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Top 10 Cashier Clerk Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications are important for cashier clerks in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge in the field, which employers find attractive. Cashier clerks who have certifications are seen as more reliable and trustworthy, since they have proven their ability to perform basic tasks correctly and efficiently. Certifications also show that a cashier clerk is committed to learning and staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices. In addition, certifications can help cashier clerks stand out from other applicants and make them more desirable candidates for open positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Cashier Clerks and explains how they can help to further a cashier clerk's career.

What are Cashier Clerk Certifications?

Cashier Clerk Certification is a certification program designed to help cashiers and clerks develop the skills they need to provide excellent customer service. The certification program typically consists of online or in-person courses that teach cashiers how to work accurately and efficiently, handle difficult customers, use proper accounting procedures, and more. By completing this certification, cashiers demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent customer service and can gain recognition for their hard work. Additionally, those who complete the Cashier Clerk Certification may be eligible for higher pay or better job opportunities due to the increased knowledge and skills they have acquired. Ultimately, Cashier Clerk Certification provides cashiers with the confidence and ability to better serve their customers and employers.

Pro Tip: Before applying for cashier clerk certification, make sure that you are familiar with the latest laws and regulations in your local area. This will help ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the requirements needed to become certified. Additionally, take advantage of any online resources or courses available to learn more about the field and stay up-to-date on changes in the industry.

Related: What does a Cashier Clerk do?

Top 10 Cashier Clerk Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Cashier Clerks today.

1. Certified Cashier Clerk (CCC)

Certified Cashier Clerk (CCC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in cash handling. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates the holder’s commitment to excellence in cash management and customer service.

The CCC program is administered by the National Association of Certified Cashiers (NACC). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as cash handling procedures, customer service, and basic accounting principles. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CCC program, applicants must have at least one year of experience in cashiering or related positions. Additionally, they must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid government-issued photo ID.

The cost for taking the CCC exam is $150 USD. This fee covers the cost of the exam, study materials, and administrative fees. Once certified, there are no additional fees required to maintain your certification status.

2. Certified Retail Cashier (CRC)

Certified Retail Cashier (CRC) is a certification program designed to provide retail cashiers with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their profession. The certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is recognized as an industry-standard credential.

The CRC certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course provides training on topics such as customer service, cash handling, security, inventory management, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam through the NRF website. The cost of the exam is $125 USD and can be paid via credit card or PayPal. Once registered, you will receive an email containing instructions for scheduling your proctored exam at a local testing center. After passing the exam, you will be officially certified as a Certified Retail Cashier (CRC).

3. Certified Point of Sale Professional (CPOSP)

Certified Point of Sale Professional (CPOSP) is a certification program designed for professionals who are involved in the point-of-sale industry. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the point-of-sale system and its components, as well as the ability to effectively manage and maintain such systems. The CPOSP certification is offered by the National Association of Professional Point of Sale Systems (NAPPS).

The CPOSP certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course provides an overview of point-of-sale systems and their components, as well as best practices for managing and maintaining them. The exam tests knowledge gained from the online course, as well as practical experience with point-of-sale systems.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CPOSP certification program, depending on how quickly you can complete the online course and pass the exam. To get started, you must first register with NAPPS and pay a registration fee. Once registered, you will be given access to the online course materials and will be able to begin studying for the exam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. This cost includes both the registration fee and any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

4. Certified Payment Card Industry Professional (CPCIP)

Certified Payment Card Industry Professional (CPCIP) is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The certification program was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, an organization that sets standards for payment card security.

The CPCIP certification is designed to test a professional's knowledge and understanding of the 12 requirements of the PCI DSS, as well as best practices for implementing and maintaining secure payment systems. The certification also covers topics such as risk assessment, encryption, network security, access control, and incident response.

It typically takes between 2-4 weeks to complete the CPCIP certification process. To get certified, applicants must first register with the PCI Security Standards Council and then take an online exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The cost of taking the CPCIP exam is $250 USD per person. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a digital certificate that they can use to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of payment card industry security standards.

5. National Association of Cashier Professionals Certification (NACP)

The National Association of Cashier Professionals (NACP) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes excellence in cashiers. It is designed to help cashiers demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to employers, customers, and peers. The NACP Certification is awarded after successful completion of an online exam.

The exam consists of three parts: a written test on general knowledge of the cashier profession, a practical test on customer service skills, and an oral interview with a panel of experienced cashiers. To be eligible for the NACP Certification, applicants must have at least two years' experience as a cashier or in a related field.

It typically takes about three months to complete the process and receive the certification. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the applicant's location but generally ranges from $100 to $300 USD. To get started with the certification process, applicants should contact their local NACP chapter or visit the organization's website for more information.

6. Certified Automated Cashier Technician (CACT)

Certified Automated Cashier Technician (CACT) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly install, maintain, and troubleshoot automated cashier systems. This certification is offered through the National Association of Automated Cashiers (NAAC).

The CACT certification program consists of an online course and an in-person exam. The online course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and covers topics such as system installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, customer service, security protocols, and more. The in-person exam consists of a written portion and a practical demonstration of your knowledge.

To become certified as a CACT technician you must first complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. You can register for the online course on the NAAC website. The cost for the online course is $100 USD plus applicable taxes. After completing the online course you must then register for the in-person exam which will cost an additional $150 USD plus applicable taxes.

Once you have passed both portions of the exam you will be officially certified as a CACT technician. This certification will give you access to job opportunities in automated cashier systems installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting across North America.

7. National Retail Federation's Customer Service Certification (NRFCSC)

The National Retail Federation's Customer Service Certification (NRFCSC) is a comprehensive program designed to help retail professionals develop the skills they need to provide excellent customer service. The certification is based on the NRF’s Customer Service Standards, which are widely recognized as best practices in the retail industry.

