Top 11 Sales Development Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for any sales development manager in the job market as they demonstrate a level of expertise in the field that potential employers may find attractive. Certifications provide evidence that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and skills which are necessary to perform successfully in the role. Additionally, certifications can help make a candidate stand out from other applicants by demonstrating an added commitment to their craft. Certifications can also provide access to exclusive resources and networks which may be beneficial for career growth.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Sales Development Managers and how they can help a sales development manager advance their career.

What are Sales Development Manager Certifications?

Sales Development Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals become more effective and successful in their roles. This certification provides sales managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to maximize the effectiveness of their teams and ensure that they are meeting organizational goals. The program covers topics such as sales process management, customer relationship management, leadership development, sales coaching and analytics. It also teaches sales managers how to create an effective strategy for achieving desired outcomes.

The certification can be beneficial in many ways. For example, it can help managers better understand the dynamics of their team and identify areas where improvement is needed. It can also provide them with insights into how to manage difficult conversations with customers or team members, as well as strategies for improving customer service. Additionally, it gives them the tools they need to develop a strong team culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Finally, it equips them with the skills to lead a successful sales team by providing guidance on setting goals, developing strategies for success, motivating team members, recognizing performance achievements and building relationships with key stakeholders.

Pro Tip: Before investing in a Sales Development Manager certification, research the curriculum and ensure that it focuses on the most relevant topics to your current position. Additionally, investigate the program's accreditation status and look for endorsements from industry professionals.

Related: What does a Sales Development Manager do?

Top 11 Sales Development Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Sales Development Manager (CSDM)

Certified Sales Development Manager (CSDM) is a professional certification program that provides sales professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools to become effective sales development managers. The CSDM certification is designed to help salespeople become more successful in their roles by providing them with the necessary skills to develop and manage their sales teams.

The CSDM certification is offered through the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). It consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and more. After completing the online course, candidates must complete an in-person exam at an AAPS-approved testing center.

The cost of the CSDM certification varies depending on where you take the course and exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500. The cost includes all materials needed for the course and exam as well as any additional fees associated with taking the test at a testing center.

It typically takes about three months to complete the entire certification process from start to finish. However, this timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances such as how quickly you are able to complete the online course or if there are any delays in scheduling your exam at a testing center.

2. Certified Professional Selling Skills (CPSS)

Certified Professional Selling Skills (CPSS) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). The program is designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to become successful in their field.

The program consists of three levels: the basic level, the advanced level and the expert level. Each level requires completion of a series of courses and assessments that are designed to test and improve your sales skills. The courses cover topics such as customer service, communication, negotiation, closing techniques, prospecting and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the program depending on your current skill set. To get started, you must first register for the program online or through NASP’s website. Once registered, you will receive access to course materials and assessments that you can complete at your own pace.

The cost for the CPSS certification depends on which level you choose to pursue. The basic level costs $299 USD while the advanced and expert levels cost $399 USD each.

3. Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA)

A Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA) is a professional certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the Salesforce platform. The certificate is issued by Salesforce, the world's leading customer relationship management (CRM) software provider.

The CSA exam covers a wide range of topics related to the Salesforce platform, including data modeling, security, workflow automation, reporting and analytics, and application customization. To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their mastery of these topics through a series of multiple-choice questions and hands-on exercises.

The CSA exam typically takes between two and three hours to complete. It can be taken at any authorized testing center or online via remote proctoring. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $200 to $400 USD.

In order to prepare for the CSA exam, applicants are encouraged to review the official study guide provided by Salesforce as well as take practice tests offered by third-party vendors. Additionally, there are several online training courses available that cover all aspects of the Salesforce platform in greater detail than what is covered in the study guide.

4. Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Management Association. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in sales management. The CPSM program provides sales professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage sales organizations, teams, and individuals.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires passing an exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer relations, team building, and performance management. The exams are administered online or in-person at approved testing centers.

It typically takes between one to three years to complete all three levels of the CPSM program depending on the individual's experience and commitment. To get started on the path towards becoming a Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM), interested individuals must first register for an account with the Sales Management Association. Once registered, they can then purchase study materials for each level of the program which includes practice exams and other resources.

