Top 10 Ecommerce Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important way for ecommerce managers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. They can help highlight a candidate’s qualifications, show employers they have the necessary training and experience, and set them apart from other applicants. Certifications also provide proof of competency in certain areas that may be required for a particular job. For example, a certification in digital marketing will provide evidence that the candidate is knowledgeable about SEO, PPC, email marketing, and other aspects of digital marketing. This can help employers make informed decisions about hiring ecommerce managers who are well-versed in all aspects of digital commerce.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Ecommerce Managers and explain how they can help advance an ecommerce manager's career.

What are Ecommerce Manager Certifications?

Ecommerce manager certification is an online educational program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for managing a successful ecommerce business. The program covers topics such as website design, product management, marketing strategy, customer service, analytics, and more. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in ecommerce to employers and/or clients.

The certification can help those looking to enter into the field of ecommerce management by providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry. It also serves as an indicator to potential clients or employers that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge required to manage an online business successfully. Additionally, having a certification provides credibility and recognition among peers in the industry.

Finally, obtaining a certification can open up opportunities for career advancement within ecommerce businesses or related industries. Furthermore, it can serve as motivation for continuing education in order to stay current with industry trends and changes.

Pro Tip: Before committing to an ecommerce manager certification, take the time to research the program and make sure it is accredited by a reputable organization. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience with real-world applications of ecommerce management principles, as well as up-to-date curriculum that reflects current industry practices.

Related: What does an Ecommerce Manager do?

Top 10 Ecommerce Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Ecommerce Manager (CEM)

Certified Ecommerce Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to help ecommerce professionals develop their skills and knowledge in the field. It is offered by the International Ecommerce Institute (IEI), an organization dedicated to advancing the practice of ecommerce. The CEM program consists of four modules that cover topics such as digital marketing, customer service, website design, product management, and analytics.

The CEM program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, participants must attend online classes and complete assignments. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate that validates their expertise in ecommerce.

To get Certified Ecommerce Manager (CEM) certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in ecommerce or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by IEI which covers topics such as digital marketing, customer service, website design, product management, and analytics.

The cost for the Certified Ecommerce Manager (CEM) program varies depending on the country you are located in; however it typically costs around $2,000 USD for the entire course.

2. Certified Professional Ecommerce Manager (CPEM)

Certified Professional Ecommerce Manager (CPEM) is a certification program designed to help ecommerce professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage an online business. The CPEM program is offered by the International Ecommerce Association (IEA) and is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in ecommerce.

The CPEM program consists of four modules, each taking up to six months to complete. The modules cover topics such as ecommerce strategy, digital marketing, web development and analytics. Upon completion of all four modules, participants will receive their CPEM certification.

To get certified as a CPEM, you must first become a member of the IEA and pay the associated membership fee. Once you have joined the IEA, you can then register for the CPEM program and begin your studies. You will need to pass an exam at the end of each module in order to receive your certification.

The cost for the CPEM program varies depending on which country you are located in, but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

3. Certified Ecommerce Solutions Professional (CESP)

Certified Ecommerce Solutions Professional (CESP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate expertise in the design, development, and implementation of ecommerce solutions. The program is administered by the International Association of Ecommerce Professionals (IAEP).

The CESP certification requires candidates to have at least two years of experience working with ecommerce technologies and platforms. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as web design, security, marketing, customer service, analytics, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified as a CESP, candidates must first register for the exam through IAEP’s website. The exam fee is $400 USD. Once registered for the exam, candidates can prepare for it using IAEP’s study materials or other resources available online. After successfully passing the exam, candidates will receive their CESP certification within seven business days.

The CESP certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. To renew it after three years, candidates must retake the exam or submit proof of continuing education credits earned since their initial certification date.

4. Certified Ecommerce Strategist (CES)

Certified Ecommerce Strategist (CES) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of ecommerce. The program is administered by the Digital Commerce Institute and was created to recognize the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the industry.

