Top 10 Sales Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a sales director in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual is highly qualified and knowledgeable about the industry. Having certifications can help sales directors stand out from other applicants, as they show they have taken the time to learn and grow their skills professionally. In addition, certifications provide a sense of credibility and assurance that the person has met certain standards of expertise in their field. Employers may also use certifications as one of the criteria when evaluating job seekers, so having them can give a sales director an edge when applying for positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Sales Directors and explain how they can enhance a Sales Director's career.

What are Sales Director Certifications?

Sales Director Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in leading sales teams. It validates the holder’s ability to achieve successful sales results and provides recognition of their skills in areas such as sales strategy, team leadership, customer relations, and analytics.

The certification helps individuals gain credibility within the industry by demonstrating their knowledge and experience in sales management. It also helps them stand out from other job applicants who may not have this credential. Furthermore, it can provide networking opportunities as well as access to resources such as training programs and conferences.

In addition, this certification can be used to help advance one’s career by providing a platform for continued professional development. Individuals can use the certificate to demonstrate their commitment to the field of sales management, build relationships with employers and customers, and increase their value within the industry. With this certification, professionals are able to demonstrate that they are knowledgeable about current trends in the field of sales management and possess the skills necessary for success in that role.

Pro Tip: When seeking out a sales director certification, make sure to research the credentials of the organization offering the certification. Look for a program that is accredited and has a good reputation in the industry. Also be sure to review the curriculum and syllabus of any certification program so you can be confident that it will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your role as a sales director.

Related: What does a Sales Director do?

Top 10 Sales Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of sales managers. It is offered by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Selling (IPES), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the sales profession. The CPSM certification is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in sales management.

To become certified, applicants must pass a three-part exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, and performance management. The exam can be taken either online or at an IPES testing center. The entire process typically takes between two and four months to complete, depending on how much time an individual has available for studying and preparation.

The cost of obtaining the CPSM certification varies depending on the location of the testing center and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to register for the exam, plus any additional fees associated with taking it at a testing center.

2. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification that recognizes sales professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be successful in sales. The CSE designation is awarded by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of inside sales.

The CSE program consists of four components: an online course, an online exam, a professional portfolio review, and an interview with an AA-ISP Certified Mentor. The course covers topics such as customer relationships, sales process management, technology and analytics, communication strategies and more. It typically takes between six to twelve weeks to complete all four components of the CSE program.

In order to get certified as a CSE, you must first register for the program on the AA-ISP website. Once registered, you will receive access to the online course material and can begin studying for your exam. After completing the course material and passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, you will then need to submit your professional portfolio for review by AA-ISP mentors. Finally, you must participate in an interview with one of these mentors in order to receive your certification.

The cost of registering for the CSE program is $695 USD. This fee covers access to all course materials as well as up to two attempts at passing the exam and submitting your portfolio for review by AA-ISP mentors.

3. Certified Sales Leader (CSL)

Certified Sales Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who have achieved a high level of excellence in their field. The CSL certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in sales leadership, management, and strategy.

The CSL certification process typically takes between six and twelve months to complete. To become certified, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of sales experience and passing an exam. After meeting these criteria, individuals must then complete a series of courses and workshops that cover topics such as sales strategies, customer service, communication skills, negotiation tactics, and more. Upon completion of the courses and workshops, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their CSL certification.

The cost for becoming Certified Sales Leader varies depending on the provider offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD.

4. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). The CSP credential is designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the field of sales. This certification requires individuals to demonstrate mastery of core sales competencies, including customer service, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.

It typically takes about four months to complete the CSP program and earn the credential. To get started, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience in a sales role and completing an application process. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete three courses: Introduction to Professional Selling, Advanced Professional Selling, and Sales Management & Leadership. Upon successful completion of these courses, applicants will receive their CSP designation.

The cost for the Certified Sales Professional program varies depending on the type of membership you choose with NASP. For example, individual memberships are $99 per year while corporate memberships are $199 per year. There may also be additional fees associated with each course in the program which can range from $50-$200 depending on your membership status.

5. Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC)

Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. The program is offered by the American Marketing Association and provides sales professionals with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the principles of professional selling. The PSSC consists of four modules: Professional Selling, Sales Management, Customer Relationship Management, and Strategic Selling. Each module includes a comprehensive exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The PSSC program takes approximately two months to complete. It begins with an online orientation session followed by four weeks of online instruction and review sessions. During this time, participants will learn about topics such as customer needs analysis, negotiation techniques, sales process management, and more. After completing all four modules, participants will take a comprehensive final exam that covers all material from the course.

To become certified in Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC), individuals must first register for the program on the AMA website. Once registered, participants will have access to all course materials and resources needed for successful completion of the program. Participants are also required to pay a fee for registration which varies depending on whether or not they are members of AMA or not.

The cost for non-AMA members is $995 USD while members pay $795 USD for registration fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the final exam such as proctoring fees or other administrative costs which vary depending on where you take your exam.

6. Master of Science in Strategic Selling and Negotiation (MSSSN)

The Master of Science in Strategic Selling and Negotiation (MSSSN) is a specialized degree program designed to prepare students for successful careers in sales and negotiation. The MSSSN program focuses on developing the skills needed to succeed in a competitive business environment, including communication, persuasion, problem-solving, and negotiation.

The MSSSN typically takes two years to complete. During this time, students will take courses that cover topics such as sales management, marketing strategy, customer service, pricing strategies, and more. In addition to classroom learning, the program also includes hands-on experience through internships or fieldwork.

