Top 10 Sales Operations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a sales operations manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. Certifications can also provide an edge over other applicants who might not have the same level of education or experience. Additionally, certifications can help to differentiate an individual from others in the field, providing them with a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Finally, certifications may also be required by certain employers, making them essential for those looking to break into the field or advance their career.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Sales Operations Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Sales Operations Manager Certifications?

Sales operations manager certification is a professional certification that provides an in-depth understanding of the sales operations process. This certification program provides an individual with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the operational aspects of a sales organization such as customer service, order fulfillment, pricing strategy, inventory management, and more. It also covers topics related to sales analytics, performance metrics, and business intelligence.

The certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career in sales operations or those who want to gain a better understanding of the field. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in sales operations to employers and clients. Additionally, it allows them to network with other professionals in the industry and stay up-to-date on emerging trends and best practices. As a result, they may be able to identify opportunities for improvement within their organization or develop strategies that will increase sales efficiency and effectiveness. Ultimately, having this certification can help individuals stand out from their peers and make them more attractive job candidates.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a Sales Operations Manager, obtaining a certification can be an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. Certification courses can provide an in-depth understanding of essential sales operations topics such as customer relationship management, data analysis, forecasting, and sales process optimization. Additionally, certifications will often include hands-on experience with industry-leading software tools that can give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Related: What does a Sales Operations Manager do?

Top 10 Sales Operations Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Sales Operations Professional (CSOP)

The Certified Sales Operations Professional (CSOP) is a professional certification program designed to give sales operations professionals the skills, knowledge and credentials needed to lead their organizations in sales operations. It is the only certification program of its kind that focuses exclusively on the unique needs of sales operations professionals.

The CSOP certification program consists of three levels: Level 1, 2 and 3. Each level requires successful completion of an online exam with a passing score of 80%. Level 1 focuses on foundational topics such as sales process design, data analysis and reporting, while Levels 2 and 3 focus on more advanced topics such as CRM implementation, business intelligence and analytics.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CSOP certification program. The time frame can vary depending on how quickly you are able to study for and pass each exam.

To get certified as a CSOP, you must first register for the program through the Sales Operations Certification Institute (SOCI). After registering, you will have access to study materials and practice exams to help prepare for each level’s exam. Once you have successfully completed all three levels of the CSOP program, you will receive your official certificate from SOCI along with recognition from employers around the world.

The cost for the CSOP certification program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package is $2,500 USD which includes access to all three levels of study materials and practice exams as well as registration fees for all three exams. There are also premium packages available which include additional resources such as one-on-one coaching sessions or group training sessions with experienced sales operations professionals.

2. Certified Sales Operations Manager (CSOM)

Certified Sales Operations Manager (CSOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of experienced sales operations professionals. It is offered by the Association for Operations Management (AOM), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice, science, and profession of operations management.

The CSOM program consists of two parts: an online exam and a portfolio review. The exam covers topics such as sales process optimization, customer relationship management, data analysis, and project management. To earn the certification, candidates must pass both components with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost to take the CSOM exam is $400 USD. The portfolio review costs an additional $200 USD. The entire process usually takes between 3-6 months to complete depending on how quickly you can complete your portfolio review.

To get started on earning your CSOM certification, you will need to register for the exam through AOM's website and create an account with them. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for it as well as information about what materials are needed for your portfolio review. After completing both components successfully, you will be awarded your CSOM certification from AOM.

3. Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA)

A Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA) is an individual who has been certified by Salesforce to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in administering, configuring, and managing Salesforce applications. The CSA certification is one of the most popular certifications offered by Salesforce, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the platform and its capabilities.

The CSA certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To become a Certified Salesforce Administrator, you must first pass the exam with a score of 65% or higher.

To prepare for the CSA certification exam, you should have at least six months of experience working with Salesforce applications and a good understanding of the features and functionality available on the platform. You should also review all of the material provided by Salesforce on their website, including tutorials and documentation. Additionally, there are numerous online courses, study guides, practice tests, and other resources available to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CSA certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between $200-$400 USD.

4. Certified Professional in Sales and Operations Management (CPSOM)

Certified Professional in Sales and Operations Management (CPSOM) is a certification program developed by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of sales and operations management principles. The certification requires that individuals demonstrate their knowledge of the concepts, techniques, and strategies used in sales and operations management.

The CPSOM certification consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in sales or operations management or hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field. The exam can be taken online or at an APICS testing center. It consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, forecasting, customer service, production planning, quality assurance, and more.

The hands-on project requires applicants to create a plan for improving the effectiveness of their organization’s sales and operations management processes. This plan should include objectives, strategies, tactics, metrics, timelines, resources needed, expected results/outcomes, etc. The project must be approved by an APICS-certified professional before it can be submitted for review by the CPSOM Certification Board.

The cost for taking the CPSOM exam is $450 for members of APICS ($550 for non-members). The cost for completing the hands-on project is an additional $300 ($400 for non-members). Once both parts are completed successfully, applicants will receive their CPSOM certification within four to six weeks.

5. Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSCM)

Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to be successful in supply chain management.

The CPSCM program consists of four courses: Introduction to Supply Chain Management, Advanced Supply Chain Management, Global Supply Chain Management, and Strategic Sourcing. Each course is offered online and must be completed within two years of enrolling in the program. Upon completion of all four courses, students are eligible to take the CPSCM exam.

The cost of the CPSCM program depends on which courses you choose to take. For example, taking all four courses can cost up to $2,000 USD. If you choose to take only one or two courses, the cost will be lower.

In order to get certified as a CPSCM, you must pass the certification exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management certificate from ISM.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals understand and apply Lean Six Sigma principles in their workplace. It is designed to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes about six months to complete. The program consists of two parts: online learning and an in-person exam. The online learning component includes a series of modules that cover topics such as process improvement, statistical analysis, problem solving, and project management. Upon completion of the online learning component, participants must pass an in-person exam administered by a certified instructor or proctor.

To get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, you must first complete the required online training course. After completing the coursework, you can register for the in-person exam with a certified instructor or proctor. It is important to note that some organizations may require additional prerequisites before taking the exam.

The cost of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 USD for the entire certification process (including both the online course and in-person exam).

7. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to effectively manage projects, and it is the most sought-after credential in the field of project management.

To obtain PMP Certification, individuals must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. They must have at least a four-year degree or equivalent, plus at least three years of project management experience in which they have led and directed projects with a total of 4,500 hours of work. In addition, they must complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education.

Once these requirements are met, individuals can register for the PMP Exam online through PMI’s website. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in five areas: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members.

Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will be awarded their PMP Certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and requires renewal every three years through continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to project management or completing additional coursework related to project management topics.

8. Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of Scrum, an Agile framework for project management.

A CSM certification is valid for two years, after which point it must be renewed. To earn a CSM certification, individuals must attend a two-day Certified Scrum Master course, complete an online assessment, and agree to abide by the Scrum Alliance Code of Conduct. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.

9. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of professionals who use agile practices in their work. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is the leading professional organization for project management.

The ACP certification requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of agile principles, processes, tools, techniques, and frameworks. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply agile methods in a real-world environment.

The ACP certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's experience level and background. To become certified, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it to PMI for review. Once approved, applicants must then take an online exam that covers topics such as agile planning, estimating, team dynamics, product delivery, customer collaboration, and continuous improvement. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a series of hands-on projects demonstrating their mastery of agile practices. Finally, applicants must submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their knowledge and skills related to agile practices.

The cost of becoming an Agile Certified Practitioner varies depending on the specific program chosen by the applicant but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD including all fees associated with taking the exam and completing the required projects.

10. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices for IT service management. The certification is designed to help IT professionals understand how to use ITIL principles and processes in their organization.

The ITIL Foundation Certification consists of an exam that tests the candidate's knowledge of the core concepts and terminology associated with ITIL. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% or higher.

In order to get certified, candidates must first register for an approved training course from an accredited provider. The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider, but can range from $500-$2,000 USD. After completing the training course, candidates must take and pass the ITIL Foundation Exam in order to be certified.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD per attempt. Candidates may take up to three attempts at passing the exam before they are required to retake the training course. Once certified, individuals will receive their official certificate which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Sales Operations Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and the type of career you are pursuing. If you are looking to move into a sales operations management role, then a Sales Operations Manager Certificate may be beneficial as it will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the role effectively. The certificate can also provide credibility when applying for jobs or promotions within the sales operations field.

However, if you are already in a sales operations position or have been working in the field for some time, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate. In these cases, experience and knowledge gained through on-the-job training and continuing education is likely sufficient. Additionally, if you are already working in a sales operations role, earning the certificate could take away from valuable time that could be spent doing other tasks related to your current job.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Sales Operations Manager Certificate depends on your own unique situation and career goals. It is important to consider all factors before deciding whether or not certification is necessary.

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FAQs About Sales Operations Manager Certifications

1. What is a Sales Operations Manager Certification?

Answer: A Sales Operations Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency and expertise in sales operations management. It enables sales operations professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as process improvement, data analysis, customer relationship management (CRM), sales force automation (SFA) and more.

2. How do I become certified as a Sales Operations Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Sales Operations Manager, you must complete an accredited program or course of study, pass an exam, and then submit your credentials for review by the certifying body.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Sales Operations Manager?

Answer: Becoming a certified Sales Operations Manager can provide numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, greater credibility with clients and colleagues, improved job satisfaction, and enhanced career advancement prospects.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a Sales Operations Manager?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that applicants have at least two years of experience in sales operations before they can be considered for certification. Additionally, some organizations may require that applicants have specific educational qualifications or certain professional certifications in order to qualify for certification as well.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Sales Operations Manager?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified varies depending on the certifying body and the requirements for certification; however, it typically takes between 6-12 months to successfully complete the necessary training and exams needed to obtain certification.