Top 11 Retail Sales Merchandiser Certifications

Retail sales merchandisers are responsible for ensuring that a store’s merchandise is displayed in an attractive and organized manner. Certifications help demonstrate to employers that a retail sales merchandiser has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their job effectively. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to learning and staying up-to-date on industry trends, which can be beneficial for employers who need to quickly fill positions with qualified candidates. Additionally, certifications may make retail sales merchandisers more competitive in the job market as they will have proof of their qualifications and experience.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Retail Sales Merchandisers and explain how they can help advance a retail sales merchandiser's career.

What are Retail Sales Merchandiser Certifications?

Retail sales merchandiser certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the merchandising of products in a retail setting. This certification is typically offered by professional organizations or trade associations, and it can be obtained by completing an online course, attending seminars, or taking part in workshops.

The certification helps individuals gain a better understanding of the principles of retail merchandising, as well as best practices for managing product displays, stock levels, and marketing campaigns. It also provides insight into how to create effective pricing strategies and how to maximize sales opportunities. Additionally, holders of this certification are typically more marketable when applying for jobs in the retail industry.

Holders of this certification may find themselves more qualified for promotion opportunities within their current organization or for employment with another company. In addition to providing greater job security and potential salary increases, being certified as a retail sales merchandiser can also open up new career paths such as becoming a store manager or working in buying departments or visual merchandising departments.

Overall, earning a retail sales merchandiser certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession while gaining valuable knowledge that will help them excel in their current job and prepare them for future career opportunities.

Pro Tip: Invest in getting a retail sales merchandiser certification. It can help you stand out from the crowd and provide potential employers with evidence of your knowledge in the field. It also provides an opportunity to network with other professionals and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

Related: What does a Retail Sales Merchandiser do?

Top 11 Retail Sales Merchandiser Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Retail Sales Merchandiser (CPRSM)

Certified Professional Retail Sales Merchandiser (CPRSM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in retail sales and merchandising. The certification is granted by the National Association of Professional Retail Sales Merchandisers (NAPRSM).

The CPRSM certification program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Retail Sales Merchandiser (CPRSM), Senior Certified Professional Retail Sales Merchandiser (SCPRSM), and Master Certified Professional Retail Sales Merchandiser (MCPRSM). To obtain the CPRSM certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in retail sales or merchandising and must pass an exam that covers topics such as store operations, customer service, product knowledge, and sales techniques.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPRSM certification process. During this time, applicants must complete an online application, submit a copy of their resume, pay the registration fee, and study for the exam. Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, applicants will receive their official CPRSM certificate.

The cost of obtaining CPRSM certification varies depending on the level of certification desired. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to become certified as a CPRSM; however, additional fees may be required if you choose to pursue higher levels of certification.

2. Certified Professional Retail Sales Associate (CPRSA)

Certified Professional Retail Sales Associate (CPRSA) is a certification program that provides retail sales associates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively perform their job duties. It is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The certification program consists of three courses: Principles of Selling, Customer Service Excellence, and Advanced Selling Techniques.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the CPRSA certification program. To get certified, you must complete all three courses and pass an exam at the end of each course. After completing all three courses, you will receive your official CPRSA certificate from the NRF.

The cost for the CPRSA certification program varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of the NRF. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 for non-members and $200-$300 for members.

Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees if you are taking it online.

3. Certified Retail Merchandising Professional (CRMP)

Certified Retail Merchandising Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage retail merchandising operations. The CRMP designation is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is recognized as an industry standard for excellence in retail merchandising.

The CRMP program consists of four courses that cover topics such as product assortment, pricing strategies, store layout and design, visual merchandising, customer service, inventory management and more. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of all four courses, you will receive your official CRMP designation from the NRF.

To get your CRMP designation, you must first enroll in the program through the NRF website. The cost of enrollment is $495 USD plus any applicable taxes. Once enrolled, you will have access to all four courses and can begin working towards your certification at your own pace.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official CRMP designation from the NRF via email or mail within 2-3 weeks.