The cost of the CPSM program varies depending on how many levels you choose to pursue. For example, if you only want to pursue the Foundation Level certification then it would cost around $595 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. If you choose to pursue all three levels then it would cost around $1,495 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

In addition to the cost of registration fees for each level of the CPSM program, individuals may also need to budget for travel costs associated with taking exams at approved testing centers if they choose not to take them online.

5. Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)

Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) is a certification program developed by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field. The certification is available to both experienced and new inside sales professionals.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to complete the CISP program, depending on the individual's level of experience. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it with a non-refundable fee of $395 USD. Once accepted, applicants must pass a three-part exam covering topics such as customer service, sales process, technology, and business development.

Once certified, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to professional growth by displaying their CISP designation on their resume or business cards. They will also be part of a network of professionals dedicated to advancing the profession of inside sales and gaining recognition from employers for their expertise in this field.

6. Certified Solution Selling Professional (CSSP)

Certified Solution Selling Professional (CSSP) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills needed to effectively sell complex solutions. It is based on the Solution Selling methodology, which focuses on understanding customer needs and developing tailored solutions that meet those needs. The program consists of four levels: Foundation, Advanced, Master, and Executive. Each level requires a certain number of hours of training and completion of an assessment.

The Foundation level is the introductory level and takes approximately 16 hours to complete. It covers topics such as understanding customer needs, building relationships with customers, creating value propositions, and developing sales strategies. To obtain the Foundation certification, participants must pass an online assessment after completing the training course.

The Advanced level builds on the concepts learned in the Foundation course by providing more in-depth instruction on topics such as pricing strategies, negotiation tactics, and sales presentations. This level takes approximately 32 hours to complete and includes an online assessment at the end.

The Master level provides further instruction on advanced selling techniques such as cross-selling and upselling. This level takes approximately 48 hours to complete and includes an online assessment at the end.

The Executive level is designed for experienced sales professionals who want to take their skills to the next level by learning how to manage a sales team effectively and develop long-term customer relationships. This level takes approximately 64 hours to complete and includes an online assessment at the end.

In order to become certified as a CSSP professional, you must successfully complete all four levels of training and assessments within one year from your start date or you will need to retake any levels that have expired before you can receive your certification. The cost for each individual course varies depending on where you take it; however, most courses range from $500-$1,000 per course plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking them online or in person.

7. Certified Account Executive (CAE)

Certified Account Executive (CAE) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of sales and account management. It is offered by the American Association of Account Executives (AAAE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in sales and account management.

To obtain the CAE designation, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as business planning, customer service, negotiation, marketing, and financial analysis. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CAE exam is $250 for AAAE members and $350 for non-members. In addition, applicants must pay an application fee of $50. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in sales or account management.

Once an individual passes the CAE exam, they will receive their official certificate from AAAE within two weeks. The certificate is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking the recertification exam.

8. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of business analysis professionals.

The CBAP certification requires candidates to have a minimum of 7500 hours of business analysis work experience in the last 10 years. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of business analysis principles, techniques, and best practices through a written exam. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To get CBAP certified, candidates must first register with IIBA and pay the registration fee. After registering, they will need to submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of work experience and educational qualifications. Once their application is approved, they can begin studying for the exam.

The cost of the CBAP certification varies depending on location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $495 USD for IIBA members or $695 USD for non-members. This fee includes the cost of registration plus any applicable taxes.

9. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in negotiation. The CNE program was developed by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI), a leading provider of real estate negotiation training and certification.

The CNE program consists of three courses, which must be completed within one year. The first course is an online course that covers the fundamentals of negotiation, including communication strategies, conflict resolution, and legal considerations. The second course is an in-person workshop that focuses on the practical application of negotiation skills in real estate transactions. The third course is an online exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the first two courses.

To become a Certified Negotiation Expert, you must complete all three courses and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive your CNE certificate and can use it to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers or clients.

The cost for completing the CNE program varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD for all three courses combined.

10. Certified Consultative Selling Professional (CCSP)

Certified Consultative Selling Professional (CCSP) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop their consultative selling skills. The program focuses on the development of skills such as active listening, problem-solving, and relationship building. It also covers topics such as customer needs analysis, product knowledge, and sales strategy.

