Top 10 Route Sales Representative Certifications

Certifications are important for route sales representatives in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in the role. Certification programs provide specialized training on industry standards, customer service practices, product knowledge, sales techniques, and more. Having a certification can also help set a route sales representative apart from other candidates because it shows that they have taken the initiative to invest in their professional development and are committed to staying up-to-date with best practices and emerging trends. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers as part of their hiring criteria.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Route Sales Representatives and how they can help further their career.

What are Route Sales Representative Certifications?

Route Sales Representative certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in the sales of products, services, and/or solutions to customers on behalf of an organization. This certification is designed for sales representatives who are responsible for managing their own accounts, as well as those who work with teams in larger organizations.

The certification program helps route sales representatives to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as customer service, product knowledge, problem solving, communication, and sales techniques. It also provides an opportunity to learn best practices that can help them build successful relationships with customers and make more effective sales presentations. The certification program also focuses on developing interpersonal skills such as negotiation and conflict resolution that are necessary when working with customers.

By obtaining Route Sales Representative certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to their career development and professional growth. In addition to providing tangible proof of expertise in the field to potential employers or clients, it may lead to promotions or new job opportunities within the organization or even outside of it. Additionally, having this credential may increase earning potential by increasing salaries or commission rates.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different certifications available for route sales representatives so you can find the right one that fits your specific needs. Also, look into any additional training or continuing education resources offered by the certification provider to help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Route Sales Representative do?

Top 10 Route Sales Representative Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Route Sales Representatives today.

1. Certified Professional Route Sales Representative (CPRSR)

Certified Professional Route Sales Representative (CPRSR) is a certification program offered by the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in route sales, merchandising, and customer service. The certification program is open to all individuals who are actively engaged in route sales and/or merchandising of products within the vending and foodservice industry.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CPRSR program. To get started, applicants must first purchase the NAMA CPRSR Study Guide. This guide provides an overview of the topics covered in the program, as well as a comprehensive list of resources for further study. After studying the material, applicants must then take and pass a written exam administered by NAMA.

The cost of the CPRSR program varies depending on which components are purchased. The NAMA CPRSR Study Guide costs $125 for members and $175 for non-members. The exam fee is an additional $75 for members and $125 for non-members.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official CPRSR certificate from NAMA. This certificate serves as proof of their professional credentials and can be used to demonstrate expertise in route sales and/or merchandising within the vending and foodservice industry.

2. Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP)

The Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and skills in the foodservice industry. The certification program is based on a comprehensive set of criteria that includes education, experience, and professional development.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain requirements including having at least five years of foodservice management experience, completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits in the last three years, and passing an exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, operations management, customer service, financial management, human resources management, marketing and sales.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. During this time applicants must complete an online application form and submit all required documents including transcripts from accredited colleges or universities as well as proof of work experience. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on their current NRAEF membership status.

The cost for non-members is $350 while members pay $300. Upon successful completion of all requirements applicants will receive their CFP designation along with a certificate and lapel pin recognizing them as a Certified Foodservice Professional.

3. Certified Beverage Service Technician (CBST)

Certified Beverage Service Technician (CBST) is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The CBST certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly install, maintain, and service commercial beverage systems.

The CBST program consists of four levels of certification: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master. To obtain each level of certification, individuals must complete coursework and pass an exam. The Basic level requires completion of an online course and passing the corresponding exam; the Intermediate level requires completion of an online course plus a hands-on workshop; the Advanced level requires completion of an online course plus a hands-on workshop plus additional exams; and the Master level requires completion of all previous levels plus additional exams.

The cost for each level varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, the Basic level costs around $250 USD; the Intermediate level costs around $400 USD; the Advanced level costs around $600 USD; and the Master level costs around $1,000 USD.

To get started in obtaining your CBST certification you can visit the NRAEF website for more information on how to register for courses or contact them directly at 800-765-2122.

4. Certified Route Sales Manager (CRM)

Certified Route Sales Manager (CRM) is a certification program offered by the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA). It is designed to provide route sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage and operate a vending or foodservice route. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Route Sales Management, Advanced Route Sales Management, and Professionalism & Ethics in Route Sales Management.

It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the CRM program. To get started, individuals must first register for the program on NAMA's website. After registration, participants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online course materials. Participants must then complete all three courses within 8-10 weeks in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CRM program varies depending on whether you are a member of NAMA or not. For non-members, it costs $495 for all three courses; for members, it costs $395 for all three courses.

5. Certified Distribution Manager (CDM)

Certified Distribution Manager (CDM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CDM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of distribution management.

The certification process includes passing an exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, customer service, warehousing, transportation, and logistics. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and have at least three years of work experience in distribution management.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $325 for non-members of AST&L. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants are awarded the Certified Distribution Manager (CDM) designation. This designation is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

6. Certified Merchandising Specialist (CMS)

Certified Merchandising Specialist (CMS) is a professional certification program that provides specialized training and education in the field of retail merchandising. The program focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage merchandise in today’s retail environment. This includes topics such as product selection, pricing strategies, visual merchandising, inventory management, and customer service.

The Certified Merchandising Specialist program is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete the program, depending on how quickly you can complete the coursework and exams. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for the program. These include having at least two years of experience in retail merchandising or related fields. You must also pass a series of online exams that cover topics such as retail operations management and customer service.

