Thinking about becoming a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone. Many aspiring consultants—and even experienced professionals—want clarity on how to start the certification process, how long it typically takes, what’s required for engagement summaries, and the costs involved. Others wonder how to find a sponsor if they don’t already know a Certified Management Consultant.
In this post, we’ll answer the top 5 questions we hear most often from CMC candidates:
- How can I initiate the certification process?
- What is the typical timeline for achieving certification?
- What is the recommended length for engagement summaries?
- What is the cost to become certified?
- If I don’t know a CMC to sponsor me, can I get help finding one?
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the steps, timelines, and support available to help you start your journey toward the CMC designation.
How can I initiate the certification process?
To begin the certification process, the first step is to become an Associate Member. You can easily do this by visiting our website and selecting the “Become a Member” option.
Once your membership is confirmed, you may submit your résumé directly to the Certification Manager, Marsha Bisson (certification@cmc-canada.ca). It will then be reviewed by the Certifying Institute to determine the appropriate certification stream for you. Details about the certification streams can be located HERE.
What is the typical timeline for achieving certification?
The duration of the certification process depends on the stream assigned to the candidate, the availability of mandatory courses, as well as the time they can commit to completing the required steps.
For example, candidates may need to wait for the next available offering of courses such as Ethical Behaviour and Best Practices or Essentials of Management Consulting, which are delivered through CMC-Canada.
For other components, such as completing engagement summaries or submitting client references, the timeline is largely at the candidate’s discretion based on their availability and readiness.
What is the recommended length for engagement summaries?
Engagement summaries are typically between 3 to 5 pages in length. To support candidates in completing them, we provide both a template and a sample for reference.
Additionally, there is an on-demand webinar available for free download through the Member Hub store titled “The Do’s and Don’ts of Engagement Summaries.” This resource offers valuable guidance on best practices for preparing your submissions.
What is the cost to become certified?
The cost of certification depends on whether a candidate chooses to complete the steps independently at their own pace or participate in one of our structured programs, either the Executive Program or the Foundations Program.
Candidates who enroll in a program often benefit from a reduced overall cost, along with additional professional development opportunities designed to better prepare them for the oral assessment. Ultimately, the decision on how to proceed rests with the candidate and their preferred approach to completing the certification process.
For candidates in the Entry Stream opting to progress at their own pace, the cost, excluding membership dues, starts at $2,950, depending on the number of required courses and any applicable equivalencies recognized during the coursework phase.
Candidates following the MBA Stream can typically expect costs ranging from $950 to $1,450, assuming most or all courses have been completed through an Academic Partner Program.
Most candidates in the Experienced and Executive Streams can anticipate costs starting at $1,450, also excluding membership dues.
If a candidate chooses to participate in one of our programs, information, including pricing details, can be found using the links provided below.
*Cost does not include applicable taxes
As I am not familiar with any CMCs available to sponsor me, could assistance be provided to help locate a suitable sponsor?
If a candidate is not familiar with any CMCs who could act as a sponsor, we would be happy to assist by assigning one or more sponsors as needed.
Please note, CMC sponsors are not required in Ontario. In British Columbia, only one sponsor is necessary, while Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Atlantic Canada each require two sponsors.
Earning your CMC designation is a professional milestone that sets you apart for your commitment to competence, ethics, and client impact. We hope these answers have provided clarity on what to expect—whether it’s navigating the application process, planning your timelines, preparing your engagement summaries, budgeting for certification costs, or finding a supportive sponsor.
If you’re ready to begin, explore our CMC-Canada Certification Streams, become a member, see what certification program is right for you, or connect with our team for personalized guidance. Your path to becoming a Certified Management Consultant can start today—with the right information and the right support.
