Top 10 Salesperson Certifications

Certifications are important for a salesperson in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and knowledge in the profession. Certifications give employers assurance that the salesperson is qualified to do the job and can provide value to their organization. They also show that the individual has taken the initiative to gain additional skills and knowledge, which can be an attractive asset for potential employers. Additionally, certifications can help a salesperson stand out from other candidates who may have similar experience or education levels, making them more competitive in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Salespersons, and explains how they can contribute to a salesperson's career growth and success.

What are Salesperson Certifications?

Salesperson certification is a training program designed to equip salespeople with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively sell products or services. It typically involves completing a course of study and/or passing an examination that covers topics such as customer service, communication, product knowledge, sales techniques, and industry regulations.

Salesperson certification can help salespeople become more successful in their roles by providing them with the tools they need to understand their customers’ needs and provide effective solutions. The certification also helps salespeople stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes in regulations that may affect their work. Additionally, having a certification may be beneficial for career advancement opportunities. Employers often look for candidates who have completed salesperson certifications when hiring for sales positions. Finally, it can also help build credibility among potential customers because it demonstrates that the individual has taken the time to obtain specialized knowledge and skills related to selling products or services.

Pro Tip: Invest in a salesperson certification program to ensure your sales team is up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. This will help them stay competitive and increase their success rate.

Related: What does a Salesperson do?

Top 10 Salesperson Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP)

Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Professionals in Sales (ASPS). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency and expertise in sales.

The CPSP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as sales process, customer service, communication, negotiation, and product knowledge. Applicants must also complete a written essay on the topic of their choice.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and can be taken at any ASPS-approved testing center. The cost for the exam is $495 USD.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. Once certified, CPSPs are required to renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.

2. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification offered by the American Management Association (AMA). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in sales management. The certification is based on an extensive body of knowledge that covers all aspects of sales management, including customer relationship management, sales process optimization, and team leadership.

The certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an in-person exam. The self-study course requires approximately 40 hours to complete, while the exam takes around four hours. To become certified, individuals must pass both the self-study course and the exam with a score of at least 80%.

The cost for the Certified Sales Manager program varies depending on the type of membership you have with AMA. For non-members, it costs $1,995; for members, it costs $1,495; and for corporate members, it costs $995.

Upon successful completion of the program and passing both parts of the exam with a score of at least 80%, individuals will be awarded their Certified Sales Manager designation from AMA.

3. Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC)

Professional Selling Skills Certification (PSSC) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals improve their skills and knowledge. It is offered by the Professional Sales Association (PSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping sales professionals succeed in their careers. The PSSC program consists of three levels, each focusing on a different aspect of sales: Level 1 focuses on fundamentals, Level 2 covers advanced techniques, and Level 3 covers professional selling strategies.

The PSSC certification can be completed in as little as one year, depending on the level chosen and the amount of time available for study. To get certified, individuals must complete an online application form and submit it to the PSA. Once accepted into the program, they will receive access to online course materials, which include videos, quizzes, and other resources.

The cost of the PSSC certification varies depending on the level chosen. The Level 1 certification costs $99 USD; Level 2 costs $199 USD; and Level 3 costs $299 USD. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid prior to beginning the program.

4. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program designed to provide sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their field. The CSE program is offered by the American Management Association (AMA) and is recognized as an industry-leading certification for sales professionals.

The CSE program consists of four courses that cover topics such as sales fundamentals, customer service, communication, negotiation, and sales management. Each course is broken down into modules that focus on specific areas of expertise. Upon completion of all four courses, participants will receive a Certified Sales Executive (CSE) certificate from the AMA.

The entire CSE program takes approximately six months to complete. Participants must attend all four courses in order to qualify for the certificate. The cost of the CSE program varies depending on the location and provider; however, it typically ranges from $2,500 - $3,000 USD.

5. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a certification program developed by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS) to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated mastery of essential sales knowledge and skills. The certification is designed to help sales professionals advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

The CSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of sales principles, processes, and practices. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service, communication skills, negotiation techniques, product knowledge, and more. To become certified, applicants must score at least 70% on the exam.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CSP exam. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the AAPS’s study guide and take practice exams in order to prepare for the actual test. Additionally, many universities offer courses or seminars specifically designed to help students prepare for the CSP exam.

The cost of taking the CSP exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $200-$300 USD to take the exam at a testing center or online through AAPS’s website. After passing the exam, applicants must pay an additional fee of $99 USD every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

6. Professional Negotiation Skills Certification (PNCS)

Professional Negotiation Skills Certification (PNCS) is a certification program designed to help professionals learn and develop their negotiation skills. It is offered by the International Association of Negotiators (IAN). The program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Professional Negotiator (CPN), Certified Master Negotiator (CMN), and Certified Executive Negotiator (CEN).

