Top 11 Sales Support Specialist Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a sales support specialist to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. They can help potential employers better understand a candidate's qualifications and give them an edge over other applicants. Certifications also help validate a potential employee's expertise, which is especially beneficial if they do not have much professional experience or are new to the field. Additionally, certifications can provide sales support specialists with additional resources to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices, giving them an advantage in the workplace. Finally, certifications may open doors to higher-level positions or career advancement opportunities within their current organization.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Sales Support Specialists and explain how they can benefit their career.

What are Sales Support Specialist Certifications?

Sales Support Specialist certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in sales support activities. It is designed to help sales professionals, organizations and teams increase their performance, develop their skills and gain recognition for their achievements.

The certification focuses on core competencies that are necessary for success in the sales support field. These include customer service, communication, problem solving, negotiation and team building. The certification also covers topics such as product knowledge, market analysis, competitive intelligence and financial management.

By obtaining Sales Support Specialist certification, individuals can demonstrate to employers that they are knowledgeable about the processes and techniques used in the field of sales support. This helps them stand out from other job applicants and provides them with an advantage when it comes to seeking employment or promotion within the field. It also helps improve their chances of being accepted into higher-level positions or earning more money. Additionally, this certification can open up career opportunities in other areas related to sales support such as marketing or project management.

In summary, Sales Support Specialist certification is an invaluable asset for those looking to advance in the field of sales support. It provides individuals with a credential that demonstrates their knowledge and expertise while helping them stand out from other job applicants. Furthermore, it can open up career opportunities in related fields and provide individuals with an advantage when it comes to seeking employment or promotions within the industry.

Pro Tip: Consider becoming certified as a Sales Support Specialist. Certification will demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support sales teams and increase their success. It will also help you stand out from the competition in the job market.

Related: What does a Sales Support Specialist do?

Top 11 Sales Support Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Sales Support Specialist (CS3)

Certified Sales Support Specialist (CS3) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Professional Sales Professionals (IAPSP). It is designed to provide sales professionals with an in-depth understanding of the sales process and how to effectively support their clients. The program takes approximately eight weeks to complete and consists of four modules: Introduction to Sales, Effective Communication, Selling Strategies, and Customer Service.

The cost for the CS3 certification program varies depending on the provider and can range from $500-$2,000. To get certified, applicants must have at least two years of professional sales experience, complete the four modules mentioned above, pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher, and submit an application fee. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CS3 certification.

2. Certified Professional Sales Support (CPSS)

Certified Professional Sales Support (CPSS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in sales support. It is offered by the American Society of Sales Professionals (ASSP). The CPSS program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer relationship management, sales process management, sales analytics, and sales operations.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to be certified. There is also an optional essay component that can be completed for additional points.

In order to apply for the CPSS certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a sales support role or equivalent education/experience. They must also submit an application fee of $150 USD.

Once the application is approved, applicants will receive their official CPSS certificate within 8-10 weeks. This certificate will serve as proof of their achievement and can be used to demonstrate their professional qualifications when applying for jobs or promotions.

3. Certified Sales Support Administrator (CSSA)

Certified Sales Support Administrator (CSSA) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP). It is designed to help sales professionals who are responsible for supporting customers in their use of Microsoft products and services. The CSSA certification demonstrates that the individual has a thorough understanding of the Microsoft product line, as well as an ability to effectively support customers.

The CSSA certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure and Exam 70-765: Provisioning SQL Databases. Both exams must be taken within 12 months of each other, and both must be passed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get certified, individuals must first purchase exam vouchers from Pearson VUE or Prometric. Each exam voucher costs $165 USD. After purchasing a voucher, individuals can register for and take the exams at any authorized testing center in their area.

The CSSA certification does not expire; however, individuals may choose to re-certify every three years if they wish to stay up-to-date with changes in the Microsoft product line.

4. Certified Sales Operations Professional (CSOP)

Certified Sales Operations Professional (CSOP) is a certification program offered by the Association of Professional Sales (APS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in sales operations. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of sales operations, including customer segmentation, lead management, pipeline management, forecasting, and analytics.

