Top 10 Customer Service Operator Certifications
Updated 16 min read
Certifications for a customer service operator are important in the job market because they provide employers with tangible evidence that an applicant is qualified and experienced in providing exceptional customer service. Certifications demonstrate to employers that the candidate has received formal training and education in customer service, which can help them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications provide assurance to employers that their customer service team will be knowledgeable and well-equipped to handle customers’ needs. In short, certifications provide employers with confidence that a potential hire has the skills necessary to excel in the role of a customer service operator.
The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Customer Service Operators and explain how they can help enhance a customer service operator's career.
What are Customer Service Operator Certifications?
Customer service operator certification is a type of certification that is designed to help customer service operators enhance their skills and knowledge in order to provide better customer service. The certification program typically involves taking courses, workshops, or seminars that cover topics such as customer service best practices, communication skills, problem solving and conflict resolution. It also covers topics related to customer service technology such as call center systems and software applications.
Having a customer service operator certification can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide superior customer service. It can also help them stand out among other job candidates when applying for jobs in the customer service field. Having this type of certification shows employers that an individual has taken the initiative to learn more about providing customers with excellent service and is dedicated to continually learning new methods of providing outstanding customer care. In addition, having a certification may make an applicant eligible for higher salaries and promotions within their organization.
Pro Tip: Consider obtaining customer service operator certification to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in providing quality customer service. This can help you stand out from the competition, as well as build credibility with potential employers.
Related: What does a Customer Service Operator do?
Top 10 Customer Service Operator Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Customer Service Operators today.
1. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)
Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate superior customer service skills and knowledge. This certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).
To qualify for the CCSP, applicants must have at least two years of experience in customer service or a related field, and must pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service principles, communication techniques, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
The exam can be taken online or in-person at ICSA's testing centers. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.
The cost of the CCSP certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in-person. The online version costs $199 while the in-person version costs $249.
2. Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM)
Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) is a professional certification program designed to help customer service professionals demonstrate their expertise in the field. It is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).
The CCSM certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment tests knowledge of customer service principles, processes, and best practices. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply these principles and processes in real-world scenarios.
It typically takes about three months to complete the CCSM certification process, depending on how much time an individual is able to dedicate to studying for the exams.
To obtain the CCSM certification, applicants must first register with ICSA and pay a registration fee of $395 USD. After registering, applicants can access study materials and take practice exams before taking the actual assessments. Once they have successfully completed both parts of the program, they will receive their official CCSM certificate from ICSA.
3. Certified Professional in Customer Relations (CPCR)
Certified Professional in Customer Relations (CPCR) is a professional certification program offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of customer service professionals. It is intended to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of customer relations, customer service, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
The CPCR certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive training program and pass an exam. The training program consists of four courses: Understanding Your Customers; Effective Communication Strategies; Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution; and Professionalism & Ethics. The duration of the training program varies depending on the provider but typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete.
To get certified as a CPCR, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of completion of the required courses. Once approved, applicants must pass a written exam which tests their knowledge in the areas covered by the courses. The exam fee is $195 USD and can be taken online or at select locations throughout North America.
Once certified, individuals are able to use the Certified Professional in Customer Relations (CPCR) designation after their name and have access to exclusive resources such as discounts on ICSA products and services as well as networking opportunities with other certified professionals.
4. Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR)
A Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) is a professional designation that demonstrates a commitment to providing excellent customer service. It is awarded by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).
To become certified, individuals must have at least one year of customer service experience and pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service principles, communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and conflict resolution. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.
The cost of certification varies depending on the level of certification sought. The basic CCSR certification costs $125 USD, while the advanced CCSR certification costs $225 USD. Both certifications are valid for three years.
In order to maintain their certification status, individuals must renew their certifications every three years by submitting proof of continuing education or re-taking the CCSR exam.
5. Certified Call Center Representative (CCCR)
Certified Call Center Representative (CCCR) is a professional certification program designed to help call center representatives demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. The CCCR program is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).
The CCCR certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, and technical support. The online course provides additional instruction on topics such as customer service best practices and strategies for improving customer satisfaction.
It typically takes about three months to complete the CCCR certification program. To get started, you must first register with ICSA and pay the registration fee of $150 USD. After registering, you will receive access to the online course materials and instructions for taking the written exam. Once you have completed both parts of the program, you will be eligible to take the final exam and become certified as a Certified Call Center Representative (CCCR).
The cost of the CCCR certification program varies depending on your country of residence. In most cases, it costs around $250 USD for both parts of the program.
6. Certified Technical Support Professional (CTSP)
Certified Technical Support Professional (CTSP) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide technical support for computer systems, networks, and applications. This certification is offered by CompTIA, an IT industry association.
The CTSP exam covers topics such as troubleshooting, problem resolution, customer service, system administration, networking, security practices, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900.
To get certified as a CTSP, applicants must first purchase the exam voucher from CompTIA's website. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. After purchasing the voucher, applicants can register for the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through Pearson VUE’s website. Once registered for the exam, applicants should study for the test using CompTIA’s official study materials which are available on their website or through third-party vendors.
Once an applicant has successfully passed the CTSP exam they will be awarded their certificate and will receive their CTSP badge in 4-6 weeks after passing the test.
7. Certified Social Media Customer Service Professional (CSMCSMP)
Certified Social Media Customer Service Professional (CSMCSMP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Customer Service Professionals (IACSP). It is designed to help customer service professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage customer service interactions on social media platforms.
