Top 11 Retail Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for retail managers in the job market, as they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications provide proof that a manager has achieved a certain level of understanding and proficiency with concepts related to retail management. They can also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. In addition, certifications can give employers confidence that their hiring decision is based on qualifications rather than on a candidate's background or experience alone. With the right certifications, retail managers can stand out from the competition and increase their chances of being hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications available to Retail Managers and explains how they can help them advance their career.

What are Retail Manager Certifications?

Retail manager certification is a program designed to equip retail managers with the knowledge and skills they need to lead successful retail operations. The program covers topics such as customer service, retail operations, financial management, inventory control, marketing, and more. It also provides an opportunity for retail managers to demonstrate their commitment to professional development.

Retail manager certification can help by providing a comprehensive understanding of the best practices in retail management. This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to developing strategies for increasing sales and profitability, as well as improving customer service and employee relations. Additionally, having a certified retail manager on staff can give customers greater confidence in the store’s ability to deliver quality products and services. Finally, being certified can open up opportunities for career advancement within the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering retail manager certification, make sure to research the requirements and credentials of the certifying body. Ensure that the certification is recognized by industry professionals and will add value to your professional career.

Related: What does a Retail Manager do?

Top 11 Retail Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Retail Manager (CRM)

Certified Retail Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed to help retail professionals develop their skills and knowledge in the retail industry. It is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the largest trade association for retailers in the United States. The certification is designed to provide retail managers with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage a retail business.

The CRM program consists of three courses: Retail Management, Merchandising, and Operations. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as customer service, inventory management, store operations, marketing, human resources, and financial management. Upon successful completion of all three courses, individuals will receive their CRM certificate from NRF.

To get certified as a Certified Retail Manager you must first register for the program online through NRF’s website. After registering you will be able to access all three courses online or via printed materials. Once you have completed all three courses you will need to submit your application for certification along with proof of completion of each course and payment of the application fee ($250). Once your application has been approved by NRF you will receive your CRM certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of becoming a Certified Retail Manager is $250 which includes registration fees for all three courses plus the cost of any printed materials needed during the program.

2. Certified Professional in Retail Management (CPRM)

Certified Professional in Retail Management (CPRM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The CPRM program is designed to provide retail professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage a retail business.

The CPRM program consists of four courses: Retail Fundamentals, Customer Service, Merchandising, and Marketing. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and must be completed within one year of enrolling in the program. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their CPRM certification.

To enroll in the CPRM program, applicants must have at least two years of retail management experience or hold an equivalent degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also submit a completed application form and pay a non-refundable fee of $150 USD for each course taken.

Successful completion of the CPRM program requires passing grades on all four courses. Upon successful completion, participants will receive their CPRM certificate and will be eligible for membership in ICSC. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen but typically range from $50-$200 USD per year.

3. Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP)

Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize retail sales professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. The CRSP program is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), which is the world’s largest retail trade association.

The CRSP exam is an online, multiple-choice test that takes approximately two hours to complete. It consists of 100 questions covering topics such as customer service, product knowledge, sales techniques, and store operations. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To apply for the CRSP certification program, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $95 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to study materials and will be assigned a mentor who can provide guidance throughout the process. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CRSP certificate and will be listed on NRF’s website as certified retail sales professionals.

The CRSP certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by completing additional training or taking an updated version of the exam.

4. Certified Store Manager (CSM)

Certified Store Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help store managers develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their roles. The CSM program is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association.

The CSM certification program consists of four courses that cover topics such as customer service, operations management, financial management, and leadership. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, you will receive a Certified Store Manager certificate from the NRF.

To get certified as a Store Manager, you must first complete an application on the NRF website. You will be required to provide proof of your current position in retail management and submit payment for the program fee ($395). Once you have been accepted into the program, you can begin taking courses at your own pace.

The cost of becoming a Certified Store Manager is $395 USD. This fee covers all four courses and the certificate upon completion.

5. Certified Retail Operations Professional (CROP)

Certified Retail Operations Professional (CROP) is a certification program designed to provide retail professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to excel in the retail industry. The CROP certification is awarded by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world's largest retail trade association.

