Top 10 Field Sales Representative Certifications

Certifications are important for field sales representatives because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and skills in the area of sales. For example, certifications such as Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP) show that an individual has achieved a certain level of competence in sales and is able to perform their job effectively. Certifications also provide evidence of an individual’s commitment to their profession, which can be attractive to potential employers. Finally, having a certification gives field sales representatives credibility when meeting with customers and potential clients, which can help them close more deals.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Field Sales Representatives and explain how they can benefit a field sales representative's career.

What are Field Sales Representative Certifications?

Field sales representative certification is a type of professional certification that validates the skills and knowledge of individuals who work in the field sales industry. This certification demonstrates mastery of the principles and practices of field sales, such as customer service, presentation techniques, negotiation strategies, and marketing. It also demonstrates an understanding of product knowledge, territory management, and legal regulations related to field sales.

By obtaining a field sales representative certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to their profession and prove they are qualified to work in the industry. This can be particularly useful for those who wish to move up in their current company or switch jobs. Having this credential may also help one stand out from other job applicants in competitive hiring environments. Additionally, some employers may even offer incentive programs for certified professionals that include additional training opportunities or higher salaries. Ultimately, having a field sales representative certification can give individuals a competitive edge in the job market and help them advance their careers.

Pro Tip: Before applying for a field sales representative certification, make sure you have an in-depth understanding of the product or service you are selling. Knowing the features and benefits of what you are offering will be invaluable in gaining customer trust and developing relationships with potential clients.

Related: What does a Field Sales Representative do?

Top 10 Field Sales Representative Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP)

Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). The program is designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in today’s competitive sales environment. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in sales.

The CPSP program consists of four levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Master. Each level requires completion of specific coursework and exams. The Basic level focuses on the fundamentals of selling, while the Intermediate level builds on this knowledge with more advanced concepts. The Advanced level includes topics such as customer service, negotiations and closing techniques, while the Master level covers topics such as sales strategy and management.

It typically takes about six months to complete all four levels of the CPSP program. To get certified, you must complete all required coursework and pass all exams with a score of 70% or higher. You will also need to submit an application for certification along with a fee of $150 USD.

Once you have successfully completed the program, you will receive your official certificate from NASP and be recognized as a Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP).

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 sales professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in the sales profession. The CSP designation is awarded to those who demonstrate proficiency in areas such as sales process, customer service, and product knowledge.

The CSP 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 a certain number of hours of training and/or experience in order to be eligible for the certification.

To become a CSP, applicants must complete an online application and submit it with the required documentation including proof of current employment or recent work experience in sales. Applicants must also pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge and understanding of the sales process. Once approved, applicants will receive their CSP certificate from NASP.

The cost for the CSP certification varies depending on your location and whether you are taking the course online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $400-$700 USD to become certified as a CSP.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to complete all requirements for the CSP certification program.

3. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals increase their knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of sales. The CSE certification is offered by the American Society of Professional Salespeople (ASPS). It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in sales.

The CSE program consists of four courses: Principles of Selling, Advanced Selling Strategies, Negotiations and Closing, and Sales Management. Each course takes approximately eight weeks to complete and must be completed within one year from the date of enrollment. After completing all four courses, participants must pass an exam to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CSE, you must first have at least two years of sales experience or equivalent training/education. You must also submit an application form with supporting documents such as transcripts, references and proof of employment/training. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to pay a fee for each course you take. The fees vary depending on the course but typically range from $500-$700 per course.

Once you have successfully completed all four courses and passed the exam, you will receive your official CSE certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

4. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful sales managers. The CSM certification is offered by the American Management Association (AMA).

The CSM program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an in-person exam. The self-study course covers topics such as sales management, customer service, marketing, and business strategy. It takes approximately 12 weeks to complete the self-study course. After completing the self-study course, candidates must pass an in-person exam to earn their CSM certification.

To get Certified Sales Manager (CSM) certification, you must first register for the program with AMA. Then you must purchase the required materials, which include a textbook and online study guide. Once you have purchased the materials, you can begin studying for the exam. When ready, you can then schedule your exam with AMA and take it at one of their testing centers or through a proctored online test.

The cost of getting Certified Sales Manager (CSM) certification varies depending on how long it takes to complete the self-study course and whether or not you choose to take an in-person or online exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 USD for all materials and fees associated with obtaining your CSM certification.

5. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification program developed by the American Association of Professional Development Professionals (AAPDP). The CBDP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business development and have demonstrated their commitment to the profession.

The CBDP certification requires successful completion of a three-step process: an online application, a written exam, and an oral presentation. To be eligible for the CBDP certification, applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in business development or related fields.

The written exam covers topics such as marketing, sales, finance, operations, human resources, and project management. The oral presentation focuses on how the applicant has applied their knowledge and skills to real-world business situations.

It typically takes approximately four to six months to complete the entire certification process. The cost for the CBDP certification varies depending on whether you are an AAPDP member or not. For non-members, it costs $500 plus any applicable taxes; for members it costs $400 plus any applicable taxes.

6. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional certification program offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). It is designed to provide real estate professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful negotiators. The CNE program consists of three levels: Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), Advanced Certified Negotiation Expert (ACNE), and Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE).

