Top 11 Retail Worker Certifications

Certifications are important for retail workers in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the worker has a specific set of skills and knowledge related to the role. They can provide evidence that the worker is capable of performing their duties proficiently, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Certifications also show that the worker is dedicated to learning and staying up-to-date on industry trends, which can make them more attractive to employers. Finally, certifications can help increase a retail worker’s salary range since they may be eligible for higher pay with increased qualifications.

This article reviews and explains how some of the top certifications for Retail Workers can help to enhance their career prospects.

What are Retail Worker Certifications?

Retail worker certification is a type of professional credential that verifies an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a retail setting. This can include knowledge of customer service, sales techniques, inventory management, cash handling and other related topics. The certification is typically offered by either the National Retail Federation or other accredited organizations and can be obtained through online courses or in-person workshops.

Having a retail worker certification can help individuals stand out in the job market as they demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the industry. It also provides employers with assurance that their employees have been trained properly and understand the fundamentals of working in a retail environment. Additionally, it can provide workers with access to continuing education opportunities that can help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices within the industry. Overall, having a retail worker certification is beneficial for both employers and employees alike as it helps ensure quality customer service while providing individuals with valuable credentials that can open up new career opportunities.

Pro Tip: To ensure that your retail workers are knowledgeable and well-versed in customer service, consider investing in a certification program that offers training on topics such as customer service principles, sales techniques, and product knowledge. This will help to ensure that your staff is up to date on the latest industry trends and can provide excellent customer service.

Related: What does a Retail Worker do?

Top 11 Retail Worker Certifications

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

1. Certified Retail Sales Associate

Certified Retail Sales Associate (CRSA) is a certification offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to help retail professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in customer service, sales, and operations. The certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by taking an exam or completing continuing education.

It typically takes six to eight weeks to complete the CRSA program, depending on the individual's learning style and availability. To get certified, individuals must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, merchandising, inventory management, store operations, and sales techniques.

The cost of the CRSA certification varies by provider but generally ranges from $99-$299 USD. This includes the cost of the exam as well as any additional materials needed to complete the program.

2. Certified Retail Manager

Certified Retail Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize retail professionals who possess the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage a retail business. The CRM program is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and was developed in collaboration with industry experts.

The CRM certification process involves completing an online assessment that covers topics such as inventory management, customer service, sales and marketing, financial management, operations management, and human resources. Once the assessment is completed, applicants must submit their application for review by the NRF Certification Board. The board will then determine whether or not the applicant meets the criteria for certification.

It typically takes about four weeks from when an applicant submits their application until they receive notification of their status from the NRF Certification Board.

To get Certified Retail Manager (CRM) certification, you need to:

1. Complete an online assessment covering topics such as inventory management, customer service, sales and marketing, financial management, operations management and human resources.

2. Submit your application for review by the NRF Certification Board.

3. Receive notification of your status from the NRF Certification Board after four weeks.

4. Pay a fee of $395 USD to receive your certification certificate and access to exclusive benefits offered through the NRF's Certified Retail Manager Program website.

5. Maintain your certification by completing continuing education every two years to keep up with industry trends and best practices in retail management.

The cost of getting Certified Retail Manager (CRM) certification is $395 USD which includes access to exclusive benefits offered through the NRF's Certified Retail Manager Program website as well as a certificate upon successful completion of all requirements for certification renewal every two years

3. Certified Loss Prevention Specialist

A Certified Loss Prevention Specialist (CLPS) is a professional who has been certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to demonstrate expertise in the field of loss prevention. The CLPS certification is designed to provide recognition and validation of an individual’s knowledge and experience in the area of loss prevention.

To become a Certified Loss Prevention Specialist, an individual must complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as security management, risk assessment, inventory control, retail crime prevention, and other areas related to loss prevention. Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass an examination administered by the LPCB in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Loss Prevention Specialist varies depending on which training program you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 for a full course. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or obtaining continuing education credits.

The amount of time it takes to become a Certified Loss Prevention Specialist depends on how quickly you are able to complete the training program and pass the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to one year to complete all requirements for certification.

4. Certified Customer Service Professional

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide superior customer service. The program is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCSP certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, communication techniques, problem solving, and customer service technology. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To qualify for the CCSP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in customer service or a related field. They must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in customer service topics in the past three years.

The cost of the CCSP certification varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence. In the United States, the fee is $395 USD; in Canada, it is $495 CAD; and in other countries, it is $595 USD.

5. Certified Retail Merchandiser

Certified Retail Merchandiser (CRM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and skill in the retail industry. The CRM certification program is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to provide retail professionals with an in-depth understanding of merchandising principles, practices, and strategies.

The CRM certification program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as product development, pricing strategies, store operations, customer service, inventory management, visual merchandising, and more. The exam tests your understanding of the material covered in the course.

The online course typically takes about 8 hours to complete and costs $499 USD. After completing the course, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to earn your CRM certification. The exam fee is $150 USD.

Once you have earned your CRM certification, you can demonstrate your expertise to employers and customers alike. You may also be eligible for discounts on NRF events and products.

6. Certified Visual Merchandiser

Certified Visual Merchandiser is a professional certification program offered by the International Visual Merchandising Institute (IVMI). It is designed to provide visual merchandisers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their profession. The certification program consists of three levels: Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM), Advanced Certified Visual Merchandiser (ACVM), and Master Certified Visual Merchandiser (MCVM).

The CVM certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in the field, while the ACVM and MCVM certifications require at least five years of experience. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as visual merchandising principles, retail store design, retail display techniques, customer service, and more.

To get certified, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with a fee. The application fee for the CVM certification is $350 USD; for the ACVM certification it is $500 USD; and for the MCVM certification it is $750 USD.

