Top 11 Medical Sales Representative Certifications

Certifications for medical sales representatives are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certifications can help employers distinguish between candidates and provide assurance that the candidate has met certain standards and qualifications. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities to advance within an organization or move to more senior positions. Finally, certifications can give medical sales representatives an edge over their competition when it comes to applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Medical Sales Representatives and explain how they can benefit a medical sales representative's career.

What are Medical Sales Representative Certifications?

Medical sales representative certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the medical sales field. This certification can be obtained through an accredited program or institution, such as the Professional Medical Sales Certification (PMSC) program offered by the Healthcare Business Management Association (HBMA).

The PMSC certification is designed to equip medical sales representatives with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively promote, sell, and service products in the healthcare industry. The program covers topics such as product knowledge, customer relations, negotiation strategies, communication techniques, and more. In addition to completing coursework, individuals must also pass an exam in order to earn their certification.

Having a medical sales representative certification can provide individuals with many benefits. First of all, it serves as a validation of one's expertise in the field and can help demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and excellence. It also helps potential employers quickly identify qualified candidates when hiring for medical sales positions. Additionally, having a medical sales representative certification can open doors for career advancement opportunities and higher salaries. Finally, certified professionals are able to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices through ongoing continuing education requirements associated with their credentialing program.

Pro Tip: Before starting a career as a medical sales representative, make sure to research and become certified in the specific products or services you intend to represent. This will give you an edge in the competitive medical sales market, as employers are likely to value your expertise and knowledge of their product.

Related: What does a Medical Sales Representative do?

Top 11 Medical Sales Representative Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Sales Representative (CMSR)

A Certified Medical Sales Representative (CMSR) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the medical sales field. The certification is offered by the Medical Sales Professional Association (MSPA), an organization dedicated to advancing the profession of medical sales.

The CMSR certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as product knowledge, sales techniques, customer service, and regulatory compliance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CMSR certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in medical sales and must submit an application along with a fee of $295 USD. After submitting their application, applicants can take the exam at any of MSPA’s testing centers or online. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their certificate within four weeks.

The cost of the CMSR certification includes the application fee and the cost of taking the exam. The total cost for obtaining this certification is approximately $395 USD.

2. Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (CPSR)

Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (CPSR) is a professional certification program designed to provide sales representatives with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively promote pharmaceutical products. The CPSR program is administered by the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSR).

The CPSR program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as pharmaceutical marketing, product knowledge, customer relations, and regulatory compliance. The exam is a multiple-choice test that assesses the applicant's understanding of the material covered in the online course.

To become certified, applicants must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The entire process typically takes about six weeks to complete.

The cost for the CPSR program varies depending on whether you are a member of NAPSR or not. For non-members, it costs $299 for the online course and $99 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $249 for the online course and $49 for the exam fee.

3. Certified Medical Device Sales Representative (CMDSR)

A Certified Medical Device Sales Representative (CMDSR) is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the medical device sales field. The certification is administered by the American Medical Sales Association (AMSA), an organization dedicated to providing education, training, and resources for medical device sales professionals.

To become a CMDSR, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the medical device sales field and pass the CMDSR exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as product knowledge, customer relations, regulatory compliance, and industry trends. The exam can be taken at any AMSA-approved testing center or online through ProctorU.

It typically takes about four to six weeks to prepare for the CMDSR exam. Applicants should review course materials provided by AMSA or take an online course to gain a thorough understanding of the topics covered on the exam. Additionally, applicants should practice answering sample questions from past exams to get familiar with the format and difficulty level of the test.

The cost of becoming a CMDSR varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. If you choose to take an online course offered by AMSA, it will cost $499 USD plus taxes and fees. If you decide to self-study using materials provided by AMSA, it will cost $399 USD plus taxes and fees. The fee for taking the actual CMDSR exam is $299 USD plus taxes and fees.