The CSMCSMP certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as managing customer expectations, understanding the customer experience on social media, creating effective customer service policies, and developing strategies for responding to customer inquiries. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics and requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.
It usually takes about 8-10 weeks to complete the CSMCSMP certification program. During this time, you will have access to online resources and support from IACSP staff members who can answer any questions you may have.
The cost of the CSMCSMP certification program varies depending on which package you choose. The standard package costs $599 USD, while the premium package costs $799 USD. Both packages include access to the online course materials, practice exams, and a voucher for the final exam.
To get certified as a CSMCSMP professional, you must complete both parts of the certification program and pass the final exam with a score of at least 80%. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate that verifies your status as a Certified Social Media Customer Service Professional.
8. International Customer Service Association Certification (ICSA-C)
The International Customer Service Association (ICSA) Certification (ICSA-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who demonstrate superior knowledge and skills in the field. This certification is designed to provide employers with a reliable way of assessing the qualifications of customer service representatives, as well as provide individuals with a way to demonstrate their expertise in the field.
The ICSA-C certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication strategies, problem solving techniques, and conflict resolution. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.
To apply for the ICSA-C certification, applicants must first submit an application form and fee to the ICSA. After submitting the application, applicants must then take and pass the ICSA-C exam within six months of submitting their application. Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive their official ICSA-C Certification certificate.
The cost of applying for the ICSA-C certification varies depending on where you are located and whether or not you are a member of the ICSA. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD to apply for this certification.
9. National Retail Federation Customer Service Certification Program (NRF-CSCP)
The National Retail Federation Customer Service Certification Program (NRF-CSCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who demonstrate excellence in providing exceptional customer service. It is the only retail-specific customer service certification program available and provides employers with an assurance that their customer service staff are knowledgeable, skilled, and up-to-date on the latest best practices.
The NRF-CSCP requires candidates to complete a two-day course, which covers topics such as communication strategies, problem solving and conflict resolution, customer loyalty and retention, and customer experience management. The course also includes a comprehensive exam at the end of the second day. Candidates must pass this exam in order to be awarded the NRF-CSCP certification.
The NRF-CSCP course typically takes two days to complete, although some organizations may offer condensed versions of the program over one day or online. The cost of the program varies depending on location and provider, but can range from $400-$1000 USD per person.
To get certified through the NRF-CSCP program, candidates must first register for an approved training course offered by an accredited provider. Once they have completed the course and passed the exam with a minimum score of 70%, they will receive their official certificate from the National Retail Federation.
10. American Society for Quality Six Sigma Green Belt Certification for Service Delivery Excellence (ASQ-SSGB-SDE).
The American Society for Quality Six Sigma Green Belt Certification for Service Delivery Excellence (ASQ-SSGB-SDE) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of service delivery excellence. The certification is based on the Six Sigma methodology, which is a set of principles and tools used to improve processes and reduce waste.
To obtain the ASQ-SSGB-SDE certification, applicants must complete a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as process improvement, project management, data analysis, problem solving, quality assurance, customer service excellence, and more. The exams are administered by ASQ and require applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in the courses.
The entire process typically takes about two months to complete. Applicants should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying for the exams.
The cost of obtaining the ASQ-SSGB-SDE certification varies depending on where you take your courses and exams. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 for the entire process.
Do You Really Need a Customer Service Operator Certificate?
When it comes to the question of whether or not you need a customer service operator certificate, the answer depends on your individual circumstances. If you are looking to gain employment in a customer service position, then having a certificate can be beneficial in showing employers that you have taken the time and effort to acquire a specialized set of skills related to customer service.
Having a certificate also demonstrates that you have put in the work to learn about different aspects of customer service, such as communication techniques and problem-solving strategies. This can help you stand out from other applicants who may not have taken the initiative to obtain specific training for this role.
On the other hand, if you already have experience working in customer service, then having a certificate may not be necessary. Employers may look more favorably upon someone with hands-on experience rather than someone with only theoretical knowledge. In this case, it is important to highlight any relevant experience that you have had in order to demonstrate your qualifications for the job.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they should pursue a customer service operator certificate. With proper research and an understanding of one’s own goals and qualifications, an informed decision can be made regarding whether or not obtaining a certification is worth pursuing.
Related: Customer Service Operator Resume Examples
FAQs About Customer Service Operator Certifications
1. What is a customer service operator certification?
Answer: A customer service operator certification is an official recognition of proficiency in providing customer service. It verifies that the individual has the skills necessary to deliver excellent customer service and provides employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified personnel.
2. How long does it take to get certified as a customer service operator?
Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a customer service operator depends on the program chosen, but typically takes anywhere from several weeks to several months.
3. What are the benefits of being certified as a customer service operator?
Answer: Being certified as a customer service operator can help you stand out in the job market, enhance your professional reputation, and increase your earning potential. Additionally, it can give you access to exclusive career opportunities and provide you with valuable networking opportunities.
4. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a customer service operator?
Answer: To become certified as a customer service operator, you must have at least one year of relevant experience or training in providing quality customer service and pass an exam that covers topics such as communication skills, problem solving, conflict resolution, and product knowledge.
5. Where can I get certified as a customer service operator?
Answer: There are many organizations that offer certifications for customer service operators including the International Customer Service Association (ICSA), Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA), and American Society for Quality (ASQ).