Top 10 Retail Merchandiser Certifications

Certifications can be a great way for a retail merchandiser to stand out in the job market. They demonstrate that the individual has taken the time and effort to gain additional knowledge and skills related to their profession. Additionally, certifications from respected organizations or institutions can help potential employers gauge an individual’s level of expertise in their field. For example, if a retailer is looking for someone with extensive knowledge about visual merchandising, having a certification in this area could give one candidate an edge over another. Certifications also provide individuals with the opportunity to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can be invaluable in today’s ever-changing retail landscape. Ultimately, certifications are an important tool for any retail merchandiser looking to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for retail merchandisers and explain how they can enhance a retail merchandiser's career.

What are Retail Merchandiser Certifications?

Retail merchandiser certification is a program designed to help individuals learn the skills and knowledge they need to become successful in the retail industry. The certification provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of retail merchandising, including topics such as product selection, visual merchandising, pricing strategies, and customer service. It also covers areas like inventory control, marketing and promotional activities, store management, and operations. By completing this certification program, individuals will be better equipped to understand how to effectively manage their stores for maximum profitability.

Having a retail merchandiser certification can be extremely beneficial for those who are looking to gain employment in the retail industry. This certification can give employers confidence that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills needed to successfully run their store. Additionally, it can provide those already working in the field with greater opportunities for career advancement. By having this type of credential on their resume, individuals can demonstrate that they have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be successful in retail merchandising.

Pro Tip: When considering a retail merchandiser certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and practical training. This will help you develop the skills needed to succeed in the field and help you stand out from other candidates.

Related: What does a Retail Merchandiser do?

Top 10 Retail Merchandiser Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Retail Merchandiser (CPRM)

Certified Professional Retail Merchandiser (CPRM) is a certification program that provides professional development and recognition for retail merchandisers. This certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of retail merchandising. The CPRM program was developed by the National Retail Federation (NRF) to recognize those who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the areas of product selection, pricing, display, promotion, inventory management and customer service.

The CPRM program requires applicants to pass an exam which tests their knowledge and understanding of retail merchandising principles. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as product selection, pricing strategies, display techniques, promotional activities, inventory management and customer service. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field of retail merchandising.

The CPRM program typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on an individual's prior experience and knowledge. To get started with the program applicants must first apply for membership with NRF by submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or work experience letters. Once approved for membership applicants can then register for the exam which costs $150 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

Once all requirements are met applicants will receive their CPRM certificate from NRF within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending workshops offered by NRF or other organizations related to retail merchandising.

2. Certified Retail Merchandising Professional (CRMP)

Certified Retail Merchandising Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in retail merchandising. The CRMP program provides an opportunity for retail professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of product selection, pricing, promotion, store layout, and visual merchandising.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CRMP program. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Retail Merchandising, Product Selection and Pricing Strategies, Store Layout and Visual Merchandising, and Promotional Strategies. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time.

To qualify for the CRMP certification exam, candidates must have at least three years of experience in retail merchandising or related fields. Candidates must also complete all four courses within one year prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the CRMP certification exam is $395 USD. This fee includes access to all four courses as well as a practice exam and study guide. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 USD for recertification every two years.

3. Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM)

Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM) is a professional certification program designed to help visual merchandisers gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the field. The program focuses on the fundamentals of visual merchandising, including store layout and design, product displays, signage, lighting, and customer service. It also covers topics such as marketing strategies, sales techniques, and store operations.

The CVM program typically takes about six months to complete. It consists of online coursework and an in-person exam. To get certified, applicants must complete all of the coursework and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 for the entire program. This includes tuition fees for course materials and registration fees for the exam.

In addition to completing the CVM program requirements, applicants must also have at least two years of experience working in visual merchandising before they can be eligible for certification.

4. Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP)

Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP) is a certification program designed to recognize retail sales professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their profession. The CRSP program is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association. The CRSP certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise and knowledge in retail sales, customer service, and merchandising.

To become certified as a CRSP, an individual must pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, store operations, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and can be completed online or at an NRF-approved testing center. It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a CRSP varies depending on whether you are an NRF member or not. For non-members, the cost is $295 USD; for members, it is $245 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for taking the exam at a testing center rather than online.

Once you have passed the exam and become certified as a CRSP, you will receive a certificate from the NRF that can be displayed in your workplace or used to demonstrate your credentials when applying for jobs in retail sales or customer service roles.

5. Certified Store Manager (CSM)

Certified Store Manager (CSM) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to provide store managers with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to effectively manage their stores. The CSM program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Store Manager I, II, and III.

The Certified Store Manager I course takes approximately 16 hours to complete and covers topics such as customer service, inventory management, and financial management. The Certified Store Manager II course takes approximately 24 hours to complete and focuses on topics such as store operations, marketing strategies, and team building. Finally, the Certified Store Manager III course takes approximately 32 hours to complete and covers topics such as leadership development, problem solving, and organizational development.

To become certified in any of these levels of CSM certification, you must first register for the NRF's online training courses. These courses are available for purchase from the NRF's website for a fee ranging from $99-$299 depending on which level of certification you are pursuing. Once you have completed all required courses for your chosen level of certification, you must pass an exam in order to receive your certificate.

Overall, becoming a Certified Store Manager can be an invaluable asset to any retail professional looking to advance their career or gain recognition in the industry.

6. Certified Retail Analyst (CRA)

Certified Retail Analyst (CRA) is a professional certification program for retail professionals. It is designed to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of retail management and customer service, as well as the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive retail environment. The CRA certification program consists of four courses that focus on the areas of merchandising, customer service, store operations, and marketing.

