Top 10 Senior Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a senior sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has acquired a certain level of knowledge and skill in their field. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the applicant is qualified to do the job and can bring value to their organization. They also show that the individual is committed to staying up-to-date on developments in their industry and is willing to invest time and money into professional development. For these reasons, certifications can be a powerful tool for senior sales managers looking to stand out from other applicants and secure better job opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Senior Sales Managers and explains how they can contribute to a senior sales manager's professional development and career advancement.

What are Senior Sales Manager Certifications?

Senior Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help experienced sales professionals take their career to the next level. The certification program provides a comprehensive overview of best practices in sales management, including proven techniques for motivating and managing sales teams, understanding customer needs and expectations, developing effective strategies for selling products and services, and developing an effective sales process. It also covers topics such as analytics, data-driven decision making, customer segmentation, and budgeting.

The certification helps senior sales managers enhance their skillset and gain more confidence in their abilities to lead a team successfully. It also gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the latest trends in sales management to employers or potential customers. Senior Sales Managers who complete the certification can use it as a key credential when seeking advancement opportunities or higher salaries. Additionally, having this certification may help them stand out from other candidates when applying for new positions or negotiating salary increases.

Pro Tip: To gain a senior sales manager certification, focus on building your knowledge and skills in areas such as sales process management, customer relationship management, financial analysis, and strategic planning. Additionally, look into attending industry conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in sales management.

Related: What does a Senior Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Senior Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of sales managers in the field of sales. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their mastery of core competencies related to sales management.

The CPSM program consists of three levels:

1. Foundation Level: This level focuses on understanding the fundamentals of sales management and provides an introduction to the principles and practices of effective sales management.

2. Intermediate Level: This level focuses on developing advanced skills in areas such as managing customer relationships, leading teams, and developing strategies for success.

3. Advanced Level: This level focuses on applying best practices in areas such as strategic planning, performance measurement, and process improvement.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. To get certified, applicants must pass an online exam for each level with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also submit proof that they have completed at least two years of full-time sales management experience within the past five years or four years part-time experience within the past ten years.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on which country you are located in; however, it typically ranges from $150 - $400 USD per exam. There is also a one-time application fee that must be paid when registering for the program which is currently set at $150 USD.

2. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of sales professionals. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of the sales process, from prospecting to closing. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of sales principles, strategies, and tactics through an extensive exam.

The CSE certification is offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). To receive the certification, candidates must complete a two-day training course and pass an examination with a score of 70% or higher. The course covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, negotiation techniques, sales strategies, and more.

The cost for the CSE certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD. The cost includes registration fees for both the course and exam as well as any additional materials needed for the program.

Once you have completed all requirements for the CSE certification program, you will receive your certificate in approximately 4-6 weeks after passing your exam. Your certificate will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of business development professionals. It is designed to help individuals develop their business development expertise and advance their career.

The CBDP program consists of three levels: Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), Advanced Certified Business Development Professional (ACBDP), and Master Certified Business Development Professional (MCBDP). Each level requires a different number of hours of coursework and experience in order to qualify for certification.

To become certified at the CBDP level, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in business development or related fields, complete 16 hours of coursework, pass an exam, and pay a fee. The ACBDP requires four years of professional experience in business development or related fields, 32 hours of coursework, passing an exam, and paying a fee. To become MCBDP certified applicants must have six years of professional experience in business development or related fields, 48 hours of coursework, passing an exam, and paying a fee.

The cost for the certification varies depending on the level you are applying for; however it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

4. Senior Professional in Sales Management (SPSM)

Senior Professional in Sales Management (SPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of mastery in sales management. The program focuses on developing and honing the skills necessary to lead and manage successful sales teams.

The SPSM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in areas such as: leadership, strategy, organizational development, coaching, customer service, sales process improvement, and analytics. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these skills within a team environment.

The SPSM certification process takes approximately four months from start to finish. During this time applicants will be required to complete an online application form and submit supporting documentation such as resumes, references, and transcripts. Once the application is approved, applicants will need to pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge of the topics covered in the program. After passing the assessment, applicants will be required to attend an in-person interview with a panel of experts from AA-ISP. If successful at this stage they will receive their certification upon completion of all requirements.

