-to-face formats, with costs varying for members and non-members.
Issued by: Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Focus:
- Diagnostic assessments
- ATD CHANGE model
- Strategic change planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Establishing change management teams
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not require renewal and does not expire.
Price:
- Member: $2,125
- Non-member: $2,425
Who It’s For: Ideal for talent development professionals and leaders responsible for facilitating and managing change initiatives, enabling them to lead organizational transformations effectively.
7. Change Management Certificate - Best for post-baccalaureate students
This is designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills to manage and implement change effectively within organizations. This program includes a range of online courses covering essential topics such as conflict resolution, strategic planning, and organizational behavior.
The certificate focuses on practical applications and real-world scenarios to build a comprehensive understanding of change management strategies.
Issued by: Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies
Focus:
- Conflict resolution
- Strategic planning
- Organizational behavior
- Innovation opportunities
- Developing structured change plans
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- Official transcript showing bachelor's degree or higher conferred from a regionally accredited institution or its foreign equivalent
- Proof of English proficiency
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Who It’s For: This certification allows post-baccalaureate students to effectively manage and implement change within organizations, enhancing their ability to identify innovation opportunities and develop comprehensive change strategies.
8. Change Management Certificate - Best for organizational change strategies
This certificate is designed to equip leaders with the necessary skills to implement effective organizational change. It addresses the high failure rate of change initiatives by focusing on understanding team dynamics and managing the discomfort change can cause among employees.
The program comprises four courses, which can be completed either in-person or online, through the Technology & Leadership Center. It aims to enhance leadership capabilities and foster successful change management practices.
Issued by: Washington University in St. Louis
Focus:
- Agile emotional intelligence
- Driving change
- Executing strategy at the front lines
- Leading teams
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Price: $2,380 (total of 4 courses)
Who It’s For: This certification is crucial for leaders seeking to improve their ability to manage and implement change within organizations, enhancing their leadership skills and increasing the success rate of change initiatives.
9. Change Management Certification Programme - Best for European practitioners
Designed to provide participants with the essential skills and tools required for implementing effective change management strategies, this program is structured to be immersive, applying Prosci’s methodology and ADKAR Model to real-life projects.
Participants have the flexibility to choose between online and in-person formats, both offering an interactive learning experience facilitated by expert trainers. The certification includes access to a digital tool suite and ongoing support from a network of practitioners.
Issued by: Prosci
Focus:
- Application of the ADKAR Model
- Development of a Change Management Plan
- Engaging with real-life projects
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Price:
- In-person training: £3,075 +VAT
- Online training: £2, 850 +VAT
Who It’s For: This certification is tailored for change leaders, project managers, and HR professionals aiming to enhance their capabilities in managing and facilitating organizational change effectively.
10. Strategic Change Management Certificate - Best for strategic organizational change
This certificate is designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills to lead and manage organizational change effectively. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that enhances understanding of strategic change processes, leadership, and organizational dynamics.
Participants gain practical knowledge applicable to various sectors, preparing them to navigate and implement change initiatives successfully.
Issued by: Northwestern University
Focus:
- People analytics
- Transformational client relationships
- Sustainable strategic change
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in leading organizational change. It allows individuals to develop into effective change leaders equipped with practical consulting methods and tools.
11. Certified Change Manager - Foundation (CCMF) - Best for foundational knowledge in change management
This certification is provided by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) and equips individuals with essential skills for managing organizational change. It covers various organizational structures, change management theories, and practical strategies for implementing change effectively.
The course includes modules on organizational structure, communication, and change management practices, preparing participants to guide individuals and groups through transitions to achieve desired outcomes.
Issued by: Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM)
Focus:
- Organizational structures
- Change management theories
- Practical strategies for implementing change
- Communication in change management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire
Price:
- Premium Package: $170 (includes e-course and two exam attempts)
- Exam Voucher: $150 (valid for two attempts)
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for change managers, HR practitioners, and team leaders who wish to enhance their skills in managing organizational change effectively.
12. Certified Change Manager - Practitioner (CCMP) - Best for advanced change management practices
This certification provides in-depth expertise in change management. It covers the complexities of implementing change within organizations, factors driving change, and employee resistance.
Participants will learn to address employee concerns, enhance communication, and develop leadership skills essential for managing change effectively.
Issued by: Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM)
Focus:
- Implementing change within organizations
- Managing employee resistance
- Enhancing communication
- Developing leadership skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must have completed the Certified Change Manager - Foundation Level Certification
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire
- Price:
- Premium Package (E-course version): $230
- Exam Voucher: $190 (valid for 240 days)
Who It’s For: This certification is designed for change managers and key staff involved in change initiatives. It equips professionals with the skills to manage resources effectively and foster a positive organizational culture during transitions.
13. Certificate in Change Management - Best for continuing education credits
This comprehensive program is designed to equip participants with essential skills in change management and project management. It provides practical knowledge and techniques needed to manage organizational change effectively, making it ideal for professionals in various industries, such as project managers and team members involved in change initiatives.
Upon completing the program, participants receive a recognized certificate in change management.
Issued by: Dalhousie University
Focus:
- Change management foundation
- Project management essentials
- Influencing without authority
- Best practices in change management
- Human aspect of change
- Effective collaboration strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certification does not expire.
Price: $4,990
Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for professionals seeking to enhance their ability to lead and manage change within their organizations. It demonstrates proficiency in change management and project management skills.
14. Certificate of Change Management - Best for Australian professionals
This online professional development program is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to effectively plan, manage, and adapt to changes within a business.
Participants will gain knowledge in sustainable change, neuro-leadership, choice architecture, succession planning, and agile project management. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to lead change initiatives and implement successful strategies within their organizations.
Issued by: Australian Online Courses
Focus:
- Organizational change strategies
- Change models and responses
- Behavioral change techniques
- Sustainable change practices
- Succession planning
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certification does not expire.
Price: $599
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for professionals looking to enhance their ability to manage and lead change within their organizations, equipping them with practical skills and strategies for successful change implementation.
FAQs about Change Management Certifications
What is a change management certification?
A change management certification course is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in managing and implementing change within an organization. It often involves learning methodologies, frameworks, and best practices for guiding teams and companies through transitions.
Why should I get a change management certification?
Obtaining a change management certification can enhance your career prospects by validating your skills and knowledge in the field. It shows employers that you are equipped to handle organizational changes effectively, which can lead to increased job opportunities and potential salary increases.
Which organizations offer change management certifications?
Several organizations offer change management certifications, including the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP), Prosci, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Each provides different methodologies and focuses, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your career goals.
How long does it take to earn a change management certification?
The time required to earn a change management certification can vary depending on the program and your prior experience. Some certifications can be completed in a few weeks through intensive courses, while others may take several months if pursued part-time.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a change management certification program?
Prerequisites for enrolling in a change management certification program can vary by provider. Some programs may require a certain level of professional experience or prior education in related fields, while others may be open to anyone interested in developing their change management skills.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our newsletter for leaders and managers. You'll receive insights and offerings tailored to leaders and HR professionals straight to your inbox.