Top 11 Client Relationship Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a client relationship manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has knowledge and experience in managing customer relationships. Certifications can provide employers with assurance that the candidate is qualified to handle customer relationships effectively, as well as provide a competitive edge over other applicants who may not have certifications. Certifications also give credibility to a client relationship manager's skills and abilities, allowing them to stand out from other applicants in the job market. Furthermore, certifications can help client relationship managers stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, helping them remain knowledgeable about their profession and more effective at their job.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Client Relationship Managers and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Client Relationship Manager Certifications?

Client Relationship Manager (CRM) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage and build relationships with clients. The certification focuses on teaching individuals the skills and knowledge necessary for effective customer management. It covers topics such as customer service, sales, marketing, communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution. With this certification, individuals are better equipped to understand their clients’ needs and provide better customer experiences.

CRM certification can help individuals in many ways. It provides them with the tools they need to effectively manage client relationships, which can lead to increased business success. It also helps to increase their value as employees or consultants by demonstrating their expertise in managing client relationships. Finally, it can open up new job opportunities in the fields of customer service or consulting.

Pro Tip: Before you decide to pursue a Client Relationship Manager Certification, be sure to research the different certifications available and the requirements for each. It's important to understand the scope of knowledge and skills required in order to successfully complete the certification program, as well as how it may help your career. Additionally, make sure you are aware of any additional fees or costs associated with obtaining the certification.

Related: What does a Client Relationship Manager do?

Top 11 Client Relationship Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Client Relationship Manager (CCRM)

Certified Client Relationship Manager (CCRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in managing client relationships. The CCRM designation is offered through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).

To receive the CCRM designation, applicants must first complete an online application and submit their resume. Once accepted, they must complete a series of courses and exams to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of client relationship management. The program consists of four courses: Client Relationship Management Fundamentals, Advanced Client Relationship Management, Client Relationship Management Analytics, and Strategic Client Relationship Management. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete.

The cost for the CCRM program varies depending on the number of courses taken; however, it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exams or for other materials related to the program.

Once all requirements are completed and passed successfully, applicants will receive their CCRM designation from ICPM. This process typically takes between 4-6 months to complete.

2. Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM)

Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize marketing professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of professional services marketing. The CPSM program is administered by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS).

The CPSM program consists of three parts: an online application, a written exam, and an oral exam. The online application requires applicants to provide information about their work experience and education. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from current or former employers.

The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test applicants’ knowledge of professional services marketing topics such as client relations, branding, market research, and digital strategy. The oral exam is an interview with a panel of SMPS members who evaluate applicants on their understanding of the principles and practices of professional services marketing.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CPSM program. Applicants must pass all three parts of the program to be certified as a CPSM.

The cost to become a Certified Professional Services Marketer varies depending on whether you are an SMPS member or non-member. For SMPS members, the cost is $395 for the application fee plus $595 for each part of the exam ($1,785 total). For non-members, the cost is $495 for the application fee plus $695 for each part of the exam ($2,085 total).

3. Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM)

Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM) is a professional certification program designed to provide customer relationship professionals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage customer relationships. The CCRM program is offered by the Customer Relationship Management Institute (CRMI), an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in customer relationship management.

The CCRM program consists of three levels: Foundations, Professional and Master. Each level requires a certain number of hours of study and successful completion of examinations. Upon successful completion of all three levels, participants are awarded the Certified Customer Relationship Manager designation.

The Foundations level focuses on basic customer relationship management concepts, such as understanding customer needs, developing customer loyalty programs and using technology to improve customer service. The Professional level covers advanced topics such as sales force automation, data analysis and predictive analytics. The Master level focuses on leadership development and strategic planning for customer relationship management initiatives.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CCRM program depending on the individual’s availability and commitment to study.

To get started with the CCRM program, individuals must first register with CRMI online at www.crmiinstitute.org/register/. After registration is complete, individuals can purchase course materials from CRMI or from other vendors approved by CRMI for use in the CCRM program.

The cost for completing the CCRM program varies depending on which materials are purchased; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD for all three levels combined.

