Top 10 Automotive Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for automotive sales managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. Having certifications can give an automotive sales manager an edge over other applicants and show employers that they have the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in the role. Certifications also provide proof of professional development, which is important for any management-level position. By having certifications, automotive sales managers can demonstrate that they have the knowledge and experience to handle the responsibilities of their position effectively.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Automotive Sales Managers and explain how they can help advance an automotive sales manager's career.

What are Automotive Sales Manager Certifications?

Automotive Sales Manager Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to provide experienced sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful automotive sales manager. The program covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, sales strategies, financial management, and team-building. It also provides insight into effective communication and negotiation techniques.

The certification can help automotive sales managers gain the confidence they need to take on more responsibility within their organization. It can also help them develop the skills necessary to effectively manage staff and ensure that their customers have a positive experience when purchasing a vehicle. Furthermore, it provides an excellent opportunity for career advancement and increased earning potential. Finally, it gives employers confidence in the ability of their employees to handle the responsibilities associated with managing a successful dealership or auto repair shop.

Pro Tip: Automotive Sales Manager Certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of the automotive sales industry and set yourself apart from other job applicants. Research and consider which certification programs are best suited to your experience, skillset, and career goals.

Related: What does an Automotive Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Automotive Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Automotive Sales Manager Certification (ASMC)

Automotive Sales Manager Certification (ASMC) is a certification program offered by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). It is designed to recognize automotive sales managers who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. The certification program consists of three courses: Management Principles, Automotive Sales Process, and Automotive Sales Management.

The certification process typically takes around 6-12 months to complete. To get certified, you must first complete the three required courses and pass a comprehensive exam. The cost for the entire program varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $2,000 - $4,000.

Once you have successfully completed all three courses and passed the exam, you will receive your ASMC certification from NADA. This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.

2. Automotive Sales Professional Certification (ASPC)

The Automotive Sales Professional Certification (ASPC) is a certification program designed to recognize the highest level of professional achievement in automotive sales. It is offered through the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence in sales performance, customer service, and product knowledge.

To obtain the ASPC certification, individuals must complete an online course and pass a final exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, product knowledge, finance options, and more. The course typically takes between 8-10 hours to complete and costs $299.

Once individuals have successfully completed the online course and passed the final exam, they will receive their ASPC certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking an additional online course or attending a NADA-sponsored seminar.

The ASPC certification can help automotive sales professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent customer service and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. It also provides recognition from industry peers that can lead to increased job opportunities or promotions within the automotive industry.

3. Certified Automotive Sales Manager (CASM)

Certified Automotive Sales Manager (CASM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). It is designed to provide automotive sales managers with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage an automotive dealership. The CASM program consists of four courses: Sales Management, Customer Service, Financial Management and Business Strategy.

The length of time it takes to complete the CASM program varies depending on how quickly you can learn the material. Generally, it takes between 6-12 months to complete all four courses.

To get certified as a CASM, you must first pass each course with a score of 80% or higher. After successfully completing all four courses, you will receive your official CASM certificate from NADA.

The cost for the CASM program varies depending on whether you take individual courses or enroll in the complete program. For individuals taking individual courses, each course costs $295 plus applicable taxes and fees. For those enrolling in the entire program at once, the cost is $895 plus applicable taxes and fees.

4. Automotive Sales Leadership Certificate Program (ASLCP)

The Automotive Sales Leadership Certificate Program (ASLCP) is an online program designed to provide automotive sales professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful leaders in the industry. The program consists of five core modules and one elective module, covering topics such as customer service, product knowledge, sales process, marketing strategies, and team building.

The program takes approximately eight weeks to complete. Each module requires a minimum of three hours of study time per week. Students can access the course material at any time and work at their own pace.

To get started with the ASLCP, students must first register for the program by completing an online application form and paying a fee of $395 USD. Once registered, students will be given access to all course materials and activities. They will also receive guidance from experienced instructors throughout the duration of the program.

