Top 11 Retail Salesperson Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a retail salesperson's job market because they provide evidence that the individual has acquired certain skills and knowledge in their field. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that a retail salesperson is qualified for the job and has the necessary experience to perform well. In addition, certifications can help a retail salesperson stand out from other applicants, as employers are more likely to hire someone who has taken the initiative to gain additional training. Certifications also serve as a way to validate a retail salesperson's knowledge and skills, which can lead to increased confidence in their ability to do their job. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement within the company or even other companies, as some employers may prefer candidates with additional credentials.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the value of some of the top certifications for Retail Salespersons, and how they can contribute to a successful career in retail sales.

What are Retail Salesperson Certifications?

Retail salesperson certification is a type of training and certification program that provides retail salespeople with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their field. The certification typically covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, communication, and problem-solving. It may also include sales techniques, merchandising strategies, inventory management, and business management principles. By completing this certification program, retail salespeople can gain the confidence they need to handle different types of customer interactions while giving them the skills necessary to maximize their potential.

Having a retail salesperson certification can help a person become more marketable in the job market. Retailers often prefer to hire certified professionals because they have proven that they understand the basics of customer service and product knowledge. This means that certified individuals are likely to be more confident when interacting with customers and providing them with information about products or services. Additionally, having this certification can provide employees with an edge over non-certified counterparts when it comes to career advancement opportunities within a company. Finally, having this type of credential on their resume can also give employees an advantage when applying for new jobs outside their current organization.

Pro Tip: Look for a retail salesperson certification program that offers hands-on experience in addition to the classroom instruction. This will help you gain practical knowledge and skills, as well as give you an advantage when looking for a job.

Related: What does a Retail Salesperson do?

Top 11 Retail Salesperson Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Retail Salesperson (CPRS)

Certified Professional Retail Salesperson (CPRS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize retail sales professionals who demonstrate excellence in customer service and salesmanship. To receive the CPRS certification, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as product knowledge, customer service, selling techniques, and retail operations. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the exam. During this time, you should review the NRF’s study materials, attend seminars or webinars on retail sales topics, and practice with mock exams.

To get the CPRS certification, you must first register for the exam through the NRF website. You will need to pay a registration fee of $200. After registering for the exam, you will have 90 days to take it at a testing center or online. Once you have passed the exam, your CPRS certification will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP)

Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The CRSP credential is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of retail sales professionals. It is intended to help individuals demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the retail industry.

The CRSP program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a proctored exam. The online assessment includes questions about customer service, merchandising, operations, sales strategies, and other topics related to retail sales. Once the assessment is completed successfully, applicants can take the proctored exam at an authorized testing center.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CRSP program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. To get started with the program, applicants must register online through the NRF website and pay a registration fee of $395 USD.

3. Certified Retailer (CRT)

Certified Retailer (CRT) is a designation given to retailers who have achieved a certain level of excellence in the retail industry. The certification process is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and requires retailers to demonstrate their commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and compliance with industry standards.

The certification process typically takes between four and six weeks to complete. During this time, retailers must submit an online application along with supporting documentation. This includes financial statements, business plans, employee training records, and other documents that demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent customer service and meeting industry standards.

Once the application has been approved, retailers will be required to pay an annual fee of $500 for the CRT certification. This fee covers the cost of administering the program as well as providing access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on NRF events and products.

Retailers who are certified as CRTs can take advantage of a variety of benefits including access to exclusive resources such as marketing materials, research reports, educational webinars, and more. Additionally, they may be eligible for discounts on NRF-sponsored events or products. Finally, CRTs can use their certification status as a way to differentiate themselves from other retailers in their market and attract new customers.

4. Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR)

Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field. This certification is offered by the National Institute for Certification in Customer Service (NICCS).

The CCSR program is a self-paced online course that takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication skills, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive their CCSR certification.

To get certified as a CCSR, you must first register for the online course through NICCS. The cost of registration is $249 USD. After registering, you will be provided with access to the online learning materials and resources needed to complete the course. Once you have completed all of the required modules and assessments, you can submit your application for certification.

