Top 11 Technical Account Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a technical account manager to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. These certifications can give employers assurance that the account manager is qualified to handle the tasks assigned to them. Additionally, certifications can provide an edge over other job candidates who may not have the same level of expertise or qualifications. Certifications also help demonstrate that the technical account manager has kept up with industry trends and developments, which is invaluable in today’s rapidly changing technology landscape. Finally, certifications provide a way for employers to measure the technical account manager’s competency and performance against those of other professionals in the same field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Technical Account Managers, and explain how they can help advance a technical account manager's career.

What are Technical Account Manager Certifications?

Technical Account Manager (TAM) certification is a specialized program designed to help technical professionals develop the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage customer accounts. The primary goal of TAM certification is to ensure that technical account managers have the skills and expertise needed to provide top-level customer service and support. Through this certification, TAMs are able to demonstrate their understanding of customer needs and expectations, as well as their ability to respond quickly and accurately to customer inquiries.

TAM certification can be beneficial for businesses in many ways. It helps businesses ensure that their customer service staff are knowledgeable about their products or services and can make informed decisions when responding to customer requests or issues. Additionally, it can help businesses improve customer satisfaction by providing certified staff who are better equipped to handle complex situations or difficult customers. Furthermore, TAM certification can benefit organizations by providing staff with the skills required for successful account management such as relationship building, problem solving, and negotiation. Finally, TAM certification helps businesses build credibility in the marketplace by showing potential customers that they have taken steps to ensure quality service delivery.

Pro Tip: Invest in obtaining a technical account manager certification to give you an edge over your competition. This certification demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field of technical account management and can help you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, it will give you access to more career opportunities and higher salaries.

Related: What does a Technical Account Manager do?

Top 11 Technical Account Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Technical Account Managers today.

1. Certified Technical Account Manager (CTAM)

Certified Technical Account Manager (CTAM) is a professional certification program designed to provide technical account managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage customer accounts. The CTAM program is offered by the Association of Technical Account Managers (ATAM).

The CTAM program consists of two parts: the Core Course and the Advanced Course. The Core Course covers topics such as customer relationship management, account planning, project management, problem solving and communication. The Advanced Course focuses on more advanced topics such as pricing strategies, contract negotiation, customer service and sales techniques.

The CTAM program takes approximately 18 months to complete. During this time, students must complete both courses and pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CTAM, applicants must first submit an application form and pay the associated fee (which varies depending on the country). Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete both courses within 18 months in order to be eligible for certification. After completing all requirements successfully, applicants will receive their official certificate from ATAM.

The cost of the CTAM program varies depending on the country in which it is taken. Generally speaking, however, it costs around $2,500 USD for both courses plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Professional Technical Account Manager (PTAM)

Professional Technical Account Manager (PTAM) is a certification program offered by the Professional Association of Technical Account Managers (PATAM). It is designed to provide technical account managers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage customer relationships, deliver value-added services, and drive customer success.

The PTAM certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person assessment. The online course covers topics such as customer relationship management, customer service, product delivery, project management, and more. This course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. After completing the course, participants must pass an in-person assessment that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

To get certified as a PTAM, you must first register for the online course through PATAM's website. The cost of the online course is $495 USD. After completing the online course and passing the assessment, you will receive your PTAM certification.

3. Certified Professional Technical Account Manager (CPTAM)

Certified Professional Technical Account Manager (CPTAM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of technical account management. The CPTAM program is offered by the International Association of Technical Account Managers (IATAM).

The CPTAM certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of customer relationship management, customer service, technical support, and project management. It also serves as a benchmark for employers looking to hire experienced professionals in this field.

To become certified as a CPTAM, applicants must pass an exam administered by IATAM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test an applicant’s understanding of customer service principles, technical support processes, and project management methodology. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to effectively manage customer relationships and provide effective technical solutions.

The cost for taking the CPTAM exam varies based on location but generally ranges from $250-$500 USD. The length of time it takes to complete the exam depends on the individual's preparation but typically takes between two and three hours.

In order to maintain their CPTAM certification status, individuals must complete continuing education credits every two years or retake the exam every four years.

4. Certified Software Asset Management Professional (CSAMP)

Certified Software Asset Management Professional (CSAMP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Software Asset Managers (IASAM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in software asset management (SAM). The CSAMP certification is based on the IASAM's SAM Body of Knowledge and provides an objective measure of an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to SAM.

The CSAMP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as software licensing, compliance, procurement, inventory management, and asset optimization. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

In order to become certified as a CSAMP, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having at least two years of experience in software asset management or related fields. Applicants must also submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of education or work experience.

The cost for the CSAMP certification varies depending on the country where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 USD to take the exam.

5. Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM)

Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CCRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Customer Relationship Management Institute (CRMI). It is designed to certify customer relationship management professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage customer relationships. The CCRM certification is awarded after successful completion of a comprehensive exam that tests an individual's understanding of customer relationship management concepts, best practices, and industry standards.

The CCRM certification program consists of two parts: the CCRM Certification Exam and the CCRM Professional Development Program. The exam covers topics such as customer service, sales process management, CRM strategy development, and data analysis. The Professional Development Program provides additional training in areas such as customer experience design, customer segmentation, and analytics.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the CCRM certification program depending on an individual's availability and commitment level. To get certified, individuals must first register for the exam through the CRMI website or by calling their office directly. After registering for the exam, individuals must study for it using approved materials from CRMI or other sources. Once they have completed their studies and feel ready to take the exam, they can schedule a time at one of CRMI's testing centers or online through ProctorU.

