Top 10 Bilingual Customer Service Certifications

Certifications in bilingual customer service are important because they demonstrate that an individual is qualified to work with customers who speak two or more languages. They prove the applicant has the language skills necessary to effectively communicate with customers and provide quality customer service. Having a certification also shows employers that the applicant has taken the time and effort to gain additional qualifications, which can be attractive to employers looking for bilingual customer service representatives. Certifications can also help applicants stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Bilingual Customer Services and explain how they can help to further a bilingual customer service's career.

What are Bilingual Customer Service Certifications?

Bilingual customer service certification is a program designed to help customer service professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to provide excellent customer service in two languages. This type of certification prepares individuals to effectively communicate with customers who speak different languages, which can be especially helpful in an increasingly globalized world. Bilingual customer service professionals are able to better understand customers’ needs and preferences and can provide more personalized, accurate, and timely service. Furthermore, bilingual customer service representatives can build stronger relationships with customers from different backgrounds and cultures, leading to increased trust and loyalty. With this certification, businesses can also tap into new markets by offering services in multiple languages, allowing them to reach a wider range of customers. Ultimately, bilingual customer service certifications equip individuals with the skills needed to provide higher quality customer service while helping businesses expand their global presence.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a bilingual customer service certification can open up a range of new job opportunities. It is important to research the requirements for each certification you are considering, as some may require specific language competencies or additional training. Additionally, it is important to stay current on industry trends in order to ensure that your skills remain relevant and valuable.

Related: What does a Bilingual Customer Service do?

Top 10 Bilingual Customer Service Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Bilingual Customer Services today.

1. Certified Bilingual Customer Service Professional (CBCSP)

Certified Bilingual Customer Service Professional (CBCSP) is a certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in both English and a second language. It is offered by the National Institute for Bilingual Customer Service Professionals (NIBCSP). This certification is designed to help customer service professionals demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate with customers in multiple languages.

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of customer service principles, bilingual communication, and cultural diversity. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of having completed at least 40 hours of bilingual customer service training or equivalent experience.

The cost for the CBCSP certification exam is $175 USD, which includes the exam fee and access to study materials. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing 30 hours of continuing education credits and passing the recertification exam.

2. Certified Professional in Bilingual Customer Service (CPBCS)

Certified Professional in Bilingual Customer Service (CPBCS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide excellent customer service in a bilingual environment. The certification is administered by the American Council on Bilingual Customer Service (ACBCS).

The CPBCS program consists of two components: an online exam and an in-person assessment. The online exam tests applicants’ knowledge of customer service principles, best practices, and language proficiency. The in-person assessment evaluates applicants’ ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

To become certified, applicants must pass both components of the program. It typically takes six months to complete the CPBCS program from start to finish.

The cost of the CPBCS program varies depending on the applicant's country of residence and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD for US residents and $600 USD for international applicants.

3. Certified Bilingual Customer Service Representative (CBCSR)

A Certified Bilingual Customer Service Representative (CBCSR) is an individual who has been trained and certified to provide customer service in two languages. The CBCSR typically speaks both English and Spanish, although other language combinations may be available depending on the region or company. The certification process involves completing a training program that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication skills, cultural awareness, and language proficiency.

The length of time it takes to become a CBCSR varies depending on the specific program chosen. Most programs require between 40-100 hours of instruction and can take anywhere from one month to several months to complete.

To become a CBCSR, individuals must first find an accredited program that meets their needs. These programs are typically offered by universities, colleges, or private organizations. Once enrolled in a program, students must complete all coursework and pass any required tests or exams in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming a CBCSR depends on the specific program chosen. Generally speaking, these programs range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the length of the program and any additional materials needed for completion.

4. Certified International Customer Service Professional (CICSP)

Certified International Customer Service Professional (CICSP) is a certification program for customer service professionals that focuses on international customer service. The certification is designed to help customer service professionals understand the cultural, language, and communication differences that come with working in an international environment.

