Top 10 Corporate Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a corporate sales manager in the job market for a number of reasons. First, certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has taken the time and effort to gain specialized knowledge in their field. This can be especially valuable when it comes to competitive positions, as it shows that the applicant is committed to staying up-to-date on best practices and industry standards. Additionally, certifications can give an applicant an edge over other candidates who lack such credentials. Furthermore, certifications can open doors to new career opportunities and higher salaries, as they often indicate that the individual has achieved a level of expertise in their chosen field. Finally, certifications can provide credibility and trustworthiness when negotiating with clients or managing complex projects.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Corporate Sales Managers and explain how they can enhance a corporate sales manager's career.

What are Corporate Sales Manager Certifications?

Corporate Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide sales managers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage their sales teams. The certification provides an in-depth understanding of effective sales management strategies, such as hiring and training sales staff, setting goals, creating incentive plans, developing customer relationships, analyzing data, managing budgets and forecasting future sales. It also covers topics related to leadership and communication.

By obtaining Corporate Sales Manager Certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional development and prove that they have the necessary skills to successfully lead a team of sales professionals. This certification can increase job opportunities for those seeking to advance their career in the field of corporate sales management. It also provides a competitive edge over other applicants when it comes to salary negotiations or promotions. Finally, having this certification can help individuals gain confidence in their abilities as a manager and improve their effectiveness in leading a successful team.

Pro Tip: When considering a corporate sales manager certification, make sure to research the credibility of the program and its accreditation. Look for programs that offer practical training and support from experienced industry professionals who can help guide you through the certification process.

Related: What does a Corporate Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Corporate Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Management Association. It is designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies necessary for successful sales management. This certification provides an objective measure of a sales manager’s knowledge and ability.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundations, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires passing a written exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge in areas such as sales process management, customer relationship management, and team leadership. The exams are administered through Prometric Testing Centers worldwide.

It typically takes 12-18 months to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. Candidates must first pass the Foundations exam before moving on to Intermediate and Advanced levels. Each level requires approximately 40 hours of study time per exam, including review of course materials and practice questions.

To be eligible for the CPSM program, candidates must have at least three years of experience in sales or sales management roles, although some exceptions may apply depending on individual circumstances.

The cost to take each level of the CPSM program ranges from $400-$600 USD depending on location and currency exchange rates. Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee required to maintain active status with the Sales Management Association after achieving certification.

2. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)

The Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) is a professional certification developed by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to recognize marketing professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field.

The PCM program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person exam. The online assessment covers topics such as marketing strategy, consumer behavior, digital marketing, and analytics. Once you pass the online assessment, you must then take the in-person exam. This exam covers more advanced topics such as brand management, integrated marketing communications, and customer experience management.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the PCM program depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams. To get certified, you must first register with the AMA and pay a fee of $299 USD. After registering, you will receive access to the online assessment and be able to schedule your in-person exam at an approved testing center.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the PCM program, you will receive your official certification from the AMA along with other materials such as a certificate of completion and access to exclusive resources for certified marketers.

3. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program that helps sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. It is offered by the American Society of Professional Salespeople (ASPS). The certification is designed to help sales professionals understand how to effectively use technology, build relationships, and close deals.

The CSE certification program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires passing an exam and completing a set number of hours in training courses. The Basic level focuses on fundamental sales concepts such as customer service, communication, and negotiation; while the Intermediate level covers more advanced topics such as sales strategy and persuasion techniques. The Advanced level covers topics like business analytics and complex problem solving.

In order to obtain the CSE certification, individuals must pass all three exams within one year of starting the program. Additionally, they must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education credits within two years after obtaining their certification.

The cost for the CSE certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing and where you are taking your exams from. In general, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for all three levels combined.

4. Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP)

Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP) is a professional certification program for sales and marketing professionals. It is offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be successful in sales and marketing roles.

The CSMP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, sales process, digital marketing, pricing strategies, negotiation tactics, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. Applicants must also demonstrate a minimum of two years of professional experience in sales or marketing to qualify for the certification.

The cost of the CSMP certification is $495 USD. This fee includes the cost of the exam as well as access to study materials and practice tests. The exam can be taken at any approved testing center or online through ProctorU.

It typically takes around six months to complete all requirements for the CSMP certification. This includes studying for the exam, registering for it, taking it, and receiving your results from AMA.

5. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies and skills necessary to be successful in business development. The CBDP certification is offered by the Global Association of Business Development Professionals (GABDP).

The CBDP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as sales, marketing, negotiation, finance, and project management. To become certified, applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of business development principles and practices through a portfolio review process.

The CBDP exam can be taken online or in person at one of GABDP’s authorized testing centers. The exam typically takes 3-4 hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions.

The cost for taking the CBDP exam varies depending on the location and whether it is taken online or in person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $350-$600 USD.

6. Certified Strategic Sales Leader (CSSL)

Certified Strategic Sales Leader (CSSL) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to become successful strategic sales leaders. The CSSL certification program is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS).

The CSSL certification program consists of four courses: Strategic Selling, Negotiations, Leadership, and Professional Development. Each course is designed to help sales professionals develop their skills in these areas. The courses are offered online or in-person and take approximately 6 months to complete.

To get the CSSL certification, you must first complete all four courses. After completing the courses, you must pass an exam administered by AAPS. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from AAPS.

The cost for the CSSL certification program varies depending on which format you choose to take it in (online or in-person). Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 for the entire program.

7. Global Account Management Certification (GAMC)

Global Account Management Certification (GAMC) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals become more effective at managing global accounts. It is offered by the Global Account Management Association (GAMA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting best practices in global account management.