The CSOP certification process takes approximately three months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application that includes their resume and a statement of purpose outlining why they are interested in becoming certified. After submitting the application, applicants must pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge and skills related to sales operations. Once the assessment is passed, applicants must then complete a series of online courses that cover topics such as customer segmentation, lead management, pipeline management, forecasting, and analytics. Finally, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of these topics.

The cost for the CSOP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an APS member. For non-members it costs $1,495 USD for the entire program; for members it costs $1,295 USD.

5. Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA)

A Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA) is an individual who has been certified by Salesforce as having the skills and knowledge required to administer, configure, and customize Salesforce applications. The CSA credential is designed for individuals who have a good understanding of the core features of the Salesforce platform and are able to use them to meet business requirements.

The CSA certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as user setup, security controls, data management, automation processes, reporting, and analytics. To prepare for the exam, candidates should review the official study guide provided by Salesforce.

To get certified as a CSA, you must pass the CSA certification exam with a score of 65% or higher. You can register for the exam on the Salesforce website and pay an examination fee of $200 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within 7-10 days.

The cost of getting certified as a CSA includes the examination fee ($200 USD), any additional training materials or courses that may be needed to prepare for the exam (varies depending on provider), and any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for and taking the exam.

6. Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR)

Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who have demonstrated a high level of excellence in the field. The CCSR certification is awarded by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting customer service best practices and standards.

The CCSR certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers all aspects of customer service, including communication, problem solving, customer relations, quality assurance, and more. To earn the CCSR certification, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of these topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the CCSR exam, applicants must first register with ICSA and pay an exam fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $150-$250 USD. After registering for the exam, applicants will receive instructions on how to prepare for it and where they can take it at an authorized testing center.

Once applicants have passed the CCSR exam, they will be awarded their certification and will receive a certificate from ICSA confirming their status as a Certified Customer Service Representative. This certificate is valid for three years after which time recertification may be required in order to maintain one's status as a CCSR.

7. Certified Technical Support Specialist (CTSS)

Certified Technical Support Specialist (CTSS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide technical support in an IT environment. The CTSS certification is administered by the International Association of Computer Information Systems (IACIS).

The CTSS certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as computer hardware, software, networking, security, customer service, and troubleshooting. The practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in a hands-on environment.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CTSS certification program. Candidates must pass both the written and practical exams in order to receive their certification.

To get started with the CTSS certification program, candidates must first register with IACIS and pay an application fee of $100 USD. After registering, they will be given access to study materials and practice exams which they can use to prepare for the written exam. Once they have passed the written exam, they will be eligible to take the practical exam.

The cost of the CTSS certification program varies depending on where you take it from but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. This includes registration fees, study materials, practice exams, and any other associated costs.

8. Certified Product Manager (CPM)

Certified Product Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program that recognizes product managers who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and competence in the field. The CPM certification is designed to provide product managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage products throughout their lifecycle.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPM certification program, which includes completing an online course and passing an exam. The course covers topics such as product strategy, market research, product launch, pricing, customer segmentation, competitive analysis, and more.

To get certified as a CPM, you must first register for the program through the Product Management Institute (PMI). Once registered, you can access the online course material and begin studying for the exam. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, you will receive your official CPM designation.

The cost of obtaining your CPM certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $1,295 USD while the premium package costs $2,495 USD. Both packages include access to all course materials and exams as well as a one-year membership in PMI's Professional Networking Group.

9. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales Certification

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales. The certification is designed to help sales professionals enhance their career opportunities and demonstrate their expertise in the industry.

To get certified, individuals must pass two exams: MB-200: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement Core and MB-210: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales. Both exams are offered through Pearson VUE, an online testing platform. The cost of each exam is $165 USD.