The CNE program requires a minimum of 40 hours of instruction, including classroom lectures, role-playing exercises, and case studies. The course covers topics such as negotiation theory and strategy, communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, ethics in negotiation, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive their CNE designation.

To obtain the CNE designation, you must complete the RENI-approved training program and pass an exam. The cost for the training program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500. After completing the training program and passing the exam, you will be eligible to receive your CNE designation.

In addition to obtaining your CNE designation through RENI’s approved training programs, you can also earn it by taking an online course or attending a live seminar. These options are typically less expensive than attending an in-person class but may require additional study time or materials to pass the exam.

Overall, becoming a Certified Negotiation Expert requires dedication and commitment but can be very rewarding for those who are successful in achieving their goal.

7. Certified Solution Selling Specialist (CSSS)

Certified Solution Selling Specialist (CSSS) is a professional certification program that provides sales professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively sell complex solutions to their customers. It is designed to help salespeople develop the skills necessary to identify customer needs, create solutions that meet those needs, and close deals more quickly and efficiently.

The CSSS certification program consists of five modules: Introduction to Solution Selling, Advanced Solution Selling, Sales Planning & Execution, Sales Negotiation & Closing, and Professional Development. The program takes approximately 40 hours of study time to complete.

To get the CSSS certification, you must complete all five modules and pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. You can purchase access to the course materials for $1,495 USD. Additionally, you must be an active member of the Solution Selling Association in order to receive your certification.

Once you have completed all requirements and passed the exam, you will receive your official CSSS certificate from the Solution Selling Association.

8. Certified Account Manager (CAM)

Certified Account Manager (CAM) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). The CAM certification is designed to recognize and reward account managers who demonstrate high levels of knowledge, skill, and experience in managing customer accounts.

The CAM certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a written examination. The online course covers topics such as account management principles, customer relationship management, sales techniques, and communication skills. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete the online course.

The written examination tests your knowledge of the material covered in the online course. It consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about 2 hours to complete.

To get certified as a Certified Account Manager, you must first register with ICPM and pay a fee of $249 USD. Once registered, you can access the online course materials and take the written exam when you are ready. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, you will receive your CAM certification certificate from ICPM.

9. Strategic Selling Certification Program

The Strategic Selling Certification Program is a comprehensive course that provides sales professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful in their field. The program is designed to help salespeople develop the skills necessary to effectively identify customer needs, create value-based solutions, and close deals.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course is self-paced, allowing students to work at their own pace and complete the course as quickly or slowly as they choose. It covers topics such as customer segmentation, negotiation strategies, communication techniques, and more. The in-person workshop provides hands-on training from experienced instructors who can provide personalized feedback and guidance throughout the process.

To get certified through this program, you must complete both the online course and the in-person workshop. It typically takes around six weeks to complete both parts of the program.

The cost of the Strategic Selling Certification Program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere between $1,000-$2,000 USD for both parts of the program.

10. Advanced Selling Strategies Certification Program

The Advanced Selling Strategies Certification Program is a comprehensive, online program designed to help sales professionals develop their skills in selling and customer service. The program covers topics such as prospecting, building relationships, closing techniques, and more. It includes interactive modules, videos, audio lectures, quizzes and assessments.

The program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. To get the certification you must pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost of the Advanced Selling Strategies Certification Program is $299 USD.

Do You Really Need a Field Sales Representative Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and the career they are pursuing. For some, a field sales representative certificate may be required in order to obtain a job in the field. For others, it may provide a competitive advantage that could help them land a job or promotion.

In general, having a field sales representative certificate can demonstrate an individual's commitment to their profession and show employers that they have taken the time to develop their skillset and knowledge of the industry. It can also be beneficial for those who want to increase their chances of landing a job in this field as employers often look for candidates with additional qualifications and certifications.

However, not everyone needs a field sales representative certificate. If you already have experience in this industry or are confident enough to demonstrate your knowledge through interviews and other methods, then you may not need one. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide if they need one based on their goals and current situation.

Related: Field Sales Representative Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Sales Representative Certifications

Q1: What is a Field Sales Representative Certification?

A1: A Field Sales Representative Certification is a certificate that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the field of sales. It shows potential employers that you have the skills necessary to succeed in a sales role.

Q2: Who should consider getting certified as a Field Sales Representative?

A2: Anyone who wants to advance their career in sales or demonstrate their expertise should consider becoming certified as a Field Sales Representative. This includes current sales professionals, students, and those looking to transition into a new career path.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Field Sales Representative?

A3: Becoming certified as a Field Sales Representative can help you stand out from other job applicants and increase your credibility with employers. Additionally, it can give you access to exclusive resources such as training materials and mentorship opportunities.

Q4: How do I become certified as a Field Sales Representative?

A4: You will need to complete an approved certification program that meets industry standards. These programs usually consist of self-study, classroom instruction, and/or online learning modules. Once you have completed all of the requirements, you will be eligible for certification.

Q5: Is there an exam required for certification?

A5: Yes, most certification programs require an exam at the end of the program in order to be eligible for certification. The exam typically tests your knowledge of industry best practices, customer service techniques, and sales strategies.