The CES certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in ecommerce, as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as digital marketing, customer service, product management, analytics, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the Certified Ecommerce Strategist (CES) certification is $495 USD. This fee includes access to the online exam, study materials, and a certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive your official CES certification from the Digital Commerce Institute. This certification will be valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed every three years by retaking the online exam.

5. Certified Online Shopping Manager (COSM)

Certified Online Shopping Manager (COSM) is a professional certification program designed to provide online shopping professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage an online retail business. It is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The COSM certification program consists of four parts:

1. An online course that covers topics such as e-commerce, digital marketing, customer service, and analytics.

2. A final exam that tests the student’s knowledge of the material covered in the course.

3. A hands-on project that requires students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

4. An optional mentorship program to help students further develop their skills and gain valuable industry experience.

The COSM certification program typically takes about six months to complete, depending on how quickly you work through the course material and complete your project. To get started, you will need to register for the program and pay a fee of $399 USD which includes access to all course materials and exams as well as one year of membership in NRF’s Online Shopping Professionals group. Once you have completed all four parts of the program, you will receive your COSM certificate from NRF.

6. Certified Digital Commerce Manager (CDCM)

Certified Digital Commerce Manager (CDCM) is a certification program designed to help digital commerce professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of e-commerce, digital marketing, customer experience, and business operations. The certification is offered by the Digital Commerce Institute (DCI), an international organization dedicated to promoting digital commerce excellence.

The CDCM program consists of three levels: Professional, Advanced, and Master. Each level has its own set of requirements that must be met in order to obtain the certification. To become a Professional CDCM, applicants must have two years of relevant work experience and pass an online exam. To become an Advanced CDCM, applicants must have five years of relevant work experience and pass an online exam. To become a Master CDCM, applicants must have seven years of relevant work experience and pass an online exam.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the requirements for each level of the CDCM program. The cost for each level varies depending on whether you are taking the online or in-person exams; however, generally speaking it costs around $500 - $1000 per level.

To get started with the CDCM program, first you need to register with DCI by completing their registration form and paying the fee associated with your chosen level. Once registered, you will receive access to study materials which can be used to prepare for the exams. After studying for the exams, you will then take them either online or in-person at one of DCI’s testing centers around the world. Upon successful completion of all three levels of the program, you will be awarded your Certified Digital Commerce Manager designation.

7. Certified Ecommerce Operations Manager (CEOM)

Certified Ecommerce Operations Manager (CEOM) is a certification that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing ecommerce operations. It is designed to provide an industry-recognized credential for those working in the field of ecommerce operations.

The CEOM certification requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in ecommerce operations, as well as successful completion of an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ecommerce strategy, customer service, marketing, analytics, and more.

To get the CEOM certification, you must first complete the online application process. This includes providing proof of your professional experience and submitting payment for the exam fee (currently $395). After your application is approved, you will receive information about scheduling your exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the CEOM certification.

The cost for the CEOM certification is $395 USD. This includes access to study materials and practice exams prior to taking the actual exam.

8. Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) is a certification program offered by the Digital Marketing Institute. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to become an effective digital marketing professional. The program covers topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, and analytics.

The CDMP certification requires candidates to complete a series of online courses and exams. The program consists of six modules that cover the fundamentals of digital marketing and related topics. Each module includes lectures, case studies, quizzes, and assessments. Candidates must pass all six modules in order to earn their certification.

The program takes approximately two months to complete depending on the individual’s pace. Candidates also have the option to take additional courses for further study or specialization in certain areas of digital marketing.

To get certified as a CDMP, candidates must register for the program through the Digital Marketing Institute website. The cost of registration varies depending on the type of course chosen and whether or not a candidate opts for additional courses or specializations. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD for the entire program including all six modules and any additional courses or specializations chosen by the candidate.

9. Certified Web Store Manager (CWSM)

Certified Web Store Manager (CWSM) is a professional certification program designed to help web store managers and owners understand the basics of running an online store. The CWSM program provides training and certification for those who wish to become proficient in managing their online stores.

