Top 11 Assistant Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an assistant sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skills and abilities to potential employers. Having a certification can give an assistant sales manager an edge over other applicants who do not have one. Certifications also show employers that the individual is committed to their career, has taken the initiative to further their education, and is up-to-date on current trends and industry standards. Additionally, certifications can provide professional recognition from peers and industry organizations, which can help increase credibility and visibility.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Assistant Sales Managers and explains how they can contribute to an assistant sales manager's career by providing insight into the value of these certifications.

What are Assistant Sales Manager Certifications?

Assistant Sales Manager Certification is a specialized certification program designed to provide sales professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective assistant sales manager. This certification focuses on developing the individual’s ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team of sales representatives in order to maximize their potential and achieve successful results. The program covers topics such as strategic planning, customer service, sales process management, coaching and development of staff, and data analysis.

This certification can help individuals take their career in sales to the next level by providing them with the skills they need to successfully lead and manage a team of sales representatives. It provides them with an understanding of how to use data analytics to inform decision-making processes, how to develop effective coaching strategies for staff members, and how to effectively manage the entire sales process from start to finish. Additionally, it can give individuals a competitive edge in today’s job market by demonstrating their commitment to professional development and their ability to handle complex managerial roles.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certification requirements for assistant sales managers in your state, as these can vary considerably. Additionally, consider taking a course or attending a seminar to get up to speed on current best practices for assistant sales managers. This will help ensure you are well-prepared for any certification exams you may need to take.

Related: What does an Assistant Sales Manager do?

Top 11 Assistant Sales Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Sales Managers today.

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Management Association. It is designed to recognize sales managers who have achieved excellence in their field and demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of professional sales management. The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, sales operations, and financial analysis.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete the CPSM program. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least three years of experience in a sales management role or equivalent. You then need to register for the exam and pay the required fee ($495). Once registered, you will receive study materials and access to practice exams so that you can prepare for the actual exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Professional Sales Manager includes registration fees, study materials, and any additional resources needed for preparation. The total cost of getting your CPSM certification can range from $500-$1,000 depending on how much time and effort you put into preparing for the exam.

2. Certified Professional in Sales and Marketing (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Sales and Marketing (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Selling (IPES). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to sales and marketing. The CPSM certification is the only one of its kind that focuses on both sales and marketing.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the CPSM program. To get certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having at least three years of professional experience in sales or marketing, passing an exam administered by IPES, and completing a portfolio review process.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of membership you choose with IPES. The basic membership fee is $395 per year plus an additional $495 for each exam taken. Additional fees may apply for other services such as portfolio reviews or recertification.

3. Certified Sales and Marketing Executive (CSME)

Certified Sales and Marketing Executive (CSME) is a professional certification program designed to equip sales and marketing professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to excel in their roles. The CSME is offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA), a global organization of marketing professionals.

The CSME program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Sales & Marketing, Advanced Sales & Marketing Strategies, and Professional Selling Techniques. Each course can be completed online or through an in-person classroom setting. The courses cover topics such as customer segmentation, pricing strategies, lead generation tactics, relationship building techniques, digital marketing strategies, and more.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CSME program depending on the individual's schedule. To get certified, individuals must pass all three exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CSME program varies depending on whether you choose to take the courses online or in person. For online courses, the cost ranges from $1,500-$2,500 USD. For in-person classes, the cost ranges from $3,000-$4,000 USD.

4. Certified Professional in Sales Leadership (CPSL)

Certified Professional in Sales Leadership (CPSL) is a certification program designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to lead successful sales teams. The CPSL program is offered by the American Management Association (AMA).

The program consists of three courses: Foundations of Sales Leadership, Advanced Sales Leadership, and Strategic Sales Leadership. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and can be taken online or in person. Upon completion of the three courses, participants must pass a comprehensive exam in order to become certified.

In order to get the CPSL certification, individuals must have at least five years of professional sales experience, have completed an AMA-approved training program or have equivalent experience. Individuals must also demonstrate their ability to apply the principles covered in the coursework and pass the comprehensive exam.

The cost for the CPSL certification varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. Online courses typically range from $1,000-$2,000 while in-person courses can cost up to $3,000.

5. Certified Professional in Business Development (CPBD)

Certified Professional in Business Development (CPBD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in the business development field. It is administered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP).

The CPBD certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online portfolio review. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge in areas such as strategic planning, market analysis, financial management, customer relationship management, and sales techniques. The online portfolio review evaluates the candidate’s experience in business development and their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CPBD certification process. Candidates must first register with IABDP and pay a registration fee before taking the written exam. Once they pass the exam, they can then submit their portfolio for review. After successful completion of both components, candidates will receive their CPBD designation.

The cost for taking the CPBD certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in person. Online courses typically range from $500-$1000 while in-person classes can range from $2000-$3000.

6. Certified Retail Sales Manager (CRSM)

Certified Retail Sales Manager (CRSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of retail sales managers. The program is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The CRSM certification is intended for individuals who have at least five years of experience in retail sales management or related fields. It can be used to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to professional development and their ability to effectively manage retail sales operations.

The CRSM program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a written exam. The online assessment covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, store operations, marketing, finance and more. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge on all aspects of retail sales management.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CRSM program. To get certified, candidates must first register with NRF and pay a fee of $250 USD. After registering, they will receive access to the online assessment which must be completed within 30 days. Once the assessment is complete, candidates can then take the written exam at any authorized testing center in their area.

