Top 10 CRM Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for CRM Managers. Certifications demonstrate that a candidate has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in their field, making them more attractive to employers. By obtaining certifications, CRM Managers can demonstrate their commitment to the profession and increase their chances of being hired. Additionally, certifications can also provide a competitive edge when it comes to salary negotiations. Employers often look favorably on applicants who have taken the time and effort to obtain certifications related to their profession, which can lead to higher salaries and better benefits packages.

This article reviews the top certifications for CRM Managers and explains how they can help to advance a CRM Manager's career.

What are CRM Manager Certifications?

CRM Manager Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of customer relationship management (CRM) systems and processes. The certification covers topics such as CRM strategy, business process analysis, data analysis, system design, implementation, and maintenance. It also covers the use of CRM software tools to support these activities. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in the field of CRM and show employers that they are qualified for roles related to managing customer relationships and leveraging technology to do so effectively.

Having a CRM Manager Certification can help individuals stand out in the job market and make them more attractive to potential employers. It shows that they have taken the initiative to develop their skills and stay up-to-date on trends in the industry. In addition, it provides proof that they have a comprehensive understanding of CRM processes and can apply this knowledge when working with customers or developing new software solutions. Finally, having a CRM Manager Certification may give individuals access to networks of professionals who can provide valuable insights into the latest developments in CRM technology.

Pro Tip: When considering a CRM Manager Certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and in-depth instruction. Learning the practical skills and best practices of successful CRM management can be invaluable for your career. Additionally, seek out certifications from organizations with strong reputations in the field of customer relationship management.

Related: What does a CRM Manager do?

Top 10 CRM Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified CRM Professional (CCRM)

Certified CRM Professional (CCRM) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Certified CRM Professionals (AACCRMP). The CCRM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in customer relationship management (CRM) and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

The CCRM certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as customer segmentation, marketing automation, data analysis, process improvement, customer service and more. The exam is administered online and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also submit an application form and pay a fee of $295 USD.

In order to become certified, candidates must score at least 70% on the exam and meet all other requirements outlined by AACCRMP. Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.

Overall, the CCRM certification provides professionals with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to customer relationship management, helping them stand out from the competition and advance their career in this field.

2. Certified CRM Manager (CCRM)

Certified CRM Manager (CCRM) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals in the customer relationship management (CRM) industry. The CCRM program provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the area of CRM by passing a series of exams, completing coursework, and submitting a portfolio of work.

The CCRM program consists of two parts: the Core Exam and the Practicum Exam. The Core Exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge on topics such as customer service, sales process, lead generation, data analysis, project management, and more. The Practicum Exam requires applicants to complete a series of hands-on exercises that demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The CCRM certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete all required coursework and exams as well as submit their portfolio of work. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their official certification from the Certified CRM Managers Association (CCMA).

The cost for obtaining the CCRM certification varies depending on which courses are taken and how much study time is required. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD depending on the level of preparation needed.

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement Administrator Certification

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement Administrator Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in managing and deploying Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement. The certification validates an individual’s ability to configure, deploy, and manage Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement applications.

The certification requires passing two exams: Exam MB-200: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement Core and Exam MB-210: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement Applications. Each exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get the certification, you must successfully pass both exams with a minimum score of 700 out of 1000 points. You can take the exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Microsoft Learning Portal. There is also an option to retake any failed exam up to three times within 12 months of your initial attempt.

The cost for each exam is $165 USD, so it will cost $330 USD in total for both exams if you choose to take them separately. If you purchase a bundle of both exams together, you can save up to 15%.

4. Salesforce Certified Administrator

Salesforce Certified Administrator is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Salesforce platform. This certification validates an individual’s ability to successfully manage and configure Salesforce applications, as well as maintain user security, create reports and dashboards, and automate processes.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the study material, practice tests, and exams required for the certification. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.

To become certified you must first register for a Salesforce account. You can then access their Trailhead learning platform which provides free tutorials and resources to help you learn about the Salesforce platform. Once you feel confident enough with your knowledge, you can register for the certification exam through Webassessor or Prometric testing centers.

5. Oracle Sales Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle Sales Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in implementing Oracle Sales Cloud. The certification requires a comprehensive knowledge of the features, functionality, and architecture of Oracle Sales Cloud. It also requires an understanding of the customer’s business needs and how to best configure Oracle Sales Cloud to meet those needs.

The certification process typically takes 4-6 weeks and includes a combination of self-study, instructor-led training, and hands-on practice with Oracle Sales Cloud. Candidates must pass a written exam to become certified.

To get this certification, candidates must first register for the program at the Oracle University website. Once registered, they will receive access to online courses, practice exams, and other resources necessary to prepare for the exam. After completing the required coursework and practice exams, candidates can then schedule their exam at any Pearson Vue testing center near them.

