Top 10 Registered Sales Assistant Certifications

Certifications for a registered sales assistant are important for several reasons. First, they demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant has taken the time to learn about the industry and has a proven level of knowledge and expertise. Second, certifications can provide evidence that an individual is committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Third, certifications offer proof that an individual is familiar with regulations and legal requirements in their field, which can be extremely valuable when it comes to customer service, compliance, and other areas of responsibility. Finally, having certified credentials may give applicants an edge over other job seekers who do not have them.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Registered Sales Assistants and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Registered Sales Assistant Certifications?

Registered Sales Assistant Certification is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). The certification program is designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their careers. It covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, marketing strategies, negotiation tactics, and more. By obtaining this certification, sales professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and show employers that they have the skills required to succeed in the field of sales.

The certification also provides a number of benefits for those who pursue it. First, having this certification on your resume will make you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the field of sales. Second, having this certification shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and have taken the time to invest in yourself and your professional development. Third, it also provides an opportunity to network with other certified professionals in the industry and gain access to valuable resources such as job postings and industry events. Finally, obtaining this certification demonstrates a dedication to continued learning and growth within your chosen profession, which can help open doors to new opportunities or promotions within current positions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements of your state and local jurisdiction before registering for a Sales Assistant certification. Different jurisdictions may have different requirements or qualifications that need to be met in order to obtain the certification. Additionally, it is important to make sure you are familiar with any laws or regulations governing sales assistant activities in your area.

Related: What does a Registered Sales Assistant do?

Top 10 Registered Sales Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Registered Sales Assistants today.

1. Certified Professional Sales Associate (CPSA)

Certified Professional Sales Associate (CPSA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Professional Sales (ASPS). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. The certification requires that applicants demonstrate mastery of core competencies in sales, customer service, and marketing.

The CPSA certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass an online assessment and attend a two-day seminar. During the seminar, they will be tested on their knowledge of sales principles and practices. After completing the seminar, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work for review by the ASPS board of directors.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPSA varies depending on the type of membership you choose. For individual memberships, the cost is $295 USD; for corporate memberships, it is $995 USD; and for group memberships, it is $2,495 USD.

2. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. It is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS).

The CSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, sales process, product knowledge, and sales strategies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time sales experience or equivalent part-time experience.

In order to obtain the CSP certification, applicants must first register for the exam online. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online study materials and practice exams. After studying for the exam, applicants must submit their application and pay the required fee ($295 for AAPS members or $395 for non-members).

Once their application has been approved, applicants will be given a date to take the exam at an approved testing center. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CSP certificate within 6 weeks from the date of taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Sales Professional (CSP) certification is $295 for AAPS members or $395 for non-members.

3. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of sales management. It is offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS). The CSM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery in the areas of sales strategy, customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and organizational leadership.

To obtain the CSM certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and organizational leadership. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $295 USD.

The CSM certification program typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s experience level and study habits. To prepare for the exam, applicants should review course materials provided by AAPS or take an online course with an accredited provider such as Coursera or Udemy. Additionally, applicants can also purchase practice exams from AAPS or other third-party vendors to help them prepare for the actual test.

Once applicants have passed the exam and received their CSM certification, they will be able to demonstrate their expertise in sales management and increase their career opportunities within this field.

4. Certified Professional in Selling (CPS)

Certified Professional in Selling (CPS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skill and ethical practice. The CPS designation is awarded by the Sales Education Foundation (SEF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of selling.

The CPS program consists of three components: an online assessment, an online course, and a final exam. The online assessment measures your current level of knowledge and experience in sales. The online course provides comprehensive training on topics such as customer service, negotiation techniques, sales process management, and more. Finally, the final exam tests your understanding of the material covered in the course.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete all three components of the CPS program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam.

To get certified as a Certified Professional in Selling (CPS), you must first complete all three components of the program outlined above. Once you have successfully completed these requirements, you will be eligible to take the final exam and receive your certification from SEF.

The cost of getting certified as a Certified Professional in Selling (CPS) varies depending on which package you choose when registering for the program. Generally speaking, packages range from $495-$1,195 USD depending on what type of support or additional materials are included with each package option.

5. Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP)

Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in retail sales. It is the only retail sales certification program of its kind and is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The CRSP program takes approximately three months to complete. To get certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, merchandising, store operations, and sales techniques. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in retail sales.

The cost of the CRSP program varies depending on the applicant's location. Generally, it costs around $400 for the exam fee and application materials.

Once certified, individuals can use the CRSP designation on their resume and business cards to demonstrate their expertise in retail sales. The certification also provides access to exclusive job opportunities with leading retailers worldwide.

6. National Retail Federation Certified Sales Associate (NRF-CSA)

The National Retail Federation Certified Sales Associate (NRF-CSA) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of sales professionals in the retail industry. The program is offered by the National Retail Federation, an organization that represents retailers across the United States.

The NRF-CSA program consists of two parts: a self-study course and a proctored exam. The self-study course covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, selling techniques, and retail operations. The exam is designed to test your understanding of these topics.

It typically takes about 8 weeks to complete the self-study course and take the exam. You can complete the course at your own pace, but it's recommended that you spend at least 10 hours per week studying for the exam.

To get certified, you must first purchase a study guide from the NRF website or from one of their approved vendors. Once you have purchased the study guide, you will be able to access all of the materials necessary to prepare for and take the exam.

The cost of becoming an NRF-CSA depends on which study guide you purchase. The cost ranges from $199-$399 depending on which version you choose. In addition to purchasing a study guide, there is also an additional fee for taking the proctored exam ($50).

