Top 10 Customer Support Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a customer support manager to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. Having certifications can help set a customer support manager apart from other applicants when applying for jobs, as it shows potential employers that they have taken the initiative to gain additional skills and qualifications. Certifications also provide proof of technical proficiency and can open up more advanced roles within the industry. Additionally, many organizations require certifications in order to be eligible for certain positions or promotions, so it is important for customer support managers to stay up-to-date on relevant certifications.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Customer Support Managers and explain how they can help enhance a customer support manager's career.

What are Customer Support Manager Certifications?

Customer support manager certification is a professional certification program designed to help customer service managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage customer service teams. It provides specialized training in areas such as customer service strategy, customer service processes, customer experience management, problem resolution, conflict management, and communication strategies. The certification also includes an in-depth understanding of the industry standards for customer service and how to apply them to real-world scenarios.

The primary benefit of the certification is that it helps managers become more effective at their jobs by providing them with the skills and techniques needed to effectively manage their team. This includes improving team communication and collaboration, developing better problem-solving approaches, and creating a positive work environment that is conducive to higher levels of performance. Additionally, certified managers will be better equipped to handle difficult customer interactions while still being able to maintain a high level of professionalism throughout the entire process. Finally, having this certification can make it easier for managers to access career opportunities within their organizations or even move up within their current organization.

Pro Tip: When considering a customer support manager certification, look for programs that offer ongoing education and professional development opportunities. This will ensure that the customer support manager is kept up-to-date with current best practices and industry trends.

Related: What does a Customer Support Manager do?

Top 10 Customer Support Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM)

Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) is a certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to lead successful customer service teams. The CCSM certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCSM certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and a comprehensive exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication strategies, problem solving techniques, team building and leadership. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course.

To be eligible for the CCSM certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a customer service role or related field. Applicants must also have completed at least 15 hours of ICSA-approved customer service training within the last three years prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the CCSM certification program is $395 USD ($295 USD for members of ICSA). This fee includes access to the online self-study course and one attempt at the comprehensive exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam for an additional fee of $195 USD ($95 USD for members).

2. Certified Professional in Customer Service (CPCS)

Certified Professional in Customer Service (CPCS) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide exceptional customer service. The program is designed to help professionals become more effective in their roles and advance their career opportunities.

The CPCS certification requires successful completion of an online exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service best practices, problem solving techniques, communication strategies, and customer service technology. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online.

To get the CPCS certification, you must first pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from the Institute for Certified Professional in Customer Service (ICPCS). You will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your social media accounts or website.

The cost for taking the CPCS exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD.

3. Certified Manager of Customer Relations (CMCR)

Certified Manager of Customer Relations (CMCR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in customer relations management. The certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA), an international organization dedicated to promoting customer service excellence.

The CMCR program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral interview. The written exam covers topics such as customer service principles, customer relations strategies, and problem-solving techniques. The oral interview focuses on the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CMCR program. This includes studying for the exam, taking the exam, and completing the interview process.

To get certified, you must first complete an application form and submit it to ICSA for review. Once your application has been accepted, you will be required to pay an initial fee of $395 USD (as of 2021). This fee covers all materials necessary for the program including study guides, practice exams, and other resources. After passing both parts of the certification process, you will receive your official CMCR certificate from ICSA.

The cost of becoming a Certified Manager of Customer Relations can vary depending on factors such as how much time you spend studying for the exam and whether or not you use any additional study materials or services.

4. Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP)

Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize customer experience professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field. The CCXP program is offered by the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of customer experience management.

The CCXP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of customer experience management, including customer research, design, measurement, and improvement. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in the customer experience field in order to qualify for the exam.

In order to become certified, applicants must submit an application form and pay a fee of $495 USD. After submitting the application form and paying the fee, applicants will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam date. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official CCXP certificate and be listed as a Certified Customer Experience Professional on CXPA's website.

The CCXP certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking an additional 60-minute recertification exam every three years.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to help professionals improve their knowledge and skills in the areas of process improvement, problem-solving, data analysis, and project management.

To obtain the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, applicants must complete an approved training course and pass an exam. The length of the training course varies depending on the provider, but most courses take between 40-60 hours to complete. The cost for the certification also varies depending on the provider but can range from $500-$2,000 USD.

The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, tools and techniques, project management, data analysis, process improvement, and problem-solving. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their certification. Once certified, individuals can use their credentials to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Six Sigma methodology to employers or clients.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential for project managers, and it demonstrates that the holder has the experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects.

To become PMP certified, an individual must have at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of project management education. Additionally, they must pass the PMP exam.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam usually takes around four hours to complete.