Once both parts are successfully completed, candidates will receive their official CRSM certification from NRF. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional coursework or taking an updated version of the exam.

7. Certified Strategic Selling Professional (CSSP)

Certified Strategic Selling Professional (CSSP) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful in today’s competitive marketplace. The certification is offered by the American Sales Association (ASA).

The CSSP program consists of four courses: Strategic Selling, Negotiations, Relationship Management, and Sales Leadership. Each course provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the topics covered. Participants learn how to identify customer needs, create value for customers, build relationships with customers, negotiate effectively, and lead sales teams.

The CSSP program takes approximately six months to complete. The program consists of self-study materials and online tests that must be completed before taking the final exam.

To get certified as a CSSP professional, you must first register with ASA and pay the registration fee. After registering, you can purchase the self-study materials from ASA or from other vendors who offer them. Once you have studied all four courses and passed all four tests, you can take the final exam which will certify you as a CSSP professional.

The cost of becoming a Certified Strategic Selling Professional varies depending on where you purchase your study materials from. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for all four courses plus the final exam fee.

8. Certified International Sales Manager (CISM)

Certified International Sales Manager (CISM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI). It is designed to provide international sales professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their international sales operations. The CISM certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in international sales management.

The CISM program consists of four courses: International Trade, International Marketing, Export Documentation, and International Logistics. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes an examination at the end. To obtain the CISM certification, you must successfully complete all four courses and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CISM program varies depending on which provider you choose. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,500 and $2,000 USD to receive your certification.

In order to get certified as a CISM, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having two years of full-time experience in international trade or export/import activities; being employed by an organization that engages in international trade; or having completed an approved training program related to international trade or export/import activities.

Once you have met these criteria, you can apply for the CISM program through AAEI’s website or through one of its authorized providers. After submitting your application and paying the required fee, you will be able to access the online course material and begin studying for your exams. Once you have passed all four courses and passed the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will be awarded your Certified International Sales Manager (CISM) certificate.

9. Certified Channel Management Professional (CCMP)

Certified Channel Management Professional (CCMP) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage channel relationships. The CCMP is offered by the Channel Management Association (CMA), an international organization dedicated to advancing the profession of channel management.

The CCMP program consists of four courses covering topics such as channel strategy, partner recruitment and selection, partner relationship management, and performance measurement. The courses are offered online or in-person, and can be completed at your own pace. The entire program takes approximately 12 months to complete.

To become certified, you must successfully complete all four courses and pass a final exam. You must also have at least two years of professional experience in channel management or related fields.

The cost of the CCMP program varies depending on whether you take it online or in-person. The online version costs $1,995 while the in-person version costs $2,495.

10. Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM)

Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM) is a professional certification program designed to help customer relationship managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage customer relationships. The program is offered by the Customer Relationship Management Institute (CRMI).

The CCRM certification is a two-part program that includes an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, customer segmentation, customer loyalty, sales techniques, and CRM technology. It takes approximately 40 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, participants must pass an in-person exam administered by the CRMI. The exam consists of multiple choice questions on topics such as customer service, CRM strategy, data analysis, and marketing automation.

To become certified as a CCRM, individuals must successfully complete both parts of the program. The cost of the program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400 - $800 USD.

11. Advanced Certificate in Sales Management (ACSM).

The Advanced Certificate in Sales Management (ACSM) is a professional certification program designed to give sales professionals the knowledge and skills needed to become successful sales managers. The program focuses on developing core competencies such as leadership, communication, problem solving, customer service, and sales strategy.

The ACSM program typically takes around 6-12 months to complete. It consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as customer service, marketing, negotiation, and business development. The in-person workshop provides hands-on experience with real-world scenarios and activities.

To get the ACSM certification, you must first complete the online course and pass the final exam with a score of at least 70%. After that, you must attend the in-person workshop and pass its final exam with a score of at least 80%. Once you have completed both parts of the program, you will receive your certificate from the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS).

The cost for the ACSM program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Sales Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the type of job you are seeking. Generally speaking, an Assistant Sales Manager Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to advance their skills and demonstrate their knowledge in a specific area. It can also serve as a valuable tool for employers seeking experienced sales professionals with specialized knowledge in a particular field.

For instance, if you are applying for a position as an assistant sales manager, having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants without one. This is because it shows that you have taken the time and effort to obtain additional training and education in the field, which can set you apart from other applicants who may not have done so. Additionally, if you are looking to move up within the organization or switch roles, having an Assistant Sales Manager Certificate can make it easier for hiring managers to recognize your qualifications and experience.

Overall, whether or not you need an Assistant Sales Manager Certificate depends on your individual goals and the type of job you are seeking. If you feel that obtaining such a certificate would benefit your career objectives then it is certainly worth considering.

Related: Assistant Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Sales Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become an Assistant Sales Manager?

Answer: To become an Assistant Sales Manager, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business or marketing, and at least two years of sales experience.

2. Is there any certification needed to be an Assistant Sales Manager?

Answer: Yes, many employers prefer candidates who have earned an industry-recognized certification, such as the Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM).

3. How do I get certified as an Assistant Sales Manager?

Answer: You can get certified by taking the CPSM exam offered by the Sales Management Association (SMA). The exam is made up of three parts and requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of key sales management topics.

4. What is the cost associated with becoming an Assistant Sales Manager?

Answer: The cost for taking the CPSM exam varies depending on your location and whether you are a member of SMA. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for non-members and $400-$500 USD for members.

5. How long does it take to become certified as an Assistant Sales Manager?

Answer: It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CPSM program, including studying for and taking the exam.