The cost for obtaining the SPSM certification varies depending on whether you are an AA-ISP member or not. For non-members it costs $1,495 USD for the full program which includes access to all course materials and assessments as well as one year’s membership with AA-ISP. For members it costs $995 USD which includes all course materials but does not include one year’s membership with AA-ISP.

5. Certified Sales Leader (CSL)

Certified Sales Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program designed to provide sales professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their roles. The CSL program is offered by the American Association of Professional Salespeople (AAPS) and is designed for sales executives, managers, directors, and other senior-level sales professionals.

The CSL program consists of five modules: Understanding the Sales Process, Developing a Strategic Plan, Building Relationships with Clients, Analyzing Sales Data, and Managing Teams. Each module includes an online assessment that must be completed in order to earn the certification. The entire program can take up to six months to complete depending on how quickly you are able to work through the material.

In order to get certified as a CSL, you must first become a member of AAPS. Membership costs $99/year and includes access to exclusive discounts and resources as well as access to the CSL program. After becoming a member, you will need to register for the CSL program which costs $1,299. This fee covers all five modules plus access to additional resources such as webinars and coaching sessions.

Once you have registered for the course, you will have six months from your registration date to complete all five modules and pass each assessment with at least 70% accuracy in order to earn your certification. Once you have successfully completed all five modules and passed each assessment, you will receive your CSL certification from AAPS along with a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles.

6. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation awarded by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE certification is designed to recognize real estate professionals who have demonstrated expertise in negotiation tactics and strategies.

It typically takes between three to six months to earn the CNE designation. To become certified, individuals must first complete an online course that covers topics such as negotiation theory, contract law, communication skills, and dispute resolution. After completing the course, individuals must then pass a comprehensive exam.

The cost of earning the CNE certification varies depending on the provider. Typically, it costs around $1,000 for the online course and exam fee. Additional fees may be required for study materials and other resources.

Once certified, individuals are eligible to use the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation when marketing their services or representing themselves in negotiations. The CNE certification is valid for two years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking additional courses or passing an updated exam.

7. Strategic Selling and Negotiation Certification (SSNC)

Strategic Selling and Negotiation Certification (SSNC) is a professional certification program offered by the American Management Association (AMA). It is designed to help sales professionals develop their negotiation and selling skills, as well as understand the key principles of successful customer relationships.

The SSNC program consists of four courses: Strategic Negotiations, Advanced Sales Strategies, Customer Relationship Management, and Professional Selling Skills. Each course is six weeks long and can be completed online or in-person. The total cost for the entire program is $2,495 USD.

To get certified, students must complete all four courses within one year. Upon completion of the program, students will receive an official AMA certificate of completion and a digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms. Additionally, those who successfully complete the SSNC program will gain access to exclusive resources such as webinars and networking events hosted by AMA partners.

8. Advanced Professional Selling Skills Certification (APSSC)

Advanced Professional Selling Skills Certification (APSSC) is a professional certification program designed to help sales professionals develop and improve their selling skills. The program focuses on the core competencies of sales, such as communication, customer service, negotiation, problem solving and relationship building. It also covers topics like product knowledge, market analysis and sales strategies. The certification is offered by the American Society of Professional Sales (ASPS) and requires completion of an online course or a two-day workshop.

The APSSC takes approximately 10 hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning speed and experience. Those who complete the course will receive an official certificate from ASPS that shows they have achieved a certain level of proficiency in professional selling skills.

To get certified for the APSSC, individuals must first register for the program online or attend a two-day workshop. After registration is complete, participants must take an assessment test to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in the course or workshop. Once they pass this test, they will be eligible to receive their official certificate from ASPS.

The cost of the APSSC varies depending on whether you choose to take an online course or attend a two-day workshop. Online courses typically cost between $200-$400 USD while workshops range from $500-$1000 USD.

9. International Association of Sales Professionals (IASP) Certification

The International Association of Sales Professionals (IASP) Certification is a globally recognized certification program that recognizes and rewards sales professionals for their knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is designed to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of sales.