The CICSP certification program is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). The program consists of two courses: International Customer Service Fundamentals and Advanced International Customer Service. The courses are available online or in-person and can be completed in as little as four weeks.

To become certified, applicants must successfully complete both courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in customer service.

The cost of the CICSP certification program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. Online courses cost $1,495 while in-person courses cost $2,495.

5. Certified Multilingual Customer Service Specialist (CMCS)

A Certified Multilingual Customer Service Specialist (CMCS) is a professional who has received specialized training and certification in providing customer service to customers in multiple languages. The certification is offered by the International Association of Professional Customer Service Professionals (IAPCSP).

To become a CMCS, applicants must have at least two years of experience in customer service, demonstrate fluency in two or more languages, and pass an exam administered by the IAPCSP. The exam covers topics such as customer service best practices, language proficiency, cultural sensitivity, problem solving and communication skills.

The cost to take the CMCS exam is $175 USD for members of the IAPCSP and $250 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken online or at one of the IAPCSP’s testing centers around the world. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam. Once certified, CMCS professionals are required to renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education courses or passing an updated version of the exam.

6. Certified Global Customer Service Professional (CGCS)

Certified Global Customer Service Professional (CGCS) is a certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field. It is an industry-recognized certification that validates customer service professionals’ competency in the areas of customer service excellence, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

The CGCS certification program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an online examination. The self-study course covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication skills, problem solving techniques, and conflict resolution strategies. The online examination is comprised of multiple choice questions that assess the individual’s knowledge and understanding of these topics.

The CGCS certification program typically takes between four to six weeks to complete depending on the individual’s level of commitment. To get certified as a CGCS professional, individuals must first register for the program through the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). After registration is completed, individuals will receive access to the self-study course materials which they can use to prepare for the online exam.

Once individuals have successfully completed both parts of the program – self-study course and online examination – they will be awarded with their CGCS certification. The cost for this certification varies depending on where you register for it but typically ranges from $399 - $599 USD.

7. Certified Professional in Multilingual Customer Service (CPMCS)

Certified Professional in Multilingual Customer Service (CPMCS) is a certification program designed to help customer service professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional multilingual customer service. The CPMCS program is offered by the International Association of Customer Service Professionals (IACSP).

The CPMCS program requires completion of a series of online courses, which are divided into three modules: Multilingual Communication, Multiculturalism, and Multicultural Business Practices. Each module includes topics such as cultural awareness, language proficiency, customer service techniques, and more. Upon successful completion of all three modules, participants will receive their CPMCS certification.

The length of time it takes to complete the CPMCS program varies depending on how quickly one can complete the required coursework. On average, it should take about two months for individuals to complete all three modules.

To get started with the CPMCS program, individuals must first register for an account with IACSP and pay a registration fee. After registering for an account, participants can begin taking the online courses at their own pace.

The cost of the CPMCS program depends on which package you choose when registering for an account with IACSP. The basic package costs $199 USD and includes access to all three modules plus additional resources such as practice exams and study guides. For those who want more comprehensive support during their studies, there are also premium packages available that include additional features such as one-on-one coaching sessions and personalized feedback from instructors.

8. Certified International Language and Culture Specialist (CILCS)

Certified International Language and Culture Specialist (CILCS) is a certification program offered by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The CILCS certification signifies that an individual has met certain criteria in language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and professional development.

The CILCS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in a foreign language through a written exam. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of the culture associated with that language through an oral exam. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 20 hours of professional development activities related to teaching foreign languages and cultures.

It typically takes about 2-3 months to complete the requirements for the CILCS certification. To get the certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of their language proficiency and professional development activities to ACTFL. After submitting all required documents, applicants will receive notification from ACTFL within 4-6 weeks regarding their status as a CILCS candidate. Once approved as a candidate, applicants must take and pass both the written and oral exams in order to earn the CILCS certification.

The cost for applying for the CILCS certification is $250 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the written or oral exams.

