Top 10 Counter Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for counter managers in the job market because they provide evidence of a candidate’s qualifications and knowledge. Having certification demonstrates that the candidate has obtained specialized training and knowledge beyond what is typically expected in the role. It also shows potential employers that the individual is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends. Furthermore, certifications can help counter managers stand out from other applicants, as they demonstrate an extra level of expertise and dedication to their profession.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Counter Managers and explain how they can help to advance a counter manager's career.

What are Counter Manager Certifications?

Counter Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help retail professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage a retail counter. Counter Managers are responsible for leading store personnel in order to maximize both customer service and store profitability. The certification focuses on topics such as customer service, merchandising, inventory management, marketing, sales techniques, and operations management. With this certification, managers gain a comprehensive understanding of retail operations and learn how to maximize profits by optimizing their team’s performance. They also learn how to identify areas of improvement in the store’s operations and create strategies to address them. Counter Manager Certification can help current or aspiring managers improve their skillset and stay ahead of industry trends in order to increase sales, reduce costs, and boost customer satisfaction.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a counter manager certification, it is important to research and understand the specific responsibilities associated with the role before enrolling in a course. This will ensure that you are prepared for the material and able to get the most out of your certification.

Related: What does a Counter Manager do?

Top 10 Counter Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Counter Manager (CCM)

Certified Counter Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program designed to provide retail professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a retail counter. The CCM certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The CCM program consists of an online course, an in-person exam, and a final project. The online course covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, marketing strategies, inventory management, and financial principles. The in-person exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the online course. The final project requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

The CCM program typically takes about six months to complete. Candidates must successfully complete all components of the program before they can be certified as a Certified Counter Manager.

The cost of the CCM program varies depending on which package you choose. Generally speaking, packages range from $600-$1,000 USD.

2. Certified Professional Counter Manager (CPCM)

Certified Professional Counter Manager (CPCM) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Professional Counter Managers (NAPCM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professional counter managers. The CPCM certification is awarded to those who have demonstrated a mastery of the principles and practices of professional counter management.

The CPCM program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, sales techniques, inventory control, and store operations. After completing the online course, applicants must pass an in-person exam administered by NAPCM.

The cost for the CPCM program varies depending on whether you take the online course or attend an in-person class. For those taking the online course only, it costs $395 USD; for those attending an in-person class, it costs $495 USD. The cost includes access to all materials needed to complete the program and take the exam.

In order to obtain your CPCM certification, you must pass both parts of the program with a score of at least 80%. The entire process typically takes around 8 weeks from start to finish.

3. Certified Retail Counter Manager (CRCM)

Certified Retail Counter Manager (CRCM) is a professional certification offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed for retail professionals who are responsible for managing and leading retail counter operations. The certification demonstrates that an individual has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage a retail counter.

The CRCM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time experience in retail management or supervision. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by the NRF that covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, inventory control, and merchandising.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $295. To prepare for the exam, applicants can take online courses or attend in-person seminars offered by the NRF. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their CRCM certification within two weeks.

4. Certified Food and Beverage Counter Manager (CFBCM)

Certified Food and Beverage Counter Manager (CFBCM) is a professional certification program designed to help food and beverage professionals hone their skills in the areas of customer service, food safety, product knowledge, and management. The certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

To become a Certified Food and Beverage Counter Manager, an individual must complete an approved training program that includes classroom instruction and practical experience. The program typically takes six months to complete, although some programs may be completed in as little as four months. Upon successful completion of the training program, participants must pass a written exam administered by the NRAEF.

The cost of becoming a CFBCM varies depending on the provider offering the program. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for the course materials and exam fees.

Once certified, CFBCMs have access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on products and services related to foodservice operations; access to industry resources; networking opportunities; job postings; and more.

5. Certified Grocery Store Counter Manager (CGSCM)

Certified Grocery Store Counter Manager (CGSCM) is a certification program offered by the National Grocers Association (NGA). It is designed to provide grocery store managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their store’s counter operations. The certification focuses on areas such as customer service, inventory management, food safety, and merchandising.

The CGSCM certification requires applicants to complete an online training course that covers topics such as customer service, inventory management, food safety, and merchandising. The course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CGSCM certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD for the online training course and exam.

In order to maintain their certification status, certified grocery store counter managers must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every three years. This can be done through attending NGA events or taking additional courses related to grocery store management.

6. National Restaurant Association's ServSafe® Counter Management Certification

The National Restaurant Association's ServSafe® Counter Management Certification is a comprehensive training program that provides foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly manage a foodservice counter. The certification is designed to help restaurant operators and managers ensure the safety of their customers by providing them with up-to-date information on safe food handling practices, proper storage techniques, and other important topics related to counter management.

To obtain the certification, individuals must complete an online course that typically takes 8-10 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as food safety fundamentals, temperature control, personal hygiene, cross contamination prevention, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and pest control. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the ServSafe® Counter Management Certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 for the online course and exam.

