Top 10 Sales Team Leader Certifications

Certifications are important for a sales team leader in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field. They provide evidence of a candidate’s commitment to professional development, their ability to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, and their dedication to providing quality customer service. Certifications also help employers identify qualified candidates who have the expertise and qualifications needed for a position. In addition, certifications can distinguish job seekers from other applicants and give them a competitive edge when it comes to getting hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Sales Team Leaders and explains how they can contribute to a sales team leader's career development.

What are Sales Team Leader Certifications?

Sales team leader certification is a type of professional certification that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead a sales team. It is designed to help sales leaders learn how to effectively motivate, manage, and lead their teams. The certification provides an opportunity for sales leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the key principles of sales team leadership and develop the necessary competencies. Certification can also help sales team leaders become more effective in their roles by teaching them how to better coach, mentor, and develop their teams. Furthermore, it can equip them with the skills to make better decisions around pricing, product positioning, customer service strategies, and other important aspects of managing a sales team. Ultimately, this certification can help sales team leaders become more successful in leading their teams and achieving higher levels of performance.

Pro Tip: Sales team leader certification can be a great way to develop the skills needed to effectively lead a sales team. It also provides recognition of your expertise and can help you stand out in the job market. When looking for a certification program, make sure it is specific to sales leadership and that it includes topics such as strategies for motivating and managing teams, understanding customer needs and adapting to changing markets.

Related: What does a Sales Team Leader do?

Top 10 Sales Team Leader Certifications

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

1. Certified Sales Team Leader (CSTL)

Certified Sales Team Leader (CSTL) is a certification program designed to help sales team leaders develop their knowledge and skills in leading sales teams. The program focuses on developing the skills necessary to effectively lead sales teams, including communication, motivation, problem solving, and decision making. It also provides guidance on how to develop successful strategies for managing sales teams.

The CSTL certification program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. It consists of four courses: Introduction to Sales Leadership, Leading Teams in a Changing Environment, Motivating & Developing Teams, and Advanced Sales Leadership Strategies. Each course requires a combination of online learning materials and live class sessions with an instructor.

To get certified as a CSTL you must first meet the prerequisites for the program by having at least two years of experience in sales leadership or management roles. You must also successfully complete all four courses and pass the corresponding exams with a minimum score of 80%.

The cost of the CSTL certification program varies depending on the provider but can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for all four courses.

2. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program developed by the Sales Management Association to recognize sales professionals for their knowledge and skills in managing sales teams. The CPSM certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to effectively lead, manage, and motivate sales teams.

It takes approximately 18 months to complete the CPSM program. To become certified, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as sales management principles, customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and more. After passing the exam, you must also complete three years of professional experience in a sales-related role.

The cost of the CPSM certification program varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of the Sales Management Association. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 to become certified. This includes the cost of the exam fee as well as any additional materials or resources needed for study purposes.

3. Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA)

A Certified Salesforce Administrator (CSA) is a professional who has been certified by Salesforce, the world’s leading customer relationship management (CRM) platform. The CSA certification validates an individual’s expertise in administering and managing the Salesforce platform. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge of Salesforce and prove their ability to manage and customize the platform for their organization.

The CSA exam typically takes 2-3 hours to complete and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least six months of experience with Salesforce administration or have completed a Salesforce Administration course.

To get your CSA certification, you must first register for the exam through the Salesforce website. Once registered, you can then purchase a study guide or take an online course to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CSA certificate and be listed as a certified administrator on the Salesforce website.

The cost of taking the CSA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$300 USD per attempt.

4. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in business analysis. The CBAP certification validates an individual’s expertise in using the tools and techniques of business analysis to identify, analyze, and solve complex business problems.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to demonstrate extensive experience in business analysis, as well as knowledge of the IIBA's Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK). To be eligible for the CBAP exam, applicants must have at least 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years.

In order to obtain the CBAP certification, applicants must successfully complete the CBAP exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost for taking the exam is $325 USD for IIBA members and $450 USD for non-members.

Once certified, individuals must renew their CBAP certification every three years by completing 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within that time frame. PDUs can be earned through activities such as attending conferences or workshops, publishing articles or books related to business analysis, teaching courses related to business analysis, or participating in online training programs related to business analysis.

5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification provided by Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the principles of the Agile methodology. The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the Scrum framework and its application in software development projects. It is one of the most widely recognized Agile certifications available today.

To become a Certified ScrumMaster, individuals must attend a two-day training course conducted by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During this course, participants learn about the fundamentals of Scrum and how to apply it within their own team or organization. After completing the course, they are eligible to take an online exam which tests their knowledge of Scrum concepts and practices. Upon passing this exam, individuals receive their CSM certification.

The cost for attending a two-day CSM training course varies depending on the instructor and location, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. Additionally, there is an additional fee for taking the online exam which usually costs around $200 USD.

6. Certified Professional in Leadership Development (CPLD)

Certified Professional in Leadership Development (CPLD) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful leaders. The CPLD program is offered by the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), a global professional organization that promotes collaboration, learning, and development among facilitators and trainers.

The CPLD program consists of four courses: Foundations of Facilitation, Group Dynamics & Processes, Facilitating Change & Innovation, and Advanced Facilitation & Leadership. Each course is designed to build upon the previous one, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of leadership development.

