Top 10 Field Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a field sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications can help a candidate stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have the skills necessary to be successful in the role. Additionally, certifications can provide access to industry resources, networking opportunities, professional development events, and other benefits that can help a field sales manager stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications may open up more job opportunities as some employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned specialized credentials.

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

What are Field Sales Manager Certifications?

Field Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help sales managers become more effective in their roles. This certification provides sales managers with the skills, knowledge and resources required to manage field sales teams and maximize their performance. It covers topics such as understanding customer needs, developing strategies for selling products and services, managing customer relationships, utilizing technology effectively, and motivating and leading sales teams. Field Sales Manager Certification also helps sales managers develop the ability to anticipate market trends and adjust strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the competition. By having this certification, sales managers can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in field sales management and gain credibility with customers, peers, employers, and other stakeholders. Additionally, this certification can lead to higher salaries or promotions within an organization.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certification requirements for field sales managers in your area. Many states and local governments have specific regulations regarding the qualifications and licensing needed to work as a field sales manager in their jurisdiction. Knowing these requirements ahead of time can help you make sure that you are prepared to become certified as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Related: What does a Field Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Field Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Management Association. It is designed to recognize sales managers who have achieved a high level of competency in sales management and leadership. The CPSM certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers the key areas of sales management, including: strategy, customer relationship management, communication, team building and development, and performance measurement.

The program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional, and Master. Each level requires successful completion of an online exam. The Foundation level requires 10 hours of study time; the Professional level requires 20 hours; and the Master level requires 30 hours.

To get certified as a CPSM, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for each level which include having at least two years of sales management experience for the Foundation level; four years for the Professional level; and six years for the Master level. You must also complete an application process with the Sales Management Association which includes submitting your resume and passing an online assessment test.

The cost to become a Certified Professional Sales Manager varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The Foundation Level costs $495 USD; the Professional Level costs $795 USD; and the Master Level costs $995 USD.

2. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and abilities of sales professionals. It is the only certification program that focuses on sales competencies across all industries.

The CSP program consists of three levels: Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Advanced Certified Sales Professional (ACSP), and Master Certified Sales Professional (MCSP). Each level requires passing an exam as well as meeting certain experience requirements.

The CSP exam covers topics such as customer service, communication, negotiation, sales process management, product knowledge, and more. The exam can be taken online or in person at a testing center. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the level you are taking it for; however, it typically ranges from $150-$300 per level.

It generally takes about 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CSP program. To get certified at each level, you must pass the relevant exam and meet the experience requirements set out by NASP. You must also submit proof of your work experience to NASP for review before being granted certification.

In addition to passing the exams and meeting experience requirements, you will also need to pay a fee for each level of certification you are seeking. The fees range from $50-$200 per level depending on your membership status with NASP.

3. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is an industry-recognized certification that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in sales. It is designed to help sales professionals become more effective, efficient and successful in their roles.

The Certified Sales Executive program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course is offered online or through a classroom setting, depending on the provider. It typically takes between six to eight weeks to complete the self-study course. The exam is offered at various testing centers throughout the country and can take up to four hours to complete.

In order to get certified, you must first register for the CSE program through a provider such as the American Management Association or National Association of Sales Professionals. After registering, you will receive instructions on how to access the self-study materials as well as information about scheduling your exam date.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which provider you choose and what type of materials you need for your studies. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 for all required materials and fees associated with taking the exam.

4. Certified Sales Leader (CSL)

Certified Sales Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward sales professionals who demonstrate the highest level of excellence in their field. The CSL certification is awarded by the American Association of Professional Sales Leaders (AAPSL).

The CSL certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as sales process, customer service, communication, negotiation, and leadership. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CSL certification, applicants must have at least five years of sales experience or a bachelor's degree in business or related field. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge and mastery of the core competencies required for successful sales leadership.

The cost of the CSL certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States, it typically costs around $400 USD to take the exam and receive the certificate.

5. Certified Sales Trainer (CST)

A Certified Sales Trainer (CST) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of sales training. The CST certification is designed to help sales professionals improve their skills and knowledge, as well as demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field.

The CST certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of topics related to sales training. This includes topics such as communication, customer service, and selling techniques. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the program. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to three hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in sales or sales training. They must also submit proof of education (such as a college degree or equivalent) and pay a fee for the certification process. The cost for becoming certified varies depending on the organization offering the certification but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

Once applicants have completed all requirements, they will receive their official CST certificate from the certifying body. This certificate serves as proof of their expertise in sales training and can be used for job applications or promotions within the industry.

6. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of business development professionals.

The CBDP certification program consists of three levels: Certified Business Development Associate (CBDA), Certified Business Development Specialist (CBDS), and Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP). To become certified, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as marketing, sales, finance, project management, operations management, customer service, and more.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CBDP program. Candidates must complete a minimum of 40 hours of coursework in order to qualify for the exam. The cost of the certification varies depending on the level you are pursuing; however, it typically ranges from $300-$500 USD.