4. Certified Professional Relationship Manager (CPRM)

Certified Professional Relationship Manager (CPRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage relationships with customers, clients, and other stakeholders. This certification is offered by the International Association of Relationship Managers (IARM).

The CPRM program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Expert. The Basic level focuses on the fundamentals of relationship management such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. The Advanced level covers topics such as customer segmentation, marketing strategy, data analysis and reporting. The Expert level focuses on advanced topics such as business process improvement and change management.

It typically takes three months to complete the CPRM program. To become certified at any of the three levels, you must first pass an online assessment that tests your understanding of the material covered in the program’s modules. You will then need to complete a series of practical exercises that demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learned in real-world scenarios.

The cost for the CPRM program varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. The Basic level costs $1,500 USD; the Advanced level costs $2,000 USD; and the Expert level costs $2,500 USD.

5. Certified Client Acquisition Specialist (CCAS)

Certified Client Acquisition Specialist (CCAS) is a certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful in acquiring clients. It is designed to help professionals understand the process of client acquisition, from prospecting to closing, and how to develop an effective strategy for finding and keeping clients.

The CCAS certification takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. It consists of six courses: Introduction to Client Acquisition, Prospecting & Networking, Lead Generation & Qualification, Sales Process & Strategies, Closing Techniques & Negotiations, and Managing Clients. Each course is accompanied by a series of quizzes and assignments that must be completed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get the CCAS certification, you must first register on the Certified Client Acquisition Specialist website. You will then be given access to all of the courses mentioned above. Once you have completed all of the courses and their corresponding quizzes and assignments, you will be able to take a final exam which will determine if you have earned your CCAS certification.

The cost for the CCAS certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 while the premium package costs $499. Both packages include access to all six courses as well as additional resources such as ebooks, video tutorials, webinars, and more.

6. Certified Client Retention Specialist (CCRS)

Certified Client Retention Specialist (CCRS) is a professional certification program designed to help professionals in the customer service industry develop and refine their skills in client retention. This certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCRS program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Client Retention, Advanced Strategies for Client Retention, and Professional Development for Client Retention. Each course includes lectures, activities, and assessments. Upon completion of all three courses, participants will receive a certificate from ICSA verifying their successful completion of the program.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CCRS program. The time frame depends on how quickly you can complete each course and how often you are able to attend classes or complete assignments.

To get started with the CCRS program, you must first register with ICSA and pay the registration fee. After that, you can select which courses you would like to take and begin your training.

The cost of the CCRS program varies depending on which courses you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for all three courses combined.

7. Certified Client Engagement Professional (CCEP)

Certified Client Engagement Professional (CCEP) is a certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The CCEP certification is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in developing and managing successful client relationships.

The CCEP program requires applicants to complete an online application, pass an exam, and submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their knowledge and capabilities in client engagement. The program typically takes between four and six months to complete.

The cost of the CCEP program varies depending on the type of membership you have with AMA. For non-members, the cost is $1,295; for members, it’s $995; and for students, it’s $495.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service strategies, sales process management, relationship building techniques, marketing analytics, project management principles, and more. To prepare for the exam, AMA offers study materials such as practice exams and webinars.

Once you pass the exam and submit your portfolio of work demonstrating your knowledge and capabilities in client engagement, you will be awarded the CCEP certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date you receive it.

8. Certified Relationship Marketing Professional (CRMP)

Certified Relationship Marketing Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Relationship Marketing Institute, Inc. (RMI). The CRMP designation is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in relationship marketing and demonstrate mastery of the principles and practices of relationship marketing.

The CRMP program consists of three levels: Certified Relationship Marketing Practitioner (CRMP-P), Certified Relationship Marketing Specialist (CRMP-S), and Certified Relationship Marketing Professional (CRMP). To become certified at each level, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of relationship marketing concepts.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete the certification process depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams.

To get started, you will need to register with RMI and pay a fee which includes access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources. The fee also covers the cost of taking the exams. The fees vary depending on what level you are registering for but range from $500-$1,500 USD.

