Top 11 Inside Sales Executive Certifications

Certifications are important for an inside sales executive in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of specific skills. Certifications show employers that the individual has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends, product knowledge, and techniques for success. Additionally, certifications can give a competitive edge over other applicants who do not have them. Having a certification can also increase an individual’s salary potential, as many employers are willing to pay more for someone with these credentials. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for networking and career advancement as they create connections with individuals in similar fields or roles.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Inside Sales Executives and explain how they can help to advance their careers.

What are Inside Sales Executive Certifications?

Inside sales executive certification is a professional designation that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in an inside sales role. This certification is often offered by organizations such as the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AAISP) and the National Association of Professional Inside Sales Executives (NAPISE).

The certification program consists of both online and classroom-based instruction, allowing individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices associated with inside sales. The coursework covers topics such as customer service, relationship building, negotiation, call center management, lead generation, and marketing. It also provides guidance on how to effectively use technology for sales activities and how to manage customer databases.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in inside sales and improve their chances of getting hired or promoted within their organization. In addition, it can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in the same field. Furthermore, certified professionals are often viewed as more credible by employers since they have proven their ability to work effectively in an inside sales role. Finally, having this certification also provides access to exclusive networking opportunities with other industry professionals which can help expand one’s career prospects.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing an inside sales executive certification, make sure to research the program or organization offering the certification to ensure that it is credible and offers value. Also, consider what skills and knowledge you will gain from the certification and how it can help you in your current role or advance your career.

Related: What does an Inside Sales Executive do?

Top 11 Inside Sales Executive Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Inside Sales Executives today.

1. Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)

Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a sales professional’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of inside sales. The CISP certification is offered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP).

The CISP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as customer service, prospecting, negotiation, closing techniques, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CISP certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in inside sales or related fields. Additionally, applicants must have completed 40 hours of professional development activities within the past year.

The cost for the CISP certification exam is $495 for AA-ISP members and $695 for non-members.

2. Certified Professional Inside Sales Manager (CPISM)

Certified Professional Inside Sales Manager (CPISM) is a professional certification for inside sales managers. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals in the field of inside sales management. The CPISM certification is administered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AAISP).

The CPISM certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, sales process management, communication strategies, and team building. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in inside sales management or related fields.

To get the CPISM certification, applicants must first register for the exam through the AAISP website. Applicants will then receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their CPISM certificate.

The cost of taking the CPISM exam is $395 USD for members of AAISP and $495 USD for non-members.

3. Certified Inside Sales Representative (CISR)

Certified Inside Sales Representative (CISR) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have completed an educational program and demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to excel in the field of inside sales. The CISR program is administered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research and is designed to provide inside sales professionals with the tools they need to be successful.

The CISR program consists of five courses that cover topics such as customer service, insurance principles, marketing strategies, communication techniques, and risk management. Each course must be completed within two years of enrolling in the program. Upon completion of all five courses, participants must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CISR program varies depending on which courses are taken and how many credits are earned. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 for the entire program.

In order to become certified as a CISR, individuals must first complete an application form and submit it along with their payment information. Once accepted into the program, participants will receive access to course materials and instructions on how to proceed with their studies. After completing all five courses and passing the final exam, participants will receive their official CISR certificate from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

4. Certified Lead Generation Specialist (CLGS)

A Certified Lead Generation Specialist (CLGS) is a professional who specializes in the generation of qualified leads for businesses. They are responsible for creating and managing campaigns that target potential customers, and they use a variety of techniques to generate interest in products and services. This includes email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, and more.

It typically takes two to three months to become a Certified Lead Generation Specialist (CLGS). The process involves completing an online training program that covers topics such as lead generation strategies, customer segmentation, campaign management, and analytics. After completing the program, candidates must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CLGS, you must first complete an online training program from one of the approved providers. These programs usually cost between $500 and $1,000 depending on the provider. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, you will receive your certification from the provider.

The cost of becoming a Certified Lead Generation Specialist varies depending on the provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more depending on the length of the course and any additional materials or resources included in the package.