7. Professional Retail Store Management Association's Certified Retail Store Manager Certification

The Professional Retail Store Management Association’s (PRSMA) Certified Retail Store Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of retail store managers. This certification program is based on the PRSMA’s Core Competencies for Retail Store Managers, which include topics such as customer service, sales and marketing, financial management, operations management, human resources management, and more.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with their resume and a fee of $295 USD. Once the application has been approved by PRSMA, applicants are required to take an online assessment test that covers the core competencies for retail store managers. Upon successful completion of the assessment test, applicants will be awarded the Certified Retail Store Manager Certification.

In addition to receiving the Certified Retail Store Manager Certification, applicants will also gain access to a variety of resources including webinars and workshops on various topics related to retail store management. They will also receive discounts on PRSMA membership fees and other benefits such as access to job postings in the retail industry.

8. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute's Certified Hospitality Supervisor/Counter Manager Certification

The Certified Hospitality Supervisor/Counter Manager Certification (CHS/CM) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to provide hospitality supervisors and counter managers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage their departments. The CHS/CM certification is recognized by many leading hospitality organizations, making it an important credential for those seeking career advancement in the industry.

The CHS/CM certification program consists of three courses: Supervisory Management, Front Office Operations, and Human Resources Management. Each course provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful supervisors or counter managers. The courses are offered online or in-person at AHLEI-approved training centers. The entire program can be completed in as little as six months, although some students may take longer depending on their individual learning style and availability.

To earn the CHS/CM certification, students must pass all three courses with a minimum score of 70%. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive their official certificate from AHLEI.

The cost of the CHS/CM certification program varies depending on the course format chosen (online or in-person). Online courses typically cost between $500-$700 per course, while in-person courses typically cost between $800-$1200 per course. Additionally, there may be additional fees for materials or exams associated with each course.

9. International Council of Shopping Centers' Certified Shopping Center Manager Certification

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and skills of shopping center managers. This certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the management principles and practices necessary to successfully manage a shopping center.

To obtain the CSCM certification, individuals must complete an approved course of study and pass an examination administered by ICSC. The course of study includes topics such as lease administration, tenant relations, marketing, security, operations, finance and accounting, legal issues, and more. The course typically takes 12-18 months to complete.

In order to get the CSCM certification, individuals must first register with ICSC and pay the registration fee. Once registered, they will be assigned a mentor who will guide them through their studies and help them prepare for their exam. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, they will receive their CSCM certificate from ICSC.

The cost for the CSCM certification varies depending on whether you are an ICSC member or non-member. For members, the cost is $1,500 USD plus applicable taxes; for non-members it is $2,000 USD plus applicable taxes.

10. National Association of Convenience Stores' Certified Convenience Store Manager Certification

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Certified Convenience Store Manager Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage a convenience store. The certification is designed to help convenience store managers develop their management skills and increase their value to their employer.

To become certified, individuals must complete an online application and pass the NACS Certified Convenience Store Manager Exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service, inventory control, marketing, financial management, and operations. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center or Pearson VUE Testing Center.

The cost for the exam is $250 USD. After passing the exam, individuals will receive a certificate from NACS verifying their status as a Certified Convenience Store Manager. This certification is valid for three years. Individuals must then renew their certification every three years by taking an additional exam or completing continuing education credits in order to maintain active status.

Do You Really Need a Counter Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. A Counter Manager Certificate is not required to work in a retail establishment. However, having one may give you an edge over other applicants when it comes to job opportunities and promotions.

A Counter Manager Certificate is usually offered by specific retail companies or organizations. These certificates offer specialized knowledge about the organization’s products, services, and customer relations. The certificate also includes important topics such as inventory management and customer service. With this knowledge, a counter manager can better serve customers and ensure that the store runs smoothly.

Having a Counter Manager Certificate can be beneficial for those seeking employment in customer service-related positions at retail stores or organizations. It can demonstrate to employers that the applicant has a strong understanding of the industry and the necessary skills to perform the job effectively. Furthermore, it can help an individual stand out from other applicants who do not have this type of certification or knowledge base.

In conclusion, while having a Counter Manager Certificate is not required to work in retail establishments, it can certainly provide an advantage in terms of career advancement opportunities and job placement. Those interested should consider researching their options before enrolling in any program or coursework related to this field of study.

Related: Counter Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Counter Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Counter Manager Certification?

A1: A Counter Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to train and certify retail professionals in customer service and sales techniques. It is designed to help retailers maximize their sales potential while providing excellent customer service.

Q2: How do I become certified?

A2: To become certified, you must complete an approved Counter Manager Certification program and pass the associated exam. The program typically includes training on product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques, and store operations.

Q3: How long does it take to receive my certification?

A3: Depending on the program you choose, it can take anywhere from one day to several weeks or months to complete the coursework and receive your certification.

Q4: What are the requirements for maintaining my certification?

A4: Most programs require that you attend periodic refresher courses or online training sessions in order to maintain your certification status. Additionally, some programs may require that you pass additional exams in order to keep your certification active.

Q5: Is there an expiration date for my certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date of two years after completion of the program. You will need to renew your certification by completing additional training or passing additional exams before that date in order to remain certified.