Top 10 Outside Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an outside sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and experience in their field. They can also provide a competitive edge when competing for positions, as employers often look for candidates with certifications as an indication of their commitment to professional growth and development. Additionally, having certifications can give an outside sales manager credibility and show potential clients that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to effectively manage their role. Finally, certifications can help boost an individual’s confidence when applying for jobs or presenting to prospects, as they provide validation that their expertise is up-to-date and relevant.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Outside Sales Managers and explain how they can help advance a career in outside sales.

What are Outside Sales Manager Certifications?

Outside Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help sales managers gain the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage an outside sales team. The certification program consists of a series of courses covering topics such as sales process, customer service, marketing, and management. Upon completion of the program, individuals receive a certificate that demonstrates their mastery of these areas.

The primary benefit of Outside Sales Manager Certification is that it provides employers with assurance that an individual has the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage an outside sales team. This assurance allows them to hire and promote employees confidently knowing they have the right qualifications for the job. Additionally, those who have earned this certification may be seen as more qualified than those without it when applying for jobs in the field or seeking promotions.

Outside Sales Manager Certification also helps individuals become more successful in their current role by providing them with valuable insight into areas such as customer service and marketing strategies. By gaining a better understanding of these areas, employees can develop strategies that will help them increase profits and build stronger relationships with customers. Finally, this certification gives individuals the opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry which can lead to new job opportunities or career advancement.

Pro Tip: When considering an outside sales manager certification, look for programs that offer both classroom and online learning. This will give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home, while still getting the same quality education as if you were attending a traditional college or university. Additionally, make sure to check out any additional certifications or credentials offered by the program, as these may help boost your resume and give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Related: What does an Outside Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Outside Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Management Association (SMA). It is designed to recognize sales managers who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage a sales team.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundations, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires passing an exam covering topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, coaching and developing sales teams, and more. The exams are administered by Prometric Testing Centers in the United States and Canada.

The Foundations level requires completion of two courses: Introduction to Professional Selling and Introduction to Sales Management. The Intermediate level requires completion of three courses: Advanced Professional Selling, Sales Leadership & Coaching, and Strategic Sales Planning & Execution. The Advanced level requires completion of four courses: Advanced Sales Leadership & Coaching, Strategic Account Management & Development, Negotiation & Conflict Resolution Strategies for Sales Professionals, and Change Management for Sales Professionals.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. To get certified you must pass all three exams with a score of 70% or higher within two years from the date your first course was completed.

The cost for the CPSM program varies depending on which study materials you choose to use (e-books or physical books). Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD for all three levels combined (including exam fees).

2. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification that is designed to help sales managers develop their skills and knowledge in order to become more effective leaders. The CSM certification is offered by the American Management Association and requires a minimum of three years of sales management experience.

To get the CSM certification, you must complete an online course that covers topics such as customer service, sales process, sales strategy, and leadership development. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and costs $495. After completing the course, you must pass a multiple-choice exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The CSM certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending workshops related to sales management.

3. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop their skills and knowledge in the field of sales. The program is offered by the American Society of Professional Sales (ASPS), an organization dedicated to advancing the sales profession through education, training, and certification.

The CSE program consists of three levels: Certified Sales Associate (CSA), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Certified Sales Executive (CSE). To earn the CSE designation, candidates must have at least five years of full-time experience in sales management or executive-level positions. In addition, they must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer service, leadership, and communication.

The process to obtain the CSE designation typically takes 6-9 months from start to finish. Candidates must first complete an application form and submit it along with required documents such as proof of work experience and educational transcripts. Once approved, they will receive an invitation to take the CSE exam which is administered online or at designated testing centers across the United States. After passing the exam, candidates can apply for their official CSE certificate and badge which will be mailed to them within two weeks.

The cost for obtaining the CSE designation varies depending on several factors including membership status with ASPS and whether you are taking advantage of any discounts or special offers available at the time of registration. Generally speaking, however, it costs between $500-$600 USD for non-members and around $250-$300 USD for members to get their CSE certification.

4. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a certification program that recognizes professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in the business development field. The program was created to provide recognition for individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their knowledge and skills related to business development, including customer acquisition, sales, marketing, and business strategy.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CBDP certification process. To get certified, you must first complete an online application and submit it along with required documentation such as proof of education or experience in the field. Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the process of completing the certification requirements.

The cost for the CBDP certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD. This cost includes all materials necessary for completion of the program such as textbooks, study guides, and exams. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts or scholarships for those who qualify.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for certification, you will receive your official CBDP certificate from the provider that issued it. This certificate serves as proof that you are a certified professional in business development and can be used to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers or clients.

5. National Association of Professional Salespeople Certification (NAPSC)

The National Association of Professional Salespeople Certification (NAPSC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Professional Salespeople (NAPS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional sales performance and demonstrate a commitment to ethical sales practices. The NAPSC certification is open to any individual who has completed at least two years of professional sales experience or has completed an accredited sales training program.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass the NAPSC exam, which covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, communication skills, and ethical practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also submit proof of their professional sales experience or training program completion.

The NAPSC certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking the NAPSC recertification exam. Recertification exams are available online and take approximately one hour to complete.

The cost of the NAPSC certification varies depending on the type of membership selected. Basic memberships cost $50 per year while premium memberships cost $100 per year. Both types of memberships include access to exclusive resources such as webinars, ebooks, and discounts on conferences and events.

