Top 10 Customer Service Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for customer service consultants to demonstrate their competence and knowledge in the job market. They can help demonstrate the consultant’s commitment to professional development, and show that they have taken the initiative to gain additional training and qualifications beyond their existing skillset. This can be a valuable asset when competing with other applicants in the job market, as it may give them an edge over their peers. Furthermore, certifications can also provide customers with a measure of assurance that the consultant is qualified to meet their needs and expectations.

The purpose of this article is to inform customer service consultants about the top certifications available and how those certifications can help to advance their careers.

What are Customer Service Consultant Certifications?

Customer service consultant certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to help individuals who work in customer service roles gain a greater understanding of the field and develop their skills. The certification covers topics such as communication, problem solving, customer service strategies, and customer satisfaction measurement. Through this certification, individuals gain knowledge and skills that can help them to better meet the needs of customers and provide an overall higher level of service.

This certification can be especially helpful for those working in customer-facing roles, as it provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of customer service and how to improve their performance. By having these skills, individuals can become more effective at resolving customer complaints and handling difficult situations. Additionally, they will be able to identify areas where improvements can be made in order to increase customer satisfaction. Ultimately, becoming certified as a customer service consultant gives individuals the tools they need to become successful in their role and provide exceptional customer service.

Pro tip: Make sure to research the customer service consultant certification program you are considering. Ask for references and read reviews from current or former students to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.

Related: What does a Customer Service Consultant do?

Top 10 Customer Service Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Customer Service Consultants today.

1. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in customer service. The CCSP certification program is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, customer service strategies, communication skills, problem solving and conflict resolution, customer relations management, and technology applications. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CCSP certification, applicants must have at least 2 years of experience in customer service or related fields. Applicants must also have completed a minimum of 10 hours of ICSA-approved continuing education courses within the past two years.

The cost for the CCSP exam is $395 USD for ICSA members and $495 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials, practice exams, and a one-year membership with ICSA.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the CCSP exam, they will receive their certification within 4-6 weeks via mail or email.

2. Certified Professional in Customer Service (CPCS)

Certified Professional in Customer Service (CPCS) is an internationally recognized professional certification program that provides customer service professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their field. The certification is awarded by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CPCS program consists of four courses: Foundations of Customer Service, Building Relationships & Loyalty, Enhancing the Customer Experience, and Leading & Managing a Team. Each course focuses on a different aspect of customer service and takes approximately 10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their CPCS certification.

To get certified as a CPCS, you must first complete all four courses and pass the associated exams. After passing the exams, you will be eligible to submit your application for certification. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your official CPCS certificate.

The cost of the CPCS certification varies depending on which package you choose. The standard package costs $299 USD and includes access to all four courses, practice tests, and one year of membership with ICSA. The premium package costs $399 USD and includes access to all four courses plus additional resources such as webinars and online forums.

3. Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM)

Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) is a professional certification offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). It is designed to provide customer service professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their roles. The certification requires passing an exam which covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication strategies, problem-solving techniques, and customer relations management.

The CCSM exam typically takes 2-3 hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, ICSA offers study materials and practice exams that can be purchased online. Additionally, there are several online courses available from various providers that can help candidates better understand the material covered on the exam.

The cost of taking the CCSM exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once a candidate passes the exam, they will receive their certification from ICSA and will be able to use the CCSM designation on their resume or business cards.

4. Certified Customer Care Professional (CCCP)

Certified Customer Care Professional (CCCP) is a certification program designed to help customer service professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of customer service. The CCCP certification is administered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCCP certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication techniques, problem-solving strategies, and customer satisfaction measurement. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to two hours to complete.

To become certified as a CCCP, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in customer service or related fields. They must also have completed a minimum of 30 hours of ICSA-approved training courses.

The cost for the CCCP certification varies depending on the applicant’s location and whether they are taking the exam online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam in person.

5. Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR)

Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) is a certification program offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). The CCSR certification is designed to recognize customer service professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in customer service.

The CCSR certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and customer relations management. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CCSR certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in customer service or a related field. Applicants must also submit an application form with proof of their work experience and education. After submitting their application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of the CCSR certification is $295 USD. This fee includes the cost of the exam and access to study materials such as practice tests and reference guides.

6. Certified Quality Customer Service Specialist (CQCSS)

Certified Quality Customer Service Specialist (CQCSS) is a certification program that provides customer service professionals with the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional customer service. The program is designed to help customer service representatives, supervisors, and managers understand how to provide quality customer service in a variety of settings.

The CQCSS program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course is self-paced and covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication skills, problem solving, conflict resolution, and more. It typically takes about 8 hours for participants to complete the online course.

The exam is administered by Prometric Testing Centers or Pearson VUE Testing Centers. It consists of multiple-choice questions covering the material presented in the online course. Participants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to earn their CQCSS certification.

