Top 11 Channel Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a channel sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professionalism and expertise that is highly valued by employers. Certifications provide evidence that the individual has gone through rigorous training and testing to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the role. Additionally, certifications can set individuals apart from their peers and give them an edge when competing for jobs. Employers may view individuals with certifications as more credible and better equipped to handle challenging situations, making them more attractive candidates.

The article reviews the top certifications for Channel Sales Managers and explains how they can contribute to a channel sales manager's career by helping them hone their skills and gain new knowledge.

What are Channel Sales Manager Certifications?

Channel Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification designed to recognize those who have mastered the principles of effective channel sales management. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing their organization’s channel sales strategy, including developing sales plans and goals, managing relationships with outside vendors and partners, and driving revenue growth.

This certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in channel sales management to current and potential employers. Those who hold this certification are seen as more knowledgeable and experienced in the field than those without it, making them more attractive job candidates. Furthermore, this certification can also help individuals advance their careers by providing them with additional opportunities to move into higher-level positions within the organization or even switch career paths entirely. Finally, it provides individuals with the opportunity to network with industry leaders, which can open up new doors for career development.

Pro Tip: When considering a channel sales manager certification, make sure to research the program and its accreditation. Ensure the curriculum is tailored to your specific industry and provides practical knowledge that can be implemented in the workplace. Additionally, look for programs that offer job placement services or continuing education opportunities.

Related: What does a Channel Sales Manager do?

Top 11 Channel Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Channel Sales Manager (CPCSM)

Certified Professional Channel Sales Manager (CPCSM) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage channel sales. The certification is offered by the Association of Channel Management Professionals (ACMP).

The CPCSM program consists of four modules: Channel Strategy, Channel Execution, Channel Leadership, and Channel Performance Management. Each module includes an assessment that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The program takes approximately 6-9 months to complete depending on how quickly you can complete the coursework and assessments. You can take the course online or in-person depending on your preference.

The cost for the entire program is $1,495 USD which includes all materials, assessments, access to ACMP resources and support, and a certificate upon completion.

2. Certified Channel Account Manager (CCAM)

Certified Channel Account Manager (CCAM) is a certification program designed to help channel account managers become more effective and successful in their roles. The CCAM certification is offered by the Channel Account Management Association (CAMA), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the professional development of channel account managers.

The CCAM certification program consists of four modules: Introduction to Channel Management; Strategic Account Planning; Building and Managing Relationships; and Closing Deals. Each module includes an online assessment that must be completed before a participant can receive the CCAM designation.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CCAM program, depending on how quickly participants are able to complete the modules and assessments. Participants must also attend at least one CAMA-sponsored event during this time period in order to receive their certificate.

To get the CCAM certification, participants must first register with CAMA and pay a registration fee of $500 USD. Once registered, they will have access to all four modules of the program as well as additional resources such as webinars, discussions forums, and mentoring opportunities from experienced channel account managers. After completing all four modules and passing the assessments, participants will receive their official CCAM designation from CAMA.

3. Certified Channel Marketing Manager (CCMM)

Certified Channel Marketing Manager (CCMM) is a professional certification program that provides marketing professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage channel marketing programs. The CCMM program focuses on developing expertise in areas such as channel strategy, partner relationship management, channel sales enablement, and more.

The CCMM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course is self-paced and can be completed at any time. It covers topics such as channel strategy, partner relationship management, channel sales enablement, and more. The exam must be taken in person at one of the approved testing centers. It consists of multiple-choice questions based on the material covered in the online course.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CCMM program from start to finish. However, this timeline may vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete the online course and take the exam.

The cost for the CCMM program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This fee covers both the online course and the exam fee.

In order to become certified as a Certified Channel Marketing Manager (CCMM), you must successfully complete both the online course and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed both requirements, you will receive your official certification from Channel Marketing Institute (CMI).

4. Certified Partner Relationship Manager (CPRM)

Certified Partner Relationship Manager (CPRM) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage relationships with partners, vendors, and other stakeholders. It is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s expertise in partner relationship management.

The CPRM certification program typically takes three months to complete. During this time, participants will learn about the fundamentals of partner relationship management, including communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and best practices for building successful partnerships. The program also includes hands-on training in developing and implementing partner relationship plans.

In order to become certified as a CPRM, individuals must pass an exam administered by the International Association of Partner Relationship Managers (IAPRM). The exam covers topics such as partner engagement strategies, customer service principles, and project management principles. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to develop effective partnerships through case studies and role playing exercises.

The cost of the CPRM certification varies depending on the provider offering it; however, most programs range from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

5. Certified Channel Sales Executive (CCSE)

Certified Channel Sales Executive (CCSE) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the channel sales industry. The CCSE certification is offered by the Channel Sales Certification Board (CSCB), which is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification for channel sales professionals.

The CCSE certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Channel Sales, Advanced Channel Sales, Professional Selling Skills and Strategic Selling. Each course is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of channel sales principles and practices. Participants must complete all four courses within 18 months in order to qualify for the CCSE certification.

In order to get the CCSE certification, participants must pass all four courses with a minimum score of 70%. Additionally, they must also pass a final exam with a minimum score of 75%. The cost of the entire program is $3,000 USD.

Once certified, participants will receive a certificate from CSCB that can be used as proof of their expertise in channel sales and as evidence of their commitment to professional development.

6. Certified Global Channel Sales Professional (CGCSR)

Certified Global Channel Sales Professional (CGCSR) is a certification program offered by the Global Technology and Services Alliance (GTSA). The certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful channel sales professionals.

The CGCSR program consists of three courses, each focusing on a different aspect of channel sales: Channel Strategy & Planning, Channel Management & Execution, and Channel Performance Measurement & Analysis. Each course is designed to be completed in two weeks.

