Top 10 Regional Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a regional sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in their field. Certifications also provide employers with an assurance that the individual has met industry standards and is qualified to perform the job. Additionally, certifications can help a regional sales manager showcase their skills and experience to potential employers, as well as increase their chances of getting hired. Finally, certifications can also help a regional sales manager stay up-to-date on industry trends and advancements, making them more valuable to employers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Regional Sales Managers and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Regional Sales Manager Certifications?

Regional Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification program for sales managers that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and lead regional sales teams. The certification is designed to help sales managers understand how to effectively lead their teams, maximize team performance, and develop strategies to increase market share. It covers topics such as creating and executing effective sales plans, managing customer relationships, using data analytics to drive decisions, and creating an environment of trust in the workplace. By earning the Regional Sales Manager Certification, sales managers will be better equipped to lead their teams in increasing market share while also improving employee morale. The certification also provides a great opportunity for professional development as it can help demonstrate a commitment to excellence in leadership and management.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a regional sales manager, it is important to get certified. Certification shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the role. Additionally, certification increases your chances of being hired for a higher-level position within the organization.

Related: What does a Regional Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Regional Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies of sales management. The CPSM credential is offered by the Institute for Professional Selling (IPS), an organization dedicated to advancing the sales profession through research, education, and advocacy.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, personnel development and leadership, and financial analysis. To qualify for the program, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in sales management or related fields.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. To get started on your path to becoming a Certified Professional Sales Manager, you will need to complete an application form and submit it along with any required documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once your application has been approved, you can register for each level of the exam separately.

The cost for taking each level of the CPSM exam varies depending on where you take it; however, most test centers charge around $200 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exams or purchasing study materials.

2. Certified Sales Management Professional (CSMP)

Certified Sales Management Professional (CSMP) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of sales managers. The CSMP certification is intended to demonstrate a mastery of key sales management competencies such as sales process management, customer relationship management, team performance management, and sales analytics.

The CSMP certification requires applicants to complete an online application and take an exam that covers topics such as sales process design, customer segmentation, team development, and sales analytics. Applicants must also have at least three years of professional experience in a sales management role.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost for the exam is $495 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CSMP certification within 4-6 weeks.

3. Certified Strategic Sales Leader (CSSL)

Certified Strategic Sales Leader (CSSL) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in sales strategy, execution and leadership.

The CSSL certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in sales strategy, execution, and leadership. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as sales process design, customer segmentation, sales forecasting, pricing strategies, negotiation tactics, and more. The portfolio review assesses the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The CSSL certification typically takes around four months to complete from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application form and pay the associated fee before they can take the written exam. Once they have passed the written exam, they must then complete the online portfolio review within 60 days.

The cost of obtaining the CSSL certification varies depending on whether or not you are an AA-ISP member. Non-members must pay $1,750 for access to all materials needed for the program while members receive a discounted rate of $1,500.

4. Certified International Sales Manager (CISM)

Certified International Sales Manager (CISM) is a certification offered by the International Trade Council (ITC) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in international sales and marketing. This certification is designed to help professionals develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of global sales, marketing, and management. It is an internationally recognized qualification that can be used to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to professional excellence in this field.

The CISM certification process typically takes four to six months to complete depending on the individual’s level of experience and expertise. The program consists of three parts: a written exam, a practical exam, and a case study project. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of international sales principles, while the practical exam assesses their ability to apply these principles in practice. The case study project requires candidates to develop a business plan for an international market entry strategy.

To become certified, individuals must first register with ITC and pay the applicable fee. After registering, they will receive information about how to prepare for their exams and complete their case study project. Once all requirements are met, candidates can take the exams at any ITC-approved testing center around the world. Upon successful completion of all components, candidates will be awarded the CISM certification.

The cost of obtaining CISM certification varies depending on factors such as location and duration of training sessions or workshops required for preparation for exams or case studies projects. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on individual circumstances.

5. Certified Global Sales Professional (CGSP)

Certified Global Sales Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program developed by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge required to be a successful global sales professional.

The CGSP certification program consists of four courses: Global Selling Fundamentals, Global Selling Strategies, Global Selling Tactics and Global Selling Negotiations. Each course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the principles, strategies and tactics necessary for success in global selling.

It typically takes approximately three months to complete the four courses and receive your CGSP certification. To get started, you must first become a member of AA-ISP. After becoming a member, you can purchase the individual courses or purchase a bundle package that includes all four courses at a discounted rate.

The cost for each individual course is $199 USD and the bundle package cost is $599 USD.

6. Certified Regional Sales Manager (CRSM)

Certified Regional Sales Manager (CRSM) is a certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of regional sales. The CRSM program is administered by the Professional Sales Association (PSA), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in sales and marketing.

The CRSM certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities through a comprehensive assessment process. This includes a written exam, an oral interview, and a practical demonstration of their sales skills. Applicants must also submit references from current or former employers verifying their experience in regional sales management.

It typically takes around three months to complete the CRSM certification process, depending on the applicant's availability for testing and interviews. To get started with the process, applicants must first fill out an application form and submit it to the PSA along with all required documents such as transcripts and references. After submitting the application, applicants will be invited to take part in the assessment process.

The cost of obtaining the CRSM certification varies depending on factors such as location and type of testing facility used. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 USD for all associated fees including registration fees, exam fees, interview fees, etc.

7. Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing

A Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing (MBA-SM) is an advanced degree program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to excel in the field of sales and marketing. It is a specialized MBA program that focuses on developing essential business skills such as marketing strategy, customer relationship management, product development, pricing strategies, and more.

