Top 10 Sales Contractor Certifications

Certifications are important for a sales contractor in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the contractor is knowledgeable and qualified in their field. Certifications also provide proof of expertise and can give contractors an edge over other applicants who do not have the same credentials. Additionally, certifications can help contractors stand out from others by showing dedication to professional development and a commitment to excellence. Finally, certifications can help sales contractors gain access to better job opportunities and higher salaries due to their enhanced qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various certifications available to sales contractors and how they can help further their career.

What are Sales Contractor Certifications?

Sales contractor certification is a process of learning and applying the fundamental principles of sales, customer service and marketing in order to become a successful sales contractor. This certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as an independent sales representative or contractor in various industries.

Sales contractors are responsible for generating leads, building relationships with customers, understanding customer needs, providing solutions to those needs, closing deals and managing accounts. The certification will provide the individual with the necessary tools and techniques to be able to do this effectively. It also serves as a way for potential employers to evaluate individuals on their ability to complete tasks related to sales contracting.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in sales contracting and increase their chances of finding employment opportunities. Additionally, it can help them stand out from other applicants who may not have had formal training in this field. Furthermore, having a certification can give an individual more credibility when presenting themselves as a potential contractor for any given position. It can also provide employers with assurance that they are hiring someone capable of meeting the demands of the job role.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of sales contractor certifications available and determine which one best suits your needs. Also, it is important to ensure that the certification you choose is recognized by your local government or other relevant authorities.

Related: What does a Sales Contractor do?

Top 10 Sales Contractor Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) is a professional certification program designed to help professionals in the contract management field build their knowledge and skills. It is offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

The CPCM program consists of four courses: Introduction to Contract Management, Advanced Contract Management, Negotiation and Administration, and Special Topics in Contract Management. The program also includes an online exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

It typically takes about six months to complete the entire CPCM program. During this time, you will need to complete all four courses as well as pass the online exam. You can take each course at your own pace, but it is recommended that you set aside some dedicated study time each week in order to stay on track.

In order to get certified, you will need to register for the CPCM program through NCMA’s website and pay a fee of $1,495 USD. This fee covers all four courses and the online exam. Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam, you will receive your official CPCM certificate from NCMA.

You can also opt for a bundle package which includes all four courses plus additional resources such as webinars and practice exams for a discounted price of $1,195 USD.

2. Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO)

A Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and experience required to effectively manage government contracts. This certification is offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

The CGCO certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of contracting principles, practices, and procedures through a combination of education, experience, and/or professional development. To be eligible for the CGCO certification, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, have at least three years of relevant work experience in government contracting or related fields, and pass an exam.

The CGCO exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as contract law and regulations; acquisition planning; source selection; contract administration; cost accounting; ethics; and other areas related to government contracting. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

It typically takes six months or more from the time you apply for the CGCO certification until you receive your certificate. The cost for the CGCO certification is $395 for NCMA members or $495 for non-members.

3. Certified Salesforce Consultant (CSC)

A Certified Salesforce Consultant (CSC) is a professional who has achieved an advanced level of expertise in the Salesforce platform. The CSC certification is designed to validate a consultant’s knowledge and skills in designing, building, deploying, and managing Salesforce solutions.

The CSC certification requires passing two exams: the Salesforce Certified Administrator exam and the Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator exam. The exams are administered by Salesforce and are available online or at authorized testing centers.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for both exams, depending on prior experience with the platform. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of the core features of the platform as well as experience working with custom objects, reports, dashboards, and other advanced features of Salesforce.

The cost for taking both exams is approximately $400 USD. In addition to the cost of the exams, candidates may also need to purchase study materials such as practice tests or books that can help them prepare for the exams.

4. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of negotiation. It is awarded by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI), an organization dedicated to the advancement of ethical negotiation practices in the real estate industry.

To become a Certified Negotiation Expert, candidates must complete an intensive two-day course which covers topics such as negotiation theory, strategy and tactics, communication skills, and dispute resolution. Upon completion of the course, candidates must pass a comprehensive certification exam.

The two-day course typically costs around $1,000 USD and can be taken online or in person. The certification exam fee is $250 USD.

Once certified, CNEs are recognized as having advanced knowledge and skills in negotiating real estate transactions on behalf of their clients. They are also eligible for membership with RENI which provides access to additional resources such as webinars, seminars, conferences and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

5. Certified International Contractor (CIC)

Certified International Contractor (CIC) is a certification program that recognizes the professional excellence of international contractors. It is a voluntary, independent assessment program that verifies the qualifications and experience of international contractors. The CIC certification is designed to help employers identify qualified and experienced international contractors who can provide quality services on a global scale.

It typically takes 6-12 months to become certified as an international contractor through the CIC program. To get certified, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having five years of relevant experience in the industry and passing an exam. Applicants must also submit references from previous employers, provide evidence of their education and training, and pass a background check.

The cost for the CIC certification varies depending on the country in which you are applying for it. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1500 USD to apply for CIC certification.

6. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of supply management knowledge and skills. The CPSM credential is recognized as the highest standard of excellence in supply management.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience in supply management, or two years with a bachelor's degree. Applicants must also pass three exams that cover topics such as strategic sourcing, contract law, global supply chain management, and more.

