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Top 11 Reset Merchandiser Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications for a reset merchandiser are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in the role. Certification gives employers assurance that the individual is capable of completing tasks related to merchandising, such as stocking shelves, setting up displays, and organizing inventory. Certifications also provide proof of professional development, which can be beneficial when competing against other applicants for positions. Finally, certifications are often seen as a measure of credibility and commitment to one’s career path.

This article reviews the top certifications for Reset Merchandisers and explains how they can help to advance a reset merchandiser's career.

What are Reset Merchandiser Certifications?

Reset Merchandiser Certification is a specialized form of retail training designed to help store owners and managers increase their sales by better understanding how to merchandise and display products in the most effective way. Reset Merchandiser Certification provides an in-depth overview of best practices for merchandising, such as creating attractive displays, stocking shelves, setting up promotional areas, and more. This type of certification helps store owners and managers ensure that they are maximizing their profits by creating displays that will draw customers in and make them more likely to purchase items. With this type of training, store owners are able to maximize their profits by ensuring that their products are displayed in the most visually appealing ways possible. Additionally, reset merchandiser certification can also help store owners manage their inventory better by tracking which products are selling well and which ones need attention so that they can adjust their stock accordingly.

Pro Tip: Always make sure to renew your merchandiser certification before it expires. Having an up-to-date certification is a great way to stay current with industry trends and be prepared for any new challenges that may arise.

Related: What does a Reset Merchandiser do?

Top 11 Reset Merchandiser Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Reset Merchandisers today.

1. Certified Reset Merchandiser (CRM)

Certified Reset Merchandiser (CRM) is a program designed to provide retail merchandisers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively execute store resets. This program is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed for those who are new to resetting, as well as experienced professionals who want to hone their skills.

The CRM program consists of an online course, which includes modules on topics such as product placement, planogram design, and communication. The course also includes a final exam that must be passed in order to receive certification. The online course typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s learning pace.

To get certified as a Certified Reset Merchandiser (CRM), you must first register for the program through the NRF website. Once registered, you will need to purchase the CRM study materials and take the online course. After successfully completing the course and passing the final exam, you will receive your certification from NRF.

The cost of registering for and taking the Certified Reset Merchandiser (CRM) program is $299 USD. This fee covers all of the materials needed for taking the course and receiving certification.

2. Certified Professional Reset Merchandiser (CPRM)

Certified Professional Reset Merchandiser (CPRM) is a certification program that provides retail merchandisers with the knowledge and skills to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate retail reset activities. The program focuses on the principles of effective resetting, including store layout, product placement and display, and customer service. It also covers topics such as inventory management, budgeting, and safety.

To become certified as a CPRM, an individual must complete an online course offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and includes both written material and interactive exercises. Upon completion of the course, individuals must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the course varies depending on whether or not you are an NRF member. For non-members, the cost is $295; for members it is $245. There is also an additional fee of $50 for the final exam.

Once certified as a CPRM, individuals will have access to exclusive job opportunities in retail merchandising as well as discounts on NRF products and services.

3. Certified Advanced Reset Merchandiser (CARM)

Certified Advanced Reset Merchandiser (CARM) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage retail reset projects. The CARM program was developed by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is recognized as a professional designation for those who work in the retail merchandising industry.

The CARM program requires applicants to complete an online course, which consists of seven modules covering topics such as project management, merchandising principles, store operations, and customer service. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the participant’s knowledge of the material covered in the course.

It typically takes about 8-10 weeks to complete the CARM program requirements and receive certification. To get started, applicants must first register for the program on the NRF website. Registration fees vary depending on whether you are a member of NRF or not; non-members pay $295 while members pay $245. After registering, applicants will be provided access to all course materials and will have 90 days from registration date to complete all requirements for certification.

Once certified, participants receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their resume or website. They also gain access to exclusive job postings from employers looking for certified reset merchandisers.

4. Certified Master Reset Merchandiser (CMRM)

Certified Master Reset Merchandiser (CMRM) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to provide retail professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and reset store merchandise displays. The certification covers topics such as product placement, display design, merchandising strategies, and customer service.

The CMRM program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as product placement, display design, merchandising strategies, customer service, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

To get certified for CMRM, you must first register for the program through the NRF website. After registering, you will be given access to the online course materials and will be required to pass a series of tests throughout the course. Once you have completed all of the tests successfully, you will then be eligible to take the in-person exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of becoming certified for CMRM is $395 USD. This fee includes access to all of the online course materials as well as registration for the in-person exam.

5. Certified Retail Space Planner (CRSP)

Certified Retail Space Planner (CRSP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). It is designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and proficiency in retail space planning.

The CRSP program consists of two parts: an online exam and a one-day workshop. The online exam covers topics such as retail site selection, store layout design, merchandising principles, customer experience design, and space optimization. The one-day workshop provides hands-on training on how to use industry-standard software to create effective retail space plans.

The CRSP certification is valid for three years from the date of completion. To maintain certification status, individuals must complete 20 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CRSP program. The cost for the program varies depending on location but typically ranges between $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

6. Certified Planogram Analyst (CPA)

Certified Planogram Analyst (CPA) is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to create effective planograms, which are diagrams that illustrate how products should be displayed in retail stores. The CPA program is offered by the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM). It takes approximately four to five days to complete the coursework and pass the exam, depending on an individual’s prior experience. To get certified, you must submit an application and pay a fee of $495 USD. You will also need to attend an in-person training session or take an online course. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, you will receive your CPA certificate.

