Top 10 Floor Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a floor manager in the job market because they demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. They can show employers that they have a certain level of expertise and understanding of the industry, which is essential for success as a floor manager. Certifications can also provide an edge over other applicants since they prove that the applicant has gone through rigorous training to hone their skills. This can help employers make more informed decisions when selecting a candidate for the role. Additionally, certifications provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry, which can lead to further career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Floor Managers and explain how obtaining them can benefit their career.

What are Floor Manager Certifications?

Floor Manager Certification is a program designed to help floor managers become more effective and efficient leaders in the workplace. This certification provides floor managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their staff, handle customer complaints, manage inventory levels, increase sales and productivity, develop team-building strategies, create a safe work environment, and maintain a positive work culture. The certification focuses on areas such as communication, budgeting, scheduling, problem solving, conflict resolution, customer service, time management, leadership development and human resources.

Having Floor Manager Certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees in many ways. For employers it can help ensure that their floor managers have the necessary qualifications to lead their teams effectively and efficiently. It also can give employers the confidence that their floor managers are up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. For employees it can provide them with an opportunity to build upon their existing skillsets or learn new ones which will help them advance in their career. Additionally it shows potential employers that they have taken initiative to further develop their skillset as a floor manager which could make them more attractive candidates for future positions.

Pro Tip: When considering floor manager certification, make sure to research the specific requirements of the certifying body you are interested in. Many certifications require an extensive background check and may include additional training or experience requirements. Be sure to understand what is required before beginning the process.

Related: What does a Floor Manager do?

Top 10 Floor Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Floor Manager (CFM)

Certified Floor Manager (CFM) is a certification program designed to help floor managers develop their skills and improve their performance in the workplace. The CFM program provides training, resources, and guidance for floor managers to become more effective leaders. It also provides them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make better decisions and manage a successful team.

The CFM program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level requires different amounts of time to complete, ranging from one day to several months. The total cost of the program varies depending on which level you are pursuing.

Level 1 is the introductory course that covers basic management principles such as communication skills, customer service techniques, problem solving strategies, and team building activities. This course typically takes two days to complete and costs around $200-$400 USD.

Level 2 focuses on developing advanced management skills such as conflict resolution techniques, budgeting strategies, personnel management practices, and project management principles. This course usually takes two weeks to complete and costs around $500-$800 USD.

Level 3 is the most advanced level of the CFM program which covers topics such as strategic planning processes, organizational development tactics, change management strategies, and leadership development theories. This course typically takes four weeks to complete and costs around $1000-$1500 USD.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Floor Manager certification can be an excellent way for floor managers to gain valuable knowledge that will help them become more effective leaders in their organization.

2. Certified Retail Store Manager (CRSM)

Certified Retail Store Manager (CRSM) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize retail professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of retail store management. The certification validates a person's ability to effectively manage a retail store, from managing personnel and operations to understanding customer service, marketing, finance, and merchandise management.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CRSM program. To get certified, you must first register with the NRF and pay an application fee. After that, you will need to complete an online course that covers topics such as customer service, merchandising, financial management, human resources management, and marketing. Upon completion of the coursework, you will be required to take a proctored exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CRSM program varies depending on where you register for it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $300 - $500 USD for the entire program.

3. Certified Professional in Retail Management (CPRM)

Certified Professional in Retail Management (CPRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of retail professionals. The CPRM certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is designed to help retail professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities.

The CPRM certification program consists of three courses: Principles of Retail Management; Merchandising; and Operations & Technology. Each course focuses on a different aspect of retail management, such as customer service, product selection, pricing strategies, store operations, and technology. To earn the CPRM certification, candidates must complete all three courses within two years from the date they register for the first course.

To get the CPRM certification, candidates must first register for the program on the NRF website. Once registered, candidates will be provided with access to online study materials and practice exams. After completing all three courses and passing each exam with a score of at least 70%, candidates will receive their CPRM certification.

The cost for the CPRM certification program varies depending on whether you are an NRF member or not. For non-members, it costs $1,995 for all three courses plus an additional $125 fee for each exam taken. For NRF members, it costs $1,495 for all three courses plus an additional $100 fee for each exam taken.

4. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals become more effective and successful in their roles. The program provides comprehensive training and development, as well as certification of the individual’s knowledge and skills in sales management.

The CSM program typically takes between six months to one year to complete. It consists of five courses: Introduction to Sales Management, Advanced Sales Management, Professional Selling Skills, Strategic Selling Skills, and Leadership & Team Building. Each course requires a minimum passing score on an exam in order to receive the certification.

To get the CSM certification, individuals must first register for the program through a certified provider or institution. Once registered, they will need to complete all five courses within the specified time frame and pass each exam with a minimum score of 70%. Upon completion of all five courses, individuals will receive their CSM certification from the provider or institution.

The cost of obtaining the CSM certification varies depending on which provider or institution you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$3000 USD depending on the length of the program and any additional materials required for completion of the courses.

5. Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM)

Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The CVM program provides retail professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively design, implement, and manage visual merchandising strategies.

The CVM program consists of three courses: Visual Merchandising Fundamentals, Advanced Visual Merchandising Strategies, and Visual Merchandising Management. Each course takes approximately 8 weeks to complete.

To become certified, applicants must successfully complete all three courses and pass an exam administered by the NRF. The cost of the CVM program varies depending on which courses are taken and whether they are taken online or in-person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD.

6. Certified Store Operations Manager (CSOM)

Certified Store Operations Manager (CSOM) is a professional certification program designed to help store managers and supervisors develop their skills in store operations. The program focuses on the core competencies needed to effectively manage a retail store, including customer service, inventory management, merchandising, and financial management.

The CSOM program is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), and it takes about six months to complete. It consists of three online courses: Introduction to Store Operations Management, Advanced Store Operations Management, and Professional Practices in Store Operations Management. Each course has an associated fee; the total cost for all three courses is approximately $1,000 USD.

To get certified as a CSOM, you must first pass all three courses with a minimum score of 70%. Once you have completed the courses and passed the exams, you will receive your official certificate from NRF. You can then use this certification to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in store operations management.

7. Certified Loss Prevention Manager (CLPM)

Certified Loss Prevention Manager (CLPM) is a certification program offered by the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF). It is designed to provide loss prevention professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a loss prevention program. The CLPM certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of loss prevention, including risk management, security operations, investigations, audit and compliance.

The CLPM certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as: Risk Management, Security Operations, Investigations, Audit & Compliance, and Business Practices. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To become certified as a CLPM, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having a minimum of three years of experience in the loss prevention field or equivalent education/training. Applicants must also complete an online application form and submit it along with payment for the exam fee. After submitting their application form and payment for the exam fee, applicants will receive an email from LPF confirming their eligibility to take the exam.

The cost for taking the CLPM exam is $150 USD per attempt. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or other resources related to preparing for the exam.

8. Professional in Customer Service Management (PCSM)

Professional in Customer Service Management (PCSM) is a certification program offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). It is designed to help customer service professionals develop and demonstrate their expertise in customer service management.

The PCSM program consists of four levels: Associate, Professional, Executive, and Master. Each level has a set of knowledge requirements that must be met before taking the exam. The Associate and Professional levels are available online for self-study, while the Executive and Master levels require instructor-led training.

The cost of the PCSM certification depends on the level you are pursuing. The Associate level costs $150 USD, while the Professional level costs $350 USD. The Executive and Master levels cost $500 USD each.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all four levels of the PCSM program depending on how quickly you can complete your studies and pass the exams.

To get started with PCSM certification, you will need to register for an ICSA membership account and then purchase access to the course materials. After completing your studies and passing all required exams, you will be awarded your certificate from ICSA.

9. Certified Inventory Control Specialist (CICS)

Certified Inventory Control Specialist (CICS) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CICS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in inventory control and management. It is a valuable credential for those seeking to advance their careers in this field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of relevant work experience, passing an exam, and completing continuing education credits. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as inventory control theory, systems design and analysis, forecasting techniques, warehouse operations, purchasing strategies, and more.

The CICS certification process typically takes about six months to complete. Candidates must first apply for the program and submit all required documentation. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. After registering for the exam, candidates will have four months to study and prepare before taking it. Upon successful completion of the exam, they will be awarded their CICS certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of membership purchased with APICS. An individual membership costs $199 per year while a corporate membership costs $1,299 per year. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 and an exam fee of $295 that must be paid prior to taking the test.

10. Retail Leadership Certification Program (RLCP).

The Retail Leadership Certification Program (RLCP) is an industry-recognized program designed to provide retail professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful retail leadership. The program is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is available to both current and aspiring retail leaders.

The RLCP consists of four courses, each focusing on a different aspect of retail leadership. These courses are:

1. Leadership Foundations

2. Merchandising & Planning

3. Store Operations & Management

4. Customer Experience & Engagement

Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete, depending on the individual learner’s pace and experience level. Upon completion of all four courses, participants receive their RLCP certification from NRF.

To get certified through the RLCP program, individuals must first register for the program on NRF’s website and pay a fee of $399 USD for access to all four courses. After registering, learners will have up to one year to complete all four courses in order to receive their certification. Those who successfully complete the program will be recognized as Certified Retail Leaders by NRF and receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their professional profile or website.

Do You Really Need a Floor Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals. If you are looking to become a floor manager in the hospitality industry, then having a floor manager certificate is essential. It shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a team of employees and ensure that guests have an enjoyable experience. A certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

On the other hand, if you are looking to become a floor manager in another field, such as retail or healthcare, then it may not be necessary to get certified. However, having some form of certification can still be beneficial. It shows employers that you are knowledgeable about the industry and have taken the time to learn best practices and professional standards. This can give you an edge over other applicants when competing for positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you should get a floor manager certificate depends on your career goals and what kind of environment you plan on working in. If you are serious about becoming a successful floor manager, then obtaining certification is likely your best bet.

Related: Floor Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Floor Manager Certifications

1. What is a Floor Manager Certification?

A Floor Manager Certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a retail floor. It includes topics such as customer service, inventory management, personnel management, loss prevention, business operations and more.

2. How do I become certified as a Floor Manager?

In order to become certified as a Floor Manager, you must complete a training program approved by the National Retail Federation (NRF). This program typically includes classroom instruction, online courses and hands-on experience in the field. After completing the program, you must pass an exam administered by the NRF in order to be certified.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Floor Manager?

The time frame for becoming certified can vary depending on the type of training program you choose and how quickly you complete it. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 6 months to 1 year.

4. What are the benefits of being certified as a Floor Manager?

Being certified can open up job opportunities that may not have been available before certification was obtained. In addition, it shows employers that you have acquired specialized knowledge and skills related to floor management which can lead to higher wages or promotions within your current position.

5. What is included in the curriculum for certification?

The curriculum typically includes topics such as customer service, inventory management, personnel management, loss prevention, business operations and more. Depending on the program you choose there may also be additional topics such as marketing strategies and financial planning included in the curriculum.