Top 10 Store Cashier Certifications

Certifications for a store cashier are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a level of knowledge and understanding of the necessary skillset required to be successful. The certifications provide evidence that the person is qualified and reliable when it comes to handling money, providing customer service, and performing other tasks associated with being a store cashier. Additionally, having certifications can help store cashiers stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers may be more likely to choose an applicant who has taken the time to obtain professional certifications than one who does not have them.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Store Cashiers and explains how they can help to enhance a store cashier's career.

What are Store Cashier Certifications?

Store cashier certification is a form of training and certification that helps those who work in retail stores to become more knowledgeable about the products they are selling, customer service, and other aspects of working in a retail environment. This type of certification is designed to help store cashiers become better prepared to handle customer transactions, provide excellent customer service, and increase their overall job satisfaction.

Store cashier certification can help employees develop skills in areas such as product knowledge, customer service techniques, payment processing systems, problem-solving strategies, and sales techniques. By becoming certified in these areas, retail store employees can become more confident when interacting with customers and be better able to meet their needs. Additionally, store cashier certification can also help employers by providing them with qualified candidates who have proven themselves capable of handling the responsibilities associated with working as a store cashier.

Pro Tip: Consider taking an online store cashier certification course to stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards and best practices. This will help you better understand the responsibilities of a store cashier, as well as how to handle customer transactions with accuracy and efficiency.

Related: What does a Store Cashier do?

Top 10 Store Cashier Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Cashier

Certified Professional Cashier (CPC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of experienced cashiers. It is administered by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The CPC certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as customer service, cash handling, security protocols, and retail operations. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is offered in both English and Spanish. The cost of the exam is $99 USD.

To obtain the certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a cashier or related position in a retail setting. They must also complete an online application form and submit their resume for review by the NRF. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam and schedule a testing appointment. It typically takes about three weeks to receive results from the exam.

The CPC certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed. Renewal requires passing another exam with updated material or providing proof of continuing education credits in related topics such as customer service or retail operations. The cost for renewal is $49 USD.

2. Certified Retail Cashier

Certified Retail Cashier is a certification program designed to educate and train retail cashiers in the basics of customer service, operational procedures, and safety. The program focuses on providing cashiers with the skills needed to provide excellent customer service, handle transactions efficiently, and maintain a safe working environment.

It typically takes around 10-12 hours to complete the Certified Retail Cashier program. The program is offered online through a variety of providers, including the National Retail Federation (NRF). It consists of several modules covering topics such as customer service, store operations, financial transactions, and safety.

To get certified as a retail cashier you must pass an exam at the end of the course. This exam tests your knowledge of customer service, operational procedures, and safety protocols.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which provider you choose. Generally speaking it will cost anywhere from $50-$150 USD for the course and exam fees combined.

3. Certified Point-of-Sale Cashier

Certified Point-of-Sale Cashier is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in working with point-of-sale (POS) cash registers. The certification is designed to ensure that cashiers have the necessary skills to accurately process transactions, handle customer inquiries, and manage the day-to-day operations of a POS system.

The certification process typically takes about four to six weeks to complete and consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as POS system operations, customer service, record keeping, and security protocols. During the practical assessment, candidates must demonstrate their ability to perform basic tasks such as entering items into the register, scanning barcodes, processing payments, and managing returns.

To become certified as a Point-of-Sale Cashier, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by the NRF. These include having at least one year of experience working in retail or hospitality settings and being at least 18 years old. Candidates must also successfully pass both the written exam and practical assessment with a score of 80% or higher on each portion of the test.

The cost for becoming certified as a Point-of-Sale Cashier varies depending on where you take the exam. Most testing centers charge between $50-$100 for both parts of the certification process.

4. Certified Customer Service Cashier

Certified Customer Service Cashier is a certification program that is designed to provide cashiers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide excellent customer service. The program covers topics such as customer service, cash handling, problem solving, communication, and more. It can be completed in two to four weeks depending on the amount of time you have available for study.

In order to get certified as a Customer Service Cashier, you must first complete an approved training course. This course will cover all of the topics listed above as well as additional topics related to customer service and cash handling. Once you have completed the training course, you will then take an exam which will test your knowledge and skills related to customer service and cash handling. Upon passing the exam, you will receive your Certified Customer Service Cashier certification.

The cost of getting certified as a Customer Service Cashier varies depending on where you take the course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, courses range from $200-$500 depending on their length and content.

5. Certified Checkout Clerk

A Certified Checkout Clerk is a professional who has been certified by the National Retail Federation to handle customer transactions and provide excellent customer service. The certification is designed to ensure that checkout clerks have the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately process purchases, handle returns, and provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the certification program and obtain your certificate. To become certified, you must complete a series of courses covering topics such as customer service, cash handling, inventory management, product knowledge, and more. You will also need to pass an exam at the end of the program in order to be officially certified.

You can get certified by taking classes through a local college or university or by completing an online course from the National Retail Federation's website. The cost for the certification varies depending on where you take the classes but typically ranges from $200-$400.

6. Certified Payment Processing Clerk

A Certified Payment Processing Clerk is a professional who has been trained and certified to handle the processing of payments for businesses. This certification is offered by the National Association of Payment Professionals (NAPP). It demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to properly process payments, including credit card, debit card, check, ACH, wire transfers, and more.