The CRA certification program can be completed in approximately six months. To become certified, you must complete all four courses and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. You must also have two years of retail experience or related industry experience to qualify for the certification.

To get your CRA certification, you will need to register for the program through the National Retail Federation (NRF). The cost for the program varies depending on your membership status with NRF; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. Once registered, you will receive access to all four courses and materials needed to complete them. After successfully completing all four courses and passing the final exam, you will be awarded your Certified Retail Analyst certificate.

7. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in inventory management. The CIM program is offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing, controlling and optimizing inventory levels in their organizations.

The CIM program consists of two parts: the Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) exam and the Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) course. The exam is a two-hour multiple-choice test that covers topics such as inventory planning, forecasting, control systems, materials requirements planning, and supply chain management. The course is a four-day classroom or online program that provides an in-depth review of the concepts covered on the exam.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CIM program. To get started, you must first register with APICS and pay a fee of $650 USD. After registering, you will receive instructions on how to access and complete the online course material. Once you have completed the course material and passed the exam, you will be awarded your CIM certification.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you choose to take the classroom or online version of the course; however, it typically costs around $1,000 USD including registration fees and textbooks.

8. National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers’ Certification Program

The National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers’ Certification Program (NASFM) is an industry-recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive set of standards for store fixture manufacturers. The program was developed to ensure the quality and safety of store fixtures in the retail environment.

The program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in areas such as design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, repair, and maintenance of store fixtures. It also requires applicants to demonstrate their commitment to customer service, environmental sustainability, and employee safety.

To become certified, applicants must complete a series of courses and exams that cover the topics outlined by NASFM. The courses are offered online or in person at approved training centers. The cost for the coursework varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass an exam administered by NASFM which covers topics such as product design and development, installation procedures, safety protocols, customer service principles, and more.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their certification from NASFM which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal fees are typically around $200 USD per year.

9. National Association of Professional Organizers’ Professional Organizer Certification

The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) Professional Organizer Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes professional organizers who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and increase their credibility with clients.

In order to become certified, applicants must first complete NAPO’s Professional Organizer Certification Program (PO-CP). This program consists of three courses: Foundations of Professional Organizing, Advanced Professional Organizing, and Business Strategies for Professional Organizers. The Foundations course is offered online or in-person, while the other two courses are only available online. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and must be completed within one year of registering for the program.

Once all three courses have been completed, applicants must submit an application packet that includes a resume, references from past clients, and a portfolio demonstrating their professional organizing skills. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NAPO’s Certification Board before they can be certified as a Professional Organizer.

The cost of the PO-CP program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. The online version costs $395 USD while the in-person version costs $495 USD. There is also an additional fee of $50 USD for taking the certification exam.

Overall, it typically takes 6-12 months to complete all requirements for becoming a Certified Professional Organizer through NAPO’s certification program.

10. American Marketing Association’s Digital Marketing Certificate

The American Marketing Association’s Digital Marketing Certificate is a professional development program designed to help marketing professionals stay up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends and technologies. The certificate is offered in both an online and in-person format, and can be completed in as little as 8 weeks.

To earn the certificate, participants must complete four courses: Digital Strategy, Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, and Digital Analytics. Each course consists of lectures, readings, activities, case studies and assessments that provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing fundamentals.

The cost of the program varies depending on the format chosen. The online program costs $1,495 while the in-person program costs $2,495. Both programs include access to AMA’s library of digital marketing resources and discounts on future AMA events and products.

Upon completion of all four courses, participants will receive an official AMA Digital Marketing Certificate from the American Marketing Association along with a digital badge for their resume or LinkedIn profile.

Do You Really Need a Retail Merchandiser Certificate?

A retail merchandiser certificate can be a valuable asset for those interested in entering the retail merchandising field. With this certificate, you will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of retail merchandising, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this career. The certificate also provides employers with assurance that you possess the necessary qualifications and expertise to perform effectively in the role.

In today’s competitive job market, having a retail merchandiser certificate can give you an edge over other applicants. It demonstrates that you are committed to your career and have taken steps to become knowledgeable about the industry. Additionally, it gives employers confidence that you possess the skills they need to succeed. Having this certification may also open up opportunities for promotions or higher-level positions within the organization.

Whether or not one needs a retail merchandiser certificate depends on their goals and desired career path within the industry. For those who are just starting out, it is not necessary but could provide an advantage when applying for jobs. Those who already have experience in retail may find that obtaining a retail merchandiser certification is beneficial for advancing their careers. It will demonstrate their commitment to the field and show potential employers that they are dedicated to pursuing their professional development.

Overall, having a retail merchandiser certification could be a beneficial asset for anyone looking to pursue a career in this field. It provides employers with assurance of your qualifications and knowledge, while giving you a competitive edge over other applicants. Whether or not it is necessary will depend on your individual goals and desired career path, but it could certainly prove beneficial in helping you achieve success in this field.

Related: Retail Merchandiser Resume Examples

FAQs About Retail Merchandiser Certifications

1. What is a retail merchandiser certification?

A retail merchandiser certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in retail merchandising. It shows employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills needed to effectively plan, design, and manage merchandise displays in stores.

2. What qualifications do I need to get certified?

In order to become certified, you must have at least two years of experience in retail merchandising and must complete a training program approved by a recognized organization such as the National Retail Federation (NRF). You will also need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become certified, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam.

4. How much does it cost to become certified?

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on where you get your training and the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $500-$1000 USD.

5. Does having a retail merchandiser certification increase my job prospects?

Yes! Having a retail merchandiser certification can help open up more job opportunities for you in the field of retail merchandising as employers look for individuals who have specialized knowledge and skills in this area.