Once you have successfully passed your CMDSR exam, you will receive a digital certificate that shows employers that you are qualified in medical device sales. You will also receive access to exclusive job postings from employers looking for certified professionals in this field.

4. Certified Healthcare Product Specialist (CHPS)

Certified Healthcare Product Specialist (CHPS) is a certification program offered by the Healthcare Technology Certification Commission (HTCC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in healthcare product selection, implementation, and management. The CHPS credential demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the areas of healthcare information technology, medical device selection, and clinical decision support.

The CHPS program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, healthcare regulations, and healthcare IT systems. The exam is available online or in-person at authorized testing centers. Applicants must have at least two years of experience in the healthcare industry or related field to be eligible for the CHPS certification.

The cost of the CHPS program varies depending on the format chosen. Online exams cost $395 per attempt while in-person exams cost $495 per attempt. The fee includes access to study materials and practice tests.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the certification process from start to finish. After passing the exam, applicants receive their certificate within four weeks.

5. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPHQ certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in healthcare quality. It is the most widely recognized and respected credential for healthcare quality professionals.

The CPHQ program requires applicants to meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of experience in the field of healthcare quality or related experience, completing a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education credits, and passing an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as healthcare quality management, performance improvement, patient safety, risk management, regulatory compliance, and data analysis.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process from start to finish. The first step is to submit an application along with all required documents and fees. Once your application is approved, you will be able to register for the CPHQ exam. After successfully passing the exam, you will need to submit proof of completion of 45 hours of continuing education credits before you become certified.

The cost for the CPHQ certification varies depending on your NAHQ membership status and whether or not you choose to take advantage of any discounts that may be available. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for non-members and $300-$400 USD for members.

6. Certified Professional in Medical Sales (CPMS)

Certified Professional in Medical Sales (CPMS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical sales. The program is offered by the National Association of Medical Sales Professionals (NAMSP).

The CPMS certification requires applicants to complete an online course and exam, which covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques, and marketing. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and the exam takes 1-2 hours.

In order to be eligible for the CPMS certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in medical sales or related fields. They must also submit a resume that outlines their experience and education. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to the online course materials and exam.

The cost of the CPMS certification is $295 USD for NAMSP members and $395 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all course materials and exams as well as one year of membership with NAMSP.

7. Certified Professional in Pharmaceutical Sales (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Pharmaceutical Sales (CPPS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise and knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical sales. This certification is offered by the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Professionals (NAPSP). The CPPS certification is the only nationally recognized credential for pharmaceutical sales professionals.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CPPS certification program. During this time, applicants must complete an online application and submit proof of education, experience, and training in pharmaceutical sales. After submitting their application, applicants will be required to take an exam that covers topics such as product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques, and professional ethics. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CPPS certification.

The cost for taking the CPPS exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAPSP. For non-members, the fee is $250 while members pay $200. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with preparing for and taking the exam such as study materials or practice tests.

Overall, earning your CPPS certification can help demonstrate your commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical sales and provide employers with assurance that you have met high standards in this field.

8. Certified Professional in Medical Device Sales (CPMDS)

Certified Professional in Medical Device Sales (CPMDS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for success in medical device sales. The program is administered by the Medical Device Sales Certification Commission (MDSCC).

The CPMDS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques and regulatory compliance. Applicants must also have at least two years of professional experience in medical device sales.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the applicant's location, but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

To get the CPMDS certification, applicants must first submit an application with proof of their professional experience in medical device sales. Once approved, they will be given access to the online exam portal where they can register for and take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CPMDS certification.

9. Certified Clinical Consultant (CCC)

A Certified Clinical Consultant (CCC) is a professional certification for healthcare professionals who specialize in providing clinical consulting services. The CCC credential is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills required to effectively provide clinical consultation services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations.

To become certified as a CCC, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the American Association of Clinical Consultants (AACC). These include having at least two years of experience in clinical consulting or five years of experience in a related field; having completed at least 30 hours of approved continuing education courses; and passing an examination administered by the AACC.