The GAMC program consists of four modules: Global Market Strategy, Global Sales Process, Global Relationship Building and Global Negotiation. Each module includes lectures, case studies and exercises that focus on the core concepts of global account management. The program also includes an online exam which must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The GAMC program typically takes about two months to complete, depending on how much time you are able to devote to it. To get started, you will need to register for the program and pay the associated fee (currently $3,500). Once registered, you will be given access to all of the course materials and can begin studying right away.

At the end of each module there is an online exam that must be passed in order to move onto the next module. Once all four modules have been completed and all four exams have been passed, you will receive your GAMC certification.

The cost of obtaining your GAMC certification is $3,500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

8. International Association of Sales Professionals Certification (IASP-C)

The International Association of Sales Professionals Certification (IASP-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward excellence in sales professionals. It is the only certification program that focuses exclusively on sales professionals and their unique skillsets. IASP-C is administered by the International Association of Sales Professionals (IASP), an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in sales performance.

The IASP-C certification process involves completing an online application, passing a written exam, attending a two-day workshop, and achieving a minimum score on the IASP-C Sales Performance Assessment. The entire process typically takes three months or more to complete.

To get started, applicants must first submit an online application and pay the $150 registration fee. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email with instructions for taking the written exam. Once they pass the exam, they will be invited to attend a two-day workshop at one of IASP's training centers around the world. At this workshop, participants will learn about sales fundamentals, customer service techniques, and other essential topics related to sales success.

After successfully completing the workshop, participants must then take and pass the IASP-C Sales Performance Assessment (SPA). This assessment consists of multiple choice questions that measure competency in areas such as customer service, communication skills, problem solving, and sales strategies. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 70% on this assessment in order to earn their certification.

Once all requirements have been met and approved by IASP staff members, applicants will receive their official IASP-C certification certificate via mail within 4–6 weeks. The total cost for earning your IASP-C certification is $250 which includes both the registration fee and SPA assessment fee.

9. Accredited Business Development Manager (ABDM)

Accredited Business Development Manager (ABDM) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop their business development and sales skills. The ABDM certification program is offered by the American Association of Professional Business Development Managers (AAPBDM). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage, develop, and market businesses.

The ABDM certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive training program that includes courses in marketing, finance, customer service, operations management, and other related topics. The coursework is designed to give students the tools they need to successfully manage and grow their businesses. Upon completion of the coursework, students must pass an examination in order to receive their ABDM certification.

The duration of the ABDM certification program varies depending on the student's learning style and availability. Generally speaking, it takes about six months for most people to complete all of the required coursework and pass the exam.

To become an ABDM certified professional, you must first register for a membership with AAPBDM. Once you are registered as a member you will be able to access all of the materials needed for your training. You will also have access to online resources such as webinars and forums where you can ask questions and get advice from experienced professionals in the field.

The cost of becoming an ABDM certified professional varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $495 while more advanced packages may cost up to $1,995. These fees cover all of your course materials as well as any additional support services provided by AAPBDM during your training period.

10. Certified Account Executive (CAE)

Certified Account Executive (CAE) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in account management, sales, and customer service. The CAE credential is offered through the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM).

The CAE program consists of four courses: Account Management Fundamentals, Sales and Customer Service Strategies, Professional Ethics and Practice Standards, and Business Leadership. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study to complete. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants must pass a proctored exam to earn the CAE designation.

To become a Certified Account Executive, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience in an account management role or related field; demonstrating knowledge and understanding of business principles; possessing strong communication skills; and holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

The cost for the CAE program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,500 to $2,000 for all four courses plus the exam fee.

Do You Really Need a Corporate Sales Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A corporate sales manager certificate is not a requirement for most jobs in the field of corporate sales management. However, having one can certainly be beneficial.

Having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and knowledge of the field. It shows employers that you have taken the time to get additional training outside of what was provided through your college courses or existing job experience. This can give you an edge over other applicants who do not have any additional certifications.

A corporate sales manager certificate can also provide you with additional skills and insights that could help you become a better leader and mentor within the organization. Many certificates focus on topics such as team building, customer service, and marketing techniques, which are all important aspects of being a successful corporate sales manager. Additionally, some certificates specialize in certain areas such as healthcare or technology, which could open up opportunities for you to work in those industries if desired.

Overall, having a corporate sales manager certificate is not required for many positions but it definitely has its advantages. It can give you an edge over other applicants and provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that will help you excel in the position if chosen.

Related: Corporate Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Corporate Sales Manager Certifications

Q1. What are the different types of Corporate Sales Manager Certifications available?

A1. The most common types of Corporate Sales Manager Certifications available are Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM), Certified Sales Manager (CSM), and Global Professional in Sales Management (GPSM).

Q2. How do I become certified as a Corporate Sales Manager?

A2. To become certified as a Corporate Sales Manager, you must first meet the educational requirements for the certification program, complete an approved training program, and then pass the certification exam.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a Corporate Sales Manager?

A3. It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the necessary requirements and pass the exam to become certified as a Corporate Sales Manager.

Q4. What are some of the benefits of becoming certified as a Corporate Sales Manager?

A4. Becoming certified as a Corporate Sales Manager can provide you with numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, respect from colleagues, improved credibility, and access to industry resources and networks.

Q5. Is there any type of support available while studying for my Certification Exam?

A5: Yes! Many organizations offer online study guides, practice exams, and other resources to help you prepare for your Certification Exam. Additionally, many professional associations provide mentorship programs or other forms of support for those studying for their certifications.