The certification process takes about two months and consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a final project. The online course covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication skills, problem solving, and conflict resolution. The exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. Finally, you must complete a final project that demonstrates your ability to apply what you have learned in real-world scenarios.

To get certified, you must first register with the NRF and pay a fee of $150 USD. After registering, you will be given access to the online course materials and instructions for completing each part of the certification process. Once all three parts are completed successfully, you will receive your certificate from the NRF.

8. American Institute of Financial Management's Cashier Training Program (AIFMCTP)

The American Institute of Financial Management’s Cashier Training Program (AIFMCTP) is a comprehensive training program that provides cashiers with the skills and knowledge they need to provide excellent customer service and handle transactions efficiently. The program includes topics such as customer service, money handling, sales techniques, banking regulations, security procedures, and more. It is designed to help cashiers develop their professional skills and become more confident in their roles.

The AIFMCTP consists of four levels: Basic Cashier Training (BCT), Advanced Cashier Training (ACT), Professional Cashier Training (PCT), and Master Cashier Training (MCT). Each level takes approximately 8 hours to complete and covers different topics. Once all four levels are completed, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the American Institute of Financial Management.

To get started with the AIFMCTP, you must first register for the program online or through your local American Institute of Financial Management office. The cost of the program varies depending on which level you choose to take but typically ranges from $50-$200 per level.

Once registered, you can begin taking classes either online or in-person at one of the AIFM locations across the country. You can also purchase additional materials such as textbooks or workbooks to supplement your learning experience. After completing each level, you will receive a certificate that can be used for job applications or promotions within your current organization.

Overall, the AIFMCTP is an excellent way for cashiers to gain valuable knowledge and skills while also earning a certificate that can be used in their career advancement efforts.

9. International Council on Shopping Centers' Cashier Training Program (ICSCCTP)

The International Council on Shopping Centers’ Cashier Training Program (ICSCCTP) is a comprehensive, online training program designed to help cashiers become more efficient and knowledgeable in their job. The program consists of three modules: Cashiering Basics, Advanced Cashiering, and Customer Service. Each module includes interactive lessons, quizzes, and activities that allow cashiers to gain hands-on experience in the field.

The program takes approximately 8 hours to complete and includes topics such as understanding customer needs, handling transactions accurately and efficiently, recognizing fraud prevention techniques, and providing excellent customer service.

To get the ICSCCTP certification, you must first complete all three modules of the program with a passing grade of 80% or higher. Once you have completed the program successfully you will be able to download your certificate.

The cost for the ICSCCTP certification is $50 USD per person.

10. National Retail Solutions' Cashier Certification Program (NRSCCP)

The National Retail Solutions Cashier Certification Program (NRSCCP) is an online program designed to help cashiers become more knowledgeable and proficient in their job. The program provides an overview of the basics of retail operations, including customer service, inventory management, and point-of-sale technology. It also covers topics such as security procedures, store policies, and the use of credit cards.

The NRSCCP consists of four modules that take approximately 8 hours to complete. The modules include: Introduction to Retail Operations; Customer Service; Inventory Management; and Point-of-Sale Technology. After completing all four modules, participants will be able to take a final exam to earn their certification.

To get started with the NRSCCP, you must create an account on the National Retail Solutions website and pay a one-time fee of $99. Once your payment has been processed, you will have access to the course materials and can begin taking the modules at your own pace.

Once you have completed all four modules and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your Cashier Certification from National Retail Solutions via email within 5 business days.

Do You Really Need a Cashier Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual, and the type of job they are looking for. Having a cashier clerk certificate can be beneficial in that it demonstrates to employers that the applicant has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform the duties of a cashier clerk. It also provides employers with an assurance that their employees are knowledgeable about safety protocols and other important procedures related to customer service.

In some cases, having a cashier clerk certificate may be required by law or a particular employer. For example, some states may require a specific certification in order to work as a cashier clerk in certain industries such as retail or hospitality. Additionally, certain employers may require their cashiers to have specialized training before they can start working in their stores. In these cases, having a certificate will help applicants stand out from other applicants who don’t have one.

In other cases, having a cashier clerk certificate may not be necessary but could still be beneficial for applicants. Even if an employer does not require certification, having one can demonstrate dedication and commitment to learning and developing professional skills related to customer service. Furthermore, having such certification can make an applicant more competitive when applying for jobs since employers tend to favor certified candidates over those without any credentials.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs a cashier clerk certificate will depend on their individual goals and circumstances. If an individual is looking for employment in an industry where certification is required or if they want to stand out from other applicants during job interviews, then obtaining such credential could be worthwhile investment of time and money.

Related: Cashier Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Cashier Clerk Certifications

1. What is a cashier clerk certification?

Answer: A cashier clerk certification is a specialized certificate that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in the area of cash handling, customer service, and point-of-sale operations.

2. Who should consider obtaining a cashier clerk certification?

Answer: Any individual who works in a retail environment or any other setting where handling money is involved should consider obtaining a cashier clerk certification. This includes those working in grocery stores, convenience stores, department stores, restaurants, and more.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a cashier clerk?

Answer: Becoming certified as a cashier clerk can help individuals stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate their commitment to their profession. It also provides an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills in the areas of customer service and money handling that can be used throughout their career.

4. How do I obtain a cashier clerk certification?

Answer: To obtain a cashier clerk certification, individuals must typically complete an approved training program or course that covers topics such as customer service techniques, POS system operation, security procedures, accounting principles, and more. After successful completion of the program or course, they will be eligible to take the certification exam.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a cashier clerk?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a cashier clerk varies depending on the type of training program or course chosen as well as how quickly one completes the requirements needed for certification. Generally speaking however, most programs can be completed within 6 months to 1 year if studied diligently.

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Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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