Top 10 Customer Service Supervisor Certifications

Certifications for a customer service supervisor are important in the job market because they provide employers with an assurance that the individual has attained a certain level of competency and knowledge in their field. Certifications demonstrate that the candidate is qualified and capable of managing customer service operations and meeting customer needs. They also demonstrate that the individual has taken the time to gain knowledge about customer service best practices, which can increase their value as an employee. Furthermore, certifications can be used to show potential employers that the individual has a commitment to professional development and is willing to invest in furthering their skillset.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the top certifications for Customer Service Supervisors and to explain how these certifications can benefit a customer service supervisor's career.

What are Customer Service Supervisor Certifications?

Customer service supervisor certification is a specialized accreditation that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage customer service teams and operations. It prepares supervisors to lead customer service teams with confidence, enabling them to solve customer issues efficiently and improve overall customer satisfaction. This certification covers topics such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team management. It also provides supervisors with an understanding of how to successfully implement customer service plans and strategies.

The benefits of obtaining this certification are numerous. Certified supervisors will be able to better manage their team’s workload and performance while improving customer loyalty. Additionally, they can develop a deeper understanding of customer expectations and provide more effective solutions for their customers’ needs. They will also be able to effectively motivate their team members while maintaining a positive work environment. Finally, certified supervisors will have greater job opportunities in the field as employers seek out individuals who demonstrate expertise in managing a successful customer service team.

Pro Tip: Make sure that any customer service supervisor certification program you choose is accredited by a recognized third-party organization. Accreditation ensures that the curriculum and instructors meet industry standards, so it's important to ensure that your certification will be accepted by employers.

Related: What does a Customer Service Supervisor do?

Top 10 Customer Service Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Customer Service Supervisor (CCSS)

Certified Customer Service Supervisor (CCSS) is a certification program designed to provide customer service professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead, manage, and motivate a customer service team. The program focuses on developing skills in communication, problem-solving, decision-making, customer relations, conflict resolution, and leadership. It also covers topics such as customer service policies and procedures, employee motivation and development, performance management techniques, and team building strategies.

The CCSS certification program is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). It typically takes between six to nine months to complete the program depending on the individual's learning style. To become certified you must complete an online application form and submit it along with payment of the required fee.

The cost of the CCSS certification varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD for members of ICSA or $800-$1,000 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Professional in Customer Service (CPCS)

Certified Professional in Customer Service (CPCS) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward customer service professionals who demonstrate the highest levels of excellence and professionalism. The CPCS certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CPCS program consists of three levels: Certified Professional in Customer Service (CPCS), Certified Advanced Professional in Customer Service (CAPCS), and Certified Master Professional in Customer Service (CMPCS). Each level requires a different set of skills, knowledge, and experience.

The CPCS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service principles, communication skills, problem solving, customer relations management, and customer satisfaction measurement. The exam is administered online or through ICSA's testing centers. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

To be eligible for the CPCS certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in customer service related roles. Additionally, they must be able to demonstrate their knowledge of customer service principles and practices through successful completion of the exam.

The cost of the CPCS certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the online or in-person version of the exam. The online version costs $99 USD while the in-person version costs $149 USD.

3. Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM)

Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) 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 certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCSM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication techniques, problem-solving strategies, and customer service management. The exam tests your understanding of the material covered in the course.

It typically takes between three to four months to complete the CCSM program. You can take the online course at your own pace, but you must complete it within six months of registering for the program. After completing the course, you must pass a proctored exam to receive your certification.

The cost of the CCSM program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 for both the online course and exam fees combined.

4. Certified Professional Customer Experience Manager (CPCEM)

The Certified Professional Customer Experience Manager (CPCEM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Customer Experience Professionals Association (ICXPA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in customer experience management.

To qualify for the CPCEM certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in customer experience management and must pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as customer journey mapping, customer segmentation, customer feedback analysis, and customer service processes. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of industry best practices and standards.

It takes approximately four to six weeks to complete the CPCEM certification process. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application form and pay the required fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be given access to study materials and will be assigned a mentor who can answer any questions they may have about the material or the exam.

The cost for taking the CPCEM exam is $500 USD for ICXPA members and $700 USD for non-members. This fee includes all study materials, access to online resources, and one attempt at taking the exam.

5. Certified Quality Assurance Supervisor (CQAS)

Certified Quality Assurance Supervisor (CQAS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in quality assurance, inspection, and testing. The CQAS certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

To obtain the CQAS certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a quality-related field and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as quality management systems, product inspection and testing, process improvement methods, statistical process control, problem solving techniques, and root cause analysis. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CQAS certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members it costs $399 USD while for non-members it costs $499 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for materials or other services related to the certification process.

Once certified, CQAS professionals are eligible to use the “CQAS” designation after their name. They also receive access to exclusive resources such as webinars and networking events with other quality professionals.

