Top 10 National Sales Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a national sales director in the job market as they demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to employers. This goes beyond a degree or other credentials and shows employers that an individual has taken the time to develop their skills and is up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Certifications can also help a national sales director stand out from other applicants, as they highlight the specific qualifications needed for the job. Additionally, certifications can give potential employers confidence in hiring someone who is knowledgeable about their field of work.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for National Sales Directors and explains how they can help to advance a national sales director's career.

What are National Sales Director Certifications?

National Sales Director Certification is an accreditation program designed to help sales directors develop and hone their skills in order to maximize their performance. This certification program provides comprehensive training and assessment in areas such as customer service, sales strategy, product knowledge, negotiating, marketing, and business management. It also includes a final examination that tests the individual’s overall performance in these areas.

This certification can be extremely beneficial for sales directors by helping them understand the complexities of their roles and further develop the skills necessary to excel. By completing this program, sales directors can gain an edge over other candidates when applying for new positions or promotions. They will have a greater understanding of the ever-changing industry trends and be able to apply those insights to better serve their customers. Additionally, they will gain valuable insight into how to effectively lead a team of sales professionals.

The National Sales Director Certification also allows employers to recognize employees who have worked hard to achieve it. This recognition can be used as an incentive for employees to continue striving towards excellence in their role as a sales director. Ultimately, obtaining this certification is a great way for sales directors to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and further increase their value within the organization.

Pro Tip: Be sure to research the different types of national sales director certification available and ensure that you are meeting all requirements before beginning the certification process. Additionally, consider taking advantage of any additional training or resources offered by the certifying organization to help prepare you for success.

Related: What does a National Sales Director do?

Top 10 National Sales Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to National Sales Directors today.

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of sales managers in the business-to-business (B2B) sales environment. The certification is administered by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Selling (IPES).

The CPSM program consists of three levels, each requiring successful completion of an exam:

Level 1: Foundations of B2B Sales Management – This level covers topics such as sales process management, customer relationship management, and sales team development.

Level 2: Advanced Practices in B2B Sales Management – This level covers topics such as negotiation strategies, pricing strategies, and sales forecasting.

Level 3: Leadership in B2B Sales Management – This level covers topics such as organizational change management, strategic planning, and global sales management.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. To get started on your journey to becoming a Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM), you will need to register with IPES and pay an application fee of $125. After that, you will need to purchase study materials for each level from IPES or other approved vendors. Once you have studied for each level and feel ready to take the exams, you can register for them online through IPES at a cost of $450 per exam. Upon successful completion of all three exams, you will be awarded your CPSM certification.

2. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals in the technology sector increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The CSE program is offered by the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), an organization that provides resources and support to technology companies.

The CSE program consists of four courses: Introduction to Sales, Advanced Sales Techniques, Marketing Strategies for Technology Companies, and Leadership Development. Each course is eight weeks long and can be taken online or in-person. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from TECNA.

The cost of the CSE program varies depending on the format chosen; however, it typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD. The cost includes access to all four courses as well as materials and resources needed for successful completion of the program.

In order to obtain the CSE certification, participants must complete all four courses within two years of starting the program. After successfully completing all four courses, participants will receive their Certificate of Completion from TECNA and be eligible to apply for the CSE certification exam. The exam is administered by TECNA and consists of multiple-choice questions based on material covered in each course. Passing this exam will earn participants their Certified Sales Executive designation.

3. Certified Professional in Selling (CPS)

Certified Professional in Selling (CPS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the sales knowledge, skills, and abilities of sales professionals. It is offered by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

The CPS program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Professional in Selling (CPS), Certified Advanced Professional in Selling (CAPS), and Certified Master Professional in Selling (CMPS). The CPS program provides a comprehensive overview of the sales process, from prospecting to closing. It also covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, negotiation techniques, and business acumen.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three levels of certification. To get certified at each level, you must pass an exam that includes multiple-choice questions, essays, and case studies. The exams are administered online or through ASTD's partner organizations. The cost for each level varies depending on the organization administering the exam. Generally speaking, it costs about $400-$600 per level to become certified in selling.