The CWSM program consists of four modules which cover the fundamentals of setting up, running, and managing an ecommerce store. Each module includes lectures, quizzes, and hands-on activities that will help you gain the necessary skills to manage your own web store.

It takes approximately six months to complete the coursework and pass all four modules in order to become certified as a CWSM. During this period, students will learn how to set up their stores, manage inventory, create marketing campaigns, track customer data, process payments, troubleshoot technical issues, write product descriptions and more.

To get started with the CWSM program you must first register on the official website. You will then be required to pay a one-time fee of $299 USD in order to access all four modules of the course. After completing each module successfully you will receive a certificate of completion from the CWSM organization. Once you have completed all four modules you can apply for certification as a Certified Web Store Manager (CWSM).

10. Advanced Ecommerce Management Certification Program (AECMCP).

The Advanced Ecommerce Management Certification Program (AECMCP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage an ecommerce business. It is offered by the Professional Association of Ecommerce Managers (PAEM).

The AECMCP consists of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of ecommerce management. The courses cover topics such as marketing, customer service, operations, financials, and analytics. Each course takes approximately three months to complete and requires successful completion of a final exam in order to receive the certification.

In order to get certified through the AECMCP, you must first register with PAEM and pay the registration fee. After that, you will be able to access all five courses online and begin your journey towards becoming an ecommerce manager. As you progress through each course, you will need to complete assignments and quizzes in order to demonstrate your understanding of the material. Once you have completed all five courses successfully, you will be eligible for the final exam which upon successful completion will grant you your certification.

The cost for registering with PAEM and taking part in the AECMCP is $499 USD. This includes access to all five courses as well as additional resources such as webinars and forums where students can interact with other professionals in the field.

Do You Really Need a Ecommerce Manager Certificate?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not you need an ecommerce manager certificate. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual goals and needs.

If you are looking to break into the ecommerce industry, a certificate may help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your knowledge of the field. A certificate can also provide you with valuable industry contacts and give you access to online resources that can help you stay up-to-date on changes in the field.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in ecommerce management and want to stay competitive in the field, a certificate may not be necessary. While it is important to stay current on trends and technologies, many employers will value practical experience over a theoretical understanding of ecommerce principles.

Ultimately, it is important to assess your own needs before deciding whether or not an ecommerce manager certificate is right for you. If you are looking for a way to break into the industry or make yourself more competitive as an existing employee, then a certificate might be worth pursuing. However, if your experience already speaks for itself, then investing time and money into obtaining a certification might not be necessary.

Related: Ecommerce Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Ecommerce Manager Certifications

Q1. What is an Ecommerce Manager Certification?

A1. An Ecommerce Manager Certification is a professional designation that demonstrates a person's knowledge and experience in managing an ecommerce business, including developing strategies for online sales and marketing, analyzing customer data, and handling online payments.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Ecommerce Manager?

A2. To become certified as an Ecommerce Manager, you must pass the examination administered by the National Association of ECommerce Professionals (NAECP). This exam covers topics such as ecommerce law, analytics and metrics, customer service and support, product development, operations management, and more.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Ecommerce Manager?

A3. Becoming certified as an Ecommerce Manager can help you demonstrate your expertise to potential employers or clients, increase your salary opportunities, expand your network of contacts in the industry, and stay up-to-date on best practices in ecommerce management.

Q4. What is covered in the certification examination for Ecommerce Managers?

A4. The certification examination for Ecommerce Managers covers topics such as ecommerce law; analytics and metrics; customer service and support; product development; operations management; marketing strategy; search engine optimization (SEO); website design and usability; payment processing; financial analysis; tax implications of ecommerce transactions; fraud prevention; data security measures; international trade regulations; supply chain management; and more.

Q5. How long does it take to receive my certification after passing the exam?

A5. After passing the exam administered by NAECP, you will receive confirmation of your certification within 2 business days via email or mail depending on your preference when registering for the exam.