Top 10 Director of Sales Certifications

Certifications are important for a director of sales in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. Certifications can be used to differentiate candidates from their peers, making them more attractive to hiring managers. In addition, certifications provide tangible evidence of a candidate’s ability to perform specific tasks and functions related to the job, which can be invaluable when comparing potential candidates. Finally, certifications can help directors of sales stay up-to-date on new trends, best practices, and industry standards, giving them an edge over their competition.

This article reviews the top certifications for Directors of Sales and explains how they can help to further a director's career.

What are Director of Sales Certifications?

Director of Sales Certification is a professional credential that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those individuals who are responsible for leading sales teams and managing sales operations. The certification provides an objective measure of the individual’s ability to effectively lead and manage a sales force, as well as their understanding of key sales concepts, processes, and strategies.

Having this certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees alike. For employers, it provides assurance that the individual has been assessed by an independent third party on their ability to successfully lead a sales force. This can help ensure that they are hiring qualified professionals who they know have the skills needed to maximize success in their role.

For employees, having this certification can be beneficial in many ways. It shows potential employers that they have taken the initiative to further their knowledge and hone their skills in order to become more competent in the field. It also helps demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, which can help distinguish them from other applicants when looking for new job opportunities. Additionally, having this certification may qualify them for higher pay or additional responsibilities within their current role.

Pro tip: When considering a director of sales certification, look for programs that not only provide the knowledge and skills to be successful in the role, but also offer access to industry-specific networks and resources. This will help ensure that you have the support and resources necessary to excel in your position.

Related: What does a Director of Sales do?

Top 10 Director of Sales Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director of Saless today.

1. Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM)

The Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM) is a professional certification for sales managers and executives. It is offered by the Sales Management Association, a global organization that provides resources and training to sales professionals. The CPSM certification recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and skill in sales management.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundations, Advanced, and Mastery. Each level requires the completion of four courses, which can be taken either online or in-person. The courses cover topics such as customer relationship management, pricing strategies, sales process improvement, and more.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you complete each course.

To get the CPSM certification, you must first successfully complete all four courses at each level of the program. You must also pass a final exam for each level in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CPSM program varies depending on where you take the courses and whether you choose to take them online or in-person. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 to complete all three levels of the program.

2. Certified Professional Sales Executive (CPSE)

Certified Professional Sales Executive (CPSE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have achieved a level of excellence in their field. The CPSE certification is awarded by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS).

The CPSE certification requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of core sales skills, including customer relationship management, sales strategy, and sales process optimization. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical and professional standards in the industry.

The CPSE certification process typically takes about four months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application and fee to AAPS. After the application has been submitted, applicants will be required to pass a written exam that covers topics such as customer service, marketing, and sales strategy. Once applicants have passed the exam, they must complete an online portfolio that documents their experience and accomplishments in the field of sales. Finally, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues attesting to their competency as a professional sales executive.

The cost for obtaining the CPSE certification varies depending on whether you are a member of AAPS or not. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members, it's $395 USD.

3. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of sales managers. It is awarded by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS).

The CSM certification program consists of three levels: Certified Sales Manager (CSM), Certified Senior Sales Manager (CSSM), and Certified Master Sales Manager (CMSM). To become certified, candidates must pass an online exam for each level. The exams are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of sales management principles, practices, and strategies.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three levels of the CSM certification program. Candidates must have at least two years of sales management experience in order to be eligible for the program. Candidates should also have a bachelor’s degree or higher in business or related field.

To get started on the CSM certification program, candidates must first register with AAPS and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on which level of certification you are pursuing. For example, the fee for the Certified Sales Manager level is $350 USD while the fee for the Certified Master Sales Manager level is $750 USD.

Once registered, candidates can begin studying for their exams using AAPS-approved study materials such as books, videos, webinars, and practice tests. After completing their studies, they can then take their online exams which consist of multiple-choice questions based on various topics related to sales management.

Upon successful completion of all three levels of exams, candidates will receive their CSM certification from AAPS along with a digital badge that can be shared on social media profiles and resumes to demonstrate their expertise in sales management.

4. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of sales professionals. It is administered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPSP).

The CSP certification consists of three levels: Certified Sales Associate (CSA), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Certified Master Sales Professional (CMSP). Each level requires successful completion of an exam as well as a certain amount of experience in the field.

To become certified at any level, applicants must first register with AAPSP and pay the associated fee. Once registered, they can then take the corresponding exam. The CSA exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $150 USD. The CSP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $250 USD. The CMSP exam takes approximately six hours to complete and costs $350 USD.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the appropriate exam, they will receive their official CSP certification from AAPSP. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to maintain its validity.

5. Certified International Sales Manager (CISM)

Certified International Sales Manager (CISM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully manage international sales operations. The CISM certification is administered by the American Management Association (AMA) and is recognized worldwide.

The CISM program consists of three parts: an online self-assessment, a comprehensive exam, and a practical application project. The self-assessment helps identify areas of strength and weakness in international sales management knowledge. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as global markets, export regulations, logistics, pricing strategies, cultural differences in business practices, and more. Finally, the practical application project requires applicants to develop an international sales plan for a real-world situation.

The entire CISM program typically takes between four and six months to complete depending on the individual's availability and dedication to the program. To get started with the CISM program, applicants must first register with AMA and pay a registration fee of $395 USD. After registering for the program, applicants will be provided with access to all course materials needed to complete the program requirements.