The MB-200 exam covers topics such as core concepts of customer engagement, managing accounts and contacts, working with activities, creating and managing leads, understanding sales processes, configuring products and pricing, understanding analytics in customer engagement apps, and more. The MB-210 exam focuses on topics such as setting up sales processes, managing opportunities and quotes, understanding sales performance management capabilities in Dynamics 365 for Sales, leveraging AI to drive insights from customer data, using Power Platform to extend the functionality of Dynamics 365 for Sales, and more.

In order to become certified in Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales it typically takes between 4-6 weeks depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exams. It is important to note that these times may vary based on your experience level with Dynamics 365 for Sales as well as other factors such as study habits or availability of resources.

10. Oracle CRM On Demand Certification

Oracle CRM On Demand Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Oracle's CRM On Demand software. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing customer relationships, sales, marketing, and service activities.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. The online exam covers topics such as basic concepts, setup and configuration, administration, reporting and analytics, integrations, and customizations. The hands-on project requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to use the software in a real-world setting.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the program on Oracle’s website. They then need to purchase the exam voucher and schedule their exam with Pearson VUE. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their certificate within 4 weeks.

The cost of the Oracle CRM On Demand Certification depends on where you take your exam. In the United States it typically costs around $250 USD per person.

11. SAP CRM Certification

SAP CRM Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in SAP Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The certification validates an individual’s ability to configure, implement, and maintain SAP CRM solutions.

The certification requires that candidates have a minimum of two years experience working with the SAP CRM solution. Candidates must also pass a series of exams to earn the certification. The exams cover topics such as configuration, implementation, and maintenance of SAP CRM solutions.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the certification process. During this time, candidates must complete all required courses and exams. Candidates can choose to attend instructor-led or self-paced training courses offered by SAP Education or an authorized training partner. Additionally, candidates must register for the various exams and pay any applicable fees associated with them.

The cost of obtaining the SAP CRM Certification varies depending on which courses and exams are taken. Generally speaking, it can range from around $3,000-$5,000 USD for all required materials and fees associated with the program.

Do You Really Need a Sales Support Specialist Certificate?

Sales support specialists are an important part of any sales team. They provide a valuable service by helping to manage the administrative aspects of the sales process, such as customer data entry, order processing, and customer service. The role of a sales support specialist is often overlooked in the workplace, but they can make a real difference in the success of a company’s sales efforts.

A Sales Support Specialist Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in this field. It provides a way to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in this role. The certificate also shows potential employers that you are committed to furthering your education and professional development.

Whether or not you need a Sales Support Specialist Certificate depends on your individual situation. If you are already working in this field and want to advance your career, then it could be beneficial for you to get certified. This would show employers that you are serious about your job and have taken the initiative to become more knowledgeable about your position. On the other hand, if you are just entering into this field or don’t plan on staying long-term, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain certification at this time.

Ultimately, obtaining a Sales Support Specialist Certificate could give you an edge when applying for jobs within this field or seeking promotions within your current organization. However, if certification isn't required by employers or if it doesn't fit into your current goals, then it may not be necessary for you at this time.

Related: Sales Support Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Sales Support Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Sales Support Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Sales Support Specialist Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in sales support roles, such as customer service, sales operations, and account management. It is typically awarded by professional organizations or educational institutions after successful completion of an assessment or coursework.

2. What are the benefits of getting a Sales Support Specialist Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Sales Support Specialist Certification include gaining recognition as an expert in the field, increasing job opportunities, improving credibility with employers and customers, and staying up-to-date on industry trends.

3. What types of certifications are available for Sales Support Specialists?

Answer: There are several types of certifications available for Sales Support Specialists including Certified Professional Customer Service Manager (CPCSM), Certified Professional Account Manager (CPAM), Certified Professional Technical Support Representative (CPTSR), and Certified Professional Business Development Manager (CPBDM).

4. How much does it cost to obtain a Sales Support Specialist Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Sales Support Specialist Certification varies depending on the type of certification and provider. Generally speaking, fees range from $200 to $2,000 USD.

5. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete the certification process depends on the type of certification and provider; however, most programs take between 1-3 months to complete.