4. Certified Sales Leader (CSL)

Certified Sales Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program designed to equip sales professionals with the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to be successful in today’s competitive marketplace. The program focuses on developing leadership, communication, and sales skills that are essential for success in any sales role. It also provides an opportunity for salespeople to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism in the field of sales.

The CSL program consists of two parts: a core curriculum and an elective course. The core curriculum covers topics such as customer service, negotiation, selling strategies, marketing tactics, and more. The elective course allows participants to customize their learning experience by focusing on areas of interest or expertise.

The CSL program typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on the individual participant’s learning style and pace. To get certified as a CSL, participants must pass a series of tests that measure their understanding of the material covered in the courses. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate from the International Association of Certified Sales Leaders (IACSL).

The cost for the CSL program varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

5. Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP)

Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP) is a professional certification program developed by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The CSMP program is designed to provide sales and marketing professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to excel in their field.

The CSMP program consists of three levels: Certified Sales & Marketing Professional (CSMP), Advanced Certified Sales & Marketing Professional (ACSMP), and Master Certified Sales & Marketing Professional (MCSMP). Each level requires a different set of qualifications, including a combination of educational background, experience, and examination scores.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three levels of the CSMP program. To get started on your CSMP journey, you must first apply for certification through the AMA's website. Once accepted into the program, you will need to complete an approved course in sales or marketing from an accredited institution. You will also need to pass an exam at each level of the program in order to advance to the next level.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on which level you are taking. The cost for the CSMP exam is $295 USD; ACSMP is $395 USD; and MCSMP is $495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials related to the exams.

6. Certified Business Development Executive (CBDE)

Certified Business Development Executive (CBDE) is a professional certification program designed to help business professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the field of business development. The CBDE certification is offered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP).

The CBDE certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Business Development, Strategic Planning, Business Analysis and Implementation, and Professional Practice. Each course provides an in-depth look at the various aspects of business development, including marketing strategies, customer relationship management, financial analysis, project management, and more. Upon completion of all four courses, you will receive your CBDE certificate.

The total time it takes to complete the CBDE certification program depends on how quickly you can complete each course. Generally speaking, it typically takes between six months and one year to complete all four courses.

To get your CBDE certification, you must first register with IABDP and pay the registration fee. You will then be given access to the online learning platform where you can begin taking each course. Once you have completed all four courses successfully, you will be awarded your CBDE certificate from IABDP.

The cost for registering for the CBDE certification program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $499 USD while the premium package costs $699 USD. Both packages include access to all four courses as well as support from IABDP throughout your studies.

7. Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM)

Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) is a professional certification program designed to help sales and account management professionals develop the skills needed to successfully manage strategic accounts. The CSAM certification program is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales, Inc. (AAPS).

The CSAM program consists of two courses: Core Concepts in Strategic Account Management and Advanced Strategies in Strategic Account Management. The Core Concepts course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of strategic account management, including topics such as customer relationship management, competitive analysis, and developing key performance indicators. The Advanced Strategies course covers more advanced concepts such as account segmentation, pricing strategies, and negotiation tactics.

The CSAM program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, participants must complete both courses and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CSAM program varies depending on whether you choose to take the courses online or in-person. Online courses typically cost between $1,000-$1,500 while in-person courses can range from $2,000-$3,500.

In order to get certified as a CSAM professional, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements which include having at least three years of experience in sales or account management roles and completing both the Core Concepts and Advanced Strategies courses within six months of each other. Once these requirements are met, you will be able to take the final exam and receive your certification upon passing it with a score of 80% or higher.

8. Certified Channel Partner Manager (CCPM)

Certified Channel Partner Manager (CCPM) is a certification program designed to help channel partner managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their partners. The program is offered by the International Association of Channel Partners (IACP).

The CCPM certification program consists of four courses that cover topics such as channel partner management, marketing, sales, and customer service. Each course is approximately two days in length and can be taken online or in-person. To become certified, you must successfully complete all four courses.