It typically takes nine months to complete the CPLD program. Participants must attend all four courses in order to be eligible for certification. The cost of the program varies depending on location and other factors; however, it generally ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

To get certified as a Certified Professional in Leadership Development (CPLD), participants must successfully complete all four courses and pass an assessment at the end of each course. Upon successful completion of all four courses and passing the assessments, participants will receive their CPLD certificate from IAF.

7. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills in using agile practices in their projects. The PMI-ACP certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in working with agile methodologies, such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. The preparation process includes studying for the exam, attending training courses or workshops, and gaining hands-on experience with agile project management techniques.

To get the PMI-ACP certification, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. You must also have 21 contact hours of formal education related to agile practices. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the exam through the PMI website.

The cost of taking the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of PMI. Generally speaking, it costs around $435 for non-members and $375 for members to take the exam.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of mastery in the field of Six Sigma. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of Six Sigma, as well as their ability to apply them in real-world situations.

The certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it is recommended that candidates spend at least 40 hours preparing for each exam.

To get certified, individuals must first pass two exams: the Six Sigma Green Belt Exam (SSGB) and the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam (LSSGB). Both exams are administered by ASQ (American Society for Quality) or IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification).

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which organization administers the exams. The ASQ SSGB exam costs $295 USD, while the IASSC LSSGB exam costs $395 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with training materials or other resources needed to prepare for the exams.

9. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Certification

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who work with Microsoft Dynamics CRM. This certification is offered by Microsoft and is recognized worldwide.

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Certification consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level requires candidates to have at least six months of hands-on experience using Microsoft Dynamics CRM, while the Professional level requires at least one year of experience. Both levels require candidates to pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified, candidates must first register for the exam through the Microsoft Learning website. Once registered, they will need to purchase an exam voucher from a Microsoft Certified Partner or other authorized reseller, which will cost between $125-$150 depending on the country in which you are taking the exam. After purchasing the voucher, candidates can schedule their exam at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world. The exams are typically three hours long and consist of multiple choice questions as well as case study scenarios.

Once a candidate has passed their exam, they will receive their official certificate from Microsoft within four weeks of passing their exam. The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the same level of exams every three years or by taking higher-level exams when available.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take your exams and how many times you retake them if necessary. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $125-$400+ USD for each level of certification depending on these factors.

10. Google AdWords Certification

Google AdWords Certification is an official recognition from Google that you have the skills and knowledge to effectively manage AdWords campaigns. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers, clients, and partners.

To get certified, you must pass two exams: the AdWords Fundamentals exam and one of the following advanced-level exams: Search Advertising, Display Advertising, Video Advertising, Shopping Advertising, or Mobile Advertising. Each exam consists of multiple choice and true/false questions.

You can take as long as you need to prepare for the exams. However, it typically takes around 30 hours of study time to become certified. You can use online resources such as Google's Academy for Ads or third-party training providers like WordStream's AdWords Certification Course to help you prepare.

The cost of certification depends on how you choose to take the exams. If you take them through Google’s Academy for Ads, then each exam costs $50 USD (or local currency equivalent). Some third-party training providers also offer discounted packages that include both exams for a lower price.

Do You Really Need a Sales Team Leader Certificate?

Sales team leader certificates are not strictly necessary to become a successful sales team leader, but they may provide an advantage in certain circumstances. A certificate can demonstrate that you have gone the extra mile to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful sales leader. It can also show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to learn and develop in your field.

Having a sales team leader certificate may be especially beneficial if you are looking for a job with a large company or organization. Having this certification on your resume could give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have it. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and willing to take the time and effort to learn new skills.

However, it is important to remember that having this certificate does not guarantee success as a sales team leader. Even with the best training, there is still no substitute for experience, hard work, and dedication when it comes to leading a successful team. No amount of learning can replace these essential qualities for becoming an effective manager or leader.

In conclusion, while having a sales team leader certificate may give you an advantage in certain circumstances, it should not be seen as an absolute requirement for success in this role. Ultimately, what matters most is your ability to lead people effectively, which requires both experience and dedication.

Related: Sales Team Leader Resume Examples

FAQs About Sales Team Leader Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Sales Team Leader?

Answer: To become a Sales Team Leader, you should have at least 3 years of experience in sales and/or management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. In addition, certifications such as the Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL) and the Certified Sales Manager (CSM) are recommended.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Sales Team Leader?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most certification programs require between 3-6 months of study and preparation before an individual can sit for the exam.

3. What is covered in the Sales Team Leader certification exam?

Answer: The topics covered in the exam vary depending on the certification program but typically include sales strategy and tactics, customer service, team leadership, communication skills, problem solving techniques, and more.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Sales Team Leader certification exam?

Answer: Most certification programs do not have any prerequisites for taking their exams; however some may require individuals to complete certain courses or workshops prior to sitting for the exam. It is best to check with each individual program for their specific requirements prior to beginning your studies.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Sales Team Leader?

Answer: The cost of getting certified varies depending on which program you choose; however most range from $500-$2,000 USD plus any additional course fees or materials that may be required by that particular program.