In order to receive a certificate upon completion of the ASLCP, students must successfully pass all five core modules as well as one elective module. Upon passing all modules, students will receive their Automotive Sales Leadership Certificate which is valid for two years from date of issue.

5. Automotive Retail Management Certification (ARMC)

Automotive Retail Management Certification (ARMC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward the best in automotive retail management. The ARMC program is administered by the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA). It is intended to recognize those individuals who have achieved excellence in their field of automotive retail management.

The ARMC program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a comprehensive exam. The online assessment covers topics such as customer service, sales, finance, operations, business law and ethics, and dealership operations. Once the assessment is completed, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of automotive retail management.

It typically takes about 6-9 months to complete the ARMC program. To get started, applicants must first register for the online assessment through NADA's website. After completing the assessment, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of experience in automotive retail management. Finally, applicants must pass the comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the ARMC program varies depending on whether you are a member of NADA or not. For non-members, it costs $495 for the online assessment and $395 for the comprehensive exam. For members of NADA, it costs $395 for both components combined.

6. Certified Automotive Dealer Executive (CADE)

Certified Automotive Dealer Executive (CADE) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize automotive dealerships and their employees who have achieved excellence in the areas of sales, service, finance, and operations. The program was created by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

The CADE certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of dealership operations. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Applicants must also submit proof of their dealership experience and a letter of recommendation from their current employer.

The cost to obtain the CADE certification varies depending on the applicant's level of experience. For those with fewer than five years of experience, the cost is $750; for those with more than five years of experience, the cost is $1,000. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as registration for the actual exam.

In order to maintain the CADE certification, applicants must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education credits every two years. This can include attending seminars or workshops related to automotive dealership operations or taking online courses offered by NADA or other organizations.

7. National Association of Automobile Dealers Certified Dealer Executive Program (NADA CDEP)

The National Association of Automobile Dealers Certified Dealer Executive Program (NADA CDEP) is an industry-leading certification program designed to recognize the professional excellence of automotive dealership executives. The program is offered exclusively by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), and it provides dealership professionals with a comprehensive set of skills, knowledge and resources needed to effectively manage their dealerships.

The NADA CDEP consists of three levels: Certified Dealer Executive (CDE), Advanced Certified Dealer Executive (ACDE) and Master Certified Dealer Executive (MCDE). Each level requires completion of specific coursework, exams and activities in order to earn certification.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete all three levels of the NADA CDEP, depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment to completing the program. To get started, individuals must apply for admission into the program through the NADA website. Once accepted into the program, they will be provided with a list of courses and activities that must be completed in order to earn certification at each level.

The cost for participation in the NADA CDEP varies depending on which level you are applying for. The cost for participation in the Certified Dealer Executive (CDE) level is $1,295; Advanced Certified Dealer Executive (ACDE) is $2,195; and Master Certified Dealer Executive (MCDE) is $3,495. All fees include course materials as well as access to online support resources.

8. Automotive Sales and Marketing Professional Certificate Program (ASMPP)

The Automotive Sales and Marketing Professional Certificate Program (ASMPP) is an online program designed to provide automotive sales and marketing professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to succeed in today’s competitive automotive industry. The program consists of six modules covering topics such as customer service, sales strategies, digital marketing, and more. Each module includes interactive activities, case studies, and quizzes to reinforce learning.

The ASMPP program can be completed in as little as 12 weeks depending on the student’s availability. To get started, students must register for the program online at the Automotive Sales and Marketing Professional website. Once registered, students will have access to the course materials which include videos, readings, quizzes, assignments, and other resources.

The cost of the ASMPP program depends on which option you choose; there are both self-paced and instructor-led options available. The self-paced option costs $1,495 USD while the instructor-led option costs $2,495 USD.

Upon successful completion of the program requirements (including passing all exams), graduates will receive a certificate from Automotive Sales & Marketing Professional certifying their expertise in automotive sales and marketing.

9. Certified Professional in Automotive Retail Management (CPARM)

Certified Professional in Automotive Retail Management (CPARM) is a certification program created by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). The program is designed to recognize automotive professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in retail management. It is intended to help dealerships improve their operations, increase customer satisfaction, and drive sales.