The cost of this certification varies depending on which training option you choose (self-study or instructor-led). The cost of self-study materials is approximately $200 USD while instructor-led courses can range from $1,500 - $2,000 USD depending on location. The cost of the written exam is approximately $150 USD per attempt.

6. Zoho CRM Certified Consultant

Zoho CRM Certified Consultant is a professional certification program offered by Zoho that helps individuals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the areas of customer relationship management (CRM). It is designed to help consultants, developers, and other professionals prove their proficiency in using Zoho CRM.

The certification process includes taking an online exam that tests your knowledge of the various aspects of Zoho CRM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To become certified, you must score at least 70% on the exam.

To get started with the certification process, you must first register for an account with Zoho University which costs $99 USD. Once registered, you will be able to access the course material and take the online exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from Zoho University and can begin marketing yourself as a certified consultant.

The cost of becoming a Zoho CRM Certified Consultant is $99 USD for registration with Zoho University plus any additional fees associated with taking the online exam.

7. SugarCRM Certified Professional

SugarCRM Certified Professional is a certification program offered by SugarCRM, an open-source customer relationship management (CRM) platform. The certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the SugarCRM platform and validate their knowledge of the product.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of SugarCRM features, configuration options, and best practices. To be eligible for the certification, you must have at least three months of experience working with SugarCRM or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $295 USD. You can register for the exam through the SugarCRM website or through Pearson VUE testing centers. Once you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate from SugarCRM confirming your status as a Certified Professional.

8. SAP Certified Application Associate - CRM Fundamentals with SAP C/4HANA

SAP Certified Application Associate - CRM Fundamentals with SAP C/4HANA is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge required to configure, implement, and maintain customer relationship management (CRM) solutions using the SAP C/4HANA suite of products. The certification covers topics such as customer data integration, customer segmentation, analytics and reporting, marketing automation, sales automation, service automation, and more.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to prepare for the exam. To get certified you must pass one exam: C_C4C30_1711 – SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM Fundamentals with SAP C/4HANA. This exam is available in both English and German language versions.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-500 USD.

9. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification is an online certification program designed to help marketers and business owners learn the fundamentals of inbound marketing. The program covers topics such as content creation, SEO, lead generation, and more. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete the course and receive your certification.

In order to get certified, you must first create a free HubSpot account. Once you have created an account, you can access the Inbound Marketing Certification course from the HubSpot Academy homepage. The course is free of charge but requires a passing score on all four quizzes in order to be certified.

The certification is valid for one year and can be renewed by completing the recertification exam at no additional cost. Once you become certified, you will receive a digital badge that can be shared with employers or used on your website or social media profiles.

10. Marketo Certified Expert

Marketo Certified Expert is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the use of Marketo’s marketing automation platform. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals using Marketo to create successful campaigns, nurture leads, and measure results.

The certification consists of two exams: the Marketo Certified Expert Exam and the Marketo Certified Expert Advanced Exam. The former covers topics such as lead scoring, segmentation, and email marketing; while the latter focuses on advanced topics such as API integration, web personalization, and campaign optimization. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To become certified as a Marketo Certified Expert, you must first pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher. After passing both exams, you will be awarded a digital badge that can be shared on social media profiles or websites. The cost for taking both exams is $499 USD.

Do You Really Need a CRM Manager Certificate?

A CRM Manager Certificate can be beneficial to those wanting to pursue a career in customer relationship management. Having a certificate will demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to manage customer relationships. It may also provide an edge over other job applicants who don’t have one.

However, it is not essential for everyone looking to work in this field. If you already have a degree or relevant experience, then you may find that employers are more interested in your qualifications and experience than they are in whether or not you have a certificate.

The decision as to whether or not you need a CRM Manager Certificate ultimately depends on your individual situation and goals. If you believe that having one would give you an advantage when applying for jobs, then it could be worth pursuing. Alternatively, if you feel confident about your existing qualifications and experience, then a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: CRM Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About CRM Manager Certifications

1. What is a CRM Manager Certification?

Answer: A CRM Manager Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills related to customer relationship management (CRM) software and processes.

2. How long does it take to get a CRM Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a CRM Manager Certification varies depending on the particular program and institution offering the certification. Generally, it takes anywhere from six months to two years of study and practice for individuals to become certified.

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

Answer: Yes, most programs require individuals to have prior experience in customer relationship management (CRM) software and processes before they can become certified. Additionally, some programs also require individuals to pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

4. What are the benefits of having a CRM Manager Certification?

Answer: Having a CRM Manager Certification demonstrates your expertise in the customer relationship management field and can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, it can give you greater credibility with employers and customers alike, as well as increase your earning potential in the long run.

5. Where can I find more information about becoming certified as a CRM Manager?

Answer: There are many resources available online that provide detailed information about becoming certified as a CRM manager, including websites such as the International Association of Customer Relationship Management (IACRM), which offers certifications through its Certified Professional Program (CPP). Additionally, most institutions offering certifications will provide additional information about their program requirements on their website or via email inquiry.