The certification process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as payment processing best practices, compliance regulations, fraud prevention techniques, and customer service. The cost for the exam is $150.

Once certified, payment processing clerks are expected to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but can range from $50-$200 per course.

7. Certified Inventory Control Clerk

A Certified Inventory Control Clerk is a professional who has been trained and certified to manage inventory control systems. The individual must have knowledge of stock management, inventory tracking, and auditing procedures. This certification is typically obtained through an accredited institution or organization.

It usually takes around six months to complete the certification program, depending on the provider. The program includes courses in inventory control systems, stock management, and auditing techniques. In addition to classroom instruction, students may also be required to complete hands-on training in a real-world setting.

To obtain the certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge of inventory control systems and related topics. The exam may include multiple-choice questions as well as written essays or simulations.

The cost of obtaining the certification varies by provider; however, most programs range from $500 to $2,000 USD.

8. Certified Loss Prevention Clerk

Certified Loss Prevention Clerk (CLPC) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful in the field of loss prevention. The CLPC certification is offered by the Loss Prevention Foundation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the education and advancement of loss prevention professionals.

The CLPC certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in the loss prevention industry or equivalent education. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as security systems, shoplifting prevention, fraud detection, customer service, and more.

It typically takes about four months to complete all requirements for the CLPC certification. During this time, applicants must complete online coursework and study materials provided by the Loss Prevention Foundation. They must also pass a final exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of loss prevention concepts.

The cost for obtaining a CLPC certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. Online exams cost $150 USD while in-person exams cost $200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and purchasing any required study materials.

9. Certified Money Handling Clerk

A Certified Money Handling Clerk is a professional who has been trained and certified to handle money safely and accurately. This certification is typically obtained through an accredited institution, such as a college or university. The certification process usually involves completing a course in money handling and passing an exam.

The length of time it takes to become a Certified Money Handling Clerk varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally, it takes between one and two years to complete the coursework and pass the exam.

To become a Certified Money Handling Clerk, you must first find an accredited institution that offers the program. You will then need to register for the course, pay any applicable fees, and complete all of the required coursework. Once you have completed all of these steps, you can take the exam to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Money Handling Clerk varies depending on which institution offers the program. In general, most programs cost between $500 and $1,500 in tuition fees. Additional costs may include materials such as textbooks or other study materials needed for successful completion of the program.

10. Certified Credit Card Processing Clerk

A Certified Credit Card Processing Clerk is a professional who has been trained and certified to process credit card transactions. This certification is provided by the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council, which is an organization that sets standards for data security and credit card processing.

To become a Certified Credit Card Processing Clerk, you must complete a PCI-approved training program. The length of the program depends on the type of certification you are seeking, but typically takes between one and three days to complete. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $500 to $1,000.

Once you have completed the training program, you will be eligible to take an exam that tests your knowledge of credit card processing procedures and regulations. Passing this exam will earn you the title of Certified Credit Card Processing Clerk. There are no additional fees associated with taking or passing this exam.

Once certified, it is important to remain up-to-date on changes in regulations and technology related to credit card processing in order to maintain your certification status.

Do You Really Need a Store Cashier Certificate?

The need for a store cashier certificate really depends on the type of store and the requirements set by its management.

For example, some stores may require that their cashiers have a certain level of training or experience before they can handle transactions. This could mean that they need to have completed a specific course or program related to store cashiering in order to be hired. In this case, having a store cashier certificate would be beneficial in demonstrating the required knowledge and skills necessary to do the job well.

On the other hand, some stores may not have any specific requirements when it comes to hiring cashiers. In this case, having a store cashier certificate may not be necessary since there is no requirement for it. However, having such certification could still be beneficial as it could demonstrate that you are knowledgeable on how to use various types of point-of-sale systems and other software related to processing payments from customers. This could make you more attractive to potential employers.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a store cashier certificate really depends on what is required from the particular store you are applying for and your own level of knowledge and experience with handling customer transactions. It is ultimately up to you whether or not you decide to pursue such certification but it can certainly help if it is something that is required by the employer.

Related: Store Cashier Resume Examples

FAQs About Store Cashier Certifications

Q1. What is a store cashier certification?

A1. A store cashier certification is a credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage cash registers and other payment systems in a retail setting. It typically involves training on customer service, money handling, and data entry techniques.

Q2. How do I obtain a store cashier certification?

A2. Most employers require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED in order to be eligible for store cashier certification programs. Different organizations offer courses and tests that can help you earn your certification, such as the National Retail Federation’s Certified Cashier program or the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s Cashier Certification program.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a store cashier certification?

A3. Having a store cashier certification can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle payments accurately and efficiently, as well as provide excellent customer service. It can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in retail settings and make you more marketable for promotions or higher-level positions within the organization.

Q4. Is there an expiration date on my store cashier certification?

A4. Generally speaking, most certifications do not expire; however, it is important to keep up with industry trends and best practices by taking refresher courses or attending conferences whenever possible in order to stay current with changes in technology or customer service standards so that your skills remain relevant and up-to-date.

Q5. Are there any legal requirements related to obtaining a store cashier certification?

A5. No, there are no legal requirements related to obtaining a store cashier certification; however, certain employers may require their employees to hold valid certifications before they can begin working in their stores or departments as part of their hiring process or job requirements.