To get certified as a CBDP candidate must first register with IABDP online or by mail. Once registered they will receive an application packet which includes information about the program and instructions on how to apply. After submitting their completed application packet they will receive notification within 2-4 weeks if their application has been approved or not. If approved they will be given access to take the required exams which can be taken at any IABDP testing center around the world. Upon successful completion of all exams they will be awarded their CBDP certification.

7. Advanced Field Sales Management Certification Program

The Advanced Field Sales Management Certification Program is a comprehensive training program designed to help sales professionals advance their knowledge and skills in the field of sales management. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as customer segmentation, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, and sales process optimization. Each course is designed to build on the previous one and culminate in a final project that demonstrates mastery of the material.

The program takes approximately six months to complete and can be done at your own pace. To get started, you will need to register for the program online or through an approved partner organization. Once you have registered, you will be given access to all four courses and will be able to begin studying immediately. You will also receive guidance from a dedicated mentor who can answer questions about the content and provide feedback on your progress throughout the program.

The cost of the Advanced Field Sales Management Certification Program varies depending on which organization you register with but typically ranges between $2,000 - $3,000 USD.

8. Strategic Field Sales Management Certification Program

Strategic Field Sales Management Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. The program consists of three courses: Strategic Field Sales Management, Advanced Field Sales Management, and Professional Development. Each course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of successful field sales management.

The program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete, depending on the individual's pace. Participants are required to attend weekly online classes and complete assignments throughout the duration of the program.

To get started in the certification program, individuals must first register for one or more courses through an accredited provider such as American Management Association (AMA). Once registered, participants will be given access to online materials related to each course they have registered for.

The cost of the Strategic Field Sales Management Certification Program varies depending on which courses are taken and how many credits are earned. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 for all three courses combined.

9. International Field Sales Management Certification Program

The International Field Sales Management Certification Program (IFSMC) is an online program designed to help sales professionals develop their skills in selling, marketing, and management. The program is offered through the American Marketing Association (AMA).

The IFSMC consists of three courses: Introduction to Field Sales Management, Advanced Field Sales Management, and Professional Field Sales Management. Each course covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, product knowledge, negotiation strategies, sales strategies and tactics, market analysis, and financial planning.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. The courses are self-paced so you can work at your own pace. You must complete all three courses within the six-month period in order to receive the certification.

To get certified you must first register for the program on the AMA website. After registration you will be sent a welcome email with instructions on how to access the course materials and begin studying. You will then have six months to complete all three courses and take the final exam for each course. Upon successful completion of all three courses and passing of all exams you will receive your certification from AMA.

The cost for this program is $1,999 USD which includes access to all course materials as well as a one-year membership in the AMA which provides additional resources such as webinars and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field of sales management.

10. Professional Field Sales Manager Certification Program

The Professional Field Sales Manager Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide sales professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful sales managers. The program covers topics such as customer service, sales process management, communication, negotiation, and team building. It also includes an in-depth understanding of the latest trends in the field of sales management.

The program typically takes about three months to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and availability. The course consists of online lectures and materials that can be accessed anytime from anywhere. Participants are also required to attend hands-on workshops and seminars at designated locations around the country.

To get certified, candidates must pass an exam administered by a third-party organization. The exam covers topics such as sales strategy, customer service, communication skills, marketing strategies, and more. Candidates must also submit a portfolio of their work in order to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider; however, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD for all materials and exams included.

Do You Really Need a Field Sales Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what type of field sales manager position you are seeking. If you are looking for an entry-level job, then a field sales manager certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are looking for a more advanced position or one that requires a certain level of expertise and knowledge, then the answer is yes. A field sales manager certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in this role.

In addition to demonstrating your knowledge and expertise, having a field sales manager certificate can help you stand out from other candidates who do not have one. This certification can also provide employers with an indication that you are serious about your career and have taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a field sales manager certificate will depend on what type of position you are applying for. If it is an entry-level job or one that does not require any specific qualifications, then it may not be necessary. However, if it is a more advanced role or requires specialized knowledge, then having this certification can give you an edge over other candidates who do not possess it.

Related: Field Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Sales Manager Certifications

1. What is a Field Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: A Field Sales Manager Certification is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the area of field sales management. It typically covers topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, and team management.

2. What type of jobs require a Field Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: Many organizations require their field sales managers to have a certification in order to demonstrate their proficiency in the field. Positions such as District Managers, Regional Managers, and National Sales Managers usually require this type of certification.

3. How do I become certified as a Field Sales Manager?

Answer: In order to become certified, you must complete an accredited program or course from an organization recognized by the National Association for Sales Professionals (NASP). The program should cover topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, and team management. After completing the program or course, you will need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Field Sales Manager?

Answer: Depending on the program or course you choose, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the requirements for certification. In addition, you may need additional time for studying and preparing for the exam.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Field Sales Manager?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified can vary depending on the program or course you choose and any additional materials needed for study purposes. Generally speaking, most programs will range between $500-$2000 depending on length of time and materials required.