Top 11 Store Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a store supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has obtained a certain level of knowledge and skills in their field. Certifications also serve as proof of an individual's commitment to continuing education and career development. They show potential employers that the applicant is up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and safety regulations. Furthermore, certifications can provide store supervisors with an edge over other applicants when it comes to obtaining promotions or higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Store Supervisors and explain how they can benefit a Store Supervisor's career.

What are Store Supervisor Certifications?

Store Supervisor Certification is a program offered by many retail employers that provides employees with the knowledge and skills to become successful store supervisors. This certification may include topics such as customer service, conflict resolution, team building, store operations, financial management, and more. By obtaining this certification, employees can demonstrate to employers their commitment to excellence in their roles as store supervisors and show their expertise in the field.

Store Supervisor Certification can help employees stand out from other applicants by providing them with the qualifications needed to be a successful supervisor. Additionally, it helps demonstrate an employee's dedication to furthering their career and shows that they are willing to take on additional responsibility and learn new skills. Finally, having Store Supervisor Certification can often lead to increased opportunities for promotion within the company or even give them a competitive edge when seeking employment elsewhere.

Pro Tip: When looking for store supervisor certification, make sure to check the credentials of the institution offering the course. Ensure they are recognized by a reputable organization and have a successful track record in providing quality training.

Related: What does a Store Supervisor do?

Top 11 Store Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Retail Supervisor (CRS)

Certified Retail Supervisor (CRS) is a certification program designed for retail professionals who want to advance their careers in the retail industry. The CRS certification is awarded by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is recognized as an industry standard for retail supervisors.

The CRS certification program consists of three courses: Retail Leadership, Store Operations, and Customer Service. Each course covers topics such as store operations, customer service, sales management, and human resources management. The courses are offered online or in-person at NRF-approved training centers.

It typically takes about four to six months to complete the CRS certification program. During this time, candidates must complete all three courses and pass a series of exams with a score of 80% or higher. Once they have passed all three exams, they will receive their CRS certification from the NRF.

The cost of the CRS certification program varies depending on where you take it and how you choose to pay for it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD for the entire program. This includes tuition fees, exam fees, and any other applicable costs associated with taking the courses and obtaining your certification.

Once you have obtained your CRS certification, you will be eligible for higher positions within the retail industry as well as increased salary potentials.

2. Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS)

Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS) is a credential offered by the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE). It is designed to recognize supervisors who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of supervision, management, and professional development. The CPS credential is awarded to individuals who have completed a comprehensive program of study that includes coursework, supervised practice, and an assessment of their knowledge and skills.

The program typically takes six to nine months to complete. To become certified as a CPS, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of professional experience in a supervisory role or related field; completion of at least 60 hours of continuing education or training related to supervision; and passing an examination administered by CCE.

The cost for the certification exam varies depending on the number of attempts taken. Generally, it costs $195 for one attempt or $295 for three attempts.

3. Certified Store Manager (CSM)

Certified Store Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help retail and store managers develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage a retail store. The CSM certification is designed for those who currently work in or aspire to work in retail management. It provides training on topics such as customer service, inventory management, marketing, sales, financials, and operations.

The CSM certification program consists of three levels: Certified Store Manager Level 1 (CSM1), Certified Store Manager Level 2 (CSM2), and Certified Store Manager Level 3 (CSM3). Each level requires different hours of study and coursework completion.

To get certified at any level, you must first pass an online assessment that covers the topics of the level you are applying for. Once you have passed the assessment, you can then apply for the certification by submitting your application online through the National Retail Federation website. You will need to provide proof of your education and experience in order to be accepted into the program.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which level you are applying for. The cost for CSM1 is $295 USD; CSM2 is $395 USD; and CSM3 is $495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the assessment or submitting an application.

4. Certified Retail Manager (CRM)

Certified Retail Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize retail professionals who have achieved a level of excellence in their field. The CRM program was developed by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in partnership with the University of Phoenix.

The CRM certification is based on a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as customer service, store operations, merchandising, marketing, and financial management. The exam is administered at testing centers throughout the United States and Canada. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

It typically takes about two months to complete the certification process from start to finish. During this time, applicants must register for the exam, study for it, and take it. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CRM certificate in the mail within four to six weeks.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on where you take the test and whether you are an NRF member or not. Generally speaking, non-members pay $250 while members pay $175.

5. Certified Loss Prevention Supervisor (CLPS)

Certified Loss Prevention Supervisor (CLPS) is a professional certification program designed to provide loss prevention professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively supervise their teams. The certification is awarded after successful completion of a comprehensive course and examination administered by the Loss Prevention Foundation.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the course and examination requirements for CLPS certification. During this time, individuals must attend classes, study material, and pass an exam that covers topics such as asset protection, inventory control, retail security, safety management, ethical practices, customer service and more.

To get certified as a CLPS, individuals must first register for the program through the Loss Prevention Foundation website. Once registered, they can begin taking classes or studying material on their own. After completing all coursework and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will receive their CLPS certification.

The cost of obtaining CLPS certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. If you take classes through an approved provider or university program, costs can range from $500-$1,000 depending on the institution offering them. If you choose to self-study for the exam without taking any courses, there is no cost associated with registering for the program or taking the exam itself; however there may be costs associated with purchasing study materials such as textbooks or online resources.

6. Certified Inventory Control Supervisor (CICS)

Certified Inventory Control Supervisor (CICS) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage inventory control systems. The CICS certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge of the principles of inventory management, as well as their ability to effectively implement them in an organization.