The duration of an MBA-SM program typically ranges from two to three years depending on the school and the type of program. Most programs require applicants to have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications in a related field. Some schools may also require applicants to have prior work experience in sales or marketing.

To get an MBA-SM degree, applicants must complete all the required courses for the program. These courses may include topics such as strategic management, consumer behavior, market research, digital marketing, international business law, and corporate finance. In addition to coursework, students must also complete a final project or thesis in order to graduate from the program.

The cost of an MBA-SM varies depending on the school and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition fees can range from $20 000 - $50 000 USD per year for full-time programs. Additionally, some schools may offer scholarships or financial aid packages which can help reduce overall costs.

8. Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma in Professional Selling

The Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma in Professional Selling is a professional qualification designed to equip sales professionals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in their roles. It covers key topics such as customer service, sales strategies, negotiation techniques, and communication skills. The diploma is suitable for those who are new to selling or have some experience but need to develop their skills further.

The diploma takes around six months to complete, although this can vary depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience. It involves completing a series of modules that cover the fundamentals of professional selling and culminates in an exam.

To get the Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma in Professional Selling, you must first become a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). This requires submitting an application form along with proof of qualifications and relevant work experience. Once accepted as a CIM member, you can then register for the diploma course online or by post.

The cost of getting the Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma in Professional Selling varies depending on your membership status with CIM. For non-members, it typically costs around £1,000 for tuition fees plus additional costs for books and materials. For members, there may be discounts available or special offers available from time to time.

9. American Management Association Executive Certificate in Strategic Selling

The American Management Association Executive Certificate in Strategic Selling is a professional development program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the modern sales environment. The program consists of four courses, each focusing on a different aspect of selling:

1. Understanding Buyers and Their Needs

2. Developing an Effective Sales Plan

3. Implementing Strategies for Successful Selling

4. Closing Deals and Growing Your Business

The program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete, with each course taking 3-4 weeks depending on the individual's learning style and pace. To get the certificate, participants must complete all four courses in the program and pass a final exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the American Management Association Executive Certificate in Strategic Selling varies depending on which format you choose – online or self-study – but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

10. National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Advanced Certificate in Distribution Management

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Advanced Certificate in Distribution Management is a professional certification program designed to help individuals advance their careers in the wholesale distribution industry. The program provides advanced training and education on the most effective strategies for managing a successful wholesale distribution business.

The NAW Advanced Certificate in Distribution Management takes approximately 12 months to complete. It consists of four courses, each focusing on different aspects of the wholesale distribution industry: Business Planning & Strategy, Financial Management & Analysis, Operations & Logistics, and Sales & Marketing. Each course requires approximately three months to complete and includes lectures, case studies, and hands-on projects.

To get the NAW Advanced Certificate in Distribution Management, you must first apply for admission to the program through the NAW website. You will then be required to take an assessment test that evaluates your knowledge of the subject matter covered by each course. Once accepted into the program, you can begin taking classes online or at one of NAW’s regional training centers. After completing all four courses and passing a final exam, you will receive your certificate from NAW.

The cost of the NAW Advanced Certificate in Distribution Management varies depending on whether you take classes online or at one of NAW’s regional training centers. Online courses typically cost between $1,500-$2,000 per course while courses taken at a regional training center cost around $2,500 per course. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 that must be paid when applying for admission to the program.

Do You Really Need a Regional Sales Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a Regional Sales Manager Certificate to become a regional sales manager. While having a certificate may help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the profession, it is not necessary for success in this role. Most employers focus on the candidate’s experience and qualifications when determining who is best suited for the position.

Having said that, there are some advantages to obtaining a Regional Sales Manager Certificate. It can provide you with an understanding of the key skills, concepts, and tools needed to excel in this role. Additionally, it can give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have this certification. Finally, it can show potential employers that you are committed to your career path and willing to invest in yourself.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a Regional Sales Manager Certificate is up to you. Depending on your experience level and goals, it could be beneficial or unnecessary. Consider your own circumstances before making a decision.

Related: Regional Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Regional Sales Manager Certifications

Q1. What qualifications are required to become a Regional Sales Manager?

A1. Generally, employers require at least a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field and several years of sales experience in order to qualify as a Regional Sales Manager.

Q2. What skills do Regional Sales Managers need?

A2. Regional Sales Managers should have strong communication and negotiation skills, the ability to lead and motivate a team, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. They must also be knowledgeable about their company’s products and services as well as industry trends.

Q3. What is the difference between a Regional Sales Manager and other sales positions?

A3. A Regional Sales Manager is responsible for managing an entire region or area of sales representatives for their company or organization, while other sales positions may focus on individual accounts or specific products/services. The Regional Sales Manager is also responsible for developing strategies that will increase profits within their assigned region and overseeing any changes in personnel or operations within it.

Q4. How can I prepare for becoming a Regional Sales Manager?

A4. To prepare for becoming a Regional Sales Manager, you should develop your knowledge of the industry by staying up-to-date with current trends through research and networking with others in the field. You should also gain experience in sales management roles such as leading teams, developing strategies, budgeting resources, etc., through internships or volunteer work if possible. Finally, you can pursue certifications from organizations like the American Management Association (AMA) which offer courses specifically designed for those looking to become successful regional sales managers .

Q5. Are there any professional certification programs available for Regional Sales Managers?

A5: Yes! Professional certifications are available from organizations such as the American Management Association (AMA), National Retail Federation (NRF), Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), Institute of Certified Professional Distributors (ICPD) and many more that provide specialized training in areas such as strategic planning, leadership development, customer service management and risk management among others .