Top 11 Medical Sales Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a medical sales professional's job market success. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the individual is knowledgeable and qualified in their field. Earning a certification shows employers that the individual has gone through rigorous training and has acquired specific skills and knowledge related to medical sales. Certification also increases the individual's credibility and demonstrates commitment to their profession. Additionally, certification can open up opportunities for advancement within a company or new job opportunities in other organizations.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Medical Sales and explain how they can help advance a medical sales career.

What are Medical Sales Certifications?

Medical sales certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of medical sales. It proves to employers and colleagues that the individual has the necessary qualifications to work successfully in this capacity. Medical sales certification can be obtained through a variety of organizations, such as the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) or The Institute for Medical Sales Excellence (IMSE).

Medical sales certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when seeking jobs in this field. It shows that they have the necessary expertise and training to understand complex medical products and services, as well as market them effectively. Additionally, it indicates that they are up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and procedures. Certification can also provide access to exclusive resources, such as courses, conferences, and networking opportunities. This can help individuals stay ahead of their peers and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and compare the different medical sales certifications available before choosing one. Ask questions about the certification's curriculum, accreditation, and cost to ensure that it meets your professional needs.

Related: What does a Medical Sales do?

Top 11 Medical Sales Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Saless today.

1. Certified Medical Sales Professional (CMSP)

Certified Medical Sales Professional (CMSP) is a certification program for medical sales professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who work in the medical sales industry. The CMSP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the key competencies required for success in medical sales.

The CMSP program consists of an online assessment that tests an individual’s knowledge of the fundamentals of medical sales and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. The assessment covers topics such as understanding customer needs, developing strategies for successful product launches, and managing customer relationships.

The CMSP certification requires a minimum score of 70% on the assessment in order to be awarded the credential. Upon successful completion of the assessment, individuals will receive a certificate from the Medical Sales Professional Association (MSPA).

The cost for taking the CMSP assessment is $295 USD. This includes access to study materials and practice exams prior to taking the exam as well as one year of membership with MSPA which provides access to networking opportunities, job postings, and other resources related to medical sales.

The entire process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish depending on availability and scheduling.

2. Certified Medical Device Sales Executive (CMDS)

A Certified Medical Device Sales Executive (CMDS) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in medical device sales. The CMDS program is offered through the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA). It is a comprehensive certification program that covers topics such as product knowledge, customer service, regulatory compliance, and marketing.

The CMDS certification requires passing an exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of medical device sales. The exam must be taken at an approved testing center and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must first register for the exam by submitting an application form and fee. The application fee varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of HDMA. For members, the fee is $495; for non-members, the fee is $595. Once registered, applicants have up to one year from the date of registration to take the exam.

Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CMDS certification card and certificate of completion. This certifies them as a Certified Medical Device Sales Executive and allows them to use the credentials “CMDS” after their name.

3. Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (CPSR)

Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (CPSRs) are professionals who have received specialized training and certification in the sale of pharmaceutical products. The CPSR credential is awarded by the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSR).

The NAPSR Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative program is a comprehensive, self-paced online course that covers all aspects of pharmaceutical sales, including product knowledge, customer service, and marketing techniques. The program consists of 12 modules that cover topics such as:

• Understanding the Pharmaceutical Industry
• Regulatory Requirements
• Product Knowledge
• Selling Techniques
• Professionalism
• Communication Skills
• Building Relationships
• Marketing Strategies
• Negotiating Contracts
• Closing Deals
• Customer Service Excellence.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the program. However, some students may be able to finish it sooner depending on their level of commitment and dedication to completing the coursework. To become a Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, you must successfully complete all 12 modules and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost for the program is $1,495 USD.

4. Certified Medical Equipment Technician (CMET)

A Certified Medical Equipment Technician (CMET) is a professional who has been trained and certified to install, maintain, and repair medical equipment used in healthcare settings. This includes a wide range of medical devices such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, imaging machines, and other specialized equipment.

To become a CMET, one must first complete an accredited program that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, electrical safety, and medical device technology. The program typically takes two years to complete and may require additional courses or certifications depending on the type of equipment being serviced. After completing the program, an individual must pass a certification exam administered by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The cost of becoming a CMET varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books and materials as well as any required certifications or exams.

Once certified, CMETs are expected to stay up-to-date with new technologies in order to provide quality service to patients. They are also responsible for ensuring that all medical devices are properly maintained and operated according to manufacturer guidelines.

5. Certified Medical Device Representative (CMDR)

Certified Medical Device Representative (CMDR) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Medical Device Representatives (NAMDR). This certification is designed for medical device representatives who want to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the field.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the medical device industry, as well as a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education from an approved provider. The CMDR exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, product knowledge, sales techniques, and more.

The cost to take the CMDR exam is $395 USD. The exam can be taken either online or in-person at one of NAMDR's testing centers. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam. Once the exam is successfully passed, applicants will receive their CMDR certification within 4-6 weeks.

6. Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS)

Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare technology. This certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The CHTS certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in healthcare technology, including working with electronic health records (EHRs), coding systems, and other related technologies. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of healthcare technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as EHRs, data security and privacy, health information management systems, and more.

The entire process of obtaining a CHTS certification typically takes about three months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first register for the exam through AHIMA's website. Once registered, applicants can access study materials and practice exams to help them prepare for the actual exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CHTS certification within four weeks.

The cost of obtaining a CHTS certification varies depending on where you live and what type of membership you have with AHIMA. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to become certified in most states.

7. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program developed by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPHQ certification is designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare quality. It is a voluntary certification that requires a combination of education, experience, and successful completion of an exam.

The CPHQ exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management, performance improvement, patient safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $395 for members of NAHQ or $495 for non-members.

In order to be eligible to take the CPHQ exam, applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree in healthcare or related field or at least five years of full-time experience in healthcare quality. Applicants must also submit proof of their education and/or experience prior to taking the exam.

Once the application has been approved, applicants can register for the CPHQ examination online through NAHQ’s website. Candidates must pay an additional fee ($100 for members/$150 for non-members) when registering for the exam.

Successful candidates will receive their CPHQ certification within four weeks after passing the exam. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits earned during that time period.

8. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

A Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of clinical research. CCRA certification is administered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

To become a CCRA, an individual must have at least two years of full-time experience in clinical research, or one year of full-time experience plus 24 hours of continuing education credits. In addition, applicants must pass an ACRP-administered examination.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Good Clinical Practice, clinical trial management, regulatory requirements, and clinical data management. The exam fee is $425 for members and $525 for non-members.

It typically takes four to six weeks to receive results from the ACRP after completing the exam. Upon passing the exam, individuals are eligible to use the CCRA designation after their name and will receive a certificate from ACRP.

9. Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of healthcare risk management. The CPHRM certification is offered by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM).

The CPHRM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in healthcare risk management, and must pass an examination administered by ASHRM. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as risk identification, assessment, mitigation, communication and reporting.

In order to get the CPHRM certification, applicants must submit an application to ASHRM along with proof of their work experience. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam and pay the associated fee. The fee for taking the exam is $575 for members of ASHRM and $775 for non-members.

It typically takes around four months from submitting an application to receiving results from the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CPHRM certificate within two weeks.

10. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of patient safety knowledge and skills. The CPPS credential is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to patient safety and quality improvement, as well as their expertise in the field.

The CPPS program consists of three components: an online assessment, an in-person workshop, and a final examination. The online assessment must be completed prior to attending the workshop. The workshop is two days long and covers topics such as systems thinking, root cause analysis, team dynamics, and patient safety culture. Upon completion of the workshop, candidates must pass a final examination with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

In order to be eligible for the CPPS program, applicants must have at least three years of experience working in healthcare or related fields. Additionally, they must have completed at least 15 hours of continuing education within the past three years on topics related to patient safety or quality improvement.

The cost for the CPPS program varies depending on whether you are an NPSF member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,695; for non-members it costs $2,295. This fee includes access to all course materials and resources needed for successful completion of the program.

11. Certified Health Care Compliance Professional (CHCCP).

A Certified Health Care Compliance Professional (CHCCP) is a professional that has been certified to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area of health care compliance. This certification is offered through the Healthcare Compliance Certification Board (HCCB).

The CHCCP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the health care compliance field, as well as an understanding of the laws, regulations, and standards that govern the industry. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by HCCB. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient privacy, HIPAA compliance, fraud and abuse prevention, and risk management.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CHCCP exam. Applicants should become familiar with relevant laws and regulations and review study materials provided by HCCB. Additionally, applicants may find it helpful to attend webinars or seminars on health care compliance topics.

The cost of taking the CHCCP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of HCCB or not. For non-members, the fee is $595 USD; for members, it is $495 USD. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $125 USD for members or $175 USD for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Medical Sales Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s goals and experience. Generally speaking, a medical sales certificate is not necessary for someone to become successful in medical sales. However, it can be beneficial if the individual wishes to pursue a career in medical sales or wants to gain an edge over other candidates applying for the same position.

A medical sales certificate may provide additional knowledge on topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and ethical considerations when selling pharmaceuticals or medical devices. In addition, a certified program will also cover marketing strategies and techniques that can help individuals increase their success in medical sales. This could include learning how to effectively use social media outlets to reach potential customers, how to properly present products or services at trade shows or conferences, and how to develop relationships with clients.

In some cases, employers may require applicants for certain positions to have a certificate in order for them to demonstrate their qualifications for the job. Additionally, having a certification may give applicants an advantage when competing against others who are vying for the same position. For example, some employers may prefer applicants with certifications because they feel that these individuals have already demonstrated their commitment and dedication towards learning about the field of medical sales.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a certificate in order to be successful in medical sales depends on their individual goals and experience level. Those who are new to the field may find that having a certification helps them stand out from other applicants and gives them an edge when vying for jobs. On the other hand, experienced professionals who already have extensive knowledge in medical sales may not need one as much since they already possess the skills necessary for success without it.

Related: Medical Sales Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Sales Certifications

1. What are the benefits of having a medical sales certification?

Answer: Having a medical sales certification can help you stand out in an increasingly competitive job market and demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. It can also increase your earning potential, as certified medical sales professionals tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified professionals.

2. What is the best medical sales certification program?

Answer: The best medical sales certification program will depend on your individual career goals and experience level. Some popular programs include Certified Medical Sales Professional (CMSP), Certified Medical Device Sales Professional (CMDSCP), and Medical Sales Professional Certification Program (MSPCP).

3. How much does it cost to get certified in medical sales?

Answer: The cost of getting certified in medical sales varies by program and provider, but typically ranges from $500 to $5,000.

4. What type of jobs can I get with a medical sales certification?

Answer: With a medical sales certification, you may be qualified for jobs such as pharmaceutical representative, biomedical equipment technician, hospital representative, or clinical specialist.

5. How long does it take to get certified in medical sales?

Answer: Depending on the program and provider, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year or more to complete the necessary coursework and obtain your certification in medical sales.