Once all three components of the CISM program are completed satisfactorily, applicants will receive their official Certified International Sales Manager designation from AMA along with a certificate suitable for framing.

6. Certified Strategic Selling Professional (CSSP)

Certified Strategic Selling Professional (CSSP) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop and hone their skills in strategic selling. The CSSP certification is awarded by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPSE).

The CSSP program consists of three courses: Strategic Selling, Advanced Strategic Selling, and Professional Selling. Each course takes approximately 16 hours to complete. After completing all three courses, participants are eligible to take the CSSP exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to strategic selling and professional selling techniques.

In order to become certified as a CSSP, individuals must pass the CSSP exam with a score of at least 80%. Once certified, individuals will receive a certificate from AAPSE that is valid for two years.

The cost of the CSSP program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD for all three courses and the exam fee.

7. Certified Advanced Selling Professional (CASP)

Certified Advanced Selling Professional (CASP) is a certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their field. It is offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPSP). The certification requires that applicants demonstrate mastery of key selling concepts, including customer service, negotiation, prospecting, closing techniques and sales management.

The CASP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get certified as a CASP, you must first apply to take the exam. This can be done online or by mail. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. You will need to pay a fee of $395 USD in order to take the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CASP certificate and can begin using your new credentials on job applications and resumes. Your certification will remain valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

8. Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing (MBA-SM)

The Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing (MBA-SM) is a specialized degree program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in sales and marketing. It focuses on developing the skills needed to effectively manage sales and marketing teams, as well as understanding consumer behavior, pricing strategies, and market trends. The MBA-SM typically takes two years to complete and requires a minimum of 36 credit hours.

In order to get an MBA-SM, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0. You will also need to take the GMAT or GRE exam prior to admission into the program. Depending on the school, you may also need to submit letters of recommendation or complete an interview process.

The cost of an MBA-SM varies depending on the school you attend, but can range from $20,000-$50,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs such as textbooks, room and board, transportation, and other fees may also be required.

9. Global Strategic Account Management Certification (GSAMC)

Global Strategic Account Management Certification (GSAMC) is an advanced certification program designed to equip account managers and sales professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage global strategic accounts. The program focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the global account management process, including key strategies, best practices, and techniques for managing complex customer relationships.

The GSAMC certification is offered by the American Association of Professional Account Managers (AAPAM). It consists of a three-day course that covers topics such as global account strategy development, customer relationship management, international marketing, and financial analysis. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete the GSAMC certification program. The cost for the program varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD. To get certified, you must register for the course online or through an AAPAM approved training provider. After completing the course and passing the exam, you will be issued your official certificate from AAPAM.

10. National Association of Sales Professionals Certification Program (NASPCP)

The National Association of Sales Professionals Certification Program (NASPCP) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the professional sales skills and knowledge of sales professionals. The program is offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive training, education, and certification for sales professionals.

The NASPCP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as sales fundamentals, customer service, communication skills, negotiation techniques, product knowledge, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience in order to qualify for the certification.

The cost of the NASPCP certification varies depending on the applicant’s level of experience. For those with less than five years of experience in sales or related fields, the fee is $199 USD; for those with five or more years of experience in sales or related fields, the fee is $299 USD.

In order to obtain the NASPCP certification, applicants must first register online at the National Association of Sales Professionals website. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time. After completing their exam successfully and submitting all required documentation, applicants will be notified within two weeks if they have been approved for certification.

Once certified by NASPCP, individuals are eligible for numerous benefits including discounts on continuing education courses and access to exclusive job postings from employers seeking qualified sales professionals.

Do You Really Need a Director of Sales Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their specific circumstances. For some people, a Director of Sales Certificate may be beneficial in helping them to advance in their careers or land a better job. This type of certificate can help demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field and can help provide employers with evidence of their commitment to professional development.

For others, however, a Director of Sales Certificate may not be necessary. If someone already has extensive experience in the field and is confident in their abilities, they may not need to obtain such a certificate in order to achieve success in their career. Furthermore, depending on the cost associated with obtaining such a certification, it may not always be worth it for some people.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not a Director of Sales Certificate would be beneficial for them. Those who are unsure should consider researching the value of such certifications and deciding if it is something that would be beneficial for them based on their own unique situation.

Related: Director of Sales Resume Examples

FAQs About Director of Sales Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Director of Sales?

Answer: Typically, you will need to have at least 5 years of sales experience and a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with an MBA or other advanced degree in business or sales.

2. How much can I expect to earn as a Director of Sales?

Answer: The salary for Directors of Sales varies depending on the industry and the size of the organization, but generally falls within the range of $90,000 - $150,000 per year.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Director of Sales?

Answer: Certification can give you an edge over other job applicants by demonstrating your expertise and commitment to your profession. It also provides recognition for your achievements and may help you command higher salaries in the marketplace.

4. What certifications are available for Directors of Sales?

Answer: There are several certifications available for Directors of Sales including Certified Professional Selling (CPS), Certified Professional Services Selling (CPSS), Certified Professional Account Management (CPAM), Certified Professional Customer Relationship Manager (CPCRM), and Global Professional in Selling (GPS).

5. Is there any cost associated with getting certified as a Director of Sales?

Answer: Yes, there may be some costs associated with obtaining certification as a Director of Sales such as application fees and exam fees. However, these costs can often be offset by increased earning potential after certification is achieved.