Top 11 Retail Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are extremely important for retail supervisors in the job market because they demonstrate a supervisor’s knowledge and experience in the retail industry. They show employers that a supervisor has the skills necessary to effectively manage and lead a retail team. Certifications also provide supervisors with an edge over other applicants since they demonstrate their commitment to professional development and learning. Lastly, certifications can help supervisors stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which will make them more attractive to potential employers.

The article reviews the top certifications for Retail Supervisors and explains how they can help to further a retail supervisor's career.

What are Retail Supervisor Certifications?

Retail supervisor certification is a type of professional certification offered to individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of retail management. This certification is designed to provide supervisors, managers, and other retail professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead and manage their stores. Certification is generally achieved through completing a series of courses and/or exams that cover topics such as customer service, operations management, staff development, financials, inventory control, marketing, and more.

Having a retail supervisor certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, having certified staff demonstrates that they are committed to offering quality training in order to ensure their store runs smoothly and efficiently. This can also help attract better-qualified job applicants since potential candidates may be more likely to apply for positions if they know the employer values good training. On the other hand, obtaining a retail supervisor certification can help employees advance their careers by giving them an edge over their competition when it comes time for promotions or raises. Additionally, the extra knowledge gained from these certifications can help them become more well-rounded leaders in their stores.

Pro Tip: Look for a retail supervisor certification program that offers flexible learning options, such as online courses or webinars. This will allow you to keep up with your other commitments while still gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful retail supervisor.

Related: What does a Retail Supervisor do?

Top 11 Retail Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Retail Supervisor (CRS)

Certified Retail Supervisor (CRS) is a professional certification designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of retail supervisors. It is awarded by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association.

The CRS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in five core competencies: customer service, operations management, merchandising, human resources management, and financial management. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a supervisory role in a retail setting.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the CRS program. The program consists of online coursework and an exam that covers topics such as customer service strategies, store operations management, merchandising principles, human resource practices, and financial analysis.

The cost of the CRS certification varies depending on whether you are an NRF member or non-member. For NRF members, it costs $395 for the full program including course materials and exam fee; for non-members it costs $595.

2. Certified Professional Retail Manager (CPRM)

Certified Professional Retail Manager (CPRM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize retail professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of retail management, operations, and customer service. The CPRM certification identifies individuals as having the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage a retail business.

The CPRM program consists of three levels:

Level 1: Certified Professional Retail Manager (CPRM) – This level requires completion of an online assessment that covers topics such as customer service, operations, financial management, marketing, and human resources. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will receive your CPRM designation.

Level 2: Advanced Certified Professional Retail Manager (ACPRM) – This level requires completion of additional coursework and an on-site exam. The coursework focuses on advanced topics such as strategic planning and leadership. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your ACPRM designation.

Level 3: Master Certified Professional Retail Manager (MCPRM) – This level requires completion of additional coursework and an on-site exam. The coursework focuses on topics such as change management, global retailing strategies, and analytics. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your MCPRM designation.

The time it takes to complete each level varies depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework or exams. Generally speaking, it should take no more than six months to complete all three levels of certification.

To get certified in any one or all three levels of CPRM certification, you must first register with NRF’s website at www.nrfcertificationprograms.org/register/. Once registered, you can then purchase access to the online assessments or register for any courses or exams associated with each level of certification that may be offered at a local college or university near you.

The cost for each level varies depending on what type of materials are included in your package (eBooks vs physical textbooks), whether or not there is an exam fee associated with it, etc., but generally speaking it should cost no more than $500 per level for all materials needed to obtain your CPRM certification(s).

3. Certified Store Manager (CSM)

Certified Store Manager (CSM) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to help retail store managers develop and maintain the skills necessary for successful store operations. The program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

The Basic level is designed to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of retail management, including topics such as customer service, merchandising, inventory management, and financial management. The Intermediate level focuses on more advanced topics such as personnel management and marketing strategies. The Advanced level covers topics such as strategic planning and organizational development.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three levels of the CSM program. To get certified, you must pass a series of exams at each level. You can take these exams online or in person at a NRF-approved testing center.