To obtain the CGCSR certification, you must complete all three courses and pass an exam at the end of each course. You can register for the program online or through GTSA's partner organizations. The cost of the program varies depending on which partner organization you choose to register through.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Channel Sales & Marketing (MCSE: CSM)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Channel Sales & Marketing (MCSE: CSM) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge needed to successfully sell, market, and deploy Microsoft products and services through the channel. This certification is designed for IT professionals who have experience in sales, marketing, and/or deployment of Microsoft products and services.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the MCSE: CSM program. To get this certification, you must first pass two exams: Exam 70-764 - Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure and Exam 70-765 - Provisioning SQL Databases. You can find more information on these exams here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-list.aspx#mcse_channel_sales_marketing

The cost of the MCSE: CSM certification varies depending on which exam you choose to take first. The cost of each exam is $165 USD plus applicable taxes.

8. Oracle Certified Professional, Channel Sales Management (OCP-CSM)

Oracle Certified Professional, Channel Sales Management (OCP-CSM) is a certification program offered by Oracle Corporation. It is designed to help channel sales professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their channel sales operations. The certification requires successful completion of a series of courses and exams.

The OCP-CSM program consists of four courses: Introduction to Channel Sales Management, Advanced Channel Sales Management, Managing Partner Relationships, and Optimizing Channel Performance. Each course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and best practices for managing channel sales operations.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the OCP-CSM program. To get certified, candidates must successfully complete all four courses and pass the associated exams. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in channel sales management or a related field.

The cost of the OCP-CSM program varies depending on where you take the courses. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for all four courses and exams combined.

9. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner – Channel Sales Management (CASP-CSM)

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner – Channel Sales Management (CASP-CSM) is a certification designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in selling and managing security products and services in the channel. The CASP-CSM certification covers topics such as sales process, customer relationship management, risk assessment, product selection and implementation, marketing strategies, and more.

To earn the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner – Channel Sales Management (CASP-CSM) certification, candidates must pass a single exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. Candidates must also have at least three years of experience in channel sales or related roles.

The cost of the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner – Channel Sales Management (CASP-CSM) exam is $349 USD. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via remote proctoring.

Once the exam has been completed successfully, candidates will receive their official CASP-CSM certification from CompTIA. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed with additional training or an updated version of the exam.

10. IBM Partnerworld Professional – Channel Sales Management (IPW-CSM)

IBM Partnerworld Professional – Channel Sales Management (IPW-CSM) is a comprehensive training and certification program for sales professionals in the IBM channel. It provides sales professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage their business and maximize sales opportunities. The program covers topics such as sales process, customer segmentation, partner relationships, product positioning, pricing strategies, lead generation and more.

The IPW-CSM program consists of two parts: an online self-paced course and a certification exam. The online self-paced course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and includes interactive modules covering the core concepts of channel sales management. Upon completion of the course, participants are eligible to take the certification exam which is administered by Prometric.

To get IPW-CSM certified, you must first register for the program through IBM's Partnerworld website. Once registered, you will be able to access the online self-paced course and take the certification exam when you are ready. The cost of the program varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

11. SAP Certified Application Associate – Channel Sales Management (SAP CAA-CSM).

SAP Certified Application Associate – Channel Sales Management (SAP CAA-CSM) is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of sales management, channel partner management, and customer relationship management. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing the sales process from start to finish, including developing strategies to increase sales and profitability, setting up and maintaining relationships with channel partners, and managing customer relationships.

The SAP CAA-CSM certification exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 180 minutes. The topics covered include: sales processes; channel partner management; customer relationship management; pricing strategies; marketing plans; forecasting; analytics; and more.

To become certified as an SAP CAA-CSM professional, you must first register with SAP Education Services. Once registered, you can access the course materials online or attend a training session at one of SAP’s authorized training centers. After completing the course material or attending a training session, you must then pass the certification exam to become officially certified.

The cost of becoming certified as an SAP CAA-CSM professional varies depending on your chosen method of study. Online courses typically range from $500-$1000 USD while attending a training session can cost anywhere from $2000-$3000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Channel Sales Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a channel sales manager certificate to become a successful channel sales manager. A certificate may be beneficial for those who are new to the field or who have limited experience in the role, but it is not necessary to become a successful channel sales manager.

This is because a channel sales manager does not require any specific qualifications or certifications in order to be successful. Rather, success as a channel sales manager comes from having strong interpersonal and communication skills, being organized and able to multitask effectively, and having the ability to think strategically and analytically. These skills can be developed through experience, education, and training rather than through obtaining a certificate.

In addition, many employers do not view certificates as highly as they would other qualifications such as degrees or certifications that are related to the position. Therefore, it is important to focus on developing your skillset over obtaining a certificate if you want to become a successful channel sales manager.

Overall, while obtaining a certificate may be beneficial for those who are new to the role or have limited experience in the field of channel sales management, it is not necessary for success in this role. It is more important to focus on developing your skillset so that you can confidently demonstrate your abilities when applying for jobs or advancing in your current career path.

Related: Channel Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Channel Sales Manager Certifications

1. What is a Channel Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: A Channel Sales Manager Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in managing sales channels for businesses. It covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and market analysis.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by a third-party organization or institution approved by the National Association of Channel Sales Managers (NACSM). The exam covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and market analysis.

3. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete the certification process varies depending on the third-party organization or institution administering the exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all components of the certification process.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can help individuals gain recognition for their knowledge and skills in channel sales management which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, certifications can help employers identify top talent when hiring for channel sales positions.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam?

Answer: Generally, there are no prerequisites for taking the exam; however, some organizations may require applicants to have prior experience or education related to channel sales management before they are allowed to take the exam.