Top 11 Salesman Certifications

Certifications are important for a salesman in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in their field. This can give employers confidence that they are hiring someone with the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in their role. Certifications also help separate job applicants from one another, as those with certifications often have an edge over those without them when it comes to getting hired. Additionally, certifications can increase a person’s credibility and marketability when looking for new jobs, as many employers view certifications as proof that the applicant is knowledgeable about their field and capable of performing at a higher level than non-certified applicants.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Salesmans and explain how they can help to enhance a Salesman's career.

What are Salesman Certifications?

Salesman certification is a type of training and certification program designed to help salespeople increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of sales, marketing, customer service, and communication. The purpose of this certification is to help salespeople become more effective at selling products and services. It also helps them better understand the needs of their customers and develop strategies to meet those needs. Salesman certification can provide salespeople with the tools they need to be successful in their career by giving them a comprehensive understanding of the sales process. By having this knowledge, they are able to better identify potential customer needs and tailor their approach accordingly. Additionally, it provides them with an industry-recognized credential that can make them more marketable when looking for employment or advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of online resources to stay up-to-date with the latest sales techniques and industry trends. Additionally, consider enrolling in a professional certification program to increase your knowledge base and bolster your credibility as a salesperson.

Related: What does a Salesman do?

Top 11 Salesman Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Salesperson (CPS)

Certified Professional Salesperson (CPS) is a professional certification offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPSP). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated a high level of skill and knowledge in the field. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education.

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, communication, sales techniques, and product knowledge. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass.

The cost of the CPS certification varies depending on whether or not you are an AAPSP member. Non-members pay $225 for the certification while members pay $175. In addition to the fee, there is also a nonrefundable application fee of $25.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPS certificate in four to six weeks. You will also receive access to exclusive resources such as webinars, discounts on AAPSP events and publications, and more.

2. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Management Association. It is designed to help sales professionals develop their skills and knowledge in order to become more effective sales leaders and managers. The CSE certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies required for success in sales management.

The CSE certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Master. Each level requires the completion of a series of courses covering topics such as sales strategy, customer service, negotiation skills, marketing, analytics, and leadership development.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the CSE certification program depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment to studying for the exams.

To get certified as a Certified Sales Executive (CSE), you will need to pass all three levels of exams: Associate, Professional, and Master. You can find study materials for each exam at the Sales Management Association website or through other online resources such as Udemy or Coursera.

The cost of getting certified as a Certified Sales Executive (CSE) varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. The cost for taking an Associate-level exam is approximately $400 USD while the Professional-level exam costs around $600 USD and the Master-level exam costs around $800 USD.

3. Certified Professional Selling Skills (CPSS)

Certified Professional Selling Skills (CPSS) is a professional certification program developed by the American Management Association (AMA). The program is designed to help salespeople develop their skills and knowledge in order to become successful sales professionals.

The CPSS certification requires completion of a four-day, in-person training program. During this program, participants will learn about the fundamentals of selling, such as customer service, prospecting, negotiation techniques, and closing techniques. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills in simulated sales scenarios. Upon completion of the training program, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To register for the CPSS certification program, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. The cost of the training program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD.

4. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Management Association (AMA). The CSM designation is designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies required for success in sales management.

The CSM program requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in key areas such as sales strategy, customer service, team building, communication, and problem solving. To earn the certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers these topics.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the program and earn the CSM designation. The program consists of three components: self-study materials, online courses, and an exam.

Applicants can purchase self-study materials from the AMA website or from third-party vendors. Online courses are available through accredited institutions or through the AMA itself. Finally, applicants must pass an exam administered by the AMA in order to receive their certification.

The cost of earning a Certified Sales Manager designation varies depending on which components you choose to complete. Self-study materials range from $200-$500; online courses range from $500-$1,000; and the exam fee is $399.

5. Certified Salesforce Consultant (CSC)

A Certified Salesforce Consultant (CSC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the implementation and customization of Salesforce products. This certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced professionals who are responsible for delivering successful projects using Salesforce technology.