The cost to obtain the CCC credential varies depending on whether you are already an AACC member or not. For non-members, the fee is $450 for the application fee plus an additional $200 for the exam fee. For members, there is no application fee but they still need to pay the $200 exam fee.

The process typically takes about 4-6 weeks from start to finish. After submitting your application and paying all applicable fees, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time. You will also receive study materials that can help you prepare for your exam. Once you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive your official CCC certificate within 2-3 weeks.

10. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

A Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). The CCRA certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in clinical research. It demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to the highest standards of clinical research practice.

To become a CCRA, individuals must have at least two years of full-time experience in clinical research or equivalent part-time experience within the past five years. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as Good Clinical Practice, regulatory requirements, ethics, data management, and study monitoring.

The exam is offered twice a year in April and October at various locations around the world. The cost for the exam is $495 for ACRP members and $595 for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CCRA certification and be eligible to use the CCRA designation after your name. The certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. To maintain your certification status, you must complete at least 15 continuing education credits every three years.

11. Certified Medical Equipment Technician (CMET).

Certified Medical Equipment Technician (CMET) is a professional certification administered by the International Certification Commission (ICC). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competency in the field of medical equipment technology.

The CMET certification program has two levels: Certified Medical Equipment Technician I (CMET-I) and Certified Medical Equipment Technician II (CMET-II). Each level requires different qualifications, experience, and testing.

To become certified at either level, applicants must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet other requirements such as having work experience in the field or completing continuing education credits. The CMET-I exam covers basic medical equipment technology knowledge and skills; the CMET-II exam covers advanced topics such as troubleshooting and repair.

It typically takes between 6 months and 2 years to complete the requirements for becoming a CMET-I or CMET-II. The cost of the certification depends on which level you are seeking; it ranges from $125-$225 USD for the CMET-I exam, and $175-$275 USD for the CMET-II exam.

Do You Really Need a Medical Sales Representative Certificate?

No, you do not need a medical sales representative certificate to be successful in the medical sales industry. Having a medical sales representative certificate may give you an edge when applying for certain jobs or internships, but the most important thing is that you have the necessary knowledge and experience in the field.

The best way to become successful in the medical sales industry is to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. Take courses related to medical device sales, network with other professionals in the industry, and read up on industry trends. With enough hard work and dedication, you can become knowledgeable and experienced enough to land a job without needing a certificate.

Having a certificate may still be beneficial if it comes from an accredited organization or university. This can demonstrate your commitment to learning about the field and show employers that you are serious about entering this competitive field.

In conclusion, while having a medical sales representative certificate can be helpful in certain situations, it is not essential for success in this industry. The most important thing is that you have knowledge and experience related to medical device sales and understand how the industry works.

Related: Medical Sales Representative Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Sales Representative Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Medical Sales Representative?

Answer: To become a Medical Sales Representative, you should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, have an aptitude for learning about medical products and services, have a basic understanding of medical terminology, and hold a relevant degree or certification.

2. What is the difference between Medical Sales Representative Certifications?

Answer: Different certifications offer different levels of training and education in medical sales. The Certified Medical Sales Professional (CMSP) certification requires more in-depth knowledge of the industry, while the Certified Medical Device Sales Professional (CMDSP) certification focuses more on product knowledge.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Medical Sales Representative?

Answer: It typically takes anywhere from one to two years to complete the necessary coursework and training required for most certifications in medical sales. However, some certifications may require longer periods of time depending on the level of expertise desired.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a Medical Sales Representative?

Answer: Most certifications require applicants to have at least two years’ experience working in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry prior to enrollment. Additionally, applicants must pass a background check and meet other eligibility requirements set out by the organization offering the certification program.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Medical Sales Representative?

Answer: Costs vary depending on which certification you choose to pursue; however, most programs range from $500-$2000 USD per year for tuition and materials fees.