Once applicants have submitted their applications and paid the fees, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam portal. Once they have passed the exam, they will be awarded their respective certifications.

7. Certified Inventory Control Specialist

Certified Inventory Control Specialist (CICS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals in the field of inventory control. The CICS certification is offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).

The CICS certification requires that applicants meet certain criteria including a minimum of three years of experience in inventory or materials management. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory planning and control, material requirements planning, production scheduling, quality assurance, and cost accounting.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the CICS certification process. To get started, applicants must first register with APICS and pay the required registration fee. Once registered, applicants can access study materials online or through their local APICS chapter. After studying for the exam, applicants must then take and pass a proctored exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CICS certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of APICS. For members, the cost is $495 for non-members it is $695. This includes registration fees as well as access to study materials and practice exams.

8. Certified Retail Store Manager

Certified Retail Store Manager (CRSM) is a certification program designed to recognize the achievements of retail store managers. The CRSM program is administered by the National Retail Federation and is open to any retail manager with at least two years of experience in the industry.

To become certified, you must complete an online application and pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, operations management, marketing, financial analysis, and human resources. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. You must also submit proof of your current retail management experience.

The cost for the CRSM program varies depending on your membership status with the NRF. Non-member fees are $395 while members pay only $295. There are also discounts available for those who purchase multiple exams or retake tests.

Once you have completed all requirements for certification, you will receive a certificate from the NRF that can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in retail store management. This certificate is valid for three years before it must be renewed.

9. Certified Cashier

Certified Cashier is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to provide cashiers with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle customer transactions accurately and efficiently. The program involves a comprehensive, online training course that covers topics such as customer service, security, fraud prevention, and other retail-related topics. The course typically takes about four hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion from the NRF.

The cost of the Certified Cashier program varies depending on the format chosen. Online courses typically range from $50-$100 USD. There may also be additional fees associated with obtaining your certificate, such as shipping and handling fees or taxes.

To get certified as a cashier, you must first complete an approved training course. Once you have completed the training course, you must then pass an exam administered by the NRF in order to receive your certification. Once certified, you will need to renew your certification every two years in order to maintain it.

10. Certified Point of Sale Technician

Certified Point of Sale Technician (CPOST) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair point-of-sale (POS) systems. The CPOST certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is recognized as an industry standard for POS technicians.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPOST certification program. During this time, students must complete a series of online courses covering topics such as POS system installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Students must also pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a CPOST technician, you must first register with the NRF and pay the registration fee. After registering with the NRF, you will be given access to all of the online courses required for certification. Once you have completed all of the courses and passed the final exam, you will receive your CPOST certificate.

The cost of becoming a Certified Point of Sale Technician varies depending on which package you choose when registering with the NRF. The most basic package costs $395 and includes access to all required online courses plus one year of membership in the NRF's Certified Professional Network. Other packages may include additional benefits such as discounts on products or services related to POS systems or access to additional resources from the NRF's Certified Professional Network.

11. Certified Retail Security Professional

Certified Retail Security Professional (CRSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of retail security. The CRSP certification is offered by the Loss Prevention Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing the loss prevention profession through education, research, and credentialing.

The CRSP certification requires that applicants have at least two years of retail security experience or equivalent training. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as risk management, security operations, customer service, legal issues, and technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get the CRSP certification, applicants must first apply online with the Loss Prevention Foundation. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for and take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from the Loss Prevention Foundation.

The cost of the CRSP certification is $295 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as registration for and administration of the final exam.

Do You Really Need a Retail Worker Certificate?

When it comes to deciding if you need a retail worker certificate, the answer depends on where you work and what type of job you are doing. If your employer requires a specific certification for its employees, then yes, you do need a retail worker certificate. However, if the job does not require any special qualifications or certifications, then it is likely that a retail worker certificate is not necessary.

In some cases, employers may ask their employees to take a course related to their job in order to receive an additional certification or qualification. This could be something like food safety training or customer service skills training. These types of courses are designed to help employees better understand their roles and responsibilities within the company and ensure they can provide quality service. In these cases, having the extra certification can help set you apart from other applicants and give you an edge in the job market.

In addition to employer requirements, there are also many benefits that come with having a retail worker certificate. For instance, some companies may offer discounts or other incentives for employees who have completed certain courses related to their jobs. This could be anything from discounts on products or services to free tuition for continuing education classes. Having this type of recognition can open up more opportunities for career advancement as well as provide greater security for your current position within the company.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a retail worker certificate depends on your individual situation and what your employer requires from its employees. It is important to understand what is expected of you before making any decisions about taking additional courses or obtaining certifications that may not be necessary for your role in the company.

Related: Retail Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Retail Worker Certifications

1. What is a retail worker certification?

Answer: A retail worker certification is a type of credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in the field of retail. The certification can be obtained through a variety of means, including completing an online course or attending an on-site training program.

2. What are the benefits of having a retail worker certification?

Answer: Having a retail worker certification can open up opportunities for career advancement and provide employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary skills to do their job effectively. It also provides evidence that someone has taken the time to gain specialized knowledge in the field of retail, which can make them more attractive to potential employers.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a retail worker?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as a retail worker will vary depending on the type of certification being pursued and the individual's prior experience in the field. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6 months to 1 year.

4. What are some common requirements for becoming certified as a retail worker?

Answer: Common requirements for becoming certified as a retail worker include completing an approved course or program, passing an exam, and demonstrating relevant work experience in the field. Additionally, some certifications may require additional education or training beyond what is covered in the initial course or program.

5. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a retail worker certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, there is no age requirement for obtaining a retail worker certification; however, some certifications may have specific age requirements depending on the type of credential being sought after. It is best to check with the organization offering the certification before applying to ensure eligibility requirements are met.