The CICS certification can be obtained in two ways: through self-study or through a formal training program. Self-study involves completing a series of online courses, while formal training programs are offered by APICS-approved providers. The cost of self-study courses varies depending on the provider; however, formal training programs typically range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD.

It typically takes 6 months to 1 year to complete the requirements for the CICS certification. This includes completing all required coursework and passing the CICS exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours.

7. Certified Merchandising Supervisor (CMS)

Certified Merchandising Supervisor (CMS) is a professional certification program for individuals who manage, plan, and implement merchandising strategies in retail stores. The certification is offered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), a global trade association for the shopping center industry.

The CMS program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as visual merchandising, store layout, product selection, pricing strategies, customer service, and promotional techniques. The exam tests knowledge of these topics and other aspects of retail management.

It typically takes around 3-4 months to complete the CMS program. To get started, you must register with ICSC and pay the associated fees. The fee structure varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ICSC. Generally speaking, members pay $395 while non-members pay $495. After registering and paying the fees, you will receive access to the online course materials and be able to take the exam when you are ready.

Once you have completed both parts of the program successfully, you will receive your Certified Merchandising Supervisor certificate from ICSC. This certificate is valid for three years from date of issue and can be renewed by taking additional courses or exams offered by ICSC every three years thereafter.

8. Certified Customer Service Supervisor (CCSS)

Certified Customer Service Supervisor (CCSS) is a certification program offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). It is designed to equip customer service professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage customer service teams. The CCSS program consists of four modules: Supervising Customer Service, Building Relationships, Developing Teams, and Leading Change.

The CCSS program can be completed in as little as six months or up to two years depending on the individual’s availability and commitment. To get certified, applicants must complete all four modules of the course and pass an online assessment with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the program varies depending on how many modules are taken at once. For example, if all four modules are taken together, it will cost $1,295; however, if each module is taken separately it will cost $395 per module. Additionally, there may be additional fees for books and materials required for the course.

9. Certified Sales Associate Supervisor (CSAS)

Certified Sales Associate Supervisor (CSAS) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the sales field. It is designed to help individuals who are already working in sales, or those who are considering a career in sales, to develop their skills and increase their career opportunities.

The CSAS certification requires candidates to pass an exam administered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge of the principles and practices of successful sales management. Candidates must also submit a portfolio of their past work experience and accomplishments.

To get certified, candidates must first register with NASP and pay a fee of $295. After registering, they will receive study materials from NASP which they can use to prepare for the exam. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 90 questions covering topics such as customer service, marketing strategies, product knowledge, negotiation techniques, and problem solving.

Once candidates have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CSAS certification from NASP. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking another exam or submitting additional documentation demonstrating continued learning in the sales field.

10. Certified Human Resources Supervisor (CHRS)

Certified Human Resources Supervisor (CHRS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage human resources in organizations. This certification is offered through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as employment law, labor relations, compensation and benefits, recruiting and selection, training and development, performance management, employee relations, safety and health, and organizational development.

The CHRS certification process typically takes about four months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once approved by SHRM, applicants can then register for the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CHRS certification.

The cost of the CHRS certification varies depending on the applicant’s SHRM membership status. For non-members of SHRM, the fee is $500 USD; for members of SHRM it is $400 USD; and for students of SHRM it is $250 USD.

11. Certified Store Operations Supervisor (CSOS).

Certified Store Operations Supervisor (CSOS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage retail operations. The CSOS certification is a valuable credential for those looking to advance their careers in the retail industry.

The CSOS certification program consists of three courses: Store Operations, Human Resources, and Financial Management. Each course must be completed within a year of enrollment and requires passing an exam at the end of each course. The courses are self-paced and can be taken online or in person.

The cost of the CSOS certification program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $500-$900 while in-person courses range from $1,000-$2,500.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass all three exams with a score of 75% or higher and complete an application form that includes work experience and education information. Once approved, applicants must pay an additional fee for their certification card and certificate. Certification is valid for two years after which time it must be renewed by taking additional continuing education classes or retaking the original exams.

Do You Really Need a Store Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are applying for and the requirements of your employer. For example, if you are applying for a managerial role in retail, then having a Store Supervisor Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate is awarded by the Retail Management Institute, and it demonstrates that you have received specialized training in areas such as customer service, inventory management, and other important aspects of store management. Having this certification can give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have it.

On the other hand, if you are applying for a less specialized position in retail, such as a cashier or sales associate, then having a Store Supervisor Certificate may not be necessary. In these cases, employers may prefer candidates with more general experience or qualifications related to the specific job they are hiring for.

Ultimately, it is up to the employer to decide whether or not they require a Store Supervisor Certificate when evaluating potential candidates. If they do require it, then having one can certainly give you an advantage over those who don’t have one. However, if your employer does not specifically require this certification for the position you are applying for then it may not be necessary to obtain one at this time.

Related: Store Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Store Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Store Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Store Supervisor Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing retail store operations, staff, and customer service.

2. How do I get a Store Supervisor Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Store Supervisor Certification, you must complete a training program offered by an accredited institution or organization. Some organizations may also require you to pass an exam or demonstrate work experience in the field in order to qualify for certification.

3. Are there different types of Store Supervisor Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are different types of certifications available depending on your specific needs and goals. For example, some certifications focus on customer service while others focus on management skills and techniques.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Store Supervisor?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified as a store supervisor varies depending on the type of certification program you choose and your level of experience in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to one year or more to complete the required coursework and exams needed for certification.

5. Are there any benefits to getting certified as a Store Supervisor?

Answer: Yes! Becoming certified as a store supervisor provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, recognition from peers and employers, and improved professional credibility. Additionally, having this certification can make you more competitive when applying for promotions or leadership roles within your organization.