Top 11 Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge to employers. Certifications provide evidence that an individual has the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job effectively. They also show that an individual is committed to their profession and takes the responsibility seriously. Furthermore, certifications can help differentiate job applicants from one another when employers are hiring, as some certifications may be more highly valued than others. Certification can also help open up opportunities for career advancement, allowing a sales manager to move into leadership positions or specialize in certain areas of sales management.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Sales Managers and explain how they can help advance a sales manager's career.

What are Sales Manager Certifications?

Sales manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in sales management. It is typically obtained through an accredited program or course of study, such as a college degree, certificate program, or online training program. Becoming certified as a sales manager can benefit individuals by helping them to better understand the complexities of sales management and enhance their skills in managing customer relationships, developing effective sales strategies, and driving profitable growth. Certification also provides tangible proof of one’s qualifications to potential employers and increases the chances of being hired for positions within the sales industry. Additionally, it allows individuals to stay up-to-date with industry trends and receive recognition from peers and colleagues in the field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the sales manager certification that you are interested in and make sure it is a credible program. Look for certifications that have been accredited by well-known organizations or universities. You should also take into account the cost of the certification, as well as the time commitment involved in completing it. Lastly, make sure to get feedback from others who have gone through the same certification program to ensure that it is worth your time and money.

Related: What does a Sales Manager do?

Top 11 Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and understanding in the field of sales management. The CSM program is offered by the American Management Association (AMA).

The CSM certification requires applicants to complete a three-day course, which covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales process management, and sales strategy development. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that evaluate the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

The cost of the CSM certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $2,500 for the three-day course and exam. However, some organizations may offer discounts or other incentives for taking the course through them.

In order to get certified as a CSM, you must first complete the three-day course and then pass the exam with a minimum score of 70%. Once you have passed your exam and received your certificate, you will be officially recognized as a Certified Sales Manager.

2. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to recognize sales managers who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as sales strategy, customer relations, sales process management, and sales performance measurement.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application and pass three exams administered by ICPM: Sales Management Fundamentals; Sales Process Management; and Sales Performance Measurement. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of at least five years' experience in sales management or related fields.

The cost for the CPSM certification varies depending on the number of exams taken. Generally, it costs $295 per exam plus an application fee of $50. The total cost ranges from $595 for one exam to $895 for all three exams.

Once certified, CPSMs are required to maintain their certification by completing professional development activities every two years. These activities may include attending conferences or workshops, taking courses or webinars, or reading industry publications.

3. Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP)

Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP) is a professional certification program designed to help sales leaders develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful in their roles. The CSLP program is offered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AAISP).

The CSLP program consists of three courses: Foundations of Sales Leadership, Advanced Sales Leadership, and Executive Sales Leadership. Each course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete and requires an online exam at the end. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you choose to purchase the full program or individual courses.

In order to get certified, you must successfully complete all three courses and pass each exam with a score of 80% or higher. After completing all three courses, you will receive your CSLP certification.

The cost for the full CSLP program is $1,495 USD which includes access to all three courses as well as one year of membership in AAISP which provides additional resources and support for sales leaders.

4. Certified Business Management Professional (CBMP)

Certified Business Management Professional (CBMP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Certified Business Management Professionals (IACBMP). The CBMP certification is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in business management and leadership.

The CBMP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as strategy, operations, finance, marketing, and human resources. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge and experience in business management through a portfolio review. Once certified, individuals are able to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession.

It typically takes between six months and one year for applicants to complete the requirements for the CBMP certification. The time frame may vary depending on the applicant's level of experience and ability to complete the necessary coursework or exams.

To get the CBMP certification, applicants must first submit an application form which includes a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications for the program. They must then take an online assessment test which covers topics related to business management. After passing this test, they will be required to submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their knowledge of business management principles and practices. Finally, they must pass an oral examination administered by IACBMP members before being awarded their CBMP certification.

The cost of obtaining the CBMP certification varies depending on several factors including location, type of program chosen, and any additional fees associated with taking the exam or completing other requirements. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on these factors.

5. Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC)

Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC) is a program designed to help sales professionals become more effective in their roles. The certification program is offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It includes training and testing on topics such as customer service, communication skills, sales strategies, and more.

The PSSC program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires different amounts of time to complete. The Basic level takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete; the Intermediate level takes approximately 16-20 hours; and the Advanced level takes approximately 32-40 hours.

To get certified, you must first register with AMA and pay the required fees. You will then receive access to an online portal where you can take the courses and tests associated with each level of certification. Once you have completed all three levels, you will be eligible for certification.

The cost of the Professional Selling Skills Certification varies depending on which membership plan you choose. The Standard Membership Plan costs $199 per year; the Professional Membership Plan costs $299 per year; and the Premium Membership Plan costs $399 per year. All plans include access to all three levels of the PSSC program as well as other benefits such as discounts on AMA products and services.

6. Certified International Sales Manager (CISM)

Certified International Sales Manager (CISM) is a professional certification program designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in international markets. This certification is offered by the International Trade Council (ITC) and provides an opportunity for sales professionals to demonstrate their expertise in global sales.

The CISM program consists of two components: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as international trade regulations, cultural differences, negotiation techniques, and marketing strategies. It also includes case studies that allow applicants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The exam tests applicants’ understanding of the material presented in the self-study course.

It typically takes between four and six months to complete the CISM program, depending on how quickly you can study and complete the exams. To get certified, you must first register for the program through ITC’s website. You will then receive access to the self-study course materials and be able to take the exam when you are ready.

The cost of obtaining a CISM certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 USD, while the premium package costs $499 USD. Both packages include access to all of the self-study materials as well as one attempt at taking the exam.

7. Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM)

Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage and grow strategic accounts. The certification is offered by the Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA).

The CSAM program consists of three parts: an online course, a practical exam, and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as account planning, customer relationship management, negotiation strategies, and sales process optimization. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

The practical exam is an in-person assessment of your ability to apply the concepts learned in the online course. You will be tested on your ability to develop an effective account plan, analyze customer data, create a value proposition for customers, negotiate with customers, and manage customer relationships. The practical exam typically takes two days to complete.

The final exam is an online test that assesses your understanding of the material covered in both the online course and the practical exam. This test typically takes one hour to complete.

The cost of obtaining the CSAM certification varies depending on whether you are taking it through SAMA or through another provider such as a university or training center. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD for all three components of the program (online course + practical + final exams).

8. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional certification program offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). It is designed to help real estate professionals develop the skills and expertise necessary to become successful negotiators in real estate transactions. The CNE program provides comprehensive training on negotiation techniques, communication strategies, and best practices for successful negotiations.

The CNE certification process takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. The program consists of an online course, a live workshop, and a final assessment. During the online course, students will learn about negotiation theory, communication strategies, and how to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. During the live workshop, students will participate in role-playing exercises and practice their negotiation skills with other participants. Finally, during the final assessment, students will demonstrate their understanding of the material by completing a series of tests and assessments.

To get certified as a CNE you must first meet certain prerequisites such as having at least two years of experience in real estate or related fields. Once you have met these requirements you can register for the CNE program through RENI’s website or by calling their office directly.

The cost for the CNE program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD. This includes all materials needed for the online course and workshop as well as access to RENI’s online resources and support staff.

9. Certified Customer Retention Specialist (CCRS)

Certified Customer Retention Specialist (CCRS) is a certification program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage customer relationships and improve customer retention. The CCRS program is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA) and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The CCRS program consists of three courses: Introduction to Customer Relationship Management, Advanced CRM Strategies, and Retention Strategies. Each course includes online lectures, interactive activities, case studies, assessments, and a final exam. The program takes approximately 30 hours to complete and costs $1,095 USD.

In order to become certified as a CCRS, you must successfully complete all three courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive your official CCRS certificate from ICSA.

10. Advanced Professional Selling Techniques Certification (APSTC)

Advanced Professional Selling Techniques Certification (APSTC) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop and refine their selling skills. It covers the fundamentals of professional selling, including customer service, communication, negotiation, and closing techniques. The certification program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and includes an online assessment at the end of the course.

The cost for the APSTC certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $100-$500 USD depending on the length of the course and any additional materials included in the package.

In order to obtain APSTC certification, individuals must first register for the course with an accredited provider. Upon completion of all course requirements and passing of the online assessment, individuals will receive their APSTC certification.

11. Master of Science in Sales Management and Leadership (MS-SML).

The Master of Science in Sales Management and Leadership (MS-SML) is a graduate degree program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders in sales management. The program focuses on developing the necessary skills to lead successful sales teams, manage customer relationships, and understand the complexities of today’s global market.

The MS-SML program typically takes two years to complete, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as one year. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before applying for admission into the MS-SML program. Admission requirements vary by school but typically include undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and a personal statement.

Tuition costs for an MS-SML program will depend on the school you choose to attend. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year for full-time enrollment. Additional fees may also apply such as application fees, technology fees, textbook costs, etc. It is important to research all potential schools before making your decision so that you can get an accurate estimate of total tuition costs.

Overall, obtaining an MS-SML degree can open up many opportunities in sales management and leadership positions within various industries. With this degree you will gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help you stand out among other job applicants when seeking employment in this field.

Do You Really Need a Sales Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the level of sales experience you have. If you are looking to advance in a sales career and have some experience, then a Sales Manager Certificate may be beneficial. It can provide you with the training and knowledge necessary to become an effective sales manager. With this certificate, you will gain insight into how to motivate your team, how to manage customer relationships, and how to develop strategic plans for success.

However, if you already have significant experience in sales and management, then it may not be as necessary for you to obtain a Sales Manager Certificate. Instead, you should focus on continuing education courses or seminars that will help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and techniques. Additionally, it is important to build strong relationships with other professionals in the field that can offer guidance or advice when needed.

Ultimately, whether or not a Sales Manager Certificate is necessary depends on your individual situation. If it fits within your career goals and provides additional training that will benefit your work performance, then it may be worth pursuing. Otherwise, there are many other ways to gain knowledge and skills related to managing a sales team without obtaining an official certification.

Related: Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Sales Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Sales Manager Certification?

A1. A Sales Manager Certification is an official recognition of an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in sales management. It provides employers with assurance that the holder has the necessary qualifications to manage a sales team successfully.

Q2. How do I obtain a Sales Manager Certification?

A2. To obtain a Sales Manager Certification, you must typically complete an approved course or program from an accredited institution and pass an examination administered by a recognized certification body.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a Sales Manager Certification?

A3. Having a Sales Manager Certification can help you stand out among other job applicants, demonstrate your commitment to professional development and boost your career prospects within the sales industry. It can also help you to gain credibility with customers and employers alike, as well as providing additional confidence when dealing with complex sales situations.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The duration of certification depends on the type of program you select, but most certification programs take around six months to one year to complete, including study time and exams taken for certification purposes.

Q5. Is there any financial assistance available for obtaining a Sales Manager Certification?

A5. Yes, many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who wish to pursue certifications related to their field of work or industry experience such as sales management certifications. Additionally, some universities may also offer scholarships or grants for those looking to pursue certifications in their area of expertise or interest in order to further their education and career prospects