Top 11 Sales Professional Certifications

Certifications are important for sales professionals in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is often necessary to be successful in the field. Certifications can also help sales professionals stand out from other applicants, as employers often prefer candidates with certifications or additional qualifications related to their industry. Finally, certifications may open up opportunities for higher pay, better benefits, and more career advancement prospects.

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

What are Sales Professional Certifications?

Sales professional certification is a form of training and education that can help individuals increase their knowledge and skills in sales. It involves specialized courses, workshops, and seminars designed to teach sales professionals the best practices for selling products or services. By obtaining a sales professional certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to their profession, enhance their credibility, increase their marketability, and open up more opportunities for advancement.

Having a sales professional certification demonstrates an individual’s dedication to staying current with the latest trends in sales and marketing. This type of certification also helps strengthen an individual’s ability to effectively communicate with customers and understand customer needs. It enables them to develop strong negotiation skills and learn how to handle objections from clients. Additionally, it allows them to better understand industry trends so they can adjust their approach accordingly.

Overall, having a sales professional certification can be extremely beneficial for those looking to advance in the field of sales. It provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this competitive industry. With this type of certification, individuals can differentiate themselves from other job applicants by showcasing that they are highly qualified for the position they are applying for.

Pro Tip: Investing in professional certification can be a great way to improve your sales strategies and increase your earning potential. It can also help you demonstrate to employers that you are committed to developing your skills and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in sales.

Related: What does a Sales Professional do?

Top 11 Sales Professional Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Sales (CPS)

Certified Professional in Sales (CPS) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in sales professionals. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in sales through a comprehensive examination.

The CPS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as customer service, sales process management, product knowledge, negotiation techniques, communication strategies, and legal issues. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional sales experience or a college degree in business or a related field.

The CPS exam takes approximately three hours to complete. It is offered twice per year at various locations throughout the United States. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

To obtain the CPS certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher and maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.

2. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). The CSP is designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their field. It also provides employers with an objective measure of a salesperson's competency and qualifications.

The CSP program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course covering the fundamentals of sales, and an exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of the material presented in the course. The online course takes approximately 16 hours to complete, and the exam can take up to three hours.

To get certified as a CSP, you must first register for the course and exam through the AAPS website. You will need to pay a fee for both components; typically, this fee ranges from $200-$300 USD. Once you have completed both parts, you will receive your official CSP certificate from AAPS.

The CSP certification is valid for three years, after which time you must renew it by completing additional continuing education courses or taking another exam. There are no additional fees associated with renewal; however, if you do not renew your certification within three years, you will need to retake both parts of the program in order to regain your certification status.

3. Certified Sales Leader (CSL)

Certified Sales Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward sales professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The CSL program is offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPSP), and it is designed to help sales professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the sales profession.

The CSL program consists of two parts: an online exam and a comprehensive course. The online exam covers topics such as customer service, sales strategies, product knowledge, negotiation techniques, and more. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. After passing the exam, candidates must complete a comprehensive course that covers topics such as marketing strategies, communication skills, leadership development, and more. This course typically takes about six months to complete.

In order to become certified as a CSL, candidates must pass both the online exam and the comprehensive course with a score of at least 70%. Candidates must also pay an application fee of $200 USD for the certification process. Once certified as a CSL, individuals will receive an official certificate from AAPSP that recognizes their achievement in sales excellence.

4. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in sales and customer service. It is a designation given to those who have demonstrated superior knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of sales.

The CSE certification is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam which covers topics such as customer service, sales strategies, understanding customer needs, and developing relationships with customers. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to the AAPS. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to pay a fee of $150 for their initial registration fee and $100 for each subsequent year they are certified. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CSE certificate from the AAPS.

The CSE certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education courses or taking additional exams. The cost for renewal varies depending on how many courses or exams are taken.

5. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a designation awarded to individuals who have completed an intensive program of study and training in the art of negotiation. It is offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE program consists of three parts: online coursework, a live workshop, and an exam.

The online coursework covers topics such as negotiation strategies, tactics, and techniques, communication skills, understanding buyer and seller motivations, market analysis, and more. This portion of the program can be completed at your own pace over several weeks or months.

The live workshop takes place over two days and consists of interactive exercises that allow participants to practice their new skills in a simulated environment. This part of the program also includes lectures from experienced negotiators on topics such as contracts, ethics, and legal considerations.

The final step to becoming a Certified Negotiation Expert is passing the exam. The exam is administered online and consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of negotiation theory and practice. Candidates must score at least 80% on the exam in order to receive their CNE designation.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete all three components of the CNE program. The cost for the entire program varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or attend a live workshop; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

6. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who demonstrate the highest level of competency and expertise in the field of sales. The CSM designation is awarded by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPSP), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of sales.

The CSM program requires applicants to complete an application process, pass a written exam, and participate in an interview with members of the AAPSP Board of Directors. Applicants must also have at least five years of experience in sales management or related fields.

In order to receive the CSM designation, applicants must successfully complete all components of the program within six months. This includes submitting an application, passing a written exam, and participating in an interview with members of the AAPSP Board of Directors.

The cost for the Certified Sales Manager program varies depending on your location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD for international applicants and $500 USD for US-based applicants.

To apply for the Certified Sales Manager program, you must first submit an online application form to AAPSP along with supporting documents such as proof of work experience and educational qualifications. Once your application has been approved by AAPSP, you will be required to take a written exam that covers topics such as sales management principles, customer service strategies, communication skills, and more. After passing this exam you will then need to participate in an interview with members of the AAPSP Board of Directors before receiving your official CSM designation.

7. Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC)

Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop and improve their selling skills. It is offered by the Professional Sales Association (PSA), an international organization dedicated to advancing the sales profession. The PSSC program consists of three modules: Selling Fundamentals, Advanced Selling Techniques, and Sales Management. Each module includes interactive learning activities, assessments, and case studies that provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of professional selling.

The PSSC program typically takes about 10-12 weeks to complete and can be done online or in person. To get certified, participants must complete all three modules and pass an exam at the end of each module. The cost for the entire program is around $1,000 USD.

8. Strategic Selling and Negotiation Certification (SSNC)

Strategic Selling and Negotiation Certification (SSNC) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop their skills in strategic selling and negotiation. It is an online, self-paced program that can be completed in approximately 10 hours.

The program consists of five modules: Introduction to Strategic Selling, Sales Strategy Development, Negotiation Strategies, Building Relationships, and Closing the Deal. Each module includes videos, quizzes, and exercises that help participants learn the concepts discussed. The program also provides access to a private online community where participants can ask questions and get feedback from other SSNC members.

To get the SSNC certification, participants must complete all five modules with a passing score of 80% or higher on each quiz. Once completed, they will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible for additional discounts on future courses offered by SSNC.

The cost of the SSNC certification varies depending on the package purchased. The basic package costs $99 USD while the premium package costs $149 USD.

9. Advanced Professional Selling Certification (APSC)

The Advanced Professional Selling Certification (APSC) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to help sales professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of professional selling. The APSC is offered by the Association for Professional Selling (APS), a global organization dedicated to advancing the profession of sales.

The APSC is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of professional selling such as customer relationship management, communication, negotiation, and closing techniques. It also includes topics on sales process management, product knowledge, market analysis and strategy development. The certification requires passing an online assessment with a score of 70% or higher.

The APSC program takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the individual's schedule and level of commitment. To get certified, individuals must first register for the APSC course through the APS website. Once registered, they will be provided with access to online materials including videos, webinars and other resources to help them prepare for the assessment. After completing the coursework and passing the assessment with a score of 70% or higher, individuals will receive their official APSC certificate from the APS.

The cost of obtaining an Advanced Professional Selling Certification depends on whether you are already an APS member or not. For non-members, it costs $395 USD while members pay $295 USD.

10. Customer Relationship Management Certification (CRMC)

Customer Relationship Management Certification (CRMC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of customer relationship management. The program is offered by the Customer Relationship Management Association (CRMA), an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the practice of CRM.

The CRMC program consists of two levels: Certified CRM Professional (CCRP) and Certified CRM Master (CCRM). To become certified, applicants must pass two exams: one on customer relationship management fundamentals, and one on advanced principles. The exams are administered online and take approximately three hours each to complete.

The CCRP certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in customer relationship management, while the CCRM certification requires five or more years. Both certifications require applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of customer relationship management principles through coursework, case studies, and other activities.

The cost for the CCRP certification exam is $250 USD, while the cost for the CCRM certification exam is $500 USD. Both fees include access to study materials, such as textbooks, webinars, and practice tests. Applicants must also pay an annual membership fee to maintain their certifications.

Overall, obtaining a Customer Relationship Management Certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in this field. It demonstrates expertise in customer relationship management principles and provides recognition from peers in the industry.

11. Professional Services Selling Certification (PSSC)

Professional Services Selling Certification (PSSC) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully sell professional services. The certification is offered by the Professional Services Marketing Association (PSMA).

The PSSC program consists of four modules: Introduction to Professional Services Selling, Qualifying and Proposing Professional Services, Negotiating Professional Services Contracts, and Managing Professional Services Engagements. Each module includes an online course and an exam. The courses are self-paced and can be completed in as little as one day or up to six weeks depending on the individual’s learning style and availability.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the program online at psmacertified.org. They will then be able to access the online courses, take the exams, and receive their certification upon successful completion of all four modules.

The cost of the PSSC program varies depending on whether you choose to purchase individual modules or a bundle package that includes all four modules. Individual modules range from $99-$149 USD while a bundle package costs $399 USD.

Do You Really Need a Sales Professional Certificate?

Whether or not you need a sales professional certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to move into a sales role, then having a sales professional certificate could be beneficial in helping you gain the knowledge and experience needed to be successful in that role. It can also help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job.

However, if you already have experience working in sales and are looking to advance in your career, then a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it may be more important to focus on developing your skills through additional courses or by gaining additional certifications related to the specific field of sales that you are interested in.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they should pursue a sales professional certificate. It can certainly help those who are just starting out in their career, but it is not essential for those who already have experience and knowledge in the field of sales.

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FAQs About Sales Professional Certifications

1. What are the benefits of a sales professional certification?

Answer: A sales professional certification can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry, as well as give you an edge over other job applicants when seeking employment. It can also provide networking opportunities to further your career, and may even boost your earning potential.

2. Does a sales professional certification guarantee a job?

Answer: No, a sales professional certification does not guarantee a job. However, it provides you with skills that will make you more competitive in the job market and can increase your chances of finding employment.

3. How long does it take to complete a sales professional certification?

Answer: The length of time for completing a sales professional certification varies depending on the program and type of certification chosen. Generally speaking, most programs range from six months to two years in duration.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a sales professional?

Answer: The cost of getting certified as a sales professional will depend on the program chosen and any additional services or materials required for completion. Generally speaking, costs can range anywhere from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on what is included in the program or service package selected.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a sales professional certification course?

Answer: Depending on the program chosen, there may be some prerequisites necessary for taking a sales professional certification course such as prior work experience or education related to sales or marketing topics. It is important to check with each program’s requirements prior to enrolling in order to ensure eligibility for enrollment and successful completion of the program.