Top 11 District Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a district sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience that can help them stand out from other applicants. Certifications provide evidence that the applicant is familiar with the industry and has taken steps to gain additional skills and knowledge. This can be especially important for positions with high levels of responsibility, such as district sales managers, where employers want to be sure that the candidate has the necessary qualifications before hiring them. Additionally, certifications may give employers peace of mind that their new hire is up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices. Ultimately, certifications serve as reliable indicators of a person’s abilities and qualifications, which can be invaluable in the competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for District Sales Managers and explain how they can benefit a district sales manager's career.

What are District Sales Manager Certifications?

District sales manager certification is a professional designation that provides specialized knowledge and skills to help district sales managers be successful in their roles. The certification recognizes individuals who demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding of the principles of effective sales management, as well as the ability to apply them to their own work.

Through district sales manager certification, professionals can gain a thorough understanding of different aspects of managing a sales team, such as setting goals, developing strategies, motivating staff and tracking performance. The certification also covers topics such as customer service, budgeting and forecasting trends. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to use data and analytics to make informed decisions about operations, pricing and product development.

By having a district sales manager certification, professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field. It is also an opportunity for them to stay up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge and trends. With this additional level of expertise, district sales managers can become better equipped to lead their teams more effectively and efficiently while driving business growth.

Pro Tip: When pursuing district sales manager certification, it is important to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Additionally, take the time to review relevant course material in order to better understand the role of a district sales manager and how best to utilize its skillset.

Related: What does a District Sales Manager do?

Top 11 District Sales Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to District Sales Managers today.

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Selling (IPES). It is designed to recognize sales managers who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies and skills necessary to lead a successful sales organization.

The CPSM certification program consists of three levels, each requiring additional knowledge and expertise. The first level is called Certified Professional Sales Manager – Foundation Level (CPSM-F), which covers the fundamentals of sales management. The second level is called Certified Professional Sales Manager – Advanced Level (CPSM-A), which focuses on advanced topics such as strategic planning, customer relationship management, and performance measurement. Finally, the third level is called Certified Professional Sales Manager – Executive Level (CPSM-E), which provides an in-depth look at executive leadership topics such as organizational culture, change management, and team building.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all three levels of the CPSM certification program. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam for each level that covers the material covered in their respective courses.

The cost of the CPSM certification program varies depending on the number of courses taken and exams completed. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 USD to become a Certified Professional Sales Manager.

2. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to become more successful. The CSP program is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS).

The CSP certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer service, negotiation, and product knowledge. It takes approximately six months to complete the program and pass the exam.

In order to get the CSP certification, you must first complete an online application form and submit it with your resume and other required documents. Once approved, you will be given access to the online course materials which include study guides and practice tests. You must then take the four-hour examination at an approved testing center.

The cost of the CSP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of AAPS or not. For non-members, it costs $495 USD for the full program including exam fees. For members, it costs $395 USD for the full program including exam fees.

3. Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM)

Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) is a professional certification program designed to help account managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage strategic accounts. The CSAM certification program is offered by the Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA), an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of strategic account management.

The CSAM certification program consists of four courses, which can be completed online or in person. The courses are designed to provide account managers with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage strategic accounts. Topics covered include understanding customer needs and expectations, developing relationships with key stakeholders, building trust, managing sales cycles, and leveraging technology for success.

The entire CSAM certification process takes about three months to complete. To become certified, individuals must first complete all four courses within six weeks and then pass a comprehensive exam. The cost of the CSAM certification program varies depending on the delivery format chosen; however, it typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD.

4. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of sales professionals. The CSE program is offered by the American Association for Professional Sales (AAPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of sales.

The CSE program consists of four courses: Fundamentals of Selling, Advanced Selling Strategies, Sales Leadership, and Professional Selling Skills. Each course covers topics such as customer service, communication and negotiation, sales process management, and sales analytics. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants receive a certificate from AAPS recognizing their achievement in becoming a Certified Sales Executive.

The CSE program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual’s availability and commitment level. To get started with the CSE program, individuals must first register with AAPS and pay an enrollment fee. After registration is complete, individuals can begin taking courses at their own pace or attend live classes offered by AAPS or its partner organizations.

The cost of the CSE program varies depending on whether you are registering for individual courses or enrolling in the entire program. The total cost for all four courses ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD depending on your location and payment method.

5. Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)

Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) is a professional certification offered by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). This certification is for hospitality professionals who are responsible for managing revenue-generating activities in their organization. The CRME program provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of revenue management, which can be applied to any hospitality industry segment.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the CRME program, depending on how much time an individual has available to dedicate to studying and completing the requirements. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as pricing strategies, forecasting techniques, yield management, marketing tactics, and technology applications.

The cost of the CRME program varies depending on whether or not you are an HSMAI member. For non-members, it costs $1,395 USD while members pay $995 USD. In addition to this fee, there is also a one-time application fee of $95 USD regardless of membership status.

6. Professional in Business-to-Business Selling (PBBS)

Professional in Business-to-Business Selling (PBBS) is a certification program that provides sales professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in business-to-business selling. The program is designed to develop the core competencies of professional selling, including customer relationship management, communication and negotiation, product knowledge, and sales process management. The certification is earned by completing an online course and passing a final exam.

The PBBS program typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete. The course consists of six modules: Introduction to Business-to-Business Selling; Building Relationships; Effective Communication; Negotiation Strategies; Product Knowledge; and Sales Process Management. Each module includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, and activities designed to help participants understand the concepts covered in each module.

To get started on the PBBS program, individuals must first register for the course online at www.pbbscertification.com. Once registered, they will receive access to all of the materials needed for the course along with instructions on how to complete each module.