The CPARM program consists of five courses:

1. Introduction to Automotive Retail Management

2. Vehicle Sales and F&I Processes

3. Automotive Retail Operations Management

4. Customer Service and Retention Strategies

5. Financial Analysis for Automotive Retail Managers

Each course must be completed within two years of enrolling in the program. Upon completion of all five courses, participants are eligible to take the CPARM exam. Passing the exam will earn them the CPARM designation.

To get certified as a CPARM, you must first complete all five courses within two years of enrollment in the program. Once you have completed all five courses, you can register for the CPARM exam at NADA's website or through their testing center network. The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD, which includes registration fees and study materials. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CPARM certificate from NADA and become a Certified Professional in Automotive Retail Management (CPARM).

10. Advanced Automotive Dealer Management Certification Program (AADMCP)

The Advanced Automotive Dealer Management Certification Program (AADMCP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide automotive dealers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage their dealership operations. The program is offered through the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and consists of three levels of certification: Certified Automotive Dealer Manager (CADM), Certified Automotive Dealer Executive (CADE), and Master Certified Automotive Dealer Executive (MCADE).

The CADM level requires completion of an online course that covers topics such as sales, finance, customer service, inventory management, marketing, legal compliance, and more. This course takes approximately 12 hours to complete and costs $295. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate from NADA.

The CADE level requires completion of a two-day in-person workshop that covers advanced topics such as financial analysis, performance metrics, human resources management, technology implementation strategies, and more. This workshop costs $695 and upon successful completion of the workshop participants receive a certificate from NADA.

The MCADE level requires completion of an additional two-day in-person workshop that focuses on developing leadership skills for managing dealership operations. This workshop costs $995 and upon successful completion of the workshop participants receive a certificate from NADA.

In order to become certified at any level in AADMCP participants must have at least five years experience working in an automotive dealership or related field. Additionally, all applicants must pass a background check prior to being accepted into the program.

Do You Really Need a Automotive Sales Manager Certificate?

An Automotive Sales Manager Certificate is not absolutely necessary to become an automotive sales manager, but it can be a great way to give yourself an edge in the job market. Having a certificate shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and have taken steps to learn the skills needed to become successful in this field.

The Automotive Sales Manager Certificate covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, marketing strategies, and product knowledge. It also teaches students how to work with different types of customers, handle customer complaints, and develop relationships with customers. In addition, the course provides insight into the most effective methods for managing staff and inventory.

By obtaining an Automotive Sales Manager Certificate, you can demonstrate your commitment to increasing your professional knowledge and experience. You will also be able to better understand the industry trends and stay up-to-date on what's happening in the automotive market. This can be helpful when it comes time to negotiate salaries with potential employers or when looking for promotions within your current company.

Overall, if you are looking for a way to stand out from other candidates in the automotive sales field then obtaining an Automotive Sales Manager Certificate could be beneficial for you. It will show employers that you have taken steps to increase your knowledge of the industry and are serious about pursuing a career in this field.

Related: Automotive Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Automotive Sales Manager Certifications

Q1: What certifications are available for Automotive Sales Managers?

A1: Automotive Sales Managers can obtain certifications from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and the American Society of Mobile Engineers (ASME).

Q2: How do I become certified as an Automotive Sales Manager?

A2: To become certified, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, then pass a series of exams. Details about specific certification requirements can be found on the websites of each organization.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified as an Automotive Sales Manager?

A3: The length of time to complete certification depends on the individual’s level of education and experience. Generally, it takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all requirements.

Q4: What are the benefits of obtaining an Automotive Sales Manager certification?

A4: Becoming certified as an Automotive Sales Manager can help you become more marketable in this field and better qualify for higher-level positions. It also shows employers that you have taken the initiative to improve your professional knowledge and skills.

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

A5: Yes, most certifying organizations require ongoing training or courses in order to maintain your certification status. This is typically done through online seminars or workshops that focus on relevant topics in automotive sales management.