To get an MSSSN degree, students must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. After completing the necessary coursework and gaining relevant work experience, applicants can apply to the MSSSN program at an accredited institution. Admission requirements vary by school but may include letters of recommendation and a personal statement of purpose.

The cost of an MSSSN degree varies depending on the institution. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from around $20,000 to $50,000 per year for full-time students. Additional costs may include books and other materials as well as living expenses while attending school.

7. Certified Advanced Negotiator (CAN)

Certified Advanced Negotiator (CAN) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Professional Negotiators (IAPN). It is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful negotiators. The program focuses on five areas: communication, problem solving, strategic planning, negotiation tactics and ethical considerations.

The CAN program consists of four courses that can be completed in as little as six months. The courses cover topics such as negotiation theory, conflict resolution, bargaining strategies and tactics, ethical considerations and more. Upon completion of the four courses, participants must pass an exam to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CAN, you must first complete all four courses and pass the exam. You can take the courses online or attend them in person at IAPN-approved training centers around the world. The cost for each course varies depending on where you take it; however, most range from $500-$1,000 per course. Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam, you will receive your CAN certification from IAPN.

The cost for becoming a Certified Advanced Negotiator can vary depending on where you take your courses; however, most people who pursue this certification spend between $2,000-$4,000 total for all four courses and the exam fee.

8. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of individuals in the field of business development. It is given by the International Association for Business Development Professionals (IABDP).

The CBDP program is designed to assess an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of business strategy, marketing, sales, operations, finance, and leadership. It also covers topics such as customer service, project management, and risk management.

To become certified as a CBDP, applicants must complete an online application form and pass a written exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering the various areas mentioned above. Applicants must also demonstrate their proficiency in each area by providing evidence of their work experience or education.

The process usually takes about three months to complete from start to finish. The cost of obtaining a CBDP certification varies depending on where you take the exam but typically ranges from $250 to $500 USD.

9. Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)

Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) is a professional certification program designed to help revenue management professionals develop and demonstrate their expertise in the field. The CRME certification is offered by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) organization, the leading global authority on hospitality finance, technology, and revenue management.

The CRME certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in revenue management or related fields. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as pricing strategies, yield management, forecasting, and technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.

To get the CRME certification, applicants must first submit an application form to HFTP along with a fee of $399 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then take an online training course before taking the exam. The course typically takes between 20-30 hours to complete and costs $1,295 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded the CRME designation.

The CRME certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

10. Global Account Management Professional Certification (GAMPC).

Global Account Management Professional Certification (GAMPC) is a professional certification program developed by the Global Account Management Association (GAMA). It is designed to recognize and reward professionals who demonstrate excellence in global account management. The program consists of two parts: an online course, and a comprehensive exam.

The online course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective global account managers. It covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales strategies, international business practices, and more. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and pace.

The comprehensive exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the participant's understanding of the material presented in the online course. The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and must be taken at a GAMA-approved testing center.

In order to obtain GAMPC certification, participants must successfully complete both the online course and comprehensive exam with a passing score of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of both components, participants will receive their GAMPC certification certificate from GAMA.

The cost for GAMPC certification varies depending on the individual's country of residence and whether they are a GAMA member or not. Generally speaking, it costs between $200 - $400 USD for non-members, and $150 - $300 USD for members.

Do You Really Need a Sales Director Certificate?

No, you do not need a sales director certificate to become a successful sales director. However, having a sales director certificate may help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and give employers confidence in your knowledge and experience. It can also provide you with an edge over other candidates who don’t have such credentials.

Having a sales director certificate can provide you with certain advantages. It can demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the industry, understand best practices, and have experience in the field. This can be particularly beneficial if you are looking for a job in a larger organization or one that requires more specialized skills. Additionally, having this type of certification may also lead to higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement within the company.

In addition to demonstrating your commitment to the profession and giving employers confidence in your abilities, having a sales director certificate may also open up more networking opportunities. By joining professional organizations or attending conferences related to the profession, you will be able to meet others with similar interests and experiences who could potentially provide valuable advice or even refer you for potential job openings.

Overall, while having a sales director certificate is not necessary to become a successful sales director, it can certainly help boost your profile in the industry and provide additional advantages when searching for jobs or advancing your career.

Related: Sales Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Sales Director Certifications

Q1. What is a Sales Director Certification?

A1. A Sales Director Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in leading sales teams and managing sales operations. This certification is awarded by professional organizations such as the American Management Association (AMA) and the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP).

Q2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Sales Director Certification?

A2. Generally, to obtain a Sales Director Certification, you must have at least five years of sales management experience, pass an exam administered by the certifying organization, and complete any other required coursework or training.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Sales Director Certification?

A3. The amount of time it takes to obtain a Sales Director Certification can vary depending on the certifying organization and the individual's experience level, but it typically takes between six months and one year to complete all the requirements.

Q4. What are some benefits of having a Sales Director Certification?

A4. Having a Sales Director Certification can enhance your professional credibility, provide recognition of your skillset among employers, help you stand out in competitive job markets, increase earning potential and open up opportunities for career advancement within your field.

Q5. Does having a Sales Director Certification guarantee employment?

A5: No, having a Sales Director Certification does not guarantee employment; however, it may give you an edge over other applicants who do not have such credentials when applying for jobs in this field.