The cost of the PBBS program varies depending on whether or not an individual chooses to take advantage of additional services such as one-on-one coaching or group study sessions. The base cost of the program is $1,295 USD which includes access to all materials and resources necessary for successful completion of the course as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the final exam.

7. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have completed an intensive training program in negotiation. The CNE program is offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI), and it provides comprehensive instruction on negotiation techniques, strategies, and tactics.

The CNE program consists of two parts: a self-study course and a live seminar. The self-study course covers topics such as communication skills, understanding the negotiation process, developing effective strategies, and resolving conflicts. The live seminar focuses on applying the concepts learned in the self-study course to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CNE program. To receive certification, participants must pass both the self-study course and the live seminar with a minimum score of 80%.

The cost of the CNE program varies depending on location and format; however, it typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 USD. Additional fees may apply for travel expenses or other related costs.

In order to become certified as a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), individuals must successfully complete both parts of the RENI's CNE program and pass all required exams with a minimum score of 80%. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive their official certificate from RENI.

8. Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM)

Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage customer relationships effectively. It is designed to help professionals develop the skills needed to build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships with customers.

The CCRM program is offered by the International Institute of Certified Customer Relationship Managers (IICCRM). The program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 focuses on understanding customer needs, building trust and loyalty, and developing effective communication strategies. Level 2 focuses on developing a customer relationship management strategy, implementing CRM tools, and measuring customer satisfaction.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the CCRM certification program. To get certified, you must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service principles, CRM processes, data analysis techniques, and more. You must also complete a project that demonstrates your ability to apply what you have learned in the course.

The cost of the CCRM certification program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

9. Advanced Professional Selling Skills Certification Program (APSSCP)

The Advanced Professional Selling Skills Certification Program (APSSCP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to become successful in today’s competitive marketplace. The program consists of eight modules that cover topics such as customer relationship management, sales process management, negotiation strategies, and more. Each module includes an assessment that must be completed in order to receive certification.

The APSSCP typically takes between 6-8 weeks to complete depending on the individual's availability and commitment level. To get started, individuals must register for the program through the American Marketing Association website or contact their local chapter for more information. Once registered, individuals will gain access to online course materials and assessments that must be completed in order to receive certification.

The cost of the APSSCP varies depending on whether you are a member of the American Marketing Association or not. For non-members, there is a one-time fee of $599 USD; for members, there is a discounted rate of $499 USD.

10. International Association of Sales Professionals Certification Program (IASPCP)

The International Association of Sales Professionals Certification Program (IASPCP) is an internationally recognized certification program for sales professionals. It is designed to provide a comprehensive set of standards and best practices for sales professionals in order to ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of today’s complex sales environment. The IASPCP provides a framework for sales professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of sales.

The IASPCP certification program consists of four levels: Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Advanced Certified Sales Professional (ACSP), Master Certified Sales Professional (MCSP), and Executive Certified Sales Professional (ECSP). Each level requires different criteria to be met in order to obtain certification.

In order to become certified at any level, applicants must first complete an online application and pay a fee. The fees vary depending on the level of certification being sought. Once the application has been approved, applicants will then need to take an exam that covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, and selling techniques. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate and be officially certified as a sales professional by the IASPCP.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the application process and pass the exam. Generally speaking, it should take around two months from start to finish if you are able to dedicate yourself fully to studying for the exam and completing all necessary paperwork.

The cost of getting certified depends on which level you are seeking certification at. The fees range from $125 USD for CSP level certification up to $750 USD for ECSP level certification.

11. American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer in Sales Management Program (PCMSMP).

The Professional Certified Marketer in Sales Management Program (PCMSMP) is an online certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The program is designed to help professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of sales management and develop their skills in areas such as customer service, sales process improvement, and pricing strategies.

The PCMSMP consists of four courses: Introduction to Sales Management, Advanced Sales Management, Customer Service Strategies, and Pricing Strategies. Each course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete and covers topics such as customer segmentation, sales forecasting, lead generation, and more. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive a certificate from the AMA.

To get the PCMSMP certification, individuals must first register for the program through the AMA website. After registering for the program, participants will be provided with access to all four courses. Participants must then complete each course within 12 months of registration in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for the PCMSMP is $1,295 USD for AMA members or $1,495 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all four courses as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a District Sales Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. A district sales manager certificate is not a requirement for becoming a successful district sales manager. However, it can be beneficial to have one if you are looking to advance your career in the field.

Having a district sales manager certificate shows that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful as a district sales manager, which can give you an edge when competing for jobs or promotions. It also demonstrates that you are committed to staying up to date on industry trends and best practices. Furthermore, having a certificate may make you more attractive to potential employers, as it indicates that you are serious about your career and have taken the initiative to invest in your professional development.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a district sales manager certificate depends on your individual goals and aspirations. If you’re looking for career advancement or want to demonstrate your commitment to being an effective leader in the field, then obtaining one could be beneficial.

Related: District Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About District Sales Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a District Sales Manager?

Answer: The requirements to become a District Sales Manager vary depending on the company, but typically involve a combination of experience in sales and management, as well as qualifications such as a degree in business or a related field.

2. How long does it take to complete a District Sales Manager certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete a District Sales Manager certification can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the specific program and its requirements.

3. What type of knowledge is covered in a District Sales Manager certification?

Answer: A District Sales Manager certification covers topics such as sales strategies, customer service, team building, budgeting and forecasting, communication skills, and more.

4. Are there any exams or tests that must be taken for a District Sales Manager certification?

Answer: Yes, most programs require applicants to pass an exam or series of tests in order to obtain their certification.

5. Does having a District Sales Manager certification guarantee employment?

Answer: No, having a District Sales Manager certification does not guarantee employment; however it can help demonstrate your expertise in the field and make you more competitive when applying for jobs.