It typically takes around six months to become a Certified Salesforce Consultant, depending on your level of experience. To get the certification, you must pass two exams: the Administrator Certification Exam and the Advanced Administrator Certification Exam. The exams cover topics such as data management, security, workflow automation, custom objects, reports and dashboards.

The cost of becoming a Certified Salesforce Consultant varies depending on which exam you take and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. The cost for each exam is $200 USD. Additionally, there are some additional fees associated with registering for the exams and accessing study materials.

6. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the art and science of negotiation. It is awarded by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI), which provides comprehensive training and certification programs for real estate agents, brokers, attorneys, and other professionals involved in negotiations.

To become a CNE, one must complete an intensive three-day course on negotiation principles and techniques. The course covers topics such as communication strategies, persuasion tactics, conflict resolution methods, ethical considerations, and more. Upon successful completion of the course and passing a final exam with a score of 80% or higher, participants will receive their CNE designation.

The cost for the three-day course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel expenses and accommodations if necessary.

In order to maintain their CNE designation, individuals must participate in continuing education courses every two years to stay up-to-date on current negotiation practices and trends.

7. Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP)

Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP) is a certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to help professionals in sales and marketing roles develop their skills and knowledge in the field. The CSMP certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of the core competencies required for success in sales and marketing.

The CSMP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in sales or marketing, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as customer segmentation, pricing strategy, digital marketing, and sales analytics.

The CSMP certification process takes approximately four months to complete. During this time, applicants must register for the exam, study for the exam, take the exam, submit their application materials to AMA for review, and receive notification of their results.

The cost of obtaining the CSMP certification varies depending on whether you are an AMA member or non-member. For AMA members, the cost is $495; for non-members it is $595. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and study materials.

8. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the field of business development. The CBDP certification is administered by the Association of Business Development Professionals (ABDP).

The CBDP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in business development, as well as completion of a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as market analysis, sales strategy, customer relationship management, and project management.

In order to become certified, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with their resume and other supporting documents. Once approved, they will be required to take the CBDP exam and pass it with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certification from ABDP.

The cost for the CBDP certification depends on the applicant’s location and can range from $500-$1000 USD. It typically takes around six months to complete all requirements for the certification.

9. Accredited Professional Salesperson (APS)

Accredited Professional Salesperson (APS) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPSP). The APS certification is designed to recognize sales professionals who demonstrate a high level of competency in their field. It is a voluntary certification that can be earned by sales professionals with at least two years of experience in the industry.

The APS certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person interview. The online assessment evaluates the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to sales and customer service. This portion must be completed within six months of registering for the program. After completing the online assessment, applicants must attend an in-person interview with an AAPSP-certified interviewer. During this interview, applicants will be asked questions about their sales experience, customer service skills, and other topics related to their job role.

The cost for becoming an Accredited Professional Salesperson (APS) varies depending on the region and country where you are located. Generally speaking, it can range from $400 - $1,000 USD depending on your location and any additional fees associated with taking the exam or attending an in-person interview.

Overall, becoming an Accredited Professional Salesperson (APS) is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence in sales and customer service. It also provides you with access to exclusive resources such as networking events, job postings, and discounts on products and services related to your profession.

10. Strategic Selling Certification Program (SSCP)

The Strategic Selling Certification Program (SSCP) is a comprehensive training program designed to help sales professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their roles. The program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Professional in Strategic Selling (CPSS), Advanced Professional in Strategic Selling (APSS), and Master Professional in Strategic Selling (MPSS).

The Certified Professional in Strategic Selling (CPSS) level is designed for those who are new to the field of strategic selling, or who have limited experience. It focuses on developing foundational knowledge and skills related to customer needs analysis, value proposition development, sales process management, and negotiation strategies. This level typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete and requires participants to pass an online exam at the end. The cost of this certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

The Advanced Professional in Strategic Selling (APSS) level builds upon the CPSS by introducing more advanced concepts such as competitive intelligence, complex negotiations, and account management strategies. This level typically takes between 12-16 weeks to complete and requires participants to pass an online exam at the end. The cost of this certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1500-$2000 USD.

