Top 10 Personal Shopper Certifications

Certifications are important for a personal shopper in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual is knowledgeable and experienced in their field. Certifications provide proof of expertise, which can make them more attractive to employers. They also help personal shoppers stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they are committed to their profession. Additionally, certifications may open up access to higher-paying jobs or roles with more responsibility. Finally, some certifications may be required by employers in order to work as a personal shopper, so having these credentials can be essential for gaining employment.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Personal Shoppers and explain how they can help advance a personal shopper's career.

What are Personal Shopper Certifications?

Personal shopper certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful personal shopper. This certification program teaches students the fundamentals of personal shopping, including how to assess clients’ needs, select appropriate items, and coordinate purchases. It also covers topics such as fashion trends, budgeting, marketing, and customer service.

The certification can help those interested in becoming a personal shopper by providing them with the necessary credentials needed to be successful in the industry. With this certification, applicants can demonstrate their expertise and dedication to the field, helping them stand out among other applicants for job opportunities. Customers who are looking for a personal shopper can also use certifications as a way to identify qualified professionals.

In addition to providing valuable credentials and opening up job opportunities, completing the certification can also give individuals an edge when it comes to staying up-to-date on current trends in the industry. It gives them access to resources that can help them stay informed about new products and services so they can offer customers the best possible advice and recommendations.

Pro Tip: Obtain certification from a reputable institution to become a certified personal shopper. Certification can help demonstrate your expertise and qualifications to potential clients, as well as provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful personal shopper.

Related: What does a Personal Shopper do?

Top 10 Personal Shopper Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Personal Shoppers today.

1. Certified Personal Shopping Professional (CPSP)

Certified Personal Shopping Professional (CPSP) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to help retail professionals enhance their skills and knowledge in personal shopping. The program covers topics such as customer service, product selection, sales techniques, and marketing strategies.

It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete the CPSP program. This includes completing an online course, attending virtual classes, and passing an exam. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000.

To get certified you must meet certain requirements including having at least two years of experience in retail sales or related field; passing a background check; and completing all coursework with a passing grade. Once you have completed all of these requirements you will be able to take the certification exam which is administered online. After successfully passing the exam you will be awarded your CPSP certification.

2. Certified Professional Shopper (CPS)

Certified Professional Shopper (CPS) is a certification program designed to give shoppers the knowledge and skills they need to become successful professionals in the retail industry. The program covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, merchandising, pricing, and marketing. It also provides an understanding of how to use technology to enhance the shopping experience.

The CPS certification can be obtained through an online course that typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from $500-$1000.

To become certified, students must pass a written exam that covers all aspects of professional shopping. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their CPS certificate and be eligible for job opportunities in the retail industry.

In addition to passing the exam, students must also complete continuing education courses every two years in order to maintain their certification status. These courses focus on topics such as customer service and product knowledge and help ensure that certified professionals stay up-to-date with industry trends.

3. Certified Image Consultant (CIC)

A Certified Image Consultant (CIC) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the field of image consulting. Image consultants help individuals, organizations, and businesses create an improved visual presence through wardrobe, grooming, body language, and etiquette. They also provide guidance on how to dress for various occasions, how to make the best use of color in clothing and accessories, and how to develop a personal style that reflects your unique personality.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to become a Certified Image Consultant (CIC). This includes completing coursework in topics such as color theory, body language analysis, fashion trends, styling techniques, personal shopping strategies, wardrobe management systems, makeup application techniques, and more.

To become a CIC you must first complete an accredited program from an approved institution. You can find these programs online or at local colleges or universities. Once you have completed the program you will need to take an exam administered by one of the certification bodies such as the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). Upon passing this exam you will be awarded your CIC certification.

The cost of becoming a CIC varies depending on the program you choose to enroll in. Most programs range from $500-$2000 USD depending on the length of the program and any additional materials or services included with enrollment.

4. Certified Fashion Stylist (CFS)

Certified Fashion Stylist (CFS) is a professional certification program for fashion styling professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of fashion stylists who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The certification is administered by the International Association of Professional Fashion Stylists (IAPFS).

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a fashion stylist, complete an approved training course, and pass an exam. The training course covers topics such as color theory, wardrobe analysis, styling techniques, and more.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the institution offering the course and exam. In general, it costs around $400 to $600 USD for both the course and exam fees combined.

The entire process usually takes between six months to one year to complete, depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required training and pass the exam.

5. Accredited Personal Shopping Expert (APSE)

Accredited Personal Shopping Expert (APSE) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Shopping Professionals (IASP). The program is designed to provide professional shoppers with the knowledge and skills needed to become an expert in their field. It covers topics such as product selection, customer service, marketing, and retail operations.

The APSE certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on assessment. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as product selection, customer service, marketing, and retail operations. The hands-on assessment is conducted at an IASP approved testing center and requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

To become certified as an APSE, applicants must successfully complete both the online course and the hands-on assessment. Applicants can apply for certification through the IASP website or by mail. The cost of certification varies depending on whether you are a member of IASP or not; members pay $99 while non-members pay $149.

6. Certified Luxury Shopping Consultant (CLSC)

Certified Luxury Shopping Consultant (CLSC) is a professional certification program designed to train and educate individuals on the luxury shopping industry. The program focuses on developing an understanding of the luxury market, including its products, pricing, trends, and customer service. It also provides an in-depth look into the world of luxury shopping, including how to identify quality items and provide exceptional customer service.

The CLSC program consists of four modules that cover topics such as luxury product knowledge, customer service best practices, marketing strategies for luxury brands, and more. Participants must complete all four modules within 12 weeks to receive their certification.