The cost of the CCPM certification program varies depending on the provider you choose to take it from. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$3,000 USD for the entire program.

In order to get your CCPM certification, you must first pass an exam administered by IACP. This exam covers all four courses and requires a minimum score of 70% in order to pass. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from IACP which will be valid for three years.

Overall, it takes about one month from start to finish to get your CCPM certification if you take all four courses online or up to three months if you take them in-person due to scheduling availability.

9. Master of Business Administration in Sales & Marketing (MBA-SM)

The Master of Business Administration in Sales & Marketing (MBA-SM) is a postgraduate degree program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of sales and marketing. This program focuses on developing a deep understanding of strategic marketing, consumer behavior, market research, digital marketing, and sales management. It also provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships and/or projects.

Typically, an MBA-SM program takes two years to complete when taken full-time. The curriculum consists of core business courses such as accounting, finance, economics, and organizational behavior as well as specialized courses related to sales and marketing. Depending on the school or university offering the program, there may be additional requirements such as a thesis or capstone project.

In order to get an MBA-SM degree, you must first have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You will then need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). After submitting your application materials and passing any other required tests or interviews, you will be accepted into the program if you meet all admission requirements.

The cost of an MBA-SM program varies depending on the school or university offering it. Generally speaking though, tuition for these programs can range anywhere from $15,000-$50,000 per year. Additional costs such as books and living expenses should also be taken into consideration when budgeting for this type of degree program.

10. Professional Certificate in Advanced Selling Strategies & Techniques

The Professional Certificate in Advanced Selling Strategies & Techniques is a comprehensive program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed in today’s competitive sales environment. The program consists of 8 modules that cover topics such as customer relationship management, negotiation, sales psychology, and more. Each module includes video lectures, interactive exercises, and assessments to help participants apply their knowledge.

The program takes approximately 8 weeks to complete. Participants can choose to take the course at their own pace or follow a structured schedule with deadlines for each module.

To get the certificate, participants must successfully complete all 8 modules and pass an assessment at the end of the program. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital certificate from the provider.

The cost of the Professional Certificate in Advanced Selling Strategies & Techniques varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a National Sales Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, what is the job you are seeking? If the job requires a National Sales Director Certificate then yes, you would need one. However, if the job does not require it, then having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants who do not possess the same qualifications.

Having a National Sales Director Certificate may also be beneficial in terms of career advancement and salary negotiation. Employers typically look for candidates with specialized training and experience that can help them succeed in their role. Having a certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have taken the time to learn about sales management and have acquired specific skills that make you better suited for the position. Furthermore, it can put you in a better position when negotiating compensation as employers may be more likely to offer higher salaries to those with specialized training and certifications.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a National Sales Director Certificate depends on the requirements of the job and your goals for professional development. However, having one can certainly be advantageous in terms of gaining employment and negotiating salaries.

Related: National Sales Director Resume Examples

FAQs About National Sales Director Certifications

Q1. What is a National Sales Director Certification?

A1. A National Sales Director Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in sales management and leadership. It involves completing a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as strategic planning, customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and more.

Q2. How can I become certified as a National Sales Director?

A2. To become certified as a National Sales Director, you must complete the required training program from an accredited organization and pass the assessment exam. The requirements for certification vary by organization but typically include completion of a core curriculum as well as elective courses or workshops in specific areas of interest.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a National Sales Director Certification?

A3. Having a National Sales Director Certification shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. It also serves as an indication of your commitment to professional development and can help you stand out among other applicants when seeking new positions or promotions within your organization. Additionally, it may provide access to exclusive networking opportunities with other certified professionals in the field.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a National Sales Director?

A4. The amount of time needed to get certified depends on several factors including the number of courses taken, how quickly they are completed, and if any additional exams or projects are required for certification eligibility. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all necessary requirements for certification depending on these variables.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

A5: Yes, most organizations require ongoing continuing education credits (CECs) to maintain their certifications in good standing over time. Typically these CECs must be obtained through approved courses or seminars offered by the certifying organization or other approved educational institutions such as universities or colleges