5. Certified Account Executive (CAE)

Certified Account Executive (CAE) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field of account management. The CAE program provides an opportunity for account executives to demonstrate their expertise in the areas of customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and operations.

The CAE program consists of three levels: Professional, Advanced, and Executive. Each level requires completion of a series of courses and examinations that cover topics such as customer service, sales techniques, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and operations management. Upon successful completion of all three levels, individuals are awarded the Certified Account Executive designation.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three levels of the CAE program. However, some students may be able to complete it faster depending on their prior experience and knowledge base.

In order to get certified as a CAE, individuals must first complete an application form with ICPM. After submitting the application form along with any required documents or fees (if applicable), applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then successfully complete each level’s coursework and examination requirements before being awarded their certification.

The cost for certification varies depending on which level(s) you are applying for and whether or not you are a member of ICPM. Generally speaking though, it can range from $500-$1500 USD depending on your situation.

6. Certified Telemarketing Professional (CTP)

Certified Telemarketing Professional (CTP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of telemarketing. It is administered by the American Teleservices Association (ATA).

The CTP program consists of three parts: an online exam, a practical application project, and an interview. The online exam covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, legal regulations, and ethics. The practical application project requires candidates to design and implement a telemarketing campaign that meets specific goals. Finally, the interview involves questions about the candidate's experience in telemarketing and their understanding of the CTP program requirements.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three parts of the CTP program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly a candidate completes each part.

To get certified as a CTP, candidates must first apply for membership with ATA by submitting an application form along with payment for the registration fee ($200 USD). Once accepted into the program, they will be given access to study materials and resources needed to prepare for the exam. Candidates can then register for the online exam at any time and complete it within 90 days from registration date. After passing the online exam, they must submit their practical application project within 6 months from passing date in order to move onto the interview stage. Finally, after completing both stages successfully they will receive their official CTP certificate from ATA.

The cost of becoming a Certified Telemarketing Professional is $200 USD for ATA membership plus additional fees associated with taking the online exam ($100 USD) and submitting your practical application project ($50 USD).

7. Certified Inside Sales Negotiator (CISN)

Certified Inside Sales Negotiator (CISN) is a certification program designed to equip sales professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in inside sales. The program is offered by the National Association of Professional Inside Sales Representatives (NAPISR). It provides comprehensive training on topics such as customer service, negotiation, communication, and closing techniques.

The CISN certification program consists of three courses: Introduction to Inside Sales, Advanced Inside Sales Strategies, and Mastering Your Negotiation Skills. Each course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and includes interactive activities, videos, quizzes, and case studies. Upon completion of all three courses, participants will receive their CISN certification.

To get the CISN certification, you must first register for the program through NAPISR's website. Once registered for the program, you will be provided with access to all three courses mentioned above. After completing all three courses successfully, you will receive your CISN certificate via email.

The cost of the CISN certification program is $299 USD. This fee covers access to all three courses as well as a one-time fee for your official CISN certificate upon successful completion of the program.

8. Certified Prospecting Expert (CPE)

Certified Prospecting Expert (CPE) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals become more effective in their prospecting and lead generation efforts. It is a comprehensive program that covers the fundamentals of prospecting, including building relationships, qualifying leads, and creating an effective outreach strategy. The CPE certification takes approximately 10 hours to complete and consists of an online course, a final exam, and an optional hands-on workshop.

To get the CPE certification, you must first register for the course through the official website. Once registered, you can access the course materials and begin studying for the final exam. The cost of the CPE certification varies depending on whether or not you choose to attend the optional workshop; it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

9. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop their business development skills and knowledge. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their professional development and their ability to effectively manage the business development process.

The CBDP certification is offered through the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP). The certification requires applicants to complete a series of courses, exams, and assessments over a period of time. The courses cover topics such as strategic planning, marketing, sales, finance, and management. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will receive a certificate from IABDP acknowledging their achievement.

The length of time it takes to get the CBDP certification varies depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment to completing the program. Typically, it takes anywhere from six months to two years for an individual to complete all of the required coursework and exams.