Once registered, you will need to complete all required courses and pass all three exams within 18 months in order to obtain your CRMP certification. After successful completion of all requirements, you will receive your certificate from RMI.

9. Certified Account Management Professional (CAMP)

Certified Account Management Professional (CAMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the highest level of proficiency in account management. The CAMP certification is offered by the American Association of Account Management (AAAM).

The CAMP certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as account management best practices, customer service, sales and marketing, financial analysis and reporting, and project management. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in account management.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple choice and essay questions. The cost of the exam is $395 for AAAM members or $495 for non-members.

In order to become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once certified, individuals can use their CAMP designation on business cards, resumes, and other professional materials.

10. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill and commitment to customer service excellence. The CCSP designation is awarded by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

To become a Certified Customer Service Professional, an individual must pass an exam administered by ICSA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication techniques, problem solving, and conflict resolution. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and includes both written and oral components.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, it costs $395 USD for members of ICSA and $495 USD for non-members.

In order to be eligible to take the CCSP exam, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of experience in customer service or related field; completion of at least one year of college coursework; completion of at least 40 hours of approved customer service training; and demonstration of current knowledge in customer service principles.

11. Certified Sales and Service Representative (CSSR).

A Certified Sales and Service Representative (CSSR) is an individual who has completed a specialized training program and has been certified by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). CSSRs are trained to provide exceptional customer service, product knowledge, and sales techniques.

The CSSR program consists of two parts: a one-day classroom course and an online exam. The course covers topics such as sales process, customer service, product knowledge, and communication skills. After completing the course, participants must take the online exam in order to receive their certification.

To become a CSSR, individuals must first register for the program through NADA’s website or by calling their toll-free number. The cost of the program is $295 for members of NADA or $395 for non-members. Once registered, individuals will be provided with access to the online course materials and will be able to schedule their one-day classroom session at a location near them. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, participants will receive their certificate of completion from NADA.

CSSRs are highly sought after in the automotive industry due to their specialized training and certification. Those who become certified can expect increased job opportunities within the field as well as higher salaries due to their expertise in sales and customer service.

Do You Really Need a Client Relationship Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Client Relationship Manager Certificate to be successful in this field. However, having one can give you an edge over the competition and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.

A client relationship manager certificate can demonstrate that you have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of client relationship management and possess the necessary skills to fulfill such a role. It can also show potential employers that you are committed to furthering your professional development, which could put you ahead of other candidates who don't have one.

Having a client relationship manager certificate may also make it easier for you to access higher-level courses and job opportunities. Employers often look for candidates who are certified in their field as it demonstrates that they have taken the initiative to learn and develop their skills, which will help them succeed in their role.

In conclusion, while having a client relationship manager certificate is not essential, it could give you an advantage over other candidates in the job market by showing potential employers that you are motivated and knowledgeable about managing relationships with clients.

Related: Client Relationship Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Client Relationship Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Client Relationship Manager Certification?

A1: A Client Relationship Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of client relationship management. It provides recognition of one's ability to successfully build and maintain strong relationships with clients, manage customer inquiries, and effectively handle customer service issues.

Q2: What are the benefits of obtaining a Client Relationship Manager Certification?

A2: Obtaining a Client Relationship Manager Certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in customer service and client relations, increase their credibility in the industry, and open up more job opportunities within organizations. It also allows professionals to stay up-to-date on best practices for client relationship management.

Q3: What are the requirements for obtaining a Client Relationship Manager Certification?

A3: Requirements for obtaining a Client Relationship Manager Certification vary by provider; however, most certifications require applicants to have at least two years of experience in client relationship management or related fields. Additionally, applicants may need to pass an exam or complete coursework in order to be eligible for certification.

Q4: How long does it take to complete a Client Relationship Manager Certification?

A4: The amount of time required to complete a Client Relationship Manager Certification depends on the provider and the specific requirements associated with their program. Generally, it takes between one and two years to earn this certification.

Q5: How much does it cost to obtain a Client Relationship Manager Certification?

A5: The cost of obtaining a Client Relationship Manager Certification varies depending on the provider; however, most programs range from $500 - $3,000 USD.