The cost for the CPSM certification program varies depending on the number of exams taken. The cost for all three exams is $1,250 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

The entire certification process can take up to six months to complete, depending on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exams.

7. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in public procurement. It is awarded by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), which is an independent organization dedicated to advancing the field of public procurement through certification and education.

The CPPO designation requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of public procurement, including laws and regulations, contract management, purchasing methods, and ethical practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become a CPPO, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by UPPCC. These include having at least two years of full-time experience in public procurement or a related field; having completed at least 40 hours of formal training in public procurement or a related field; and being recommended for certification by two current CPPOs or other qualified professionals.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the CPPO exam online. The cost of the exam is $450 USD plus applicable taxes. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your official CPPO certificate from UPPCC as well as access to exclusive resources such as webinars and conferences.

8. Certified Government Acquisition Professional (CGAP)

The Certified Government Acquisition Professional (CGAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals working in the field of government contracting. The CGAP is administered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

To become certified as a CGAP, an individual must pass an exam that covers topics such as contract law, acquisition regulations, source selection procedures, and cost/price analysis. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in three hours or less.

In order to take the CGAP exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time professional experience in government acquisition or related fields; having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and completing at least 40 hours of formal education in government acquisition or related fields.

The cost for taking the CGAP exam is $395 for NCMA members and $495 for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within four to six weeks.

The CGAP certification is valid for three years after which time you must renew it by passing a renewal examination or completing continuing education credits from NCMA approved courses.

9. Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP)

Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP) is a professional certification for individuals who have expertise in the field of outsourcing. It is offered by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP), and it is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in managing successful outsourcing engagements. The COP certification is based on IAOP's Global Standard for Outsourcing Professionals, which provides a comprehensive framework for understanding, managing, and measuring the success of an outsourcing engagement.

The Certified Outsourcing Professional program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online assessment. The written exam covers the principles, processes, and practices related to successful outsourcing engagements, while the online assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply those principles in real-world scenarios. To become certified, candidates must pass both parts with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of becoming a Certified Outsourcing Professional varies depending on where you take the exam. In most cases, it costs around $500-$600 USD for both parts combined.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to complete all requirements for the COP certification. Candidates should plan to spend at least 10-20 hours studying for the written exam and completing the online assessment prior to taking either part of the certification process.

10. Master of Science in Contract Management (MSCM)

A Master of Science in Contract Management (MSCM) is a professional degree program designed to prepare students for careers in the field of contract management. This program focuses on the legal, financial, and operational aspects of contract administration. It typically requires two years to complete, although some universities offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months.

In order to get an MSCM, you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to take courses related to contract management such as business law, negotiation strategies, and project management. You may also need to complete an internship or practicum before graduating with your MSCM.

The cost of an MSCM varies depending on the school you attend and the length of the program. Generally speaking, tuition for a two-year program ranges from $20,000-$50,000 depending on the institution. Additional fees such as books and materials may also be required.

Overall, a Master of Science in Contract Management provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how contracts are created and managed within organizations. With this degree, graduates can pursue careers in government contracting agencies or private companies that manage large contracts with suppliers and vendors.

Do You Really Need a Sales Contractor Certificate?

The short answer to this question is yes. A sales contractor certificate is a necessary component of any business that sells products or services. It serves as an assurance for both the customer and the seller that the goods or services being sold meet certain standards of quality and safety. Without this certification, it can be difficult to prove that the items or services being sold are of a certain quality and that they meet legal requirements.

A sales contractor certificate also helps maintain consumer confidence in the products or services being sold. When customers know that a company has taken steps to ensure that their products and services meet certain standards, they are more likely to trust them and make purchases from them in the future. This type of certification also helps businesses stand out from their competitors, as customers will be more likely to choose a company with a higher level of credibility due to its certification.

In addition, having a sales contractor certificate can be beneficial for businesses when it comes to financial matters such as taxes. Depending on where your business is located, having this type of certification may qualify you for certain tax benefits that could help save your business money over time.

Overall, having a sales contractor certificate is an important part of any business model that involves selling goods or services. It provides assurance for both the customer and seller while helping businesses stand out from their competitors and potentially saving them money on taxes in some cases.

Related: Sales Contractor Resume Examples

FAQs About Sales Contractor Certifications

1. What is a Sales Contractor Certification?

Answer: A Sales Contractor Certification is a type of certification that verifies the knowledge and skills of sales contractors. It demonstrates that the contractor has the ability to effectively perform sales activities, such as prospecting, lead generation, customer relationship management, and negotiation.

2. How do I get a Sales Contractor Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Sales Contractor Certification, you must complete an approved training program or course and pass an exam. The training program should include topics such as sales principles, strategies, techniques, and best practices.

3. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Yes, depending on the certification provider you choose, there may be prerequisites such as work experience or prior education in the field of sales. You should check with your chosen certification provider to find out what their specific requirements are before beginning the certification process.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to receive your certification depends on several factors including how quickly you can complete the required training and pass the exam. On average, most certifications can be obtained within 6-12 months if you are able to dedicate enough time and effort into your studies and preparation for the exam.

5. Is there an expiration date associated with my Sales Contractor Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date associated with them; however this varies by certification provider so you should check with them directly for more information regarding renewal requirements and dates associated with your particular certification program.