6. Certified Call Center Supervisor (CCCS)

Certified Call Center Supervisor (CCCS) is a professional certification program designed to provide call center supervisors and managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their call centers. The CCCS certification program is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCCS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, call center operations, quality assurance, and leadership. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CCCS certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a supervisory or management role in a call center environment. They must also have completed a minimum of 40 hours of ICSA-approved training courses within the past five years.

The cost of the CCCS certification exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$400 USD.

7. Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM)

Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of customer relationship management. This certification is offered by the Customer Relationship Management Association (CRMA), an international organization that provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for CRM professionals.

The CCRM exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as customer segmentation, data analysis, customer experience management, customer loyalty programs, CRM systems and processes, and more. To qualify for the CCRM certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a customer-facing role or in a related field such as marketing or sales.

To obtain the CCRM certification, applicants must first register with the CRMA and pay a registration fee of $250 USD. Once registered, applicants must then pass the CCRM exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CCRM certificate. The certificate is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking an updated version of the exam.

8. Certified Technical Support Supervisor (CTSS)

Certified Technical Support Supervisor (CTSS) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Certified Technical Support Supervisors (IACTSS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in technical support operations and management.

The CTSS certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication, team building, and leadership. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the CTSS exam, applicants must first submit an application through IACTSS's website. Applicants must also provide proof of at least two years of experience in technical support operations or management. The cost for the application fee is $150 USD.

Once approved to take the exam, applicants must register for a testing window with Pearson VUE, which administers the CTSS exams. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CTSS certification from IACTSS.

9. International Association of Professional Customer Service Managers (IAPCSM) Certification

The International Association of Professional Customer Service Managers (IAPCSM) is a professional organization that provides certification to customer service professionals. The IAPCSM certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of customer service professionals. It also serves as a benchmark for employers to evaluate the qualifications of potential employees in the customer service field.

The IAPCSM certification requires applicants to complete an online application, pass an examination, and submit proof of at least three years of experience in customer service management. Applicants must also have a minimum of two years' experience in customer service training or education. The exam consists of questions about customer service principles, practices, and techniques.

The IAPCSM certification process typically takes between four to six weeks from the time an applicant submits their application until they receive their certificate.

To get certified by IAPCSM, applicants must pay a fee which is currently $295 USD for members and $395 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the exam, processing fees, and other administrative costs associated with obtaining the certification.

In addition to receiving their certificate upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will also receive access to exclusive member benefits such as discounts on conferences and products related to customer service management.

10. Microsoft Office Specialist: Customer Service and Support Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist: Customer Service and Support Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office products. This certification is designed for customer service and support professionals who need to use Microsoft Office applications in their daily work.

The certification requires a passing score on one or more of the following exams: Microsoft Office Excel 2016, Microsoft Office Outlook 2016, Microsoft Office Word 2016, or Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2016. The exam covers topics such as creating spreadsheets, managing email messages, formatting documents, and creating presentations.

It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs around $100 USD per exam.

To get certified, you must first register for an exam through the Pearson VUE website. Once registered, you can schedule your appointment at any authorized testing center near you. After completing the exam, you will receive your results within 24 hours. If successful, you will receive your certificate via email within 7-10 business days after passing the exam.

Do You Really Need a Customer Service Supervisor Certificate?

The short answer is no. A customer service supervisor certificate is not necessary in order to be a successful customer service supervisor. However, having a certificate can help demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job.

Having a certificate can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for a customer service supervisor position. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to gain additional training and education in the field of customer service, which employers may find attractive. Furthermore, having a certificate can provide recognition for your skills and experience, helping to give your resume an edge over others who may not have one.

In addition to demonstrating knowledge and experience, obtaining a certification in customer service can also provide tangible benefits such as access to professional development courses or networking opportunities with industry experts. This can potentially lead to more career advancement opportunities down the line.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to get a customer service supervisor certificate is up to you. If you are confident in your ability to do the job without it, then it may not be necessary. However, if you are looking for ways to make yourself more attractive as an employee or want access to additional resources and professional development opportunities, then obtaining a certification may be worth considering.

Related: Customer Service Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Customer Service Supervisor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Customer Service Supervisor?

Answer: Generally, you will need a combination of experience and education in customer service, management, or related fields. In some cases, specific certifications may be required.

2. How do I get certified as a Customer Service Supervisor?

Answer: You can obtain certification through various organizations that offer courses and exams to certify your knowledge and skills in customer service supervision.

3. How long is the certification valid for?

Answer: Most certifications are valid for three years before they must be renewed or updated with additional coursework and exams.

4. What areas are covered by the certification?

Answer: Certification programs typically cover topics such as customer service techniques, team leadership and management, problem solving, communication skills, and conflict resolution.

5. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Customer Service Supervisor?

Answer: Becoming certified can help demonstrate your expertise in customer service management to employers and customers alike, as well as give you access to valuable networking opportunities within the industry. Additionally, it can help you earn higher wages and job promotions more easily than non-certified supervisors.