Top 11 Merchandising Manager Certifications

Certifications for a merchandising manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications can also help to set a merchandising manager apart from other candidates, as they show that the individual has taken the time and effort to gain additional qualifications related to their role. Additionally, certifications can provide access to certain networks and resources which may be beneficial when it comes to finding employment opportunities or advancing in one’s career. Finally, certifications can showcase a dedication to professional development, which is highly valued by employers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Merchandising Managers and explain how they can help enhance a merchandising manager's career.

What are Merchandising Manager Certifications?

Merchandising Manager Certification is a professional credential that verifies the competency and expertise of merchandising professionals. This certification provides proof of an individual’s ability to effectively manage a retail organization’s merchandising operations, including product selection, pricing, inventory management, and display strategies. With this certification, a person has the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the ever-changing retail industry.

The certification can help those who wish to pursue a career in merchandising by providing them with an official stamp of approval from a respected industry organization. It also serves as evidence of their knowledge and experience to potential employers, which can help them land better job opportunities. Additionally, it helps current merchandisers stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Having this certification is also beneficial for developing relationships with vendors and suppliers as they will know they are working with someone who understands the ins and outs of the business. Ultimately, having Merchandising Manager Certification gives individuals more credibility within their field and can open doors to new opportunities.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming a merchandising manager, consider obtaining a certification in the field. Such certifications can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this role and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

Related: What does a Merchandising Manager do?

Top 11 Merchandising Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Merchandising Management (CPMM)

Certified Professional in Merchandising Management (CPMM) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Merchandising and Marketing (IIMM). The CPMM is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of merchandising management. The certification is awarded to those who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and strategies related to managing merchandise within an organization.

The CPMM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course provides participants with an overview of merchandising management topics such as product development, pricing strategies, inventory control, and customer service. Participants must complete the course before taking the exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test participants’ knowledge and understanding of merchandising management principles.

The CPMM program typically takes approximately three months to complete. Participants must register for the program through IIMM’s website and pay a fee of $395 USD before they can begin the coursework. Once registered, participants have access to all materials needed to complete the program including study guides, practice exams, and instructor support. After successfully completing both parts of the program, participants are awarded their CPMM certification which is valid for three years.

2. Certified Retail Merchandiser (CRM)

A Certified Retail Merchandiser (CRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage retail operations. The CRM certification program is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is designed to help retail professionals advance their careers in the industry.

To become a Certified Retail Merchandiser, an individual must complete a series of NRF-approved courses and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as product selection, pricing strategies, inventory management, customer service, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers all aspects of retail operations. It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the entire process.

The cost for taking the CRM certification exam varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on where you take your classes and how much preparation you do beforehand.

In addition to passing the exam, candidates must also meet certain educational requirements in order to be eligible for certification. These requirements include having at least two years of experience working in a retail environment or completing an accredited degree program related to retail management or marketing.

Once certified, individuals are recognized as experts in their field and may be able to access higher-level positions within the retail industry or receive promotions more quickly than non-certified professionals.

3. Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM)

Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and experience of individuals working in the field of visual merchandising. It is the only internationally recognized certification for visual merchandisers, and it is awarded by the International Visual Merchandising Association (IVMA).

The CVM program consists of a comprehensive online course that covers topics such as product display techniques, store design and layout, customer service strategies, and more. The course typically takes around 40 hours to complete, although this may vary depending on the individual’s learning style. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CVM, individuals must first register with the IVMA. Registration includes a one-time fee of $150 USD and requires applicants to submit proof of relevant work experience or education in visual merchandising. Once registered, applicants can purchase access to the online course for $450 USD. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals will be officially certified as Certified Visual Merchandisers (CVMs).

In addition to gaining recognition for their expertise in visual merchandising, CVMs also benefit from discounts on IVMA membership fees and exclusive access to job postings from leading retailers across North America.

4. Certified Store Manager (CSM)

Certified Store Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program that provides store managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their stores. The CSM certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is the only nationally recognized retail management certification program.

The CSM certification program consists of four courses: Retail Management, Store Operations, Merchandising, and Customer Service. Each course takes approximately 20 hours to complete. After completing all four courses, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CSM, you need to first register for the program through the NRF's website. You will then be assigned an instructor who will provide you with access to the course materials and support throughout your studies. Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam, you will receive your official CSM certificate from the NRF.

The cost of the Certified Store Manager program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package includes all four courses for $1,295; however, there are also packages that include additional resources such as textbooks or online study guides for a higher cost.

5. Certified Retail Operations Professional (CROP)

Certified Retail Operations Professional (CROP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the retail operations field. It is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), an organization that represents the interests of retailers and provides education, research, and resources for the retail industry.

The CROP certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive online course covering topics such as store operations, customer service, inventory management, loss prevention, merchandising, and more. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and can be taken at any time. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass an exam administered by NRF.

The cost of obtaining the CROP certification is $199 USD for members of NRF or $299 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at taking the exam. Additional attempts at taking the exam will incur additional fees.

Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years in order to maintain their status as a Certified Retail Operations Professional (CROP). Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits or retaking of the original certification exam.

6. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a professional certification program administered by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). The CIM program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in inventory management.

The CIM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as inventory planning, forecasting, control systems, and inventory optimization. It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the course depending on the individual's schedule.

To get certified, applicants must pass both the online course and the CIM exam with a score of 75% or higher. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

The cost for the Certified Inventory Manager program is $1,095 USD for ISM members and $1,295 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the CIM exam.

7. Certified Product Development Professional (CPDP)

Certified Product Development Professional (CPDP) is a certification offered by the International Association of Product Development Professionals (IAPDP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in product development and demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence.