6. American Society of Professional Salespeople Certification (ASPSC)

The American Society of Professional Salespeople Certification (ASPSC) is a certification program designed to recognize professional salespeople who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. The ASPSC certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in the areas of sales strategy, customer service, sales process, and sales management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. To get certified, individuals must first pass an online assessment and then submit a portfolio of work samples demonstrating their knowledge and skills in the areas of sales strategy, customer service, sales process, and sales management. Once these requirements are met, they must take part in a two-day workshop which covers topics such as effective communication techniques, problem solving strategies, time management skills, and more.

The cost for the ASPSC certification program varies depending on the individual’s experience level and the type of workshop they choose to attend. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 USD.

7. International Association of Professional Salespeople Certification (IAPSC)

The International Association of Professional Salespeople (IAPSC) is a professional organization that provides certification for sales professionals. IAPSC certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of salespeople in areas such as customer service, sales strategies, communication, and negotiation.

To obtain IAPSC certification, applicants must complete a comprehensive application process which includes an online assessment, a personal statement, and an interview. The assessment tests the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of sales principles. The personal statement allows the applicant to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their ability to apply those principles in practice. The interview helps assess the applicant’s abilities in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and customer service.

The entire process typically takes around six weeks from start to finish. Applicants can expect to receive feedback on their progress throughout the process so they can adjust their approach if necessary.

The cost of obtaining IAPSC certification varies depending on the level of certification sought. For example, the cost for entry-level certification is $150 USD while advanced certifications can cost up to $500 USD.

Overall, IAPSC certification is a great way for sales professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in order to stand out from other applicants in the job market.

8. Certified Outbound Sales Manager (COSM)

Certified Outbound Sales Manager (COSM) is a professional certification program designed to help sales managers develop their skills in managing outbound sales teams. It is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales Managers (AAPSM).

The COSM program consists of three courses: Foundations of Outbound Sales Management, Advanced Outbound Sales Management and Strategic Outbound Sales Management. The courses are designed to provide sales managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage outbound sales teams. Each course is self-paced and can be completed online or through live instruction.

It typically takes about three months to complete all three courses, depending on how quickly you work through the material. The cost of the program varies based on whether you choose to take the courses online or through live instruction, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000.

To get certified as an Outbound Sales Manager, you must successfully complete all three courses and pass a final exam. Once you have completed the program and passed the exam, you will receive your certification from AAPSM and be eligible for job opportunities in outbound sales management positions.

9. Certified Inside/Outside Sales Manager (CIOSM)

Certified Inside/Outside Sales Manager (CIOSM) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop their skills and gain recognition in the field. This certification is offered by the American Association of Inside/Outside Sales Professionals (AAISP). The program is designed for sales professionals who want to become more effective in their roles and increase their knowledge of the industry.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete the CIOSM program. It consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a final project. The online course covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, marketing strategies, and business management. The exam tests your knowledge on these topics. Finally, the final project requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learned in the course.

To get certified as a CIOSM, you must first register with AAISP and pay a fee of $295 USD. Once you have registered, you will be able to access the online course materials and take the exam when it becomes available. After successfully completing all three components of the program, you will receive your CIOSM certification from AAISP.

10. Certified Field Marketing Manager (CFMM)

Certified Field Marketing Manager (CFMM) is a professional certification offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to help marketing professionals develop their skills in the field of field marketing, which involves managing and executing marketing campaigns in the physical world. The goal of this certification is to provide marketers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage field marketing initiatives.

To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as market research, customer segmentation, campaign planning and execution, budgeting, measurement and analytics. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the CFMM certification varies depending on where you take the exam; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Additionally, there are various online resources available to help prepare for the exam including AMA’s official study guide and practice tests.

Do You Really Need a Outside Sales Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an outside sales manager certificate to be successful in this role. However, a certificate may help demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers and customers. It can also provide a sense of credibility and professionalism that may help you stand out from the competition. Additionally, having a certificate could give you access to specialized training or other resources that may be beneficial for managing an outside sales team.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not an outside sales manager certificate is worth the time and money invested in obtaining one. If you have the necessary skillset and experience to manage an outside sales team without the certification, then it may not be necessary. However, if you feel that having a certification would help boost your credentials and provide additional opportunities for success, then investing in one could prove beneficial in the long run.

Related: Outside Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Outside Sales Manager Certifications

Q1: What is an Outside Sales Manager Certification?

A1: An Outside Sales Manager Certification is a qualification that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and expertise in managing outside sales teams. It provides employers with assurance that the individual has the skills and experience necessary to lead an effective sales team.

Q2: What are the benefits of getting certified as an Outside Sales Manager?

A2: Benefits of becoming certified include increased credibility, recognition within the profession, improved job prospects, and higher earning potential. Additionally, it can give you a competitive edge over other job candidates.

Q3: How do I get certified as an Outside Sales Manager?

A3: To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by a recognized organization such as the National Association of Professional Sales Managers (NAPSM). The exam covers topics such as customer service, marketing strategies, sales techniques, and management principles.

Q4: How long does it take to complete an Outside Sales Manager Certification?

A4: The length of time to complete your certification varies depending on your level of experience and study habits. Generally speaking, most people will need at least 6-12 months to fully prepare for the certification exam.

Q5: How much does it cost to get certified as an Outside Sales Manager?

A5: Costs vary depending on which certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$1000 USD depending on the provider and package chosen.