Top 10 Regional Account Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for regional account managers. They demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that can help employers distinguish between potential candidates. Certifications also show employers that the regional account manager has taken the time to invest in their professional development, which is often a sign of commitment and dedication to success. Additionally, certifications can provide access to additional resources and networks that can be beneficial for a regional account manager’s career growth. Finally, certifications may open up opportunities for promotions within the company or increase chances of being hired by other companies.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Regional Account Managers and explain how they can contribute to a regional account manager's career.

What are Regional Account Manager Certifications?

Regional Account Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals in the field of sales and account management gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their roles. The program focuses on developing key competencies such as sales strategies, customer relationship management, communication and negotiation skills, product knowledge, and financial analysis. It also covers topics such as team building, customer service best practices, sales process optimization and more.

The Regional Account Manager Certification helps individuals become more effective in their roles by equipping them with the necessary tools to build strong relationships with customers, identify areas of improvement within their organization’s processes, develop creative solutions to customer challenges and successfully manage accounts. Additionally, it provides participants with an understanding of how their role fits into the larger organizational structure and how they can contribute to its overall success.

By completing this certification program, individuals are able to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism that strengthens their credibility with clients and employers alike. It also provides them with an opportunity to extend their skillset beyond what is typically expected from an account manager or salesperson – enabling them to become more versatile professionals who can effectively navigate a wide range of situations related to customer relationships and account management.

Always make sure to keep up-to-date with the latest regional account manager certification requirements. Knowing the most recent standards and regulations in your region can help you stay ahead of the competition and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

Related: What does a Regional Account Manager do?

Top 10 Regional Account Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Regional Account Manager (CRAM)

Certified Regional Account Manager (CRAM) is a professional certification program that provides specialized training and certification for sales professionals in the field of regional account management. The CRAM program is designed to help salespeople become more effective and successful in their roles as regional account managers.

The CRAM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales process management, strategic selling, and account planning. The exam tests the knowledge learned in the course and is administered by a third-party testing organization.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CRAM program. To get started, individuals must first register for the program through the website or by calling a customer service representative at the sponsoring organization. Once registered, individuals can begin taking the online course at any time. After completing all modules of the course, individuals must take and pass the exam to receive their CRAM certification.

The cost of taking part in the CRAM program varies depending on who sponsors it; however, most programs cost around $1,000-$2,000 USD for registration fees and materials.

2. Certified Professional Regional Account Manager (CPRAM)

Certified Professional Regional Account Manager (CPRAM) is a certification offered by the National Association of Professional Account Managers (NAPAM). It is designed to demonstrate a high level of professional knowledge and skills in managing regional accounts.

To obtain the CPRAM certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in account management and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as customer service, sales strategies, budgeting, and business ethics. The exam can be taken online or in person at a NAPAM testing center.

The cost for the CPRAM certification varies depending on the number of years of experience an applicant has. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 to become certified. Additionally, there may be additional fees for taking the exam in person or for retaking the exam if needed.

The entire process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPRAM certificate within four to six weeks.

3. Certified Regional Sales Professional (CRSP)

Certified Regional Sales Professional (CRSP) is a professional certification for sales professionals. It is designed to demonstrate the competencies and knowledge required to be successful in sales roles in a regional or global setting. The certification is issued by the American Association of Professional Sales Professionals (AAPSP).

The CRSP certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and an on-site assessment. The online exam includes questions related to sales management, customer service, business development, and marketing. The on-site assessment involves a series of interviews with current sales professionals who have achieved the CRSP designation.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CRSP program depending on how quickly you can study and pass the exams. To get started, you will need to register with the AAPSP and pay a fee of $395 USD. This fee covers both the online exam and on-site assessment fees. Once you have registered, you can begin studying for the exams at your own pace.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your CRSP designation from AAPSP and become eligible for job opportunities that require this certification.

4. Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM)

Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in managing strategic accounts. It is offered by the Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA), and it is the only certification program for strategic account managers.

The CSAM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in strategic account management through an assessment process. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in managing strategic accounts, as well as a minimum of two years of related education or training. They must also pass an online exam and complete a portfolio review.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. The cost of the CSAM certification is $1,495 USD, which includes the application fee, exam fee, and portfolio review fee.

5. Certified Global Account Manager (CGAM)

Certified Global Account Manager (CGAM) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to help account managers improve their skills and knowledge in the global marketplace. It is a comprehensive certification that covers topics such as international business, global marketing, customer service, and sales. The CGAM certification is offered by the American Management Association (AMA).

The CGAM certification program consists of three levels: Introduction, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires completion of a series of courses and exams. To obtain the CGAM certification, you must complete all three levels within two years.

You can enroll in the CGAM program online or attend one of AMA’s training centers located throughout the United States. The cost for the entire program is $2,995 USD which includes access to all course materials and exams.

Once you have completed all three levels of the program and passed all exams with a score of 70% or higher, you will be awarded your Certified Global Account Manager certificate.

6. Certified Key Account Manager (CKAM)

Certified Key Account Manager (CKAM) is a professional certification program designed to equip sales professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage key accounts. The CKAM program is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). It is an online, self-paced program that typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete.

To get certified as a CKAM, you must first complete the online coursework and then pass an exam. The coursework covers topics such as account management principles, customer relationship management, sales strategy and planning, negotiation techniques, and more. Once you have successfully completed the coursework and passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from AAPS.