To get the CLSC certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with a fee of $1,500 USD. Once accepted into the program, participants will have access to online learning materials and resources that will help them prepare for the final exam. After completing all four modules and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, participants will be awarded their CLSC certification.

7. Certified Personal Shopping Consultant (CPSC)

A Certified Personal Shopping Consultant (CPSC) is a professional who helps individuals shop for clothing and other items. They provide expert advice on fashion trends, budgeting, and product selection. They also help clients find the best deals and discounts available to them.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Personal Shopping Consultant. This includes completing an accredited program, gaining experience in the field, and passing an exam. There are various courses offered online or through universities that can help you prepare for the exam.

To become a Certified Personal Shopping Consultant, you must first meet the requirements of the certification program. This includes having at least 2 years of experience in personal shopping or retail sales, as well as completing an accredited course in personal shopping or retail sales management. You will also need to pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as the National Association of Professional Retailers (NAPR).

The cost of becoming a Certified Personal Shopping Consultant varies depending on the program you choose and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 to $2000 USD depending on the program and its requirements.

8. Professional Wardrobe Stylist Certification (PWSC)

Professional Wardrobe Stylist Certification (PWSC) is a certification program designed to provide stylists with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful wardrobe stylists. The program is offered by the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). It consists of five courses that cover topics such as fashion styling, wardrobe selection, color analysis, personal shopping, and more.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, students will learn how to select clothing for clients based on their body type and lifestyle, how to create a cohesive wardrobe that reflects their client’s personality, and how to use color theory in order to create flattering looks. Additionally, students will learn about different types of fabrics and textures, as well as how to accessorize an outfit for maximum impact.

To get certified as a Professional Wardrobe Stylist through AICI, individuals must first complete all five courses within the program. Once the courses are completed successfully, students can then take the PWSC exam which tests their knowledge of the material covered in the coursework. Upon passing the exam with a passing grade of 80% or higher, individuals can then receive their certification from AICI.

The cost of the PWSC certification program varies depending on whether or not an individual chooses to purchase materials such as textbooks or other resources separately from the course fees. Generally speaking however, most individuals can expect to pay around $1,500 - $2,000 USD for all five courses combined.

9. International Association of Personal Shoppers Certification (IAPS)

The International Association of Personal Shoppers (IAPS) is a professional organization that provides certification for personal shoppers. The IAPS Certification Program is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of personal shopping. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of personal shopping, from customer service to product knowledge.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person assessment. The online course covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, sales techniques, and more. This portion of the program can be completed in as little as three weeks depending on the individual's schedule.

Once the online course has been completed, applicants must attend an in-person assessment at one of IAPS' accredited centers. During this assessment, applicants will be tested on their knowledge and skills related to personal shopping. After passing this assessment, applicants will receive their IAPS certification.

The cost for the IAPS Certification Program varies depending on the country where it is taken but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

10. Professional Personal Shopper Certification Program (PPSCP)

The Professional Personal Shopper Certification Program (PPSCP) is a comprehensive program designed to help personal shoppers gain the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional service. It is offered by the International Association of Professional Shopping Consultants (IAPSC).

The program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level includes a series of courses that cover topics such as fashion trends, customer service, product selection, styling techniques, sales strategies, and more. The courses are offered both online and in-person.

The Basic level takes approximately four weeks to complete and covers the fundamentals of personal shopping. The Intermediate level takes eight weeks to complete and covers more advanced topics such as wardrobe planning, budgeting, marketing, and merchandising. The Advanced level takes twelve weeks to complete and focuses on business development and management.

To get certified through the PPSCP, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to pass an exam at each level with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost for the PPSCP varies depending on which level you choose to take. The Basic level costs $495 USD; the Intermediate level costs $995 USD; and the Advanced level costs $1,495 USD.

Do You Really Need a Personal Shopper Certificate?

A personal shopper certificate can be an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the area of personal shopping. However, whether or not you need a personal shopper certificate depends on your individual goals. If you plan to work in the industry as a professional personal shopper, then having a certificate may be beneficial. It can provide evidence that you have taken the time to learn and understand the basics of providing this type of service, and it can also help you stand out from other applicants when seeking employment.

On the other hand, if you are simply looking to help friends and family find clothing or gifts for special occasions, then a personal shopper certificate is not necessarily necessary. While it may still be useful to have some knowledge of how to provide this service, it is not essential for success in this area. Additionally, if you are working as an independent contractor or freelancer offering services such as wardrobe management or styling advice, then having certification may be more important than if you are simply helping someone shop for specific items once in awhile.

In summary, whether or not you need a personal shopper certificate largely depends on what your individual goals are with regards to providing this type of service. If your goal is to become a professional in the industry, then having certification could be very beneficial. On the other hand, if your goal is only to provide assistance with shopping on an occasional basis for those close to you, then certification may not be necessary.

Related: Personal Shopper Resume Examples

FAQs About Personal Shopper Certifications

1. What is a Personal Shopper Certification?

Answer: A personal shopper certification is a credential that demonstrates the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide professional shopping services to clients. The certification covers areas such as fashion, product selection, budgeting, customer service, and more.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you need to complete a course or program that provides training in the areas of personal shopping. You may also need to pass an exam or demonstrate your proficiency in the field through other means.

3. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Being certified gives you credibility as a professional shopper and helps you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or contracts. Having the certification can also open up new opportunities for career advancement and higher pay rates.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking a personal shopper certification course?

Answer: Each program or course may have different requirements for admission but generally speaking you will need at least some experience with fashion and styling before taking a certification course. You may also need to demonstrate basic competency in customer service and budgeting concepts prior to enrollment.

5. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the individual program or course you choose as well as how much time you dedicate to studying and completing assignments each week. Generally speaking, most courses can be completed within six months or less if you study diligently and practice what you’ve learned regularly throughout the program.