In order to take the PMP examination you must first apply for eligibility through PMI’s website. The cost of applying for eligibility is $555 for non-members or $405 for members. Once your application is approved you will be able to register for the exam which costs $405 for non-members or $275 for members.

Overall, it can take anywhere from one month to six months to become PMP certified depending on how quickly you are able to prepare for the exam and submit your application.

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification that provides individuals with an understanding of the core concepts and processes of IT service management. It is based on the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework, which is an internationally accepted set of best practices for managing IT services. The certification is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the ITIL framework and its components, as well as to demonstrate an individual’s ability to apply the principles in practice.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s study habits and availability. To get certified, individuals must pass a multiple-choice exam administered by PeopleCert or EXIN. The exam consists of 40 questions and must be completed within 90 minutes.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on where you take it and who administers it. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$400 USD for the exam alone, although some providers may offer discounts or bundle packages that include additional materials or training sessions.

8. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful Lean Six Sigma practitioner. The program focuses on teaching the principles of Lean Six Sigma, which is an integrated approach to process improvement that combines the power of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. It is often used in organizations to reduce waste, improve quality, and increase efficiency.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification typically takes between 4-6 months to complete. This includes completing coursework, passing an exam, and demonstrating proficiency through project work. The coursework covers topics such as process mapping, data analysis, problem solving techniques, change management strategies, and more.

Individuals who wish to become certified must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum of three years of experience in a relevant field or two years of experience plus an undergraduate degree in business or engineering. Once these requirements are met, individuals can register for the certification program through one of several accredited organizations such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it but can range from $2,500-$5,000 USD. This cost typically includes both course materials and exam fees.

9. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in quality management principles and practices. The CQM certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of quality management systems, processes, and tools.

The CQM certification process typically takes two to three months to complete. Candidates must first pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of quality management principles and practices. After passing the exam, they must submit an application packet that includes a resume, letters of recommendation, proof of education, and other documents as required by ASQ.

Once the application has been approved, candidates must complete an on-site assessment that evaluates their ability to apply quality management principles in a real-world setting. This assessment includes case studies and interviews with experienced professionals in the field.

The cost of obtaining the CQM certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with ASQ. For non-members, it costs $450 for the exam plus $400 for the on-site assessment. For members, it costs $300 for the exam plus $200 for the on-site assessment.

10. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Manager

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification program for quality professionals. It is designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and understanding of quality management principles, practices, and tools. The CQM certification is based on the body of knowledge developed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exam and obtain the certification. To get the CQM certification, you must pass an exam administered by ASQ that covers topics related to quality management. This includes topics such as customer satisfaction, process improvement, leadership, and project management. You can also take courses or workshops offered by ASQ to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CQM certification depends on how you choose to prepare for it. If you take courses or workshops offered by ASQ, there may be additional fees associated with those programs. The cost of the exam itself is $385 USD for members of ASQ and $460 USD for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Customer Support Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and career aspirations. While a customer support manager certificate may be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in customer service, it is not a requirement for all positions.

For those who have no prior experience in customer service, having a certification can give them an edge when applying for jobs. It shows employers that they are knowledgeable about the industry and have taken the time to learn its principles and techniques. A certification can also be helpful when seeking promotions or higher-level positions within a company.

However, if one has already been working in customer service for some time, a certification may not be necessary. In many cases, employers will look more favorably upon individuals with years of experience over those with only certificates. Additionally, certifications often require significant investments of both time and money, which may not be feasible for everyone.

In conclusion, while having a customer support manager certificate can certainly benefit those who are new to the customer service field or looking to advance their careers, it is not always essential for success in the industry. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide whether obtaining such a certification is worth their time and effort.

Related: Customer Support Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Customer Support Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Customer Support Manager certification?

A1. A Customer Support Manager certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing customer support teams. It validates the skills and abilities required to successfully lead customer service initiatives, manage customer relationships, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Customer Support Manager?

A2. Becoming certified as a Customer Support Manager increases your employability in the field and shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage customer support teams. Additionally, it can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions within your current organization.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a Customer Support Manager?

A3. The length of time it takes to become certified varies depending on factors such as which certifying body you choose and how much study time you dedicate to preparing for the exam. Generally, most people can complete their certification within 6-12 months if they put in the necessary effort.

Q4. What type of qualifications do I need to become certified as a Customer Support Manager?

A4. Generally speaking, most certifying bodies require applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in customer support management or related roles before they can apply for certification. Some may also require specific educational qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in business or management-related fields, so be sure to check with your chosen certifying body prior to applying for certification.

Q5: Are there any renewal requirements for maintaining my Customer Support Manager certification?

A5: Yes, most certifying bodies require holders of their certifications to renew them periodically (usually every two years). Renewal requirements typically involve completing continuing education courses or passing recertification exams in order to keep your certification active and valid.