The cost of the Certified Merchandising Specialist program varies depending on which option you choose. The basic package costs $795 and includes access to all course materials and exams. The premium package costs $995 and includes additional support from NRF staff members throughout your certification process.

7. Certified Logistics and Distribution Professional (CLDP)

Certified Logistics and Distribution Professional (CLDP) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage and lead logistics and distribution operations. The CLDP certification program is designed for those who are already working in the field or have experience in logistics and distribution operations. This certification program is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

The CLDP certification consists of four courses: Principles of Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Distribution Management, and Warehouse Management. Each course covers topics such as inventory management, transportation management, customer service, warehouse design, order fulfillment processes, safety regulations, and more. The courses also provide an understanding of how these topics interact with each other to create a successful logistics operation.

The CLDP certification takes approximately 12 months to complete. Each course must be completed within six months of starting the program. After completing all four courses successfully, students will receive their CLDP certificate from AST&L.

To get certified as a CLDP one must first meet certain prerequisites including having at least three years of experience in logistics or distribution operations or having completed an undergraduate degree in business or related field. Once these requirements are met applicants can apply for the program through AST&L’s website.

The cost for the CLDP Certification Program varies depending on whether you choose to take individual courses or enroll in the entire program at once. If you choose to take individual courses they range from $395 - $795 per course depending on which course you choose to take. If you choose to enroll in all four courses at once it costs $2195 plus any applicable taxes and fees.

8. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). The CSCP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the essential principles of supply chain management and demonstrate their ability to effectively manage global supply chains.

The CSCP program takes approximately 18-24 months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of knowledge and experience. To become certified, an individual must first complete an online application and pass a three-hour exam that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design, implementation and operations, logistics, customer service management, supplier relationship management, inventory management and more.

The cost of the CSCP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ASCM. For non-members, the fee is $695 USD; for members it is $495 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available for purchase through ASCM that can help prepare you for the exam.

9. Certified Transportation and Logistics Analyst (CTLA)

Certified Transportation and Logistics Analyst (CTLA) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become an expert in the transportation and logistics industry. The CTLA certification is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL).

The CTLA certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in a transportation or logistics related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, transportation economics, logistics operations, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CTLA certification, applicants must first submit an application form online. This form includes information about their educational background, work experience, and other relevant information. Once the application is approved, applicants will be required to pay a fee of $195 USD before they can take the exam.

The cost of the CTLA certification varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. Online exams cost $195 USD while in-person exams cost $395 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as proctoring fees or travel expenses if you are taking it in person.

10. National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Route Sales Certification Program

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Route Sales Certification Program is a certification program designed to help route sales professionals become more successful in their field. This certification program is offered by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW). The program focuses on developing and enhancing the skills needed for success in route sales, such as customer service, product knowledge, communication, negotiation, problem solving, and time management.

The Route Sales Certification Program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of specific courses and exams. The Basic level takes approximately two weeks to complete; the Intermediate level takes four weeks; and the Advanced level takes six weeks.

To get certified through the Route Sales Certification Program, applicants must first register with NAW and pay a one-time fee of $250. After registering with NAW, applicants must then complete all required courses and exams for each level before they can be certified at that level. Upon successful completion of all requirements for each level, applicants will receive an official certificate from NAW verifying their achievement.

The cost of taking the courses varies depending on which courses are taken but generally ranges from $100-$500 per course. In addition to course fees, there may also be additional costs associated with taking exams or purchasing textbooks or other materials related to the program.

Do You Really Need a Route Sales Representative Certificate?

No, you do not need a Route Sales Representative Certificate in order to become a route sales representative. Although the certificate is helpful in providing proof of knowledge and experience, it is not required to begin working in this profession. A route sales representative typically has the responsibility of delivering goods to customers, collecting payments, and merchandising products. Most employers look for individuals with prior experience and knowledge of customer service and marketing principles. Additionally, many employers require applicants to have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

In some cases, employers may prefer applicants who have obtained a Route Sales Representative Certificate because it provides evidence that they are knowledgeable about the industry and have been trained in specific skills related to the job. However, many employers will hire applicants without such certificates if they can demonstrate that they have the necessary skillset through their work history or other qualifications. Ultimately, having the certificate can be beneficial but it is not necessary for securing a job as a route sales representative.

Related: Route Sales Representative Resume Examples

FAQs About Route Sales Representative Certifications

1. What is a Route Sales Representative Certification?

A Route Sales Representative Certification is a certification that verifies that an individual has the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the sales of routes in a particular industry or region.

2. Who can become certified as a Route Sales Representative?

Anyone who has completed the necessary training and experience requirements can become certified as a Route Sales Representative.

3. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

The length of time it takes to complete the certification process will vary depending on the specific program being pursued, but most programs can be completed in two to three months.

4. What are the benefits of being certified as a Route Sales Representative?

Being certified as a Route Sales Representative provides individuals with greater job security and opportunities for advancement within their chosen field, as well as increased access to higher-paying jobs and better customer service skills.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining certification?

Yes, most programs require applicants to have some prior sales experience or related coursework before applying for certification. Additionally, many programs also require applicants to pass an exam or provide references from previous employers in order to be eligible for certification.