Once your application has been approved by NICCS, you will receive your official CCSR certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

5. National Retail Federation Certification Program (NRFCP)

The National Retail Federation Certification Program (NRFCP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide retail professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the ever-changing retail industry. The program provides a comprehensive overview of the retail industry, including topics such as customer service, merchandising, store operations, marketing and promotion, human resources management, and financial management. It also covers topics such as legal issues in retailing, sustainability, and global retailing.

The NRFCP consists of three levels: Certified Retail Professional (CRP), Certified Retail Manager (CRM), and Certified Retail Executive (CRE). Each level requires a certain number of hours of study and successful completion of an exam. The CRP is the entry-level certification for those just beginning their careers in retail; it requires 40 hours of study time and costs $295 to take the exam. The CRM requires 80 hours of study time and costs $395 to take the exam. The CRE requires 120 hours of study time and costs $495 to take the exam.

To become certified at any level, individuals must first complete all required coursework or equivalent experience. Then they must pass an online proctored exam that covers all aspects of the NRFCP curriculum. Once they have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their certification from the National Retail Federation.

In order to maintain their certification status, individuals must complete continuing education requirements every two years. This includes completing courses related to their chosen specialty area or taking additional exams for higher levels of certification within the NRFCP program.

6. International Council of Shopping Centers Certification Program (ICSC-CP)

The International Council of Shopping Centers Certification Program (ICSC-CP) is a program designed to recognize and certify professionals working in the shopping center industry. The program provides a comprehensive education and training program for those who wish to become certified in the field of shopping center management, development, operations, leasing, marketing, and other related areas.

The ICSC-CP consists of three levels: Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM), Certified Shopping Center Developer (CSCD), and Certified Shopping Center Leasing Professional (CSCLP). Each level requires a different set of courses and exams.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the certification process. To get started, you must first fill out an application form and submit it to ICSC. Once your application is accepted, you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the certification process. You will also need to take an online assessment test which determines your eligibility for the program.

Once you have completed all the requirements for each level of certification, you will be eligible to sit for the final exam. Upon successful completion of this exam, you will receive your certificate from ICSC-CP.

The cost of obtaining ICSC-CP certification varies depending on which level of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$4,000 USD per level plus any additional costs associated with taking courses or exams required for each level.

7. National Association of Sales Professionals Certification Program (NASPCP)

The National Association of Sales Professionals Certification Program (NASPCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the sales profession. The program is administered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP), an international organization that provides educational resources and networking opportunities for sales professionals.

The NASPCP certification process consists of three steps: passing an online exam, completing a portfolio, and attending a live workshop. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in sales or related fields.

The online exam covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, selling techniques, product knowledge, and market analysis. The portfolio includes samples of work that demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of sales principles and practices. The live workshop focuses on developing skills such as negotiation strategies, presentation techniques, and problem-solving methods.

The entire certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. Applicants are required to pay a fee which varies depending on their membership status with NASP. Non-members pay $395 while members pay $295 for the certification program.

8. American Marketing Association Certification Program (AMACP)

The American Marketing Association Certification Program (AMACP) is an online program designed to provide marketing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. The program consists of four courses: Strategic Marketing, Digital & Social Media Marketing, Analytical & Data-Driven Marketing, and Professional Selling. Each course is designed to equip participants with the latest marketing techniques and strategies.

To obtain AMACP certification, participants must complete all four courses within a 12-month period. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their AMACP certification.

The cost for the program depends on whether you are a member of the American Marketing Association or not. For members, the cost is $2,500; for non-members, it’s $3,000.

In order to get started with AMACP certification, you must first register for an account on the American Marketing Association website. Once your account has been created and verified, you can then choose which course(s) you would like to take and pay for them through your account. After payment has been made, you will be able to access the course material and begin learning at your own pace.

Once all four courses have been completed within the 12-month period and all assessments have been passed with a minimum score of 70%, participants will receive their AMACP certification via email along with a digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

9. Society for Human Resource Management Certification Program (SHRM-CP)

The Society for Human Resource Management Certification Program (SHRM-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and competencies required of today’s HR professionals. The SHRM-CP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core technical and behavioral competencies that are essential for effective job performance in the field of human resources.