The cost of the CSM program varies depending on which level you are taking and where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it will cost around $500-$1,000 for all three levels combined.

4. Certified Retail Operations Manager (CROM)

Certified Retail Operations Manager (CROM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of retail operations and management. The CROM certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association. It is intended for professionals working in retail operations, including store managers, district managers, department heads, and other operational roles.

The CROM certification program consists of three courses: Principles of Retailing, Store Operations Management, and Customer Service Excellence. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and must be completed within one year from the start date. Upon successful completion of all three courses, candidates will receive their CROM certification.

To become certified as a CROM, you must first register with NRF and pay an enrollment fee of $495 USD. After registering for the program you will have access to online course materials which can be accessed through your NRF account. Once you have completed all three courses you will need to take an exam that covers material from each course in order to receive your CROM certificate.

The cost of the entire program is $495 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam.

5. National Retail Federation's Certified Professional in Retail Management (CPRM)

The Certified Professional in Retail Management (CPRM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The CPRM program is designed to provide retail professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their field. It is an industry-recognized certification that validates a person’s expertise and experience in retail management.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least five years of retail management experience
• Pass the CPRM exam
• Agree to abide by NRF’s Code of Ethics
• Submit a completed application form and fee

The CPRM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as store operations, customer service, human resources, finance and accounting, marketing and merchandising, legal issues, technology, and organizational leadership. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CPRM program is $495 for NRF members ($595 for non-members). This fee covers the cost of the exam, study materials, and other administrative costs associated with the program.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years.

6. National Retail Federation's Certified Store Manager (CSM)

The National Retail Federation's Certified Store Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of retail store managers. The CSM credential is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the skills necessary to successfully manage a retail store.

The CSM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, merchandising, operations, financial management, and human resources management. The exam tests your knowledge and understanding of these topics.

The CSM program takes approximately six months to complete. After completing the online course, you must pass the exam in order to become certified. You can take the exam at any approved testing center or through an online proctoring service.

The cost for the CSM program varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you choose to purchase additional materials such as study guides or practice exams. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$800 for everything included in the program.

Once you have passed the exam and become certified, you will receive a certificate from NRF verifying your status as a Certified Store Manager. This certification is valid for three years, after which time you must renew it by taking an updated version of the exam.

7. International Council of Shopping Centers' Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM)

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of shopping center professionals. The CSCM provides a comprehensive education in the fundamentals of shopping center management, including leasing, marketing, operations, finance and legal issues.

It takes approximately 18 months to complete the CSCM program. During this time, participants must attend an ICSC-approved training program and successfully pass three exams: Fundamentals of Shopping Center Management; Leasing & Marketing; and Operations & Finance. Participants must also submit two case studies for review by the ICSC Certification Committee.

To get the CSCM certification, you must first register for an ICSC-approved training program. These programs are offered at various locations around the world and typically cost between $1,500 - $2,000 USD. Once you have completed your training program and passed all three exams, you can then apply for certification with the ICSC Certification Committee. The application fee is currently $150 USD.

Once you have been approved for certification by the ICSC Certification Committee, you will receive your official CSCM certificate in recognition of your accomplishment.

8. American Marketing Association's Professional Certificate in Retailing

The American Marketing Association’s Professional Certificate in Retailing is a comprehensive program designed to provide retail professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive retail environment. The program consists of five courses, which can be completed online or through a combination of online and in-person instruction. The program covers topics such as retail operations, customer service, merchandising, pricing strategies, and marketing.

The program typically takes about 12 months to complete depending on the student's schedule and availability. To get started, students must first complete an application form and submit it along with any required documents. Once accepted into the program, students will receive access to course materials and will have up to one year to complete all five courses.

The cost for the Professional Certificate in Retailing varies based on how many courses are taken at once. For example, if all five courses are taken at once, the cost is $1,495; however if only two or three courses are taken at once, the cost is reduced accordingly. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with certain course materials or exams that may need to be purchased separately.

9. Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals' Certified E-Commerce Specialist

The Certified E-Commerce Specialist (CECS) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals (ICCP). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of e-commerce technologies and best practices. The CECS certification covers topics such as web design, digital marketing, content management systems, search engine optimization, and security.

To get the CECS certification, you must complete an online application and pass an exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. You will need to have at least three years of experience in e-commerce or related fields in order to qualify for the exam.

The cost of the CECS certification is $295 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as the actual exam itself. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ICCP. The CECS certification is valid for three years after which time you will need to renew it in order to maintain your status as a certified professional.

10. National Association of Sales Professionals' Certified Sales and Service Professional

The National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) Certified Sales and Service Professional (CSSP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in sales and service. The CSSP is designed to help sales professionals become more effective in their roles by providing them with the tools they need to increase their success.

The CSSP certification requires applicants to complete a series of online courses and an exam. The courses cover topics such as customer service, sales techniques, communication skills, business development strategies, and more. The exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of these topics and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

The entire process takes about 10 weeks from start to finish. To get started on the CSSP certification process, applicants must first register with NASP by completing an online application form. After registration is complete, applicants will receive access to the course materials and will be able to begin taking the courses at their own pace. Once all of the coursework has been completed and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their CSSP designation from NASP.

The cost for obtaining a CSSP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NASP; non-members pay $299 for the full program while members pay $249. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking proctored exams if required by your employer or other governing body.

11. International Customer Service Association's Customer Service Representative Certification

The International Customer Service Association (ICSA) Customer Service Representative Certification is a certification program designed to help customer service professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. The certification is available to individuals who have at least two years of customer service experience, and it is valid for three years.

To obtain the ICSA Customer Service Representative Certification, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication skills, problem solving, conflict resolution, and customer satisfaction. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the ICSA Customer Service Representative Certification varies depending on the individual's membership status with ICSA. Non-members pay $195 USD for the exam fee, while members pay $145 USD. After passing the exam, individuals receive a certificate from ICSA verifying their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Retail Supervisor Certificate?

The short answer is no. A retail supervisor certificate is not a mandatory requirement for a retail supervisor position. However, having such a certification may be beneficial to some candidates because it can demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead and manage a store.

Retail supervisors are responsible for overseeing store operations, managing staff and ensuring customer satisfaction. They must have excellent organizational, communication and problem-solving skills in order to efficiently manage their teams. A retail supervisor certificate can provide evidence of these skills, as well as an understanding of relevant industry regulations and best practices.

Additionally, some companies may require or prefer applicants with a retail supervisor certificate for certain positions due to its professional recognition and validation of expertise. For those who are serious about pursuing a career in the retail industry, obtaining this certification could be beneficial in terms of job opportunities and advancement prospects.

In conclusion, while having a retail supervisor certificate is not mandatory for all positions, it can be advantageous in demonstrating your knowledge of the industry and commitment to professional development. Therefore, it should be considered if you are looking to further your career prospects within the field of retail management.

Related: Retail Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Retail Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Retail Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Retail Supervisor Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the retail industry. It is usually obtained through attending accredited courses or passing an examination.

2. Who should get a Retail Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Anyone who works in the retail industry or is looking to advance their career in the field may benefit from obtaining a Retail Supervisor Certification. This includes supervisors, managers, and other key personnel involved in retail operations.

3. What are the benefits of getting a Retail Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Having a Retail Supervisor Certification can demonstrate an individual’s commitment to professional development, help them stay up-to-date on industry trends, and give them an edge when applying for jobs or promotions. It can also open up opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field and provide access to exclusive resources and training materials.

4. How do I get a Retail Supervisor Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Retail Supervisor Certification, individuals must successfully complete an accredited course or pass an examination covering topics such as customer service, sales techniques, inventory management, and more. Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to complete your certification online or through live classroom instruction.

5. How long does it take to get a Retail Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain your certification will depend on which program you choose and how quickly you are able to complete all of the requirements. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 6-12 months depending on your availability and dedication to studying material provided by the program provider.