The CPDP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in product development, including two years in a management role. Applicants must also pass an online exam that covers topics such as project management, product life cycle management, design processes, and innovation strategies. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the CPDP certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their experience and a fee of $395 USD. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their CPDP certification.

The CPDP certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain the certification, individuals must earn at least 30 continuing education credits during this time period. These credits can be obtained through attending conferences or workshops related to product development or taking online courses related to the topic.

8. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the end-to-end supply chain management process and its associated technologies. The CSCP certification program provides a comprehensive framework of best practices, enabling individuals to understand and apply global supply chain strategies that are essential for business success.

The CSCP certification requires completion of an online course, which includes three modules: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management, Advanced Concepts in Supply Chain Management, and Implementation & Operations. The course takes approximately 18 hours to complete and is available in both English and Spanish.

To obtain the CSCP designation, applicants must pass a four-hour exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as supply chain strategy, design, planning, execution and improvement. Applicants must also have at least three years of professional experience in the field or have completed an approved educational program in supply chain management.

The cost of the CSCP certification varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or nonmember. For ASCM members, the exam fee is $695 USD; for nonmembers it is $995 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or attending review courses.

9. Certified Global Sourcing Professional (CGSP)

Certified Global Sourcing Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in global sourcing. The CGSP program is offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

The CGSP program consists of two parts: a written exam and an on-site assessment. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of global sourcing principles, strategies, and best practices. The on-site assessment includes interviews with subject matter experts and practical exercises that evaluate your ability to apply global sourcing concepts in real-world scenarios.

To become certified as a CGSP, you must pass both the written exam and the on-site assessment. The written exam takes about two hours to complete, while the on-site assessment typically takes one full day.

The cost of becoming certified as a CGSP varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or not. For ISM members, the cost is $1,200 USD; for non-members, it is $1,500 USD.

10. Certified Logistics and Distribution Manager (CLDM)

Certified Logistics and Distribution Manager (CLDM) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of logistics and distribution professionals. The CLDM certification is offered through the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of those who manage, plan, implement, or monitor logistics and distribution operations.

The CLDM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in logistics or supply chain management. Applicants must also submit an application form and pass a written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as transportation, inventory control, warehouse management, customer service, international trade regulations, safety regulations, and more.

The CLDM certification process takes approximately six weeks from start to finish. After submitting the application form and passing the written exam, applicants will receive their official certificate within four weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CLDM certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In most cases, it costs between $400-$600 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam in a particular location.

11. Certified Retailer Executive Program (CREP).

The Certified Retailer Executive Program (CREP) is a comprehensive certification program that provides retail professionals with the knowledge and skills to become successful leaders in the retail industry. The program is designed to help retail executives gain the necessary skills to effectively manage their store operations, create a customer-focused culture, and develop strategies for long-term success.

The CREP program consists of five courses: Retail Management, Merchandising Strategies, Customer Service & Engagement, Financial Analysis & Planning, and Leadership & Change Management. Each course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of key concepts related to retail operations and management. The program also includes a final exam that must be passed in order to receive certification.

The CREP program takes approximately 6 months to complete. Participants are expected to attend all five courses within this time frame in order to receive certification.

In order to get certified through the CREP program, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least 5 years of experience in the retail industry or have completed a bachelor’s degree in business or related field. Applicants must also submit an application form along with their resume and other required documents.

The cost of the CREP program varies depending on location and other factors but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,500 USD per person. This cost includes registration fees for all five courses as well as any materials needed for completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Merchandising Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is “it depends.” While a Merchandising Manager Certificate may be beneficial to those working in the field, it is not always necessary. The type of certificate you need will depend on the specific job requirements and how much experience you have in the field.

For entry-level positions, having a Merchandising Manager Certificate may help you get your foot in the door. It can demonstrate that you have studied the basics of merchandising and are familiar with industry terminology and practices. It can also show potential employers that you are serious about your career aspirations and have taken the initiative to gain knowledge in this area.

For more senior roles, such as a Head of Merchandising or Director of Merchandise Planning, having a Merchandising Manager Certificate may be less important than having experience in the field. Employers are likely to look for candidates who have held similar positions previously and demonstrated success in their work. A certificate might be seen as an additional bonus, but it won’t necessarily guarantee you the position over someone with more practical experience.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not you need a Merchandising Manager Certificate will depend on your individual career goals and objectives. If you feel that it could give you an edge when applying for jobs, then it may be worth considering investing in one. However, if you already have extensive experience in the field or feel confident that your skillset is sufficient without one, then it may not be necessary for your particular situation.

Related: Merchandising Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Merchandising Manager Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for Merchandising Managers?

Answer: There are several certifications available for Merchandising Managers, including the Certified Professional in Merchandising Management (CPMM), the Professional Retail Store Manager (PRSM), and the Certified Sales and Marketing Executive (CSME).

2. How do I become a certified Merchandising Manager?

Answer: To become a certified Merchandising Manager, you must first complete an accredited program approved by the National Retail Federation or other relevant organizations. Once you have completed your program, you must pass an exam administered by either NRF or another relevant organization to receive your certification.

3. What is the cost of becoming a certified Merchandising Manager?

Answer: The cost of becoming a certified Merchandising Manager varies depending on which certification you choose to pursue and which organization administers it. Generally speaking, the cost will range from $500-$1,000 USD.

4. How long does it take to become a certified Merchandising Manager?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a certified Merchandising Manager depends on how quickly you can complete your accredited program and pass your exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year before you receive your certification.

5. What are some of the benefits of being a certified Merchandising Manager?

Answer: Being a certified Merchandising Manager provides many benefits, such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, better career advancement opportunities, increased credibility in the industry, and more recognition from peers and customers alike.