Top 11 Group Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a group sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role. Certifications can show potential employers that the candidate is competent, reliable, and trustworthy. They also provide an edge over other candidates who may not have certifications, as employers may view certification holders as more qualified than non-certified applicants. In addition, certifications can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities, making them a valuable asset for any group sales manager looking to stand out in a competitive job market.

This article reviews the top certifications for Group Sales Managers and explains how they can benefit a Group Sales Manager's career.

What are Group Sales Manager Certifications?

Group sales manager certification is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop their skills and knowledge in managing and leading group sales teams. The certification program focuses on developing the strategic, tactical, and interpersonal skills necessary for successful group sales management. It covers topics such as customer service, negotiation, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, budgeting, events planning, and more. By taking a group sales manager certification course, individuals gain an understanding of the principles of effective group sales management and how to apply them in real-world situations. This can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries as certified professionals are seen as having a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in managing successful group sales teams. Additionally, this certification can also help individuals better understand their own strengths and weaknesses so they can adjust their approach accordingly when working with different groups of customers or prospects.

Pro Tip: When considering group sales manager certification, make sure to research the qualifications and requirements of each program to ensure it is the right fit for your career goals. Additionally, look into any continuing education opportunities associated with the certification to ensure you stay up-to-date on industry best practices and trends.

Related: What does a Group Sales Manager do?

Top 11 Group Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional designation that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead a sales team. The certification is offered by the American Management Association (AMA).

It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the program, depending on the individual’s pace. To get certified, applicants must first complete a self-assessment of their sales management skills and experience. They then must attend an AMA-approved training course or program and pass an exam at the end of it.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether you choose to take an online or in-person class. Online classes typically range from $1,500-$2,000 while in-person classes can be more expensive. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and study materials.

2. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program for sales managers. It is offered by the International Association of Sales Professionals (IASP). The CPSM program provides sales managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully lead their teams in today’s competitive market.

The CPSM program consists of three parts: Core Competencies, Advanced Competencies, and Leadership & Management. Core competencies include topics such as customer service, sales process management, communication strategies, and team building. Advanced competencies cover topics such as negotiation tactics, pricing strategies, account management, and sales forecasting. Leadership & Management covers topics such as strategic planning, problem solving, coaching & mentoring, and organizational development.

It takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the CPSM program depending on how much time a person can dedicate to studying each week. To get certified you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of the core competencies covered in the program. You must also have at least two years of experience in a sales management role or equivalent job experience before taking the exam.

The cost of taking the CPSM exam is $495 USD for IASP members and $595 USD for non-members. The cost includes access to study materials and practice exams to help prepare for the test. After passing the exam you will receive your official certification from IASP which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Group Sales Professional (CGSP)

Certified Group Sales Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program designed to elevate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of group sales professionals. The CGSP program provides a comprehensive education in group sales that covers topics such as customer service, marketing, communication, and problem-solving. It also offers guidance on developing successful strategies for selling to groups and creating long-term relationships with customers.

The CGSP program consists of three courses: Group Sales Fundamentals, Group Sales Strategy & Tactics, and Advanced Group Sales Strategies. Each course is offered online or in a classroom setting and takes approximately 15 hours to complete. Upon completion of all three courses, participants will receive their CGSP certification.

To get the CGSP certification, individuals must first complete all three courses within one year from the start date of the first course. After completing the courses, participants must pass an exam administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The exam fee is $125 USD per person. Additionally, there is an application fee of $100 USD for individuals who are applying for their CGSP certification for the first time.

Once applicants have successfully completed all requirements they will receive their CGSP certificate from AHLEI along with access to exclusive resources such as industry news updates and job postings.

4. Certified International Group Sales Manager (CIGSM)

Certified International Group Sales Manager (CIGSM) is a professional certification program administered by the International Association of Professional Sales Managers (IAPSM). It is designed to provide an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in sales management, and to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in this field.

The CIGSM certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as sales process management, customer relationship management, sales force effectiveness, sales analytics, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of their sales experience and demonstrate their commitment to continuing education.

The cost for the CIGSM certification is $395 USD. This fee includes the exam fee and access to the IAPSM’s online learning platform. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CIGSM certification within 4-6 weeks.

5. Certified Strategic Group Sales Executive (CSGSE)

Certified Strategic Group Sales Executive (CSGSE) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of strategic selling, customer relationship management, and sales process optimization. The program is offered by the American Management Association (AMA).

The CSGSE certification requires applicants to complete a series of online courses and exams that cover topics such as sales strategy, customer segmentation, account planning, negotiation techniques, and analytics. Upon successful completion of the coursework and exams, participants will receive a certificate from AMA verifying their achievement.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSGSE certification program. To get started, applicants must first register for the program on AMA's website. Once registered, they can begin taking courses at their own pace. Each course consists of several modules that include lectures, quizzes, case studies and other activities that are designed to help participants understand key concepts in each area.

The cost of the CSGSE certification program varies depending on which courses are taken; however, it generally ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 USD.

6. Certified Advanced Group Sales Executive (CAGSE)

Certified Advanced Group Sales Executive (CAGSE) is a professional certification program offered by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of group sales. The certification is awarded after successful completion of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as sales strategies, marketing tactics, customer service, and event management.

The CAGSE certification program takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application and submit their resume for review. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then attend an intensive two-day seminar followed by an online course. The seminar and course cover topics such as group sales strategies, customer service techniques, marketing tactics, event planning, and more. After completing both the seminar and course, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their CAGSE certification.

The cost of the CAGSE certification program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD per person. This cost includes tuition fees for both the seminar and online course as well as registration fees for the exam.

7. Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM)

Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) is a professional designation for those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business development. The certification is offered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP).

The Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead and manage business development initiatives. This certification focuses on developing an understanding of how to identify opportunities, develop strategies, and implement solutions that will help organizations achieve their goals.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the program. During this time, individuals must complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as project management, marketing strategy, sales process optimization, customer relationship management, financial analysis, negotiation tactics, and more. Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will be awarded their CBDM designation.

The cost for obtaining the CBDM certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

8. Certified Global Account Manager (CGAM)

Certified Global Account Manager (CGAM) is a certification program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage global accounts. The CGAM program is offered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). It takes approximately six months to complete the certification process, which consists of three components: an online course, an exam, and a work experience requirement.

The online course covers topics such as international accounting standards, global financial management, foreign exchange markets, international taxation, and global business operations. Upon completion of the course, candidates must pass a two-hour exam that tests their understanding of the material presented in the course. After passing the exam, candidates must demonstrate at least two years of relevant work experience in order to receive their CGAM certification.

The cost for the CGAM program varies depending on whether you are an AICPA member or non-member. For AICPA members, it costs $1,200; for non-members it costs $1,500.

9. Certified Corporate Account Manager (CCAM)

Certified Corporate Account Manager (CCAM) is a professional certification program designed to help corporate account managers develop their skills and increase their marketability. The CCAM program is administered by the International Association of Corporate Account Managers (IACAM).

The CCAM certification program is designed to provide corporate account managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage corporate accounts. It covers topics such as customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. Upon completion of the program, candidates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible for the Certified Corporate Account Manager designation.

The CCAM certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Corporate Accounts, Advanced Corporate Accounts Management, Strategic Planning for Corporate Accounts, and Professionalism in Corporate Accounts Management. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

To become certified as a CCAM, applicants must first complete all four courses in the program. After completing the courses, applicants must pass an exam administered by IACAM. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass.

The cost of the CCAM certification program varies depending on how many courses you take at once and whether or not you choose to take advantage of any discounts or promotions that may be available at any given time. Generally speaking, however, it will cost around $1,000 USD for all four courses plus the exam fee ($150 USD).

10. Certified Channel Partner Program Manager (CCPPM)

Certified Channel Partner Program Manager (CCPPM) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to manage successful channel partner programs. The CCPPM certification is offered by the Channel Partner Alliance (CPA), an organization dedicated to helping organizations build and maintain successful channel partner relationships.

The CCPPM certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in managing channel partner programs. Candidates must successfully complete a two-day training course, followed by an online exam. The course covers topics such as understanding customer needs, building effective partnerships, setting objectives, developing strategies, and measuring success.

The cost of the CCPPM certification is $2,500 USD for members of the CPA and $3,000 USD for non-members. It typically takes about three months to complete the entire process from registration to completion of the exam.

11. Professional in Group Sales Management (PGSM).

Professional in Group Sales Management (PGSM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Group Sales Professionals (IAGSP). This certification is designed for professionals who are involved in group sales and marketing, such as those working in travel and tourism, hospitality, retail, and other industries.

The PGSM certification requires that applicants complete a series of courses and exams to demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to group sales management. The courses cover topics such as customer service, sales strategies, team building, financial management, communication skills, and more.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the requirements for the PGSM certification. The exact timeline will depend on the individual's experience level and how quickly they can complete the required coursework.

To get certified as a Professional in Group Sales Management (PGSM), individuals must first submit an application to IAGSP. Once approved, applicants must then register for the courses and exams necessary for certification. After completing all of the required coursework and passing all of the exams with a satisfactory score, applicants will receive their PGSM certification from IAGSP.

The cost of obtaining a Professional in Group Sales Management (PGSM) certification varies depending on factors such as location and type of courses taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 USD to become certified in this field.

Do You Really Need a Group Sales Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Group Sales Manager Certificate depends on your goals and the type of job you’re looking for. If you’re looking to break into the group sales industry, it can be beneficial to have a certificate in order to demonstrate your knowledge and experience. A certificate may also give you an edge over other candidates since it shows that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and understand best practices.

However, if you already have experience in group sales and are looking for more advanced roles, such as a senior position, then having a Group Sales Manager Certificate may not be necessary. In this case, potential employers will likely prioritize your experience over any credentials that you may have. Additionally, depending on the company or organization that is hiring, they may prefer candidates with certifications from specific programs or organizations.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Group Sales Manager Certificate depends on your individual situation and career goals. If having one will help make up for gaps in your experience or set you apart from other applicants then it is worth considering getting certified. However, if having a certificate won’t add much value to your resume then it may be best to focus on gaining more relevant experience instead.

Related: Group Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Group Sales Manager Certifications

1. What is a Group Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: A Group Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage sales teams in an organization. It covers topics such as customer service, sales process management, team leadership, and negotiation techniques.

2. How do I become certified as a Group Sales Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Group Sales Manager, you must pass an exam administered by an approved certification provider. You must also have experience in the field of sales management or have completed a course in the subject matter.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Group Sales Manager?

Answer: Becoming a Group Sales Manager can provide numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities and earning potential, improved job satisfaction and career advancement potential. It can also help to strengthen your knowledge and understanding of sales processes and strategies for better performance in the role.

4. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete the certification process depends on the specific requirements of your chosen certification provider, but typically it takes between one to two months to complete all necessary steps for full certification.

5. Is there any cost associated with becoming certified as a Group Sales Manager?

Answer: Yes, there is usually some cost involved in obtaining your certification as a Group Sales Manager depending on which certification provider you choose. Costs may include registration fees, exam fees, materials costs and any other related expenses associated with taking the exam or completing training courses if required by your chosen provider.