Professional certification is vital to job seekers in today’s competitive economy. And, when you’re employed in contract management, keeping your skills sharp and up-to-date is expected. Anyone working at this high level of performance knows that continuous education is a must.
When you’re ready to advance in your contract management career, National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certification gives you significant advantages over the competition. Employers generally prefer to hire and promote contract managers who are NCMA-certified, because NCMA certification is considered the industry standard. In addition, professionals who hold NCMA certification often earn much higher incomes than their non-certified counterparts.
Organizations applying for government contracts must be able to effectively manage the contract process. Contract management certification demonstrates your aptitude for negotiating, administering and procuring a variety of contracts. Legally binding, properly written contracts are fundamental to successful partnerships with service suppliers, product distributors and end users working with the federal government.
Employers seeking top-quality contract managers have relied on NCMA’s certification program for over 30 years. NCMA certification, which requires a combination of experience, education and training, is highly regarded in both the commercial and government sectors as the premier contract manager certification program.
NCMA certification is highly respected, but it doesn’t come easily. Interested candidates must meet minimum experience and education standards for the certification they seek. Then, they must pass the appropriate examination. And, unlike other certification programs, NCMA does not allow candidates with years of experience or other certifications to bypass or be grandfathered into any NCMA certification program. An applicant’s experience and related certifications can count toward, but not replace, application requirements.
There are three NCMA certifications in Contract Management:
Each certification has its own qualifications and a unique exam that candidates must pass:
All exams are computer-based, with either 110 or 180 multiple choice questions. There are no true/false or essay questions.
NCMA certification training programs are intensive, and typically include instruction in:
Regardless of which NCMA certification you want to pursue, Villanova’s Master Certificate in Government Agile Contract Management or Master Certificate in Commercial Agile Contract Management program may help prepare you for the NCMA certification exams. Villanova offers the flexibility of 100% online training and a unique, video-based e-learning platform.
Whether you’re currently working as a contract administrator, contract manager, project manager or sales manager, an NCMA certification may help advance your career. But NCMA certification exams require preparation. Taking just three courses – available online to fit your busy schedule – can help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for NCMA certification. Together, a Villanova master certificate and NCMA certification may give you a substantial edge when competing for the best contract management jobs.
