CCMP vs Prosci: Understanding the Differences

In the world of change management, the Prosci Certification and the Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) are two prominent credentials that professionals often pursue. Both aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and implement change effectively within organizations. However, they fundamentally differ in what they are. Understanding the differences can help prospective candidates make an informed decision about which aligns best with their current career goals and organizational needs.

Here is the key difference:

CCMP™ is a designation.

Prosci ® is a methodology, taught in a course.

Now, onto the slightly (okay, very much) longer version. Prosci offers courses, which you can pay to take, where they teach you some core principles of change management and how to use their methodology and tools. For example, the ADKAR model, which is an acronym for various states of engagement with a change: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement.

If you are new to change, Prosci is one of the most well-known approaches and has a lot of recognition. You can become Prosci certified by taking one of their courses, which are generally a three day workshop combining theoretical learning and hands-on application to a project from your current work.

So, how does that relate to CCMP?

The CCMP is a designation, indicating that you have training, experience, passed an exam and will adhere to a code of ethics. In order to qualify to apply for the CCMP, you need to have a set amount of training (21 hours in the past 7 years). Many people use the Prosci course to fulfill the training requirement of the CCMP.

In addition to the training, the CCMP designation requires an application process, several thousand hours of change management experience, and to successfully pass an exam. Once you have successfully completed those items, you maintain your designation by completing Professional Development Units on a 3 year cycle, often called Continuing Education Credits by other professional designations.

Prosci® Overview

Pros of Prosci Certification

1. Established Methodology: The ADKAR model is an established framework used by many organizations worldwide. It provides clear, step-by-step guidance for managing individual transitions.
2. Practical Application: The Prosci certification program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing participants to apply the ADKAR model to real-world scenarios.
3. Resource Rich: Prosci offers a wealth of resources, including tools, templates, and case studies, which can be invaluable for change management practitioners.
4. Global Recognition: Prosci is recognized globally, making it a valuable credential for professionals looking to work in international environments.
5. Widely Available: Prosci courses are taught in-person and online, on a regular basis and in several languages.

Cons of Prosci Certification

1. Cost: The certification program can be rather expensive, which may be a barrier for some individuals or organizations with limited training budgets. ($3000-$5000)
2. Narrow Focus: The ADKAR model focuses primarily on individual change, which might not fully address broader organizational change dynamics. While Prosci is a valuable base methodology to understand, there are several more change models used by change practitioners.
3. Short Duration: The three-day workshop format may not provide sufficient depth for all participants, especially those new to change management.

CCMP™ Overview

The CCMP certification is offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). It is designed to be a comprehensive credential that validates an individual’s ability to manage change across various contexts.

Pros of CCMP Certification

1. Comprehensive Scope: The CCMP certification covers a broad range of change management practices, making it applicable to a wide variety of industries and organizational contexts.
2. Standard-Based: The certification is based on the ACMP’s Standard for Change Management, which provides a holistic and systematic approach to change management.
3. Professional Recognition: The CCMP is recognized as a gold standard in the change management profession, enhancing the credibility and marketability of certified professionals.
4. Continuous Professional Development: The CCMP certification requires ongoing professional development, ensuring that practitioners stay current with best practices and emerging trends.
5. Accepts various Change Management Training: While the ACMP pre-approves many change management training providers and courses, it does not require a specific type or brand, which can make training selection a lot more cost effective than taking Prosci training.

Cons of CCMP Certification

1. Stringent Requirements: The education and experience requirements for the CCMP can be challenging to meet for early-career professionals or those transitioning into change management from other fields.
2. Intensive Exam: The certification exam is rigorous and requires substantial preparation, which can be time-consuming.
3. Cost: Similar to the Prosci certification, the CCMP certification process can be costly, including fees for application, exam, and ongoing professional development.

Overall, for many, Prosci is a good stepping stone to CCMP certification.

Comparison

Prosci is an excellent choice if you are looking for a practical, hands-on approach to managing individual change and prefer a shorter, workshop-based learning experience, to get you started in the practice of Change Management. Its global recognition and extensive resources make it a valuable credential for change practitioners aiming to implement the ADKAR model within their organizations.

CCMP, on the other hand, is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive and systematic approach to change management that covers a wide range of practices. Its rigorous certification process and professional recognition make it a prestigious credential that can significantly enhance your credibility in the field. The continuous professional development requirement ensures that CCMP holders remain at the forefront of change management best practices.

Ultimately, both certifications offer valuable insights and skills that can help you become a more effective change leader. Assessing your specific needs and goals will guide you in choosing the certification that aligns best with your professional journey in change management.