4. National Retail Federation (NRF) Certified Sales Associate

The National Retail Federation (NRF) Certified Sales Associate is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a sales associate’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and expanding their knowledge of the retail industry. The certification requires sales associates to successfully complete a comprehensive online course, pass an exam, and demonstrate mastery of the topics covered in the course.

The NRF Certified Sales Associate program takes approximately 8 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s pace. To get started, interested individuals should register for the program on the NRF website. The cost of the program is $149 USD. Upon completion of the course and passing the exam, participants will receive a digital certificate and badge that can be shared with employers or potential employers as proof of their certification.

5. National Association of Professional Salespeople (NAPS) Certification

The National Association of Professional Salespeople (NAPS) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes excellence in sales. It is designed to help sales professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of sales, as well as increase their career opportunities.

The NAPS Certification requires completion of an online course and passing a certification exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, negotiation, communication, problem solving, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The cost for the NAPS Certification is $350 USD per person. The fee includes the online course materials, access to the certification exam, and a one-year membership to NAPS.

Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive your official NAPS Certificate which will be valid for two years from the date of issue. You can renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education courses and paying a renewal fee.

Overall, obtaining the NAPS Certification can take up to 6 weeks depending on how quickly you complete the online course material and pass the exam.

6. American Marketing Association (AMA) Certified Retailer

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Certified Retailer program is a certification program created to recognize retailers who demonstrate excellence in marketing and customer service. The certification is designed to help retailers differentiate themselves from their competitors, build trust with customers, and increase sales.

It takes approximately six weeks to complete the certification process. To get certified, retailers must submit an application that includes information about their business and marketing practices. They must also provide evidence of their commitment to customer service, such as customer feedback surveys or testimonials from customers. After submitting the application, retailers will be evaluated by a panel of experts who will review the information provided and make a decision on whether or not the retailer meets the criteria for certification.

The cost of becoming AMA Certified Retailer varies depending on the size and scope of the business. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 for small businesses and up to $10,000 for larger organizations.

Once certified, retailers will receive an official certificate from AMA along with access to exclusive resources such as webinars and workshops designed to help them improve their marketing strategies and customer service practices. Additionally, they may be eligible for discounts on products and services offered by AMA partners.

7. International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Certified Merchandiser

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Certified Merchandiser is a professional certification program designed to recognize the achievements and knowledge of retail professionals in the field of visual merchandising. It is offered by ICSC, an international trade association representing the shopping center industry. The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of visual merchandising, including store design, product placement, display techniques, customer service, and other related topics.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the ICSC Certified Merchandiser program. The program consists of three parts: an online course with quizzes and assignments; a final exam; and a portfolio review. In order to earn the certification, applicants must pass all three components with a score of 70% or higher.

In order to get started with the ICSC Certified Merchandiser program, applicants must first register for the program through ICSC's website. After registering for the program, applicants will receive access to an online course that covers various topics related to visual merchandising. Once they have completed all required quizzes and assignments within this course, they will be eligible to take the final exam. Upon successful completion of this exam, applicants can then submit their portfolio for review by ICSC's panel of experts.

The cost for becoming an ICSC Certified Merchandiser varies depending on where you are located and which package you choose (basic or premium). Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$500 USD for either package option.

8. Institute for the Certification of Retail Professionals (ICRP) Certification

The Institute for the Certification of Retail Professionals (ICRP) is a globally recognized certification program that recognizes retail professionals who have demonstrated excellence in their field. The ICRP certification is designed to identify and recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competency in the retail industry.

The certification process includes an online exam, which covers topics such as customer service, sales and marketing, operations management, financial management, and technology. The exam is administered by a third-party testing company and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the ICRP certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the retail industry or a related field. Additionally, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues who can attest to their professional qualifications.

The cost of the ICRP certification varies depending on the country where it is taken; however, it typically ranges between $250-$450 USD. Once certified, individuals are required to renew their credentials every three years by taking continuing education courses or passing an updated version of the exam.

9. National Retail Federation (NRF) Certified Store Manager

The National Retail Federation (NRF) Certified Store Manager program is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of retail store managers. It is designed to provide store managers with the tools they need to succeed in their roles, while also providing employers with a way to recognize and reward excellence in their stores.