7. International Council of Shopping Centers Accredited Retailer (ICSC-AR)

The International Council of Shopping Centers Accredited Retailer (ICSC-AR) program is a certification program designed to recognize the highest standards in retailing. The ICSC-AR program provides retailers with an independent, third-party assessment of their operations and customer service practices. The accreditation process evaluates a retailer’s commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and compliance with ICSC standards.

It typically takes six to eight weeks for a retailer to complete the ICSC-AR accreditation process. This includes submitting an application, completing an onsite assessment by an ICSC representative, and receiving feedback from ICSC on areas that need improvement. Once all requirements are met, the retailer will be awarded the ICSC-AR accreditation.

To get started with the ICSC-AR accreditation process, retailers must first submit an application online or through mail. This application must include detailed information about the company’s operations and customer service practices. After submitting the application, retailers will be contacted by an ICSC representative who will schedule an onsite assessment at the retail location. During this assessment, the representative will review all aspects of the store’s operations and customer service practices in order to determine if they meet ICSC standards for accreditation.

The cost of obtaining ICSC-AR accreditation varies depending on factors such as size of business and number of locations being evaluated. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 per location to obtain this certification.

8. American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer in Sales (PCMS)

The Professional Certified Marketer in Sales (PCMS) is a professional certification offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of sales professionals. The PCMS certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in sales strategy, customer relationship management, and marketing principles.

The PCMS certification requires applicants to have at least three years of professional sales experience and to pass a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sales process management, customer relationship management, pricing strategies, and more.

To obtain the PCMS certification, applicants must first register with the AMA. Once registered, they must complete an application form and pay an application fee. After submitting the application form and fee, applicants will receive a study guide which outlines the topics covered on the exam. Applicants must then prepare for the exam by studying the material provided in the study guide and taking practice exams online or through third-party providers.

Once applicants are ready to take the exam, they can schedule their test date through Prometric or another approved testing center. The cost of taking the PCMS exam is $395 USD for AMA members ($495 USD for non-members). Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official PCMS certificate from AMA within 4-6 weeks.

9. National Association of Sales Professionals' Certified Advanced Selling Skills Program (NASP-CASS)

The National Association of Sales Professionals' Certified Advanced Selling Skills Program (NASP-CASS) is a comprehensive program designed to help sales professionals develop and hone their selling skills. The program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Salesperson (CPS), Certified Advanced Selling Professional (CASP), and Certified Master Selling Professional (CMSP).

The CPS level is designed for those who are just starting out in the sales profession, while the CASP and CMSP levels are geared towards more experienced sales professionals. Each level requires completion of a series of online courses, quizzes, and assessments that focus on topics such as customer service, communication, negotiation, closing techniques, and more.

The entire program can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete depending on how quickly you progress through the courses. To get started with the program you will need to register with NASP and pay an enrollment fee which includes access to all course materials. You will also need to pass a final exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the NASP-CASS program varies depending on which level you are enrolling in. The CPS level costs $295 USD while the CASP and CMSP levels cost $395 USD each.

10. International Customer Service Association's Certified Customer Service Representative (ICSA-CCSR).

The International Customer Service Association’s Certified Customer Service Representative (ICSA-CCSR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve customers. The certification is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed in order to remain valid.

In order to obtain the ICSA-CCSR certification, candidates must complete an online application, pass an exam covering customer service principles and techniques, and submit a resume demonstrating their qualifications. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within two hours. Candidates are required to score at least 70% in order to pass the exam.

The cost of obtaining the ICSA-CCSR certification varies depending on the country in which you are located. In the United States, the fee is $295 USD; in Canada, it is $325 CAD; and in Europe, it is €250 EUR.

Once certified, individuals can use their ICSA-CCSR credential as a way to demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent customer service and stand out from other job applicants or colleagues.

Do You Really Need a Registered Sales Assistant Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Registered Sales Assistant Certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a job in the retail industry, having a certificate can be beneficial and increase your chances of finding employment. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about sales and customer service skills, as well as demonstrating that you are committed to developing yourself professionally.

The certificate is often offered by local community colleges or other educational institutions and focuses on topics such as customer service, store operations, inventory control, product knowledge, selling techniques, and business communication. These courses provide students with the skills they need to be successful in retail sales positions. In addition to the certificate itself, there may be additional benefits associated with completing the program such as networking opportunities that can help you find a job or advance your career in the retail industry.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Registered Sales Assistant Certificate depends on what kind of job you are seeking and how competitive it is in your area. If there are many qualified applicants vying for the same position then having this credential can give you an edge over your competition. However, if there aren't many people competing for the job then it might not make much of a difference either way. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if this certification will help further your career goals or not.

Related: Registered Sales Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Registered Sales Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is a Registered Sales Assistant Certification?

A1. A Registered Sales Assistant Certification is a professional designation given to individuals who have successfully completed a program of study in the field of sales and marketing. The certification recognizes their knowledge and skills in the areas of customer service, sales techniques, product knowledge, and marketing strategies.

Q2. How do I become certified?

A2. To become certified, you must complete an accredited program of study that includes coursework in sales and marketing principles, customer service techniques, and product knowledge. You must also pass an exam administered by the certifying organization to demonstrate your knowledge and skill level in these areas.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

A3. Yes, most organizations require applicants to have some prior experience or education in the field before they can apply for certification. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have a certain number of years of experience in the field before they are eligible for certification.

Q4. How long is a Registered Sales Assistant Certification valid for?

A4. Most certifications are valid for three years from the date of issuance, after which time you must re-certify to maintain your credentials.

Q5. How much does it cost to become certified?

A5. Costs vary depending on the certifying organization and which type of certification you are pursuing; however, typically costs range from $200-$500 USD depending on the length and complexity of the program you choose to pursue.