It typically takes about three months to complete the SHRM-CP certification process, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances. The first step is to create an online account with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). From there, applicants must complete an application form, pay the appropriate fees, and submit official transcripts from any postsecondary institutions attended. Once all documents have been submitted, applicants will be required to take a two-part exam consisting of 170 multiple choice questions.

The cost of obtaining a SHRM-CP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of SHRM. For non-members, the cost is $300 plus applicable taxes; for members, it is $200 plus applicable taxes. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking practice exams or purchasing study materials.

Once an applicant has successfully completed their exam, they will receive their official SHRM-CP certificate in the mail within 8–10 weeks. The certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to maintain active status as a certified HR professional.

10. Professional Retail Store Manager Certification Program (PRSMC)

The Professional Retail Store Manager Certification Program (PRSMC) is a comprehensive certification program designed to equip retail store managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage a retail store. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person assessment.

The online course covers topics such as customer service, sales, inventory management, operations, marketing, and financial management. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course. Upon successful completion of the online course, participants will be eligible to take the in-person assessment.

The in-person assessment consists of a series of questions related to retail store management practices. Participants must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the online course by correctly answering all questions on the assessment. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, participants will receive their PRSMC certification.

The cost for completing the PRSMC program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost around $200-$300 USD for both parts of the program (online course and in-person assessment).

11. National Retail Federation Advanced Leadership Certificate Program (NRFALC).

The National Retail Federation Advanced Leadership Certificate Program (NRFALC) is a comprehensive program designed to help retail professionals become more successful in their roles. The program is offered by the National Retail Federation, which is the world’s largest retail trade association.

The NRFALC consists of three levels of certification: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level requires the completion of several courses that focus on different aspects of retail leadership, such as customer service, operations management, human resources management, and financial management. The program also includes an online exam that must be passed in order to receive certification.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, participants will take part in a variety of activities such as lectures and seminars, case studies and simulations, and hands-on projects. Participants are required to complete all coursework within the allotted timeframe in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for the NRFALC varies depending on the level of certification being sought. For example, Level 1 costs $2,000 while Level 3 costs $4,500. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam at each level ($150 for Levels 1 & 2; $200 for Level 3).

In order to get certified through the NRFALC program, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in a retail setting or related field and must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of education and references from current employers or supervisors. Once accepted into the program participants will be provided with access to course materials and instruction from experienced faculty members who specialize in retail leadership topics.

Do You Really Need a Retail Salesperson Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on the individual's career goals and experience. For someone who is just beginning their career in retail sales, a Retail Salesperson Certificate could be a great way to gain the basic knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. This certificate can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for positions, as it demonstrates that you have taken the time and effort to learn more about the field.

For those with more experience in retail sales, a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to advance your career or move into a higher-level position within the industry, having a Retail Salesperson Certificate can help demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession. It also shows employers that you have taken the initiative to further your education and hone your skills in order to better serve customers.

At the end of the day, whether or not you need a Retail Salesperson Certificate really depends on what kind of job you are applying for and how much experience you already have. If it is something that will benefit your career, then it is certainly worth considering investing in one.

Related: Retail Salesperson Resume Examples

FAQs About Retail Salesperson Certifications

1. What is a retail salesperson certification?

Answer: A retail salesperson certification is a credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the retail industry. It usually consists of a series of courses and tests, and successful completion demonstrates that the individual has the necessary qualifications to work in the field.

2. How do I get certified?

Answer: The process for obtaining a retail salesperson certification varies depending on which organization or institution you choose to certify with. Generally speaking, most certifications require applicants to complete educational courses or pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of skills.

3. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Yes, there may be some prerequisites for getting certified depending on the certifying organization or institution. Common prerequisites include having prior experience in the field, completing certain educational courses, and passing an exam demonstrating your knowledge and mastery of skills related to the industry.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on many factors such as which organization you are working with, how quickly you can finish the required courses or exams, etc. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6 months or less if you stay focused and dedicated to completing them in a timely manner.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can help improve your career prospects by providing employers with evidence that you have mastered key skills related to the retail industry. Additionally, it can give you greater confidence when applying for jobs as well as provide you with access to exclusive job opportunities that may not be available otherwise.