The International Association Of
Online Business Managers
Become a Certified, Credible & In-Demand
Online Business Manager
We are the global authority for Certified Online Business Managers® and the trusted partner for the businesses who hire them.
2009
Year the OBM Certification Standard Was Established
15+ Years
Leading the OBM
Profession
1100+
Certified OBMs
Trained
Become a Certified, Credible & In-Demand
Online Business Manager
We are the global authority for Certified Online Business Managers® — and the trusted partner for the businesses who hire them.
2009
Year the OBM Certification
Standard Was Established
15+ Years
Leading the OBM
Profession
1100+
Certified OBMs
Trained
What is a
Certified Online Business Manager?
A Certified Online Business Manager® is..
A Certified Online Business Manager (OBM) is a professionally trained operations leader who has completed training with one of our accredited training partners and has earned the designation of Certified OBM® and Certified Online Business Manager®. These designations may only be used by one who has become certified through the International Association of Online Business Managers.
What does an OBM do?
A Certified OBM® specializes in managing the day-to-day execution of an online business. They translate vision into strategy, oversee team and project performance, and ensure systems, processes, and technology work together to support sustainable growth. A Certified OBM is not just a task manager — they are the strategic integrator who keeps the business running smoothly and moving forward.
Who do OBMs work with?
OBMs work with established online business owners who have moved beyond the startup phase and need strategic operational leadership. Their clients are typically coaches, consultants, course creators, agency owners, and digital entrepreneurs generating consistent revenue and leading small to mid-sized remote teams.
Many OBMs also work with brick-and-mortar and service-based businesses to strengthen both in-house operations and their online presence.
OBMs serve as a trusted right-hand leader to manage projects, people, systems, and sustainable growth.
What does it mean to hire a Certified OBM?
When you hire a Certified OBM you are hiring someone who:
When you hire a Certified OBM, you’re hiring a professionally trained operational leader who has demonstrated both competence and commitment to the role.
A Certified OBM has:
+ Made a significant investment of time, training, and professional development through the Certified Online Business Manager Program.
+ Successfully completed a rigorous certification process, including real-world client-based operational projects.
+ Committed to upholding professional standards and ethical leadership through the OBM Pledge.
Certified OBMs are not virtual assistants or task managers — they are strategic operators equipped to lead teams, manage projects, optimize systems, and support sustainable business growth.
We defined the
OBM standard
Before the term “Online Business Manager” was widely recognized, the need for operational leadership in digital businesses was emerging.
In 2009, the International Association of Online Business Managers formalized the role — establishing the first professional standards, certification pathway, and global community for OBMs.
Today, that standard continues to shape how OBMs are trained, certified, and trusted worldwide.
We exist to protect, advance, and elevate the OBM profession.
The Certified OBM® designation is issued exclusively through IAOBM’s official certification pathway.
We defined the
OBM Standard
Before the term “Online Business Manager” was widely recognized, the need for operational leadership in digital businesses was emerging.
In 2009, the International Association of Online Business Managers formalized the role — establishing the first professional standards, certification pathway, and global community for OBMs.
Today, that standard continues to shape how OBMs are trained, certified, and trusted worldwide.
We exist to protect, advance, and elevate the OBM profession.
The Certified OBM® designation is issued exclusively through IAOBM’s official certification pathway.
Choose your
Path
Whether you’re stepping into the Online Business Manager role or ready to hire one, the IAOBM provides the structure, standards, and support to guide your next move.
Explore certification, hiring pathways, and trusted resources designed to elevate the OBM profession
Become
an OBM
Earn the industry-recognized Certified OBM® designation and position yourself as a strategic operations leader. Our certification pathway equips you with the standards, credibility, and confidence required to support high-level businesses.
Hire
an OBM
Earn the industry-recognized Certified OBM® designation and position yourself as a strategic operations leader. Our certification pathway equips you with the standards, credibility, and confidence required to support high-level businesses.
Resources
for OBMs
Advance your expertise with curated tools, thought leadership, and industry guidance designed to support Certified OBMs® at every stage of their professional growth.
Choose Your Path
Whether you’re stepping into the Online Business Manager role or ready to hire one, the IAOBM provides the structure, standards, and support to guide your next move.
Become an OBM
Earn the industry-recognized Certified OBM® designation and position yourself as a strategic operations leader. Our certification pathway equips you with the standards, credibility, and confidence required to support high-level businesses.
Hire an OBM
Stop guessing your way through the hiring process. Access education, matching support, and vetted Certified OBMs who meet established professional standards.
Resources for OBMs
Advance your expertise with curated tools, thought leadership, and industry guidance designed to support Certified OBMs at every stage of their professional growth.
Are you ready to become an
Online Business Manager?
Take this FREE assessment and discover how your strengths & interests are a fit for becoming an OBM.
Are you ready to become an Online Business Manager?
Take this FREE assessment and discover how your strengths & interests are a fit for becoming an OBM.
Hire with
Confidence
Certified OBMs® are trained to lead operations, manage teams, and support strategic growth. Through the IAOBM, business owners gain access to a vetted network of professionals who meet established certification standards.
When you choose to hire through IAOBM, you gain:
• Access to Certified OBMs who meet defined professional standards
• A structured hiring and placement process
• Business owner education and readiness resources
• Ongoing support through our professional network
Hire with
Confidence
Certified OBMs® are trained to lead operations, manage teams, and support strategic growth. Through the IAOBM, business owners gain access to a vetted network of professionals who meet established certification standards.
When you choose to hire through IAOBM, you gain:
• Access to Certified OBMs who meet defined professional standards
• A structured hiring and placement process
• Business owner education and readiness resources
• Ongoing support through our professional network
Diversity &
Inclusion
As a global community, the International Association of Online Business Managers is here to support, celebrate, and increase the diversity of our members. We believe collaboration from different perspectives improves innovation and creates better solutions for our clients, our community, and our organization.
We encourage diversity as part of our outreach and consider it an important factor when evaluating new partnerships and opportunities. As an organization we prioritize inclusion, ensuring our BIPOC, LGBTQ, and differently-abled members feel seen, heard, and supported.
Our community is a place for all of our members to thrive, connect, and grow – discriminatory comments or practices will not be tolerated.
Ready to Get
Started?
Whether you’re pursuing certification or ready to hire a Certified OBM®,
the IAOBM provides the standards, structure, and support to guide your next step.
The Intenational Association Of
Online Business Managers
The International Association of Online Business Managers (IAOBM) is the leading global network dedicated to the ongoing growth, advancement, innovation and success of the OBM profession.
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Certified OBM® and Certified Online Business Manager® are registered and/or pending trademarks of the International Association of Online Business Managers (IAOBM) in the U.S. and around the world.