The CROP certification program consists of a series of online modules that cover topics such as customer service, store operations, merchandising, inventory control, loss prevention, and more. Upon successful completion of all modules, participants will receive their CROP certification.

The CROP certification program takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s pace and availability. In order to get certified, individuals must register for the program online at NRF’s website and pay a fee of $299 USD. Once registered, individuals can access the course materials and begin their journey towards becoming a Certified Retail Operations Professional.

Upon successful completion of all modules and passing the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, individuals will be awarded their CROP certification from NRF. This certificate is valid for three years from date of issue and can be renewed by taking an additional course or attending an approved event related to retail operations.

6. National Retail Federation Certification (NRF-C)

The National Retail Federation Certification (NRF-C) is a certification program that provides retail professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in their field. The NRF-C is designed to help retail professionals understand the fundamentals of retail operations, customer service, and financial management. It also provides guidance on how to develop effective strategies for success in the ever-changing retail landscape.

In order to obtain the NRF-C certification, individuals must complete two courses: Introduction to Retail Management and Advanced Retail Management. The first course covers topics such as customer service, store operations, marketing and merchandising, and financial management. The second course focuses on areas such as strategy development, leadership development, technology integration, and data analysis. Both courses can be completed online or in person at an approved training center.

The cost of obtaining the NRF-C certification varies depending on the type of training chosen by the individual. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for both courses combined if taken online or $2,000 if taken in person at an approved training center.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly an individual completes both courses. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months depending on how much time an individual has available for studying and completing assignments.

Once all course requirements are met and both exams have been passed successfully with a score of 70% or higher, individuals will receive their NRF-C certification from the National Retail Federation.

7. American Marketing Association’s Professional Certified Marketer in Retailing (PCMR)

The Professional Certified Marketer in Retailing (PCMR) is a certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to recognize marketing professionals who have a deep understanding of the retail industry and its unique challenges. The PCMR certification is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of retailing concepts and the ability to apply them in real-world situations.

The PCMR program consists of two parts: an online exam and an optional practicum. The online exam covers topics such as consumer behavior, retail strategy, store operations, merchandising, digital marketing, and analytics. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

To be eligible for the PCMR certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in retail or related fields. They must also submit a resume that outlines their experience and accomplishments in the field.

The cost for the PCMR certification varies depending on whether or not you choose to take the optional practicum. If you choose not to take it, the cost is $495 USD; if you do take it, the cost is $795 USD.

Once you have completed all requirements for the PCMR certification program, your application will be reviewed by an AMA panel of experts who will determine whether or not you are eligible for certification. If approved, you will receive your certificate within four weeks of submitting your application.

8. National Association of Store Managers Certification (NASM-C)

The National Association of Store Managers Certification (NASM-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of store managers. It is offered by the National Retail Federation and is recognized as the industry standard for store management.

The NASM-C certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, inventory control, financial management, personnel management, retail operations and marketing. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NASM-C certification, applicants must have at least two years of retail experience or a degree in business or related field. Applicants must also submit a completed application form and pay a $150 fee. Once approved, applicants will receive their certification within four weeks.

The cost of the NASM-C certification is $150 plus applicable taxes. This fee covers the cost of the exam and all associated materials required for completion of the program.

9. International Council of Shopping Centers Certification in Shopping Center Management (ICSC-CSM)

The International Council of Shopping Centers Certification in Shopping Center Management (ICSC-CSM) is a professional certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the shopping center industry. This certification is designed to help those who work in the shopping center industry gain an understanding of the best practices and strategies used by successful shopping centers.

The ICSC-CSM program consists of three levels: Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM), Advanced Certified Shopping Center Manager (ACSCM), and Master Certified Shopping Center Manager (MCSCM). The CSCM level requires completion of six courses, including an introduction to the shopping center industry, leasing and marketing, operations, finance and accounting, legal issues, and management. The ACSCM level requires completion of four additional courses on topics such as customer service, strategic planning, retail development, and asset management. The MCSCM level requires completion of two additional courses on topics such as global trends in retailing and technology in retailing.

It typically takes about one year to complete all three levels of the ICSC-CSM program. Each course can be completed online or through an approved instructor-led training program. In addition to completing the courses, individuals must also pass a final exam for each level before they can become certified.

