Top 10 Retail Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a retail sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a managerial role. They provide employers with proof that the individual is qualified and committed to their profession, which can give them an advantage over other applicants. Certifications also help employers assess an applicant’s ability to manage their team, track sales data, analyze customer trends, and develop strategies to increase sales. Ultimately, certifications help retail sales managers stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Retail Sales Managers and explains how they can help to advance a retail sales manager's career.

What are Retail Sales Manager Certifications?

Retail Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help retail sales managers sharpen their skills and further develop their knowledge of the retail sales industry. Through the certification program, retail sales managers can gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of retail sales, customer service and marketing, as well as an in-depth look at the most effective strategies for maximizing profits and creating successful customer relationships.

The Retail Sales Manager Certification program covers topics such as developing customer relationships, creating comprehensive marketing plans, managing inventory and pricing, and utilizing technology in order to increase sales performance. Additionally, participants will be able to gain a better understanding of how to use analytics and data-driven decision making in order to implement successful promotions and campaigns.

The certification also provides participants with valuable insight into best practices for motivating employees and leading effective teams. By successfully completing the certification program, retail sales managers can become more capable leaders who are better equipped to maximize productivity, boost morale, and develop successful strategies that will help their stores become more profitable.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a retail sales manager, it is important to obtain certification through an accredited program. Certification will demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role. Furthermore, certification can provide networking opportunities, career advancement options, and recognition of your expertise.

Related: What does a Retail Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Retail Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Retail Sales Manager (CPRSM)

Certified Professional Retail Sales Manager (CPRSM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of retail sales managers. The program provides an opportunity for retail sales managers to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field.

The CPRSM certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as customer service, leadership, operations and financial management, marketing and promotions, human resources management, and technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online or in person at NRF-approved testing centers.

It typically takes about four months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must complete a series of online courses and submit an application with supporting documents. After submitting the application and passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within two weeks.

The cost of the CPRSM certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the online or in-person exam. The cost for taking the online exam is $350 USD while the cost for taking the in-person exam is $400 USD.

2. Certified Retail Sales Manager (CRSM)

Certified Retail Sales Manager (CRSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize retail sales professionals who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in the retail industry. The program is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), and it is designed to help retail sales professionals gain recognition and credibility in the industry.

The CRSM program consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. To become certified at each level, applicants must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and meet certain criteria for experience and education. The Bronze level requires completion of two courses and an exam; Silver requires four courses plus an exam; and Gold requires six courses plus an exam.

The cost of the program varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The Bronze level costs $395; Silver costs $595; and Gold costs $795.

In order to get certified at any level, applicants must first register with NRF online or by mail. After registration is complete, applicants will receive information about course availability and how to register for them. Once all required courses have been completed, applicants can take the final exam for their desired certification level. Upon passing the exam, applicants will be officially certified as a Certified Retail Sales Manager (CRSM).

3. Certified Retail Manager (CRM)

Certified Retail Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed for retail professionals. The CRM certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), a trade association representing the retail industry in the United States. The CRM certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in retail management, and provides them with a credential that can be used to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to employers.

The Certified Retail Manager program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person workshop. The online assessment is designed to evaluate the applicant's knowledge of retail operations and management principles. This assessment must be completed before attending the in-person workshop. During the workshop, participants will learn about topics such as customer service, merchandising, inventory management, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and more. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, applicants will receive their CRM certification.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Retail Manager certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it typically costs around $500-$600 for both parts of the program (online assessment and in-person workshop). Depending on the provider, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam or registering for workshops.

The time it takes to obtain a Certified Retail Manager certification depends on how quickly you complete both parts of the program; however, most people are able to complete it within three months if they are dedicated to studying and completing all required coursework.

4. National Retail Federation Certified Professional in Retail Management (NRF-CPRM)

The National Retail Federation Certified Professional in Retail Management (NRF-CPRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the achievements of retail professionals. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of retail management, from customer service and operations to merchandising and marketing.

The NRF-CPRM is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), a trade association representing the retail industry in the United States. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the retail sector through an examination process.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the NRF-CPRM program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. The program consists of four modules: Customer Service & Operations, Merchandising & Marketing, Financial Management, and Leadership & Strategy. Each module includes both an online course and an exam that must be passed in order to receive certification.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of full-time work experience in a retail environment or completing an approved college degree program related to retail management. Applicants must also pass all four exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the NRF-CPRM program varies depending on the number of modules taken and whether or not you are an NRF member. For non-members, each module costs $250 USD; for members, each module costs $200 USD. There may also be additional fees for registration, materials, and other services associated with taking the exam.

5. International Council of Shopping Centers Certified Shopping Center Manager (ICSC-CSM)

The International Council of Shopping Centers Certified Shopping Center Manager (ICSC-CSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills required for successful shopping center management. The ICSC-CSM is a widely recognized and respected credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in shopping center management.

The ICSC-CSM program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as leasing, marketing, operations, finance, and legal issues related to shopping center management. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of these topics.

To get the ICSC-CSM certification, candidates must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace.

The cost for the ICSC-CSM certification is $499 USD for members of ICSC and $599 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course, an official certificate upon passing the exam, and one year of membership in ICSC.

6. American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer in Retailing (AMA-PCMR)

The American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer in Retailing (AMA-PCMR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of retail marketing. The program was created to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of expertise and proficiency in the areas of retail marketing, sales, and customer service.

It typically takes four to six months to complete the requirements for earning the AMA-PCMR certification. The requirements include completing an online application form, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio of work that demonstrates mastery of the subject matter.