The certification process takes approximately three months to complete, depending on the individual's experience and knowledge. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online assessment that evaluates their understanding of sales principles and techniques. After passing the assessment, applicants must then complete a series of courses covering topics such as customer service, negotiation strategies, sales management, and more. Upon completion of the courses, applicants are eligible to take the IASP certification exam.

To get IASP certified, applicants must pay an application fee of $150 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online assessment and course materials needed to prepare for the exam. Additionally, applicants must also pay an exam fee which varies by country but typically ranges from $200-400 USD depending on location and currency exchange rates.

Once certified, individuals can use their IASP credentials to demonstrate their expertise in sales-related fields and gain access to exclusive resources such as job postings, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, discounts on professional development programs and conferences related to sales topics.

10. Global Leadership in Sales Management Certification (GLSMC).

Global Leadership in Sales Management Certification (GLSMC) is a professional certification program that provides sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead, manage, and motivate sales teams. This certification is designed to help sales managers become more effective leaders by providing them with the tools to build successful teams and increase their team’s performance.

The GLSMC program consists of four courses: Introduction to Sales Management, Advanced Sales Management, Leadership in Sales Management, and Strategic Selling. Each course includes lectures, case studies, and hands-on activities that focus on developing key leadership competencies such as communication, problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution. The program also provides an opportunity for participants to practice their newly acquired skills through role-playing exercises.

The GLSMC can be completed in as little as three months if all four courses are taken consecutively. However, it is possible to take each course separately over a longer period of time if desired.

To get the GLSMC certification you must complete all four courses offered by the program. You must also pass a final exam at the end of each course with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your certificate of completion from Global Leadership Institute (GLI).

The cost of the GLSMC depends on which option you choose; either taking all four courses consecutively or taking one course at a time over a longer period of time. If you choose to take all four courses consecutively then the cost will be $2,495 USD plus applicable taxes. If you choose to take one course at a time then the cost will be $695 USD per course plus applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Senior Sales Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. A Senior Sales Manager Certificate is not a requirement for success in the field of sales management. However, it can be beneficial to have this certification, especially if you are looking to advance your career or take on more responsibility.

Having a Senior Sales Manager Certificate indicates that you have taken the time to understand and learn about sales management principles and strategies. It shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to help their organization reach its goals. It also allows employers to feel confident in your ability to lead a team and make decisions that will benefit their business.

In addition, having a Senior Sales Manager Certificate can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the industry. The certificate shows potential employers that you are serious about making an impact in the field of sales management and that you are willing to invest in yourself by taking the time to further your education.

Finally, having a Senior Sales Manager Certificate gives you access to professional networks and resources that can provide valuable insight into current trends and strategies in sales management. These resources can help you stay up-to-date on industry news and best practices, giving you an advantage over other applicants who may not have as much experience or knowledge in the field.

Overall, while it is not required, having a Senior Sales Manager Certificate can be beneficial for anyone who wants to pursue a career in sales management. It demonstrates commitment, dedication, and expertise which will help set you apart from other candidates when seeking employment opportunities within the field.

Related: Senior Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Sales Manager Certifications

1. What is a Senior Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: A Senior Sales Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in the sales management field. It is designed to help experienced sales managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends and practices, while also providing them with the tools they need to be successful in their role.

2. How do I become certified as a Senior Sales Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Senior Sales Manager, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the certifying body. This typically includes having a certain level of experience and/or education in sales management, passing an exam, and completing any additional coursework or training required by the certifying body.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Senior Sales Manager?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Senior Sales Manager depends on several factors including the certifying body's requirements, your own experience and qualifications, and how quickly you can complete any necessary coursework or exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become fully certified in this role.

4. What are some of the benefits of becoming a Certified Senior Sales Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Senior Sales Manager provides numerous benefits for those who choose to pursue this certification. These include increased job security, higher earning potential, more credibility within the industry, access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities, and improved professional development opportunities.

5. Is there an exam required for certification as a Senior Sales Manager?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to pass an exam in order to become certified as a Senior Sales Manager. The specific requirements vary depending on which organization is offering the certification program; however, they typically include written tests on topics such as sales management principles and best practices, customer service strategies, market analysis methods, and other relevant information related to successful sales management practices.