To receive NRF certification, store managers must complete an online course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, operations management, inventory control, marketing, human resources management, and financial management. The course typically takes about 15 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. After completing the course and passing the exam, you will receive your NRF Certified Store Manager certificate.

The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $300-$500 USD. Once you have received your certification, it is valid for two years before you must renew it by taking an updated version of the same course.

10. International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Certified Visual Merchandiser

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of visual merchandising. The CVM program provides visual merchandisers with the tools, resources, and recognition needed to help them achieve success in their profession.

The CVM program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an examination. The self-study course is designed to provide visual merchandisers with the knowledge they need to effectively design, plan, execute, and evaluate visual merchandising displays. The course covers topics such as display design, store layout, customer service, and marketing strategies. Upon completion of the self-study course, participants are eligible to take the ICSC Certified Visual Merchandiser Examination.

The ICSC Certified Visual Merchandiser Examination is a multiple-choice exam that tests participants’ knowledge and understanding of visual merchandising principles and practices. The exam consists of 100 questions covering topics such as product presentation techniques, store layout design, customer service strategies, marketing plans, and more. To pass the exam, participants must score at least 70% on all sections of the exam.

It typically takes about three months to complete the self-study course and prepare for the examination. Participants can register for the course online or by mail through ICSC’s website. The cost for registration is $395 USD plus applicable taxes.

11. American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certified Retail Trainer

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certified Retail Trainer is a professional certification program that recognizes retail professionals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively train retail employees. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field of retail training.

To obtain the ASTD Certified Retail Trainer certification, individuals must complete a four-part process:

1. Complete an application and submit it along with supporting documentation including references, transcripts, and proof of education.

2. Pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of retail training principles and practices.

3. Participate in an interview with ASTD representatives to discuss their experience in retail training and demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

4. Successfully complete an on-site practicum where they develop and deliver a training program for retail employees.

The entire process can take up to six months depending on how quickly all requirements are met. The cost for the certification is $395 USD for ASTD members or $495 USD for non-members which includes the application fee, exam fee, interview fee, and practicum fee.

Do You Really Need a Retail Sales Merchandiser Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and career path. While having a retail sales merchandiser certificate can be beneficial, it is not always necessary. Those who are interested in pursuing a career in retail sales should consider if they already have the skills necessary to be successful in the field. If they do, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. However, if they feel that they need additional training or certification to gain more knowledge and expertise in the field, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial.

In addition to gaining knowledge and expertise, having a retail sales merchandiser certificate can also give an individual an edge when applying for jobs or promotions. Having this type of certification can demonstrate to employers that they have taken the initiative to learn more about their profession and are truly committed to their career path. It is important to note that different employers may have different requirements for job applicants and promotions, so it is important for individuals to check with potential employers before investing time and money into obtaining a certificate.

Overall, whether or not someone needs a retail sales merchandiser certificate will depend on their goals and career path. If someone feels that having this type of certification would benefit them in their professional journey, then it may be worth considering investing in one.

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FAQs About Retail Sales Merchandiser Certifications

1. What is a Retail Sales Merchandiser Certification?

A Retail Sales Merchandiser Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to be successful in retail sales merchandising. It provides evidence of an individual's commitment to their profession and shows employers that they are highly qualified for the job.

2. Why should I get certified as a Retail Sales Merchandiser?

Obtaining certification as a Retail Sales Merchandiser demonstrates your commitment to your profession, increases your credibility and marketability, and helps you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. It also gives you access to resources, networks, and programs that can help you advance in your career.

3. How do I become certified as a Retail Sales Merchandiser?

To become certified as a Retail Sales Merchandiser, applicants must successfully complete an accredited training program offered by an organization such as the National Retail Federation (NRF) or the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The program typically includes online courses, on-site trainings, and/or assessments designed to test the applicant's knowledge and skills in retail sales merchandising.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Retail Sales Merchandiser?

The length of time required to become certified varies depending on the program chosen; however, most programs can be completed within 6 months or less if taken full-time.

5. Does certification guarantee employment?

No—certification does not guarantee employment; however, it can give job seekers an edge over other applicants by demonstrating their commitment to their profession and showing employers that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills for success in retail sales merchandising positions.