The cost for the ICSC-CSM program varies depending on which level you are pursuing. For example, it typically costs around $1,200 for the CSCM level; $2,000 for the ACSCM level; and $3,000 for the MCSCM level. Prices may vary depending on your location or other factors.

10. National Council of Chain Restaurants Certification in Restaurant Management (NCCR-RM)

The National Council of Chain Restaurants Certification in Restaurant Management (NCCR-RM) is a professional certification program designed to equip restaurant managers with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the restaurant industry. The certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association and is recognized by many leading employers in the industry.

The NCCR-RM program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a hands-on training course. The online assessment tests the individual’s knowledge of restaurant management topics, such as food safety, customer service, financial management, human resources, and marketing. The hands-on training course covers topics such as menu planning, inventory control, staff development, and operations.

The NCCR-RM certification can be obtained in as little as six weeks if you complete both the online assessment and the hands-on training course. To get started on your certification journey, you must first register for the program through the National Restaurant Association website. Once registered, you will receive access to all of the materials needed to complete your certification requirements.

The cost of obtaining your NCCR-RM certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 and includes access to both parts of the program (online assessment and hands-on training). If you choose to upgrade your package to include additional materials or services (such as one-on-one coaching), then additional fees may apply.

11. Institute for Certified Professional Managers’ Certified Managerial Leader Program (ICPM-CMLP).

The Institute for Certified Professional Managers’ (ICPM) Certified Managerial Leader Program (CMLP) is a comprehensive and rigorous certification program designed to help managers develop the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to become effective leaders. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as leadership theory, organizational behavior, communication, change management, strategic planning, and financial management. Each course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles of leadership and how they can be applied in the workplace.

The CMLP program takes approximately 12 months to complete. During this time, students must attend all four courses in order to receive their certification. The courses are offered in both online and classroom formats and can be taken at any accredited institution or through ICPM’s online learning platform.

In order to get certified through the CMLP program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a minimum of two years of managerial experience or a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ICPM prior to receiving their certification.

The cost of the CMLP program varies depending on which format you choose and whether you take it online or in person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $2,000-$3,500 USD for the entire program. This includes tuition fees as well as exam fees and other associated costs such as textbooks and materials.

Overall, the ICPM-CMLP is an excellent way for aspiring managers to gain valuable skills and knowledge that will help them become more effective leaders in their organizations. It provides a comprehensive overview of managerial concepts that will help managers make better decisions and lead more effectively within their organizations.

Do You Really Need a Retail Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a retail manager certificate to become a successful retail manager. However, having such a certification can certainly help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge in the job market. A retail manager certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this role.

A retail manager certificate can provide you with additional training in key areas such as customer service, sales management, inventory control, cash handling, and more. This type of certification also demonstrates that you are committed to learning and developing your skills in order to be successful in your role. In addition, having a certificate may give employers confidence that they are hiring an individual who has the right qualifications for the job.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a retail manager certificate will depend on your individual situation and career goals. If you feel like it would be beneficial for your career prospects, then it may be worth investing the time and money into obtaining one. However, if you already have experience working in retail management or feel confident about your ability to learn on the job without formal certification, then there may be no need for one at all.

Related: Retail Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Retail Manager Certifications

1. What is a Retail Manager Certification?

Answer: A Retail Manager Certification is an official recognition of the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a retail store successfully. It typically involves completing a program of study, such as an online course or in-person classes, that covers topics like customer service, merchandising, inventory management, business operations and more.

2. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

Answer: Generally speaking, you need to have some prior experience in retail management or a related field. Depending on the certification program, you may also need to pass an exam or complete certain courses before you can be certified as a retail manager.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Retail Manager Certification varies depending on the program and your level of experience. In most cases, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to become certified.

4. Are there any costs associated with becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, there may be some fees associated with obtaining certification depending on the program you choose. These fees usually cover the cost of materials or access to online courses and other resources needed for your certification program.

5. What are the benefits of having a Retail Manager Certification?

Answer: Having a Retail Manager Certification demonstrates your commitment and dedication to managing retail stores successfully, which can help you stand out amongst other applicants when applying for jobs in this field. Additionally, having certification can give you access to professional development opportunities that can help expand your knowledge base and improve your job performance.