The CCSP program consists of three levels—Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of an online course that includes videos, quizzes, and activities. The Foundation level is designed for those with little to no experience in consultative selling; the Intermediate level is intended for those who have some experience but need more advanced training; and the Advanced level is intended for experienced sales professionals who want to further enhance their skills.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the entire CCSP program depending on how much time a person has available to dedicate to it.

To get certified as a CCSP, individuals must first complete all three levels of the program. Once they have completed all three levels successfully, they can then take an exam administered by the Sales Education Foundation (SEF). Upon passing this exam, individuals will be awarded the Certified Consultative Selling Professional (CCSP) designation from SEF.

The cost of getting certified as a CCSP varies depending on which courses are taken. Generally speaking, it costs $2,000-$3,000 USD for all three levels of the program plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

11. Advanced Sales Management Certification (ASMC).

Advanced Sales Management Certification (ASMC) is a professional certification program for sales managers. It is designed to equip experienced sales professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to lead successful sales teams. The ASMC program consists of four courses that cover topics such as customer relationship management, strategic selling, pricing strategies, and sales forecasting.

The program takes approximately one year to complete. Participants must complete all four courses in order to receive the certification. Each course is offered online and typically takes between two and three months to complete.

To get the ASMC certification, you must first register for the program on the ASMC website. You will then be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the program and help you develop your skills. After completing each course, you must submit a project or exam that demonstrates your understanding of the material covered in that course. Once all four courses are completed, you will be eligible to take an online final exam which tests your overall knowledge of advanced sales management topics.

The cost of the ASMC program varies depending on where you live and how many courses you take at once. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 for all four courses plus any additional fees associated with taking exams or submitting projects.

Do You Really Need a Sales Development Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Sales Development Manager certificate in order to be successful in the field. However, there are certainly some advantages to having one that should be taken into consideration.

For starters, having a Sales Development Manager certificate can give you a leg up when applying for jobs. Employers tend to look favorably upon candidates who have the extra training and credentials that come with having such a certification. It demonstrates that you take your career seriously and are willing to invest in yourself in order to become better at what you do. Furthermore, it can also give you an edge over other applicants who may lack the same level of knowledge and experience.

In addition, having a Sales Development Manager certificate can help you stay current with trends and best practices within the profession. This can be especially beneficial if you plan on taking on more advanced roles or working for larger companies. Additionally, it can also provide access to exclusive resources and networks that may otherwise be unavailable without the certificate.

Finally, having a Sales Development Manager certificate can open up opportunities for professional development and advancement within your organization or industry. By taking courses related to sales management and staying abreast of key developments in the field, you will be able to demonstrate your commitment to improving your skillset and furthering your career.

In conclusion, while it is not essential to have a Sales Development Manager certificate in order to be successful in this field, there are certainly some advantages associated with it which should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not it is worth pursuing one.

Related: Sales Development Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Sales Development Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Sales Development Manager Certification?

A1: A Sales Development Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a sales professional's knowledge and skills in developing and managing sales teams. It typically involves completing a series of courses, exams, and other requirements to gain the certification.

Q2: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Sales Development Manager?

A2: Becoming certified as a Sales Development Manager provides recognition of your expertise in the field, increases your credibility among employers, and can give you an edge when competing for jobs. Additionally, it can provide you with access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Sales Development Manager?

A3: The process for becoming certified as a Sales Development Manager varies depending on which organization you pursue certification from. Generally speaking, it involves completing relevant coursework or training modules, passing examinations or assessments, and fulfilling any other requirements specified by the certifying organization.

Q4: How much does it cost to become certified as a Sales Development Manager?

A4: The cost of becoming certified as a Sales Development Manager depends on which certifying organization you pursue certification from. Generally speaking, costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the type of certification program you choose.

Q5: How long does it take to become certified as a Sales Development Manager?

A5: The amount of time required to become certified as a Sales Development Manager varies depending on which certifying organization you pursue certification from. Generally speaking, most programs require between 6 months to 2 years of study and preparation before taking the final examination or assessment needed for certification.