Top 11 Technical Sales Certifications

Certifications are important for technical sales professionals because they demonstrate a level of expertise and mastery in the field that can help to set them apart from other applicants. They also provide an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge in specific areas, such as a particular software application or hardware system. This can be especially helpful in competitive job markets where employers are looking for individuals with specific skills and experience. Finally, certifications can provide a valuable way to keep up-to-date on industry developments, which can be beneficial when it comes to understanding customer needs and staying ahead of the competition.

The article reviews top certifications for Technical Sales, outlining how they can help to advance a Technical Sales career.

What are Technical Sales Certifications?

Technical sales certification is a type of professional certification that provides training and credentials to individuals who are interested in working in technical sales roles. It typically focuses on areas such as customer service, product knowledge, negotiation, sales strategy, and communication skills. This certification can help improve the skills and qualifications needed to be successful in a technical sales role. It can also provide an edge over other candidates by demonstrating a commitment to the profession and providing evidence of expertise in specific areas. Additionally, it can help boost self-confidence when dealing with customers and potential clients. Technical sales certifications may also provide access to additional networking opportunities within the industry, which can lead to more job opportunities or career advancement.

Pro Tip: When considering a technical sales certification, make sure to research the program and its instructors thoroughly. Ensure that the program is accredited and will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in your chosen field. Additionally, look for courses that focus on areas such as customer service, marketing, product development, and sales strategies which are essential for success in technical sales.

Related: What does a Technical Sales do?

Top 11 Technical Sales Certifications

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

1. Salesforce Certified Administrator

Salesforce Certified Administrator is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully administer Salesforce. It is an entry-level certification that proves an individual’s ability to configure, manage, and maintain Salesforce applications.

The exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and consists of 60 multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on region but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. To get certified, candidates must first register for the exam through the Salesforce website and then pass the exam with a score of at least 65%. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official Salesforce Certified Administrator certificate.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Productivity

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Productivity is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, build and manage solutions for the Microsoft Office 365 suite of products. This certification proves that an individual has the skills necessary to configure, deploy, and manage Office 365 services such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Skype for Business Online, and Office 365 ProPlus.

The MCSE: Productivity certification requires passing five exams. The exams cover topics such as configuring and deploying Office 365 services; managing user identities and requirements; configuring network connectivity; managing cloud identities; implementing identity federation; managing compliance and security in Office 365; and troubleshooting Office 365 deployments.

In order to obtain the MCSE: Productivity certification, an individual must first pass all five required exams. The cost of each exam varies but typically ranges from $100-$200 per exam. After passing all five exams, an individual must submit their transcripts to Microsoft in order to receive their official certificate.

The amount of time it takes to complete the MCSE: Productivity certification depends on the individual's experience level with the topics covered by each exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to complete all five exams depending on how much time an individual is able to dedicate towards studying for them.

3. Oracle Sales Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle Sales Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist is a certification program offered by Oracle that validates an individual's ability to design, configure, and implement Oracle Sales Cloud solutions. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for designing, configuring, and implementing Oracle Sales Cloud solutions.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as:

• Configuring sales cloud applications
• Designing sales cloud solutions
• Implementing sales cloud solutions
• Troubleshooting sales cloud applications
• Managing user access and security settings in the application.

To get the Oracle Sales Cloud Certified Implementation Specialist certification, you must pass the corresponding exam with a score of at least 70%. You can register for the exam through the Oracle Certification Program website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $250 USD.

4. HubSpot Sales Software Certification

HubSpot Sales Software Certification is a certification program designed to help sales professionals learn and master the HubSpot Sales Software. It is an online course that provides comprehensive training on the features and functionality of HubSpot’s sales software, including lead generation, customer relationship management (CRM), email marketing, reporting and analytics, and more. The certification program also covers best practices for using the software to maximize its potential.

The certification program consists of four modules that must be completed in order to receive the certification. Each module takes approximately two hours to complete. After completing all four modules, participants will receive their certificate of completion from HubSpot via email.

The cost of the certification program is $99 USD per person. To get started with the certification program, you can register through the HubSpot website or contact your local HubSpot representative for more information.

5. SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) Certification

SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) Certification is a professional certification program that demonstrates a candidate’s expertise in the area of SAP SD. This certification is offered by SAP, the world’s leading provider of enterprise software solutions.

The certification covers topics such as sales order processing, pricing, delivery, billing and other related topics. It also includes an understanding of the integration points between SD and other modules such as Materials Management (MM), Financial Accounting (FI), Controlling (CO) and Plant Maintenance (PM).

The duration to obtain