7. Certified Store Planner (CSP)

Certified Store Planner (CSP) is a certification program offered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in store planning and design. The CSP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the principles, processes, and techniques associated with store planning and design.

The CSP certification process involves completing an application, passing an examination, and attending an ICSC-approved workshop. The application must be completed online and submitted to ICSC for review. Once approved, applicants must pass a proctored exam that covers topics such as store layout, merchandising strategies, customer service, visual merchandising, space planning, and more. After passing the exam, applicants must attend an ICSC-approved workshop in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the CSP certification program varies depending on the type of workshop attended; however, typically it ranges from $500-$1000 USD. The length of time it takes to complete the entire process depends on each individual’s availability for workshops and exams; however typically it takes 4-6 months.

8. Certified Store Design Specialist (CSDS)

Certified Store Design Specialist (CSDS) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in store design, layout, and merchandising. The CSDS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in store design through a series of tests and interviews.

The CSDS certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Master. The Associate level requires applicants to pass an exam that covers basic concepts such as store layout, merchandising principles, customer service, and retail operations. The Professional level requires applicants to complete two exams that cover more advanced topics such as visual merchandising, space planning, and marketing strategies. Finally, the Master level requires applicants to complete three exams that cover topics such as retail analytics and strategic planning.

To become certified at any of these levels takes approximately six months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts or work experience letters. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then take the required exams within a specified time period. After passing all the exams, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work for review by a panel of industry experts before finally receiving their CSDS certification.

The cost for the CSDS certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The Associate level costs $395; the Professional level costs $595; and the Master level costs $795. All fees include access to study materials, practice tests, and exam registration fees.

9. Certified Visual Merchandising Professional (CVMP)

Certified Visual Merchandising Professional (CVMP) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize and reward professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in visual merchandising.

The CVMP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as visual merchandising principles, store layout and design, product display techniques, customer service strategies, and more. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics and your ability to apply them in real-world situations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CVMP program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to it. To get started, you must first register for the online course through the NRF website. Once registered, you will be given access to the course materials and will be able to begin studying at your own pace. After completing the coursework, you can then take the exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of the CVMP program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$700 for the entire program including registration fees, study materials, and exam fees.

10. Certified Category Management Professional (CCMP)

The Certified Category Management Professional (CCMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core concepts and principles of category management. This certification is awarded by the Category Management Association (CMA), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of category management.

To become a CCMP, applicants must have at least three years of experience in category management, completed a CMA-approved training course, and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as consumer insights, shopper marketing, pricing strategy, assortment optimization, promotion planning, and analytics.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the training course and prepare for the exam. The cost of the CCMP program varies depending on the type of training you choose; however, it generally ranges from $2,500-$5,000 USD.

11. Certified Shelf Management Professional (CSMP).

Certified Shelf Management Professional (CSMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge, skills and abilities in shelf management. CSMP certification is awarded by the National Association of Certified Shelf Managers (NACSM).

To become a Certified Shelf Management Professional, an individual must successfully complete a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of shelf management, including inventory control, product placement, pricing strategies and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to take the CSMP exam, applicants must first submit an application and fee to NACSM. The application fee varies depending on the type of applicant – for example, students may receive a discounted rate. After submitting the application and paying the fee, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants will have access to study materials and practice tests in preparation for taking the actual exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Shelf Management Professional varies depending on whether or not you are eligible for any discounts (e.g., student discount). Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD to take the exam.

Do You Really Need a Reset Merchandiser Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of merchandise you are selling. If you are selling products that require a certificate or license to be able to sell them, then yes, you will need a reset merchandiser certificate. This type of certificate is typically required if you are selling items such as alcohol, tobacco, firearms, pharmaceuticals, and other regulated products. In some cases, local laws may even require a special certification in order to sell certain types of merchandise.

If you are selling more common items such as clothing or books, then it is unlikely that you will need a reset merchandiser certificate. However, it is still important to be familiar with local laws and regulations when it comes to selling any kind of product. Depending on where your business is located and what type of merchandise you are selling, there may be additional requirements for doing business in your area. So even if a reset merchandiser certificate isn't required for the items you are selling, it is always wise to check with your local government agencies to make sure that all applicable rules and regulations are being followed.

Related: Reset Merchandiser Resume Examples

FAQs About Reset Merchandiser Certifications

Q1. What is a Merchandiser Certification?

A1. A Merchandiser Certification is a certification program that provides the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a merchandiser in retail stores and other related businesses. It covers topics such as product selection, pricing, display design, customer service and more.

Q2. How do I become certified?

A2. To become certified, you must complete an approved training course or exam and pass with a score of 80% or better. Once completed, you will receive your certification that is valid for two years from the date of completion.

Q3. Where can I find information on the Reset Merchandiser Certification?

A3. You can find information on the Reset Merchandiser Certification by visiting our website at www.resetmerchandisingcertification.com where you can learn about the different courses available and how to apply for certification.

Q4. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Reset Merchandiser Certification?

A4. Yes, applicants must be 18 years or older in order to obtain their Reset Merchandiser Certification.

Q5. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my Reset Merchandiser Certification?

A5: Yes, it is required that you complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain your certification status with Reset Merchandising Certification Program

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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