9. Certified Cross-Cultural Communication Specialist (CCCS)

A Certified Cross-Cultural Communication Specialist (CCCS) is a professional who has been certified by an accredited organization to provide specialized training and consulting services in the field of cross-cultural communication. This certification is designed for professionals who work with people from different cultures and backgrounds, such as those in international business, education, healthcare, and government.

The CCCS certification process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete. It involves completing a series of courses that cover topics such as cultural awareness, intercultural communication, cultural sensitivity, global leadership, and cross-cultural negotiation. After successfully completing the courses, applicants must then pass a written exam to receive their certification.

To become a CCCS, individuals must first meet certain educational requirements. Generally speaking, applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience in the field of cross-cultural communication. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter through written exams and/or interviews with experts in the field.

The cost of becoming a CCCS varies depending on the program chosen and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Additionally, some programs may require additional fees for exams or other materials needed for completion of the certification process.

10. Certified Intercultural Communication Specialist (CICS).

Certified Intercultural Communication Specialist (CICS) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals and organizations understand, manage, and effectively use intercultural communication. It is offered by the International Academy of Intercultural Communication (IAIC), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in intercultural communication.

The CICS program consists of two parts: the online course and the exam. The online course covers topics such as cultural awareness, cross-cultural communication, intercultural communication strategies, and conflict resolution. It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the course. After completing the course, candidates must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

To become certified as a CICS, candidates must have at least five years of experience in intercultural communication or related fields. They must also demonstrate knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication through their work experience or educational background.

The cost for the online course is $1,495 USD and the cost for the exam is $295 USD.

Do You Really Need a Bilingual Customer Service Certificate?

When it comes to providing customer service, having a bilingual customer service certificate can be a great asset. Depending on the industry and the size of the business, being able to speak two or more languages can be an invaluable tool when it comes to communicating with customers.

For businesses that operate in areas with large populations of non-English speaking customers, having a bilingual customer service certificate is essential. Not only does it demonstrate to customers that the business is willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs, but it also opens up new opportunities for growth and expansion into other markets.

On the flip side, for businesses operating in areas where English is the primary language spoken, having a bilingual customer service certificate may not be as important. In these cases, being able to communicate effectively in English should be sufficient for most customer interactions. However, if there are any potential customers who do not speak English fluently or who prefer to communicate in another language, having someone on staff with a bilingual customer service certificate can prove invaluable.

In summary, whether or not you need a bilingual customer service certificate depends on your industry and customer base. If you are dealing with customers who primarily speak a language other than English or if you are looking to expand into international markets, then obtaining a bilingual customer service certificate could prove very useful. On the other hand, if all of your customers primarily speak English then it may not be necessary.

Related: Bilingual Customer Service Resume Examples

FAQs About Bilingual Customer Service Certifications

Q1. What is a Bilingual Customer Service Certification?

A1. A Bilingual Customer Service Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's ability to provide customer service in two languages. It is typically used by companies and organizations that operate internationally or have customers from multiple language backgrounds to ensure that their customer service representatives are able to meet the needs of their customers in both languages.

Q2. How do I obtain a Bilingual Customer Service Certification?

A2. To obtain a Bilingual Customer Service Certification, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI). The exam assesses your knowledge of customer service principles as well as your proficiency in both languages.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified?

A3. The amount of time it takes to obtain a Bilingual Customer Service Certification will depend on the specific program you choose and how much time you are able to devote to studying for the exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for and pass the exam.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

A4. Most programs require applicants to have at least some basic knowledge of customer service principles and one or both of the languages they intend to use during their certification process before taking the exam. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to complete certain courses or training prior to taking the exam.

Q5. Is a Bilingual Customer Service Certification worth it?

A5. Yes! A Bilingual Customer Service Certification can open up many new opportunities for career advancement and can help demonstrate your commitment and proficiency in providing excellent customer service in two languages, making you more attractive to potential employers or clients who need bilingual customer service representatives or interpreters/translators