The cost of taking the CCRM Certification Exam varies depending on how you choose to take it. If you take it at one of CRMI's testing centers, it will cost $395 USD per person; if you take it online through ProctorU, it will cost $295 USD per person.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that is designed to provide individuals with a basic understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is a globally recognized qualification and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement, manage and improve IT service management processes.

The ITIL Foundation certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of study time, which can be completed in as little as two days. The exam itself typically takes around 90 minutes and consists of 40 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, you must score at least 65%.

To get the ITIL Foundation certification, you must first register for an accredited training course. These courses are offered by various providers such as colleges, universities, professional organizations or private companies. The cost of the course will vary depending on the provider and location. Once you have completed the course, you will need to take an exam to obtain your certification.

The cost of taking the ITIL Foundation exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically costs between $200-$300 USD.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification from Microsoft that validates an individual’s technical expertise in developing, implementing, and administering solutions based on Microsoft products. It is designed for IT professionals who have experience with Windows Server, Windows Client, System Center, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, Lync Server, and SQL Server.

It typically takes around one year to complete the MCSE certification program. To get the MCSE certification you must pass several exams related to your chosen field of study. The exams cover topics such as networking infrastructure, business intelligence, messaging solutions, desktop infrastructure and cloud platform & infrastructure.

The cost of the MCSE certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and the country in which they are taken. Generally speaking it can cost anywhere from $150 to $400 per exam. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with taking practice tests or using other training materials to prepare for the exams.

8. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential for entry-level computer service technicians. It is designed to validate a technician’s knowledge of computer hardware and software, as well as basic networking concepts. CompTIA A+ certification is a prerequisite for many IT jobs, including help desk support, field service technician, and network administrator.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. The exam consists of two parts: the Core 1 (220-1001) and the Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams must be passed in order to receive the certification. The cost of each exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.

To get started on your path to becoming CompTIA A+ certified, you will need to purchase a study guide or take an online course that covers the material tested on the exams. You can also find practice tests and other resources online that can help you prepare for the exams. Once you feel confident that you are ready to take the exam, you can register at a local testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

Once both exams have been successfully completed, your results will be sent to CompTIA who will then issue your official certificate within four weeks of passing both exams. Congratulations! You are now officially CompTIA A+ certified!

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally-recognized professional certification for project managers. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI), an international non-profit organization that sets standards for project management. The PMP credential demonstrates a level of knowledge and experience in managing projects and is highly sought after by employers.

To become certified as a PMP, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the PMI Code of Ethics. Generally, it takes about 6 to 12 months to complete the process of becoming certified as a PMP.

To get started on the path to becoming a PMP, you must first register with the PMI website. Once registered, you will need to fill out an application detailing your education and work experience in project management. After your application has been approved, you can then register for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a PMP varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 USD to take the exam; for members it costs $405 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking training courses or purchasing study materials that are necessary for passing the exam.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and increase customer satisfaction. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Six Sigma tools, techniques, and processes.

The certification process typically takes around three months from start to finish, depending on the individual’s experience with Six Sigma. To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and demonstrate their proficiency in applying the principles of Six Sigma.

The cost of obtaining a Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of training program chosen. Programs can range from online courses to classroom-based instruction. The average cost for a Green Belt Certification is between $1,500-$2,000 USD.

Once certified, individuals will be able to apply their knowledge to improve processes within their organization or industry as well as advance their career opportunities by demonstrating their expertise in Six Sigma methods and tools.

11. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become certified in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed for those who are looking to improve their process improvement and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to lead teams and projects.

The certification typically requires at least three years of experience in a Lean Six Sigma role, such as a Black Belt or Master Black Belt. The training generally takes between four and six weeks depending on the provider, with some providers offering accelerated programs that can be completed in two weeks or less.

In order to obtain the certification, you must complete an accredited course and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions based on the topics covered during the course. You must also demonstrate your knowledge through practical application of the tools taught during the course.

The cost of Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and may include additional fees for materials and exams. Generally, courses range from $3,000-$5,000 USD, while exams may cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Technical Account Manager Certificate?

No, a Technical Account Manager Certificate is not necessary in order to become a successful Technical Account Manager. However, having this certification may open up more job opportunities and can help demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the role. Furthermore, it can provide a level of credibility that could be beneficial in negotiations or when trying to secure promotions.

In order to become a successful Technical Account Manager without the certificate, you will need to develop strong communication skills, an understanding of customer service principles, and technical expertise. You should also stay informed about industry trends and new technologies. Additionally, having experience working with customers in a related field can be beneficial.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue the Technical Account Manager Certificate is up to you. The decision should be based on your individual goals and needs as well as your career path. If you think it will help you reach your goals then it is worth considering getting certified. But if not, then there are still other ways that you can demonstrate your capabilities in this role without the certificate.

Related: Technical Account Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Account Manager Certifications

1. What is a Technical Account Manager Certification?

Answer: A Technical Account Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in managing technical accounts. It typically includes topics such as customer relationship management, technical account strategy, problem solving, and product support.

2. How can I become certified as a Technical Account Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Technical Account Manager, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization like the International Association of Technical Account Managers (IATAM). The exam covers topics such as customer service, account management, problem-solving, and product support.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Technical Account Manager?

Answer: Benefits include increased job opportunities and higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge and skills acquired through certification. In addition, having this certification will help you stand out from other applicants when applying for positions in the field.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Technical Account Manager?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified depends on which certifying organization you choose to go with and how much effort you put into studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from one to three months to complete the process.

5. What are some resources available for studying for the Technical Account Manager Certification exam?

Answer: There are many resources available online such as practice tests, study material, and video tutorials that can help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are industry-specific books and courses offered by accredited organizations that provide more detailed information about the topics covered on the exam.