The PNCS program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the level of certification being sought. The program includes online courses, webinars, and workshops. Participants must pass an exam at the end of each course in order to move onto the next level.

To get certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience in professional negotiations or related fields. They must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of negotiation theory and practice.

The cost for the PNCS program varies depending on the level of certification being sought. The CPN certification costs $1,500 USD, while the CMN and CEN certifications cost $2,000 USD each.

7. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to identify, develop, and grow business opportunities. The CBDP certification is awarded by the American Association of Business Development Professionals (AABDP).

The CBDP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as market analysis, marketing strategy, sales process management, financial management, and project management. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in business development or related fields.

The CBDP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

In order to maintain the CBDP certification, individuals must recertify every three years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the exam.

8. Certified Account Manager (CAM)

Certified Account Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful account managers. The CAM program is designed to help individuals gain the knowledge needed to effectively manage customer accounts, develop relationships with customers, and increase sales.

The Certified Account Manager program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on the individual's level of commitment and dedication. To get certified, individuals must complete a series of courses covering topics such as customer service, relationship management, sales and marketing, customer satisfaction metrics, and more. Upon completion of all coursework requirements, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their CAM designation.

The cost for the Certified Account Manager program varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$3,000 USD for the entire program including course materials and exams.

9. Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP)

Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The CRSP designation is designed to recognize retail sales professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in retail sales and customer service.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, store operations, marketing, and sales techniques. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

The exam typically takes two hours to complete and can be taken at any NRF-approved testing center. In order to take the exam, candidates must pay a fee of $150. Once certified, individuals will receive a certificate and digital badge that they can use to promote their credentials on resumes and social media profiles.

10. Advanced Selling Strategies Certification (ASSC)

Advanced Selling Strategies Certification (ASSC) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop their skills and gain the knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. The program consists of five modules that cover topics such as customer service, sales techniques, relationship building, negotiation, and closing. It also includes an online exam that assesses a candidate’s understanding of the material.

The program typically takes between three and six months to complete. To get started, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with the required fee. Once approved, they will receive access to the course materials and be able to begin studying for the exam.

The cost of the Advanced Selling Strategies Certification (ASSC) depends on which package is chosen. The basic package costs $499 while the premium package costs $999. Both packages include access to all five modules, practice exams, and a final exam voucher.

Do You Really Need a Salesperson Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a salesperson certificate to be successful in the sales field. However, having one can certainly give you an advantage when it comes to getting hired and advancing your career in the industry.

A salesperson certificate offers formal training in essential areas such as customer service, relationship building, product knowledge, and communication skills. Having this type of certification demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary skills and experience for success in the sales field. It also shows that you are dedicated to developing your career and willing to invest time and money into improving yourself.

Having a salesperson certificate can also be beneficial when starting out in the industry or trying to advance within it. Because most employers look for candidates with some level of experience or education, having a certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who lack it. It may even open the door to more job opportunities than would otherwise be available.

Finally, having a salesperson certificate can help boost your confidence when dealing with clients and customers. Knowing that you have received professional training in key areas will give you greater assurance when interacting with them and can make it easier to close deals and build relationships.

In conclusion, while having a salesperson certificate is not absolutely necessary for success in the field of sales, it can certainly provide advantages and help further your career prospects.

Related: Salesperson Resume Examples

FAQs About Salesperson Certifications

1. What is a Salesperson Certification?

Answer: A Salesperson Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in the sales field. It demonstrates that the individual has obtained a certain level of expertise in sales and can provide value to employers and clients.

2. How do I become certified as a Salesperson?

Answer: To become certified as a Salesperson, you must complete an approved training program and pass an examination administered by a recognized certifying body. Some programs also require completion of additional courses or on-the-job experience.

3. Are there any benefits to becoming certified as a Salesperson?

Answer: Yes, there are many benefits to becoming certified as a Salesperson. Certified salespeople typically have better job opportunities, higher salaries, and improved networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry. Additionally, certification may help you stand out from other applicants during job searches and interviews for positions related to sales.

4. Is there an expiration date for my Salesperson Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date that must be renewed periodically (usually every two years). Renewal may require additional coursework and/or continuing education units (CEUs).

5. Does my Salesperson Certification apply outside of the country where I obtained it?

Answer: This depends on the certifying body that issued your certification; most certifications are valid worldwide but it is always best to check with the issuing organization for more information about international recognition of your certification.