To get started on the path to becoming an AMA-PCMR certified professional, you must first submit an online application form and pay a $50 nonrefundable fee. Once your application is approved, you will be sent instructions on how to access the exam and complete your portfolio. After successfully completing both components, you will receive your certificate from the American Marketing Association.

The cost for obtaining the AMA-PCMR certification is $250 plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee covers all aspects of the certification process including exam registration, access to study materials, and certificate issuance.

7. Institute of Certified Professional Managers Certified Professional in Retailing Management (ICPM-CPRM)

The Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) Certified Professional in Retailing Management (CPRM) is a professional certification program for retail managers. It is designed to provide recognition of the knowledge and skills required to manage a successful retail operation. The CPRM certification requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices of retail management, including customer service, inventory control, financial management, operations, human resources, and marketing.

The ICPM-CPRM program consists of four courses that must be completed within two years. The four courses are: Retail Management Fundamentals, Customer Service and Sales Strategies, Financial Management for Retailers, and Human Resources Management for Retailers. The courses can be taken online or in person at an accredited college or university.

To become certified as a CPRM, you must successfully complete all four courses and pass an exam administered by the ICPM. The exam covers topics such as customer service strategies, financial management principles, operations management techniques, human resources management strategies, and marketing concepts.

The cost of the ICPM-CPRM program varies depending on where you take the courses. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 to complete the entire program.

8. National Association of Sales Professionals Certified Sales Manager (NASP-CSM)

The National Association of Sales Professionals Certified Sales Manager (NASP-CSM) is a certification program designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in sales management. The certification is awarded by the NASP after successful completion of a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as sales strategy and tactics, customer relationship management, sales process improvement, and sales performance measurement.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for the NASP-CSM certification. To get certified, applicants must first join the NASP as a member. After joining, applicants must complete an online study course that covers all areas of the exam. Once the course is completed, applicants must pass an online proctored exam with a score of 80% or higher. Finally, applicants must submit an application for review and approval by the NASP Certification Board.

The cost for taking the NASP-CSM exam varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the association. For non-members, it costs $299 to take the exam; however members can take advantage of discounted rates starting at $199. Additionally, there are discounts available for groups and organizations that wish to certify multiple individuals at once.

9. American Society for Training and Development Certified Trainer in Retail Management (ASTD-CTRM)

The American Society for Training and Development Certified Trainer in Retail Management (ASTD-CTRM) is a certification program designed to recognize trainers who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively train retail management personnel. The ASTD-CTRM certification is administered by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD).

The ASTD-CTRM certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as retail operations, customer service, human resources management, financial management, store design and layout, marketing and sales techniques, inventory control systems, and other related topics. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of retail management principles through case studies.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the ASTD-CTRM exam. Candidates should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying course materials and taking practice exams prior to taking the actual exam.

To get certified as an ASTD-CTRM trainer, candidates must first register with ASTD. Registration fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen. After registering with ASTD, candidates can take the ASTD-CTRM exam online or in person at a testing center near them.

The cost of the ASTD-CTRM certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen when registering with ASTD. The cost of registration plus the cost of taking the exam can range from $200-$400 USD.

10. Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional in Retail Management (SHRM-SCP RM).

The Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional in Retail Management (SHRM-SCP RM) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The SHRM-SCP RM certification is designed to recognize retail professionals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in retail management.

The SHRM-SCP RM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in retail management through an exam and portfolio review. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as customer service, sales, marketing, operations, finance, and human resources. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in retail management or five years of part-time experience.

In addition to the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio that includes evidence of their knowledge and experience in retail management. This portfolio should include documents such as job descriptions, performance reviews, awards or recognitions received related to retail management, and any other relevant documents that demonstrate the applicant’s expertise in this field.

The SHRM-SCP RM certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you are a SHRM member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $400 while nonmembers pay $600.

Do You Really Need a Retail Sales Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a retail sales manager certificate to be successful in the retail industry. However, having such a certificate can be beneficial to your career and give you an edge over other candidates vying for the same position. It shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further your knowledge and skills in the field of retail management.

A retail sales manager certificate can provide you with a broader understanding of how to manage a store’s operations and staff, as well as teach you how to optimize customer service and maximize profits. It can also help you develop problem-solving skills and other important qualities needed for success in this role.

In addition, having this certification may increase your chances of finding employment or advancing within your current organization, as it demonstrates that you are familiar with best practices in the industry and have met certain standards set by professional organizations or educational institutions.

Overall, although it is not necessary to obtain a retail sales manager certificate, doing so can prove beneficial both personally and professionally.

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FAQs About Retail Sales Manager Certifications

1. What is a Retail Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: A Retail Sales Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in retail sales management. The certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as sales strategy, customer service, product knowledge, and store operations.

2. How do I get a Retail Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Retail Sales Manager Certification, you must complete an approved course of study and pass the corresponding exam. Depending on your experience level and the requirements of the program you choose, this could include taking classes online or attending a training program in person.

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

Answer: Having a Retail Sales Manager Certification can help demonstrate your proficiency in managing retail operations to potential employers or customers. It can also give you access to more job opportunities, higher pay scales, and additional career advancement opportunities.

4. How long does it take to get a Retail Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a Retail Sales Manager Certification depends on the program you choose and your prior experience level with retail sales management topics. Generally speaking, most programs require at least six months of study before you are eligible to take the exam for certification.

5. Are there any prerequisites for earning a Retail Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have some previous work experience in retail sales management or related fields before they can enroll in the certification program. In addition, many programs require applicants to pass assessments or exams that test their knowledge of basic business principles before they can begin studying for their certification exam.