How to accelerate your path to a CMC designation with the Telfer Executive MBA

The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation validates expertise, professionalism, and ethics in the management consulting industry. For consultants wanting to stand out, especially in competitive markets, obtaining the CMC designation can open the door to new opportunities and enhance credibility. Stéphane Raby, an alumnus of the Telfer Executive MBA (EMBA) program, shares how his EMBA fast-tracked his journey toward acquiring a CMC designation.

Motivation for pursuing the CMC designation

Stéphane Raby's decision to pursue the CMC designation was driven by two key motivations. The first was the advocacy CMC does with the federal government. "If you follow the news, you will have read about consulting projects that have not gone well for the federal government," Stéphane explains. "When I read about these situations, it prompted me to get my CMC designation so that I could become an advocate of promoting ethical and valuable consulting services." He was particularly drawn to how CMC promotes ethical and high-quality consulting, which ensures clients receive services from certified professionals who follow a structured methodology.

His second motivation was the CMC certification would provide him access to the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) funding which supports smaller consulting engagements (40 hours of service). This access would allow him to work with smaller companies on small projects while creating the potential for larger projects in the future.

Streamlining the CMC certification process with an EMBA

Stéphane’s experience as a management consultant for 30 years meant that he already had consulting expertise, but obtaining his EMBA at the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management significantly accelerated his path to the CMC certification. "In order to be CMC certified, you have to complete six full-time courses, three reports and an oral exam," Stéphane explains. "However, since the Telfer Executive MBA program is a recognized partner of CMC Canada, graduates are exempt from the six courses as the curriculum in the EMBA program covers this content, so you save both time and money."

Stéphane also shares that his EMBA coursework provided foundational knowledge directly applicable to the CMC process. For instance, the consulting methodology taught in the EMBA program mirrors the five-phase consulting process required for the CMC certification. This alignment meant that when it came time to write consulting reports for CMC, Stephane was already familiar with structuring reports and projects in a way that met certification requirements.

Leveraging EMBA consulting projects for the CMC designation

Another benefit of the Telfer Executive MBA is the six hands-on consulting projects. EMBA candidates must complete six consulting projects, with real clients, during their program. These projects not only prepare candidates for real-world challenges but also count towards the consulting hours required for CMC certification (when completed within three years of applying for the certification). "For someone who graduates from the EMBA program and applies for the CMC designation within three years, the consulting projects in the program count toward the number of consulting hours needed," Stéphane notes. "It’s an advantage in meeting the experience criteria."

Moreover, having practiced the consulting methodology multiple times during the EMBA, Stéphane found it second nature to discuss consulting engagements during the CMC oral exam. This comfort with the process gave him a distinct edge when presenting his expertise to the certification board.

The impact of the CMC designation and networking opportunities

Stéphane highlights how obtaining both the EMBA and CMC designations has opened new doors for him in the consulting world. The EMBA credential has already led to professional partnerships, including an advisory role with a tech startup company. Now, with the CMC designation, Stéphane has access to even more opportunities, including IRAP funding and a broader consulting network. "After receiving my CMC designation, I received a message welcoming me to the CMC community from Gregory Richards, Vice-Dean, Graduate Professional Programs at Telfer," Stéphane recalls. "It was special to be welcomed to this new community by someone from my EMBA network." Gregory has been a CMC for over twenty years and is a Fellow of the association.

In addition to the professional recognition and credibility that comes with the CMC, Stéphane now has access to a wide range of resources, including market research, executive-level templates, and discounts through CMC partnerships. More importantly, the CMC designation is recognized in 50 countries, providing international opportunities for consultants looking to expand their reach.   Furthermore, CMC Canada will help secure visas for members who have consulting projects abroad.

For professionals, the combination of an EMBA and a CMC designation offers an advantage in the competitive consulting world. The Telfer Executive MBA provides individuals with a strong foundation of business knowledge and hands-on consulting experience, while the CMC validates that expertise through a rigorous certification process. Together, these credentials enhance credibility, broaden networks, and create new opportunities for career growth.