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Top 11 Client Executive Certifications

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

Updated 18 min read

Certifications are an important way for client executives to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the job market. Certifications show employers that the executive is knowledgeable in a specific area, has achieved a certain level of expertise, and is dedicated to staying current with industry trends. They also provide evidence of the executive’s commitment to their own professional development. Having certifications can give an executive a competitive edge over other job applicants and make them more attractive to employers. Additionally, certifications can help executives stay up-to-date on new technologies, best practices, and standards in order to be successful in their role.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Client Executives and explains how they can help improve career prospects and provide new opportunities.

What are Client Executive Certifications?

Client executive certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage and lead client relationships. This certification helps to ensure that professionals working in client-facing roles possess the appropriate level of expertise to meet their clients’ needs. It also provides organizations with assurance that their client-facing staff are equipped with the necessary capabilities for success.

The main benefits of client executive certification include increased confidence in one’s ability to effectively handle all aspects of working with clients, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced professional reputation. By earning this certification, professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their work and be recognized for it by employers, peers, and customers alike. With this recognition comes greater job security and career advancement opportunities as well as increased trust from customers. Additionally, successful completion of this certification program can also provide individuals with additional resources such as access to industry best practices and networking opportunities which may help them further enhance their skillset.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research different client executive certifications and ensure that you are meeting all of the requirements for successful completion. Knowing what is required ahead of time will help you better prepare and maximize your chances of success.

Related: What does a Client Executive do?

Top 11 Client Executive Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Client Executives today.

1. Certified Professional Client Executive (CPCX)

Certified Professional Client Executive (CPCX) is a certification program offered by the Professional Association of Customer Engagement (PACE). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of customer engagement strategies, tactics, and technologies. The CPCX certification provides an industry-recognized credential that validates a professional’s knowledge and expertise in customer engagement.

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer experience management, customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and digital marketing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the CPCX certification is $395 USD. This fee includes the cost of the exam as well as access to study materials and practice exams. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CPCX certificate from PACE.

2. Certified Client Executive (CCE)

Certified Client Executive (CCE) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to equip sales professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in client relationships. The CCE program focuses on understanding customer needs, building trust, and developing long-term relationships that lead to repeat business.

The CCE certification process consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, communication, negotiation, problem solving, and conflict resolution. It typically takes about 40 hours to complete the coursework.

To get certified, you must pass the CCE exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and can be taken at any Prometric testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost for the exam is $350 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CCE certificate from the Association of Certified Client Executives (ACCE).

3. Certified Business Relationship Manager (CBRM)

Certified Business Relationship Manager (CBRM) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of business relationship management. The CBRM certification program was developed by the International Association of Business Relationship Managers (IABRM).

The CBRM certification program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional and Master. Each level requires the successful completion of an exam and a portfolio review. The exams are administered by IABRM and are based on their published Body of Knowledge. The portfolio review is conducted by a panel of certified professionals and assesses the applicant’s experience in business relationship management.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual’s experience level and preparation for the exam. On average, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all three levels of certification.

To get certified, applicants must first register with IABRM and pay the required fees. They then need to complete an online application form, submit their resume, and provide evidence of their experience in business relationship management. After submitting these materials, they will be assigned an exam date and receive instructions on how to prepare for it. Once they have passed all three exams, they will be eligible for the portfolio review process which will determine if they meet all requirements for certification.

The cost for getting CBRM certified varies depending on the country or region you are located in but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per level (Foundation, Professional & Master).

4. Certified Client Relationship Specialist (CCRS)

Certified Client Relationship Specialist (CCRS) is a professional certification program designed to provide financial advisors with the knowledge and skills needed to build strong relationships with their clients. The certification is offered by the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP).

The CCRS program consists of three courses: Client Relationship Management, Client Communication, and Financial Planning. Each course includes a comprehensive exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification. The courses can be taken online or in person at an ICFP-approved training center. The entire program takes approximately six months to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the financial services industry, pass all three exams, and submit an application fee of $250. Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.

Overall, becoming a Certified Client Relationship Specialist is an excellent way for financial advisors to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality service and advice to their clients. It also provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary for building long-term relationships with their clients.

5. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the customer service field. The CCSP is administered by the National Institute for Customer Service (NICS), and it is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and respected certifications in the customer service industry.

The CCSP certification requires applicants to complete an online application, pass a written exam, and demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a series of practical assessments. To become certified, applicants must successfully complete all three components within 18 months from the date of application.

To get started, applicants must submit an online application form along with a fee of $250 USD. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam portal. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service principles, communication techniques, problem solving strategies, and more. Once applicants have passed the exam, they will be required to participate in two practical assessments that are conducted by NICS-certified assessors.

The cost for taking the CCSP certification program varies depending on whether or not you choose to take advantage of any discounts offered by NICS or other organizations. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay between $400-$500 USD for all three components of the program (application fee + exam fee + assessment fees).

6. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). It is designed to recognize and validate sales professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of sales. The CSP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of core competencies in areas such as customer service, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.

The CSP certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must first complete an online application form. After submitting their application, they will receive an email with instructions on how to take the CSP exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess knowledge in areas such as customer service, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.

Once applicants pass the CSP exam, they will receive their official CSP certificate and be eligible for membership in NASP. Membership includes access to exclusive resources such as webinars and conferences, discounts on professional development courses and materials, networking opportunities with other certified sales professionals, and more.

The cost for the CSP certification program varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This fee covers the cost of registration for the exam as well as any additional materials or services required to complete the program.