Finally, the Master Professional in Strategic Selling (MPSS) level is designed for experienced sales professionals looking to further develop their skillset with topics such as strategic planning, team leadership, and global account management. This level typically takes between 16-20 weeks to complete and requires participants to pass an online exam at the end. The cost of this certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $2500-$3000 USD.

Overall, obtaining a SSCP certification can take anywhere from 8-20 weeks depending on which level you are pursuing and can range from $500 - $3000 USD depending on which provider you choose.

11. Advanced Professional Selling Skills Certification Program (APSSCP).

The Advanced Professional Selling Skills Certification Program (APSSCP) is a comprehensive professional development program designed to help sales professionals achieve their highest potential. The program focuses on the development of advanced selling skills and techniques, such as relationship building, strategic planning, consultative selling, and closing techniques.

The APSSCP is offered through the Sales Education Foundation (SEF), and it consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 focuses on developing basic selling skills such as prospecting, qualifying leads, understanding customer needs, presenting solutions, and closing sales. Level 2 focuses on more advanced topics such as negotiation tactics, managing objections, leveraging technology in sales conversations, and developing long-term relationships with customers.

The program takes approximately six months to complete depending on the individual's schedule and commitment level. To get started with the APSSCP, applicants must first submit an application form and provide proof of their current sales experience or training. Once accepted into the program, they will be required to complete a series of online courses that cover both levels of the certification program. After completing all coursework requirements for both levels of the program, applicants can take an online exam to earn their certification.

The cost for the APSSCP varies depending on whether you choose to take both levels or just one level of the program. The cost for Level 1 is $1,495 USD while the cost for Level 2 is $2,095 USD. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking exams or purchasing study materials if desired by the applicant.

Do You Really Need a Salesman Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and aspirations. For some, a salesperson certificate may be beneficial and necessary in order to reach their professional goals. However, for others, it may not be as essential.

For those who plan to pursue a career in sales, obtaining a salesperson certificate can be an important step in helping them to secure employment opportunities and advance their careers. A certificate typically demonstrates that the individual has completed a course of study that covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, product knowledge, and selling techniques. It also shows employers that the individual is committed to learning about the profession and has taken steps to improve their job prospects.

On the other hand, if an individual does not plan on working in sales or does not need additional qualifications for the job they are currently pursuing, then obtaining a salesperson certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it might be more beneficial for the individual to focus on gaining experience through internships or volunteering rather than investing time and money into earning a certificate.

Ultimately, whether an individual needs a salesperson certificate depends on their own personal goals and ambitions. It is important for each person to evaluate their own situation before deciding whether or not they should pursue one.

Related: Salesman Resume Examples

FAQs About Salesman Certifications

1. What is a Salesman Certification?

Answer: A Salesman Certification is a recognition of an individual's knowledge and proficiency in selling products or services. It demonstrates that they have the skills and competencies necessary to succeed in sales.

2. Where can I get a Salesman Certification?

Answer: There are various organizations that offer Salesman Certifications, including the National Association of Professional Salespeople (NAPS) and the American Marketing Association (AMA). Some schools also offer courses on salesmanship.

3. How long does it take to get a Salesman Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a Salesman Certification depends on the organization offering the certification and the type of course taken. Generally, it takes between four and six months to complete all requirements for the certification.

4. Are there any prerequisites for getting a Salesman Certification?

Answer: Yes, some organizations require applicants to have prior sales experience or be certified in other areas before they can apply for their certification program.

5. What are the benefits of having a Salesman Certification?

Answer: Having a Salesman Certification can give you an edge over other candidates for jobs in sales, as employers look favorably upon individuals with such qualifications when hiring new employees. Additionally, having this certification may open up opportunities to advance your career within your current organization or switch companies more easily because you will be seen as someone who has specialized knowledge in selling products or services.