In order to obtain the CBDP certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of education or experience in business development or related fields. Once accepted into the program, applicants are then required to complete all of the coursework and exams within two years in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost for obtaining the CBDP certification varies depending on where you live and what type of package you choose. Generally speaking, packages range from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on which courses you take and how long it takes you to finish them.

10. Certified Social Selling Specialist (CSSS)

Certified Social Selling Specialist (CSSS) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals and organizations learn the fundamentals of leveraging social media for sales success. It was created by the American Marketing Association (AMA) in partnership with Hootsuite, the leading social media management platform. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to use social networks, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, to build relationships with customers and prospects.

The CSSS program consists of four courses that are delivered online over a period of four weeks. Each course focuses on one aspect of social selling: understanding customer needs, creating content for engagement, building relationships through conversations and measuring success. Each course includes video lectures, quizzes and assignments that must be completed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get certified as a CSSS you must complete all four courses within the allotted time frame and pass all exams with at least an 80% grade or higher. Once you have successfully completed the program you will receive your official certificate from AMA/Hootsuite.

The cost for the Certified Social Selling Specialist program is $1,295 USD which covers all four courses and exams required for certification.

11. Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR).

Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) is a certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who have demonstrated superior knowledge and skills in the area of customer service. It is offered by the National Customer Service Association (NCSA).

The CCSR certification requires applicants to pass an exam which tests their knowledge of customer service principles, practices, processes, and procedures. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer needs analysis, problem solving, communication skills, conflict resolution, and customer satisfaction. The exam can be taken online or in person at one of NCSA's testing centers.

The cost for the CCSR certification exam is $225 USD. There are no prerequisites required to take the exam; however, it is recommended that applicants have at least two years of customer service experience prior to taking the exam. It typically takes about three hours to complete the exam.

Once an applicant has passed the CCSR certification exam they will receive a certificate from NCSA recognizing them as a Certified Customer Service Representative. This certificate must be renewed every two years in order for it to remain valid.

Do You Really Need a Inside Sales Executive Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an inside sales executive certificate to become successful in the field of sales. That said, there are certain advantages to obtaining such a certification.

First and foremost, an inside sales executive certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your role. It can also give you an edge over other candidates when it comes to job interviews, as employers may be more likely to hire someone who has taken the time to invest in their own education. The courses offered as part of a certification program are often tailored specifically for the needs of those working in the field of inside sales and may include topics such as customer service, communication skills, and marketing strategies. In addition, many certification programs provide graduates with access to a network of industry professionals that can prove invaluable when it comes time to finding a job or building relationships within the industry.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue an inside sales executive certificate is up to you. If you feel that such a program would give you an extra boost in terms of knowledge and networking opportunities then it may be worth considering. On the other hand, if you already possess the skills necessary for success in this field then investing resources elsewhere might be more beneficial for your career goals.

Related: Inside Sales Executive Resume Examples

FAQs About Inside Sales Executive Certifications

1. What is an Inside Sales Executive Certification?

Answer: An Inside Sales Executive Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have successfully demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a specific area of inside sales. The certification provides proof of expertise and may be used to demonstrate an individual’s ability to employers, clients, or other professionals.

2. How do I become certified as an Inside Sales Executive?

Answer: To become certified as an Inside Sales Executive, you must first meet certain prerequisites such as completing relevant coursework, passing a written exam, and having at least two years of experience working in inside sales. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for certification through one of the many organizations that offer certifications in this field.

3. What topics are covered on the Inside Sales Executive Exam?

Answer: The topics covered on the Inside Sales Executive Exam vary from organization to organization but typically include customer service skills, sales strategy, prospecting techniques, lead generation tactics, and more.

4. How long does it take to complete an Inside Sales Executive Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete an Inside Sales Executive Certification depends on the organization offering the certification and the individual’s commitment to study and practice their skills. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months with regular study and practice sessions.

5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining an Inside Sales Executive Certification?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a fee associated with obtaining an Inside Sales Executive Certification depending on the organization offering the certification program. Fees may range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the program chosen.