Top 10 Sales Person Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a salesperson's job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, expertise and credibility that employers look for when hiring. Sales certifications provide proof that the individual has the necessary skills and training to be successful in the role. Certifications also show that the individual is committed to ongoing education and development, which can help them stand out from other candidates. Additionally, certifications give salespeople access to resources and networks that can help them advance their career. They can provide valuable insight into industry trends and best practices, as well as opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field. Ultimately, certifications are essential for any salesperson looking to make an impact in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Sales Persons and explain how they can help to advance their career.

What are Sales Person Certifications?

Sales person certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to help sales professionals improve their skills and knowledge in order to better serve their customers. It helps salespeople become more effective at understanding customer needs, communicating effectively, and closing deals.

Salesperson certification can help salespeople become more successful by teaching them how to effectively identify customer needs, develop strategies for making successful presentations, and create relationships with customers that will lead to repeat business. It also teaches them how to properly use the latest sales technologies and techniques, such as CRM (customer relationship management) systems and social media marketing. Additionally, it can provide insight into the changing landscape of the industry so they can adjust their approach accordingly.

Overall, sales person certification can be an invaluable tool for any professional looking to make a career out of selling products or services. It provides essential training that will give them the necessary skills and knowledge needed to gain success in the field, while helping ensure they are up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a sales person certification course to increase your knowledge and confidence in the sales process. Certification courses can help you understand key concepts such as customer segmentation, prospecting, negotiating, and closing deals. Additionally, obtaining a certification may make you more attractive to potential employers.

Related: What does a Sales Person do?

Top 10 Sales Person Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP)

Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP) is a certification offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in sales. The CPSP certification indicates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of sales principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply them effectively.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of sales topics such as customer service, communication skills, product knowledge, negotiation techniques, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPSP certification program, applicants must have at least two years of professional sales experience. They must also demonstrate that they have completed at least 30 hours of professional development activities related to sales within the past two years.

The cost for the CPSP certification program is $495 USD, which includes all materials needed for the exam and access to additional resources such as webinars and study guides.

2. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program that provides sales professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed in a sales role. The CSE certification program is designed to help sales professionals develop their selling skills and increase their effectiveness in the workplace. The program consists of four modules: Selling Fundamentals, Professional Selling Skills, Advanced Selling Skills, and Leadership & Management.

The CSE certification program typically takes around six months to complete, depending on the individual’s learning style and commitment level. To get certified as a CSE, individuals must first complete an online application form and then take an exam that covers all four modules of the CSE curriculum. Once they have successfully passed this exam, they will receive their official CSE certification from the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS).

The cost for the CSE certification varies depending on which country you live in and which provider you choose to take your exam with. Generally speaking, it will cost around $500-$1,000 USD for the entire course including materials and exams.

3. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a mastery of sales management knowledge and skills. The CSM certification is issued by the American Management Association (AMA), a professional organization for business professionals.

The CSM certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as sales strategy, customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and team leadership. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To qualify for the CSM exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a sales management role or related field. Additionally, they must complete two online courses offered by the AMA: “Sales Management Fundamentals” and “Leading High-Performance Sales Teams”.

The cost of the CSM certification is $1,495 USD for members of the AMA and $1,795 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to both online courses as well as the exam itself. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official Certified Sales Manager certificate from the AMA.

4. Certified Professional in Selling (CPS)

Certified Professional in Selling (CPS) is a professional credential offered by the Sales Education Foundation (SEF). The CPS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core sales competencies and knowledge required for successful selling. It is the only sales certification program that has been developed and endorsed by leading industry experts, academics, and practitioners.

The CPS certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales process management, business acumen, communication skills, and sales strategy. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To obtain the CPS certification, you must first complete an online application form and pay a fee of $395 USD. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to register for the exam. You will then be given access to study materials and resources that will help you prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CPS certificate from SEF.

The entire process typically takes around four weeks from start to finish.

5. Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC)

Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop and enhance their selling skills. It is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). The PSSC program consists of four courses that cover topics such as customer service, negotiation, communication, sales process, and more.

The program takes approximately 16 weeks to complete and requires a minimum of 40 hours of study. It can be completed online or through traditional classroom instruction. The cost for the PSSC program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.

To get certified in Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC), you must first complete all four courses in the program and pass an exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, you will receive your official PSSC certificate which is valid for three years.

6. Certified Sales Training Professional (CSTP)

Certified Sales Training Professional (CSTP) is a certification program that provides sales professionals with the knowledge and skills to become more successful in their field. The program consists of an online course, which can be completed in about 10 hours, and an exam. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate from the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS).

The cost for the CSTP certification is $349. This includes access to the online course materials, as well as the exam fee. To get certified, participants must first complete the online course and then take and pass the exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sales process, customer service, communication skills, negotiation strategies, and more.

Once certified, individuals can use their credentials to demonstrate their expertise in sales training to employers or clients. In addition, they may be eligible for discounts on other AAPS courses and services.

7. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise and proficiency in negotiation. The CNE designation is earned by completing a comprehensive training program, passing an examination, and meeting certain professional standards.

The CNE program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as negotiation theory, communication skills, and real estate market analysis. The in-person workshop focuses on practical application of the concepts learned in the online course. Participants must complete both components to be eligible for certification.

The entire CNE program typically takes about 4 weeks to complete. However, participants can take as much or as little time as they need to complete the program.

To get certified as a CNE, you must meet certain requirements set forth by RENI. These include being at least 18 years old, having completed the required coursework, passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, and agreeing to abide by RENI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.

The cost of getting certified as a CNE depends on which package you choose when enrolling in the program. The basic package costs $1,495 USD while the premium package costs $2,395 USD. Both packages include access to all materials needed for certification including the online course and in-person workshop.

8. Master Salesperson Certification (MSC)

Master Salesperson Certification (MSC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Professional Salespeople (NAPS). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in sales, customer service, and business development. The certification is awarded to those who pass an exam that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer service, product knowledge, and communication skills.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least three years of professional sales experience and complete an online application. Once the application has been accepted, applicants must take an online assessment that tests their knowledge of the sales process and their ability to apply it in a real-world setting. Once they pass the assessment, they will be eligible to take the MSC Exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as selling techniques, customer service strategies, product knowledge, and communication skills.

The MSC Exam typically takes about four hours to complete and costs $325 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their Master Salesperson Certification from NAPS. This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or passing another exam.

9. Advanced Negotiating and Closing Techniques Certification (ANCTC)

Advanced Negotiating and Closing Techniques Certification (ANCTC) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals understand the nuances of successful negotiation and closing techniques. It is offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) and provides participants with an in-depth understanding of how to effectively negotiate and close deals. The certification is divided into two sections: Advanced Negotiating Skills and Advanced Closing Skills.

The Advanced Negotiating Skills section covers topics such as preparing for negotiations, analyzing the other party’s interests, developing strategies for success, negotiating tactics, and dealing with difficult situations. The Advanced Closing Skills section focuses on topics such as recognizing buying signals, using persuasive language, handling objections, and closing techniques.

The ANCTC certification program takes approximately 10 hours to complete. Participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification. The cost of the program varies depending on whether or not you are a NASP member; non-members pay $399 while members pay $299. Additionally, participants must also purchase course materials which cost an additional $99 for non-members or $49 for members.

10. Strategic Selling Certification (SSC).

Strategic Selling Certification (SSC) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to help sales professionals hone their skills and become more effective in their roles. The program provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, practices, and strategies of successful selling. It covers topics such as customer segmentation, value proposition development, sales process management, negotiation tactics, and closing techniques.

The SSC program consists of two parts: an online learning module and a one-day workshop. The online learning module takes approximately four hours to complete and covers the fundamentals of strategic selling. The one-day workshop is designed to provide hands-on practice with real-world scenarios and is conducted by experienced sales professionals.

To get certified in Strategic Selling, you must first complete the online learning module and then attend the one-day workshop. Upon completion of both components, you will receive your Strategic Selling Certification.

The cost for the Strategic Selling Certification program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Sales Person Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual situation. If you are looking to pursue a career in sales, then a sales person certificate may be a good idea. This type of certification can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field. In addition, it can give employers an indication of your commitment to the profession and demonstrate that you have taken the initiative to become certified.

On the other hand, if you already have experience and success in sales, then a certificate may not be necessary. It is important to remember that having a certificate does not guarantee success, so it is important to make sure that any additional training will actually help you improve your skills and increase your chances of success.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a sales person certificate really depends on your individual situation. It can provide helpful knowledge and skills as well as demonstrate commitment to employers, but if you already have experience in the field then it may not be necessary. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining such certification will benefit your career goals.

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FAQs About Sales Person Certifications

Q1. What is a Sales Person Certification?

A1. A Sales Person Certification is a professional credential that is earned by individuals who have successfully completed an approved course of study in sales techniques, customer service, and other related topics. The certification demonstrates knowledge and experience in the field of sales and provides employers with a reliable means of evaluating potential hires.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Sales Person?

A2. In order to become certified as a Sales Person, you will need to complete an approved course of study that covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, and other related subjects. After completing the program, you can then take the certification exam administered by an accredited organization or institution.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a Sales Person?

A3. The time frame for becoming certified varies depending on the specific program chosen and the individual's learning pace; however, most programs are designed to be completed within 6-12 months.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Sales Person?

A4: Becoming certified as a Sales Person can provide many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, enhanced credibility with customers and peers, and improved job security. It can also help demonstrate expertise in the field which may lead to better advancement opportunities over time.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements associated with maintaining my Sales Person Certification?

A5: Yes! Most certifying organizations require that their members maintain their certification by participating in continuing education courses or workshops related to sales techniques or customer service annually or biennially in order to keep their credentials active and valid.