Top 10 Commercial Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a commercial sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a level of expertise. A certification shows potential employers that the candidate is knowledgeable about the industry, has the necessary skills to be successful in the role, and is willing to invest their time and money into staying up-to-date on trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications can provide access to exclusive networking opportunities with peers who have similar interests and goals. Ultimately, certifications can make a commercial sales manager stand out from other candidates, increasing their chances of being hired.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Commercial Sales Managers and explain how they can help further a commercial sales manager's career.

What are Commercial Sales Manager Certifications?

Commercial sales manager certification is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful commercial sales managers. This certification is provided by professional organizations and institutions that specialize in providing training and education for those who wish to pursue a career in commercial sales management. The program typically includes courses on topics such as sales strategy, customer service, negotiation, marketing, and communication.

The primary benefit of obtaining this certification is that it provides an individual with the skills necessary to effectively manage their own commercial sales team. This includes understanding how to motivate staff, developing effective strategies for selling products or services, understanding customer needs, and creating pricing structures that will ensure profitability. Additionally, these courses can help individuals better understand the market dynamics involved in commercial sales and how to successfully navigate them. By having this knowledge, individuals can make more informed decisions about their business operations and be better prepared for any challenges they may face along the way. Lastly, obtaining a commercial sales manager certification can give individuals an edge when applying for jobs in this field as employers are often looking for experienced professionals who have proven themselves capable of managing teams effectively.

Pro Tip: When considering a commercial sales manager certification, be sure to research and compare different certifications to ensure that the one you choose meets your specific needs. Consider the cost of the certification, the length of the program, and whether it is offered online or in-person. Also, make sure to look at what kind of job opportunities you can gain by having this certification.

Related: What does a Commercial Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Commercial Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies required for successful sales management. The CPSM credential is awarded by the Institute for Professional Selling (IPS), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of professional selling.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. To earn the CPSM credential, candidates must pass all three levels within a five-year period. Each level requires passing a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge in areas such as sales process management, customer relationship management, and sales team leadership.

To get started on the path to earning your CPSM credential, you must first register with IPS and pay the registration fee of $150. Once registered, you can begin studying for each level's exam using IPS' online learning resources or self-study materials. You will be allowed up to two attempts at each exam before having to re-register and pay another fee.

Once you have passed all three exams within the five-year period, you will receive your official CPSM certificate from IPS and become eligible for membership in the Certified Professional Sales Manager Association (CPSMA). The total cost of earning your CPSM credential depends on how quickly you complete each level's exam; however, it typically ranges between $500-$1,000 USD.

2. Certified Sales Management Professional (CSMP)

Certified Sales Management Professional (CSMP) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP). It is designed to recognize sales managers who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in sales, customer service, and leadership. The CSMP program focuses on the core competencies of sales management such as strategic planning, team building, coaching, and performance management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSMP program. Candidates must complete an online application, pass an exam, and submit three letters of recommendation from current or former employers. The cost for the program is $1,195 USD plus applicable taxes. Successful candidates will receive a certificate and digital badge that can be used to promote their credentials on social media platforms and other professional networks.

3. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in business development. The CBDP certification program is offered by the Association of Certified Business Development Professionals (ACBDP).

The CBDP certification requires the successful completion of an online examination that covers topics such as strategy, marketing, sales, operations, and finance. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of business development through a series of case studies. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least five years of experience in business development and/or related fields. They must also submit an application fee and provide proof of their educational background. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam and pay the associated fees.

The cost for the CBDP certification program varies depending on whether you are taking the online or in-person exam. The online exam costs $450 USD while the in-person exam costs $650 USD.

4. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals build their skills and knowledge in the field of sales. The CSE program is offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS). It is designed to give sales professionals the skills and knowledge they need to become successful in their chosen career.

The CSE program consists of an online course, which takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. During this time, students will learn about key concepts such as customer service, product knowledge, relationship building, and sales strategies. After completing the course, students must pass a comprehensive exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their certification.

In order to get your CSE certification, you must first register for the program on the AAPS website. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course material and take part in virtual classes with other students from around the world. You will also have access to practice exams that can help you prepare for the final exam.

The cost of the CSE program varies depending on where you live and if you choose to take part in any additional training courses or workshops offered by AAPS. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with obtaining your CSE certification.

5. Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP)

The Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales and marketing professionals who have demonstrated expertise in their field. The CSMP is administered by the American Marketing Association (AMA).

The CSMP program consists of three levels: Certified Sales and Marketing Associate (CSMA), Certified Sales and Marketing Manager (CSMM), and Certified Sales and Marketing Executive (CSME). Each level requires the completion of specific coursework, exams, and other requirements.

To obtain the CSMA, applicants must complete a series of online courses, pass an exam, and submit a portfolio with evidence of their sales and marketing experience. To obtain the CSMM, applicants must complete additional coursework, pass an exam, submit a portfolio with evidence of their sales and marketing experience, and demonstrate relevant work experience. To obtain the CSME, applicants must have obtained both the CSMA and CSMM certifications as well as demonstrate significant work experience in sales or marketing management.

The cost for obtaining the CSMP varies depending on which level you are seeking to achieve. The cost for obtaining the CSMA certification is $395 USD; for obtaining the CSMM certification it is $595 USD; for obtaining the CSME certification it is $795 USD.

In terms of time commitment to obtain any one of these certifications, it can take anywhere from two months to six months or longer depending on how quickly you are able to complete all required coursework, exams, portfolios, etc.

