Performance management is one of the cornerstones of success for an organization. Performance management includes the process through which organisations establish objectives, evaluate employee performance, and give feedback. Effective performance management processes lead to better employee engagement, productive activities, and lower turnovers.
A number of performance management certification courses are recognized globally and each has its own unique benefits. All of these courses include the best practices required to build a results-oriented performance management framework for you and your employer.
In this context, let’s compare and contrast some of the top performance management certification courses. In doing so, we will consider the following factors:
- Course content
- Delivery method
- Cost
- Certification requirements
- Recognition
TL;DR – Here is a summary table:
| Course | Course Content | Delivery Method | Cost | Certification Requirements | Recognition |
| Certified Behavioral Consultant (CBC) | Theoretical foundations of performance management, practical applications | Instructor-led, in-person | $3,495 | Pass exam | Association for Behavior Analysis International
https://www.abainternational.org/ |
| Certified Performance Management Professional (CPMP) | Theoretical foundations of performance management, industry approved and certified | Self-paced, online | $900 | Pass exam | Institute for Performance Management, Industry-approved certification
https://certifiedperformance.org/ |
| Performance Management Professional | Theoretical foundations of performance management, practical applications | Self-paced, online | $995 | Pass exam | World Performance Management Association
https://www.pmaconference.co.uk/ |
| Certified Performance and Development Professional (CPDP) | Theoretical foundations of performance management, practical applications | Instructor-led, in-person | $2,495 | Pass exam | Society for Human Resource Management
https://www.shrm.org/ |
| Performance Management Professional | Theoretical foundations of performance management, practical applications | Instructor-led, online | $1,995 | Pass exam | KPI Institute
https://kpiinstitute.org/ |
| Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) | Theoretical foundations of performance management, practical applications | Self-paced, online | $1,295 | Pass exam | International Society for Performance Improvement
https://ispi.org/ |
Course Content
Performance management certification courses come in many shapes and sizes. There are theory based ones that aim at theoretical perspectives in addition to practical or industry oriented ones which target actual operations. The subjects in some courses are wide, while in others are specific to performance management.
It is therefore advisable to make appropriate choices while selecting on a performance management certification program. Therefore, if you are just starting with performance management, you should pick a generalized course that covers many subjects. There has to be a certain level of specialization based on the field of research that should guide the choice of such programs. For example, if you work in the business sector you might benefit more from an industry-certified practical course whereas if you work in academia or government this type of course might not be the most suitable one for you.
Delivery Method
There are different types of delivery options that performance management certification courses are available in. One of these offerings includes conventional classwork and other online learning options. The courses may be either self-paced, online or instructor-led.
It is also crucial to take into account your preferred form of learning when selecting a performance management certification program. In case you like learning through the usual class setup, you could opt for an in-person program. In case you need a flexible learning option, then you can opt for a self-paced online course. Self-paced, online certification courses have become increasingly popular since Covid, especially for those seeking cheaper options that do not require travel and hotel expenses.
Cost
The price for performance management certifications will depend firstly on the course provider, and secondly – on how it is offered (online or standard). For some of the courses, they are reasonably cheap while for others be very expensive. When calculating the total cost of a course it is important to include travel, accommodation and your “opportunity cost” of taking time away from your day job.
Certification Requirements
Certification requirements for performance management certification courses differ widely. Most courses require students to pass their exams, while others merely require attendance. In selecting an appropriate course, one must be mindful of prerequisites for certification. In case of doubts about fulfilling the conditions for certification, you should contact the course provider directly.
Recognition
Course recognition and certification is usually dictated by the use case. Business-oriented courses may receive their recognition from universities or industries. Where industry accreditation is concerned it is usually conducted by an Industry Advisory Council made up of thought leaders from many companies. Academic and government certifications are issued by relevant bodies for the sector.
Conclusion
When selecting a performance management certification course, several issues are at stake. Chief among these are its content and the delivery, cost factor, certification requirements and the amount of recognition it receives.
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