7. Certified Account Manager (CAM)

Certified Account Manager (CAM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to help professionals in the field of account management develop their skills and knowledge in order to better serve their clients.

The CAM program consists of three courses: Account Management Fundamentals, Advanced Account Management, and Professional Practice. The courses are offered both online and in-person. The online course takes approximately 16 weeks to complete, while the in-person course takes approximately 12 weeks to complete.

To become a Certified Account Manager, you must successfully complete all three courses and pass an exam administered by ICPM. The exam covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication strategies, sales techniques, and more.

The cost for the CAM program varies depending on the type of course chosen. Online courses typically cost between $1,500 - $2,000 USD while in-person courses typically cost between $2,000 - $3,000 USD.

8. Certified Client Services Manager (CCSM)

Certified Client Services Manager (CCSM) is a professional certification program that provides training and certification for professionals who are responsible for managing customer service operations. The CCSM program is designed to help organizations improve their customer service operations by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage customer service teams.

The CCSM program consists of three courses: Customer Service Management, Customer Relationship Management, and Leadership in Customer Service. Each course covers topics such as customer service strategies, communication techniques, problem-solving methods, and customer relationship management tools. Upon completion of all three courses, participants will receive the CCSM certification.

The CCSM program typically takes six months to complete. Participants must attend each course in order to receive the certification. The cost of the program depends on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD. To get started with the CCSM program, individuals must first find a provider that offers the certification. After finding a provider, participants can register for the courses and begin their journey towards becoming a Certified Client Services Manager.

9. Certified Client Retention Specialist (CCRS)

A Certified Client Retention Specialist (CCRS) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in client retention and loyalty. The CCRS designation is awarded by the Professional Association of Customer Engagement (PACE), a global organization dedicated to advancing customer engagement practices.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a hands-on practicum. The online assessment covers topics such as customer service, customer relationship management, customer loyalty, and client retention strategies. The practicum requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge through case studies and role-playing scenarios.

It typically takes about four months to complete the certification process from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application form and pay the registration fee ($295 USD). After submitting the application, candidates will receive instructions on how to access the online assessment, which must be completed within 30 days of registering for the program. Once the online assessment is successfully completed, applicants will be invited to attend a two-day practicum in their local area.

The cost for obtaining the CCRS certification includes both the registration fee ($295 USD) and any associated travel or accommodation expenses incurred during the practicum.

10. Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP)

Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of customer experience best practices, strategies, and tactics. The certification is offered through the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), which is an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of customer experience management.

The CCXP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer journey mapping, customer segmentation, customer feedback analysis, and CX performance metrics. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in customer experience roles or related fields.

The CCXP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of CXPA or not; non-members pay $495 while members pay $395. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their CCXP designation and become part of an elite group of professionals dedicated to driving excellence in customer experience management.

11. Certified Client Acquisition and Retention Strategist (CARS).

Certified Client Acquisition and Retention Strategist (CARS) is a certification program designed to help professionals in the marketing, sales, customer service and business development fields develop skills to acquire and retain clients. The CARS program provides participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to create successful client acquisition and retention strategies.

The CARS certification program consists of four modules: Introduction to Client Acquisition & Retention Strategies; Developing Effective Client Acquisition & Retention Strategies; Implementing & Evaluating Client Acquisition & Retention Strategies; and Professional Development for Client Acquisition & Retention. Participants must complete all four modules in order to receive their certification.

The CARS certification program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, participants will attend online classes, participate in group discussions, complete assignments, take exams and submit final projects for review.

To get certified as a Certified Client Acquisition and Retention Strategist (CARS), an individual must first apply for the certification program through the International Association of Business Professionals (IABP). The application process includes submitting a resume or CV, providing references from employers or colleagues, passing a background check and completing an online assessment. Once accepted into the program, individuals must then complete all four modules within six months in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the Certified Client Acquisition and Retention Strategist (CARS) certification program varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, however, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Client Executive Certificate?

No, you do not need a client executive certificate in order to be successful in the business world. However, having such a certificate may help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge when it comes to obtaining employment or advancing your career.

A Client Executive Certificate could demonstrate that you have taken the initiative to gain knowledge and experience in a specific field related to client management. It shows that you are committed to learning more about this area of expertise and demonstrates your dedication to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Having such a certificate may also demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to effectively manage client relationships, as well as provide strategic advice on how to optimize customer service.

In addition, having a Client Executive Certificate can open doors for networking opportunities and other professional development activities. It is also evidence of your commitment to improving your own professional development and making yourself more attractive to potential employers or clients.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Client Executive Certificate depends on your individual goals and situation. If you think that having one will help further your career, then it may be worth exploring further.

Related: Client Executive Resume Examples

FAQs About Client Executive Certifications

1. What is a Client Executive Certification?

Answer: A Client Executive Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the field of client executive or account management. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence and provides clients with assurance that their interests are being served by experienced professionals.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Client Executive Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Client Executive Certification include increased job security, the ability to command higher salaries, improved credibility and recognition within your profession, and greater access to career opportunities.

3. How do I become certified as a Client Executive?

Answer: To become certified as a Client Executive, you must first pass an exam administered by an approved certifying body such as the Institute for Business Management (IBM) or Project Management Institute (PMI). After passing the exam, you will receive your certification.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Client Executive?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the certifying body you choose and how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months or more depending on your level of experience in the field.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Client Executive?

Answer: Yes, there are typically some prerequisites for becoming certified as a Client Executive including having at least one year of experience in client executive or account management roles and completing an approved training program or coursework related to this field.

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Editor

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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