The cost of the CQCSS program varies depending on where you take it. The cost typically ranges from $150-$200 USD for both the online course and exam fees combined.

7. Certified Call Center Representative (CCCR)

A Certified Call Center Representative (CCCR) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in customer service and call center operations. The CCCR is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and ability to effectively handle customer inquiries, provide accurate information, and resolve customer issues.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CCCR program depending on the individual's prior experience. The program includes online coursework, hands-on training, and a final exam. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

To obtain the CCCR certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by a third-party organization such as the Professional Association for Customer Engagement (PACE). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service best practices, call center operations, communication skills, problem solving strategies, and data analysis. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CCCR certification which is valid for two years.

8. Certified Complaint Resolution Specialist (CCRS)

A Certified Complaint Resolution Specialist (CCRS) is a professional who has been trained in the principles of complaint resolution and customer service. The CCRS program is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively resolve customer complaints, while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer satisfaction.

The CCRS program consists of a series of online courses that cover topics such as customer service, complaint resolution, problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution. Upon completion of the coursework, participants must pass an exam to become certified. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional coursework or attending refresher courses.

The cost of the CCRS program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$500 to complete the program. It typically takes between four weeks and two months to complete the program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate each week.

To get certified as a CCRS, you must first complete all required coursework and pass the exam with a passing grade. Once you have successfully completed all requirements, you will receive your certification from the provider.

9. Certified Social Media Customer Support Specialist (CSMCSSS)

A Certified Social Media Customer Support Specialist (CSMCSSS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in providing customer service on social media platforms. The certification is designed to help organizations provide better customer service and support on social media channels.

It typically takes about four to six months to complete the CSMCSSS program, depending on the individual's experience and background. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service best practices, social media engagement strategies, and community management techniques.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD. Additionally, some providers may require applicants to purchase additional materials or services such as training courses or workshops in order to complete their certification.

10. International Association of Business Communicators’ Certificate in Professional Customer Service Management (IABC-CPCSM).

The International Association of Business Communicators’ Certificate in Professional Customer Service Management (IABC-CPCSM) is a professional certification program designed to help customer service professionals enhance their skills and knowledge. The program provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the field of customer service and gain recognition from peers, employers, and clients.

The IABC-CPCSM certification consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires the completion of a series of online courses that cover topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication strategies, problem solving techniques, and more. The courses are designed to be completed at the individual's own pace.

To receive the IABC-CPCSM certification, individuals must successfully complete all three levels within two years. Upon successful completion of all three levels, individuals will receive a certificate from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

The cost for the IABC-CPCSM certification varies depending on which level(s) you choose to pursue. The Basic level costs $250 USD; the Intermediate level costs $500 USD; and the Advanced level costs $750 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 USD that must be paid when registering for any level of the program.

Overall, obtaining the IABC-CPCSM certification can take up to two years and cost up to $1,550 USD (including application fees). However, this investment can pay off in terms of increased job opportunities and higher salaries for those who have achieved this prestigious certification.

Do You Really Need a Customer Service Consultant Certificate?

A customer service consultant certificate is not necessary to become an effective customer service consultant. The most important aspects of being a successful customer service consultant are having excellent communication skills, being organized and detail-oriented, having strong problem-solving abilities, and understanding the needs and expectations of customers.

Having a customer service consultant certificate can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, if you are applying for a job in a large organization that has strict qualifications for its customer service consultants, then it may be beneficial to have a certificate to prove your knowledge and experience in the field. In addition, having a certificate may make you more attractive to potential employers as it demonstrates your commitment to the profession.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a customer service consultant certificate will depend on your individual situation. If you feel like you have all of the necessary skills and experience without the certificate, then there is no reason why you would need one. However, if you want to demonstrate that you are serious about your career choice and are committed to providing excellent customer service then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial.

Related: Customer Service Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Customer Service Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a Customer Service Consultant Certification?

A1. A Customer Service Consultant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in providing customer service to clients. It typically involves completing coursework, passing an exam, and meeting other requirements.

Q2. How do I earn a Customer Service Consultant Certification?

A2. To earn a Customer Service Consultant Certification, you must complete the necessary coursework, pass an exam, and meet any other requirements set by the certifying organization.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a Customer Service Consultant Certification?

A3. Having a Customer Service Consultant Certification can help demonstrate expertise in customer service to potential employers or clients, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement and increased income potential.

Q4. How long does it take to earn a Customer Service Consultant Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to earn a Customer Service Consultant Certification varies depending on the individual and the certifying organization’s requirements; however, some certifications may be earned within weeks or months of starting the process.

Q5. Is there an age requirement for earning a Customer Service Consultant Certification?

A5. Generally, no age requirement exists for earning a Customer Service Consultant Certification; however, some certifying organizations may have specific age requirements or restrictions in place for certain courses or exams related to the certification program.