6. Certified International Sales Manager (CISM)

Certified International Sales Manager (CISM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward sales professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in international sales. The CISM certification is awarded by the International Trade Council (ITC), an international organization that promotes global trade and provides resources for businesses engaged in international commerce.

To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of international sales management through a comprehensive exam. This exam covers topics such as market analysis, product development, pricing strategies, customer service, negotiation techniques, and legal issues related to international trade. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online or at approved test centers around the world.

The CISM certification process typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on the individual’s experience and preparation for the exam. To get started, applicants must first register with the ITC and pay an application fee of $250 USD. After registration is complete, applicants will be given access to study materials and practice exams which they can use to prepare for the actual exam.

Once applicants have passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their official CISM certificate from the ITC along with an accompanying digital badge that can be shared on social media sites such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

The cost of obtaining a CISM certification varies depending on where you take your exam but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD including registration fees and other associated costs.

7. Certified Channel Partner Manager (CCPM)

Certified Channel Partner Manager (CCPM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Channel Partners (IACP). It is designed to help channel partners become more successful in their business relationships with vendors. The CCPM program provides education, training, and certification for channel partner managers.

The CCPM program consists of two parts: an online course and an onsite exam. The online course consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as customer relationship management, sales strategies, marketing plans, and more. The onsite exam is designed to assess the knowledge gained through the online course.

The cost of the CCPM program varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

In order to get certified as a CCPM, you must first complete the online course and pass the onsite exam with a score of 70% or higher. The time it takes to complete this process can vary depending on your schedule and how quickly you are able to work through the material; however, it typically takes around three months.

8. Certified Global Account Manager (CGAM)

Certified Global Account Manager (CGAM) is a professional certification program designed to help account managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage global accounts. The program is offered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA).

The CGAM program consists of four modules: Introduction to Global Accounts, Global Financial Management, Global Business Strategies, and Global Risk Management. Each module includes lectures, case studies, and practical exercises. The program takes approximately 12-16 weeks to complete.

In order to obtain the CGAM designation, individuals must pass an exam administered by AICPA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as international finance, global business strategies, risk management, and global account management.

The cost of the CGAM program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD.

9. Professional in Business-to-Business Selling (PBBS)

Professional in Business-to-Business Selling (PBBS) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business-to-business selling. It is offered by the Professional Association of Sales Professionals (PASP).

The PBBS certification program consists of a series of online courses, webinars, and assessments covering topics such as customer needs analysis, negotiation strategies, sales process management, and sales technology. The program also includes an optional field experience component that allows participants to gain hands-on experience in a real business environment.

The PBBS certification program typically takes between 12 and 18 months to complete depending on the individual's pace. To get started with the program, applicants must first register with PASP and pay the registration fee. After registering, applicants will receive access to all course materials and can begin working through the courses at their own pace.

The cost of the PBBS certification program varies depending on whether or not you choose to participate in the field experience component. The cost for just the online courses is $1,495 USD while the cost for both online courses and field experience is $2,295 USD.

10. Advanced Professional in Strategic Selling and Negotiation Skills (APSNSN)

Advanced Professional in Strategic Selling and Negotiation Skills (APSNSN) is a comprehensive training program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills needed to become successful negotiators. It is an intensive, two-day program that covers topics such as understanding buyer behavior, developing negotiation strategies, creating win-win outcomes, and managing difficult conversations.

The APSNSN program takes two days to complete. On the first day of the program, participants will learn about the fundamentals of negotiation and how to create a successful negotiation strategy. On the second day, participants will learn more advanced techniques for negotiating with buyers and how to manage difficult conversations.

To get APSNSN certification, you must attend an approved training course and pass a final exam. The cost of the training varies depending on location and provider but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Commercial Sales Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a commercial sales manager certificate. However, there are many benefits to obtaining a certificate in this field. A commercial sales manager certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the competitive world of sales management. It can also give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.

A commercial sales manager certificate will typically cover topics such as marketing, customer service, product development and pricing strategies. It will also teach you how to develop and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers. Additionally, a certificate program may include courses on conflict resolution and negotiation techniques that are essential for successful sales managers. Finally, it will equip you with the practical tools needed to manage sales teams effectively.

Overall, the decision whether or not to pursue a commercial sales manager certificate should be based on your individual career goals and objectives. If you are looking for a way to gain an edge in the job market or if you are interested in advancing your career within the field of sales management then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial.

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FAQs About Commercial Sales Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become a Commercial Sales Manager?

Answer: Generally, a bachelor's degree in business or a related field is required to become a Commercial Sales Manager. Additionally, some employers may require sales experience and/or professional certification.

2. How long does it take to obtain a Commercial Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: The time to obtain a Commercial Sales Manager Certification will vary depending on the specific program you choose; however, most certifications can be obtained within six months to one year.

3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Commercial Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: Prerequisites for obtaining a Commercial Sales Manager Certification may vary by program and may include an undergraduate degree in business or related field, sales experience, and/or other professional certifications such as customer service or marketing certifications.

4. How much does it cost to obtain a Commercial Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Commercial Sales Manager Certification will depend on the specific program you choose; however, most programs range from $500-$2000 USD.

5. Is there an online option available for obtaining a Commercial Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, many organizations offer online options for obtaining a Commercial Sales Manager Certification that allow you to complete your training at your own pace and convenience without having to attend classes in person.