The cost of the CKAM certification program varies depending on whether you are an AAPS member or not. For non-members, the cost is $995 USD while members pay $795 USD.

7. Certified Channel Partner Manager (CCPM)

Certified Channel Partner Manager (CCPM) is a professional certification offered by the Channel Management Association. It is designed to help channel managers become more effective in their roles, and to provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to develop successful partnerships.

The CCPM certification program consists of four courses that cover topics such as channel management strategy, sales and marketing strategies, customer relationship management, and partner performance metrics. Each course is typically completed in 8-10 weeks. The total cost for the program is $2,500 USD.

To become certified as a CCPM, applicants must first complete all four courses and pass an exam administered by the Channel Management Association. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of completion of the courses. Once approved, candidates are awarded their CCPM certification.

The CCPM certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional coursework or taking part in continuing education activities related to channel management.

8. Certified Customer Relationship Management Professional (CCRMP)

Certified Customer Relationship Management Professional (CCRMP) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of customer relationship management professionals. It is offered by the Customer Relationship Management Institute (CRMI), an independent organization that provides professional certifications in customer relationship management.

The CCRMP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in customer relationship management or related fields. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as customer segmentation, data analysis, marketing strategies, customer service principles, and technology applications.

The CCRMP certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete an online application form and submit their resume for review by the CRMI's Certification Board. Once approved, applicants will be required to take the CCRMP examination which consists of multiple-choice questions and practical scenarios. The exam can be taken online or at a designated testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CCRMP certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

9. Advanced Regional Account Management Certification Program (ARAMP)

ARAMP stands for Advanced Regional Account Management Certification Program. It is a program designed to help regional account managers become more effective and efficient in their roles. The program is offered through the American Association of Professional Accountants (AAPA).

The ARAMP certification program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level requires completion of a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as customer service, sales management, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and communication skills.

Level 1 is designed for individuals who are new to the field of regional account management. It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete this level and costs $1,500.

Level 2 is designed for those who have some experience in the field or those who have completed Level 1. It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete this level and costs $2,000.

Level 3 is designed for experienced professionals who want to specialize in regional account management and take their career to the next level. It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete this level and costs $3,000.

To get certified in any of these levels you must first apply online at the AAPA website. You will then be required to submit your resume along with a copy of your transcripts from college or university. Once accepted into the program you will be required to complete all coursework within the specified time frame as well as pass all exams associated with each course in order to receive certification.

10. Professional Diploma in International Business and Regional Account Management (PDIBRAM).

The Professional Diploma in International Business and Regional Account Management (PDIBRAM) is a professional-level certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in international business and regional account management. The program consists of 10 modules, each focusing on a different aspect of international business and regional account management. It takes approximately 12 months to complete the program, depending on the individual's learning style and commitment.

The PDIBRAM program covers topics such as global marketing, international finance, cross-cultural communication, project management, risk management, legal issues in international business, negotiation strategies and more. The course also includes practical exercises that allow participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

To get the PDIBRAM certification, participants must successfully complete all 10 modules of the program. Upon completion of the coursework, they will be required to submit an application for certification which will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts. Once approved, they will receive their certificate from the International Association for Professional Accountants (IAPA).

The cost of the PDIBRAM program varies depending on where it is taken. Generally speaking, it can range from around $2,500 - $5,000 USD depending on factors such as location and duration of study.

Do You Really Need a Regional Account Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and the kind of role you are seeking. If you are looking for a job as a regional account manager, then it may be beneficial for you to obtain a certificate in order to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field. This certificate can also help set you apart from other candidates who may not have this additional qualification.

A regional account manager certificate can provide you with specialized training that is important for this type of role. It can give you an edge over other candidates who may not have the same level of expertise or qualifications. You should also consider if any potential employers will require a regional account manager certificate as part of their hiring process.

In addition to demonstrating your knowledge and skills, having a regional account manager certificate can increase your employability. It shows that you have taken the time to further specialize in this particular field and have put in the effort to gain additional qualifications. It can also open up new career opportunities and allow you to expand your professional network.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a regional account manager certificate is something only you can decide based on your own goals and career aspirations. If it is something that will help set you apart from other applicants and further advance your career, then obtaining one could be a worthwhile investment in yourself and your future success.

Related: Regional Account Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Regional Account Manager Certifications

1. What is a Regional Account Manager Certification?

A Regional Account Manager Certification is a specialized certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professionals in sales, customer service, and account management. It verifies that the individual has met certain standards of excellence in their field and is qualified to work as a regional account manager.

2. How do I become certified as a Regional Account Manager?

In order to become certified as a Regional Account Manager, you must first complete an accredited program from an approved institution. Once you have completed the program, you can then apply for certification through the appropriate organization.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

The time required to become certified can vary depending on the specific program, but generally it takes between six months and one year of study and preparation before taking the certification exam.

4. What are some of the benefits of becoming a certified Regional Account Manager?

Some of the benefits include increased job security, higher pay rate, access to better opportunities, greater credibility in your field, and improved career advancement potential.

5. Are there any fees associated with becoming a Regional Account Manager?

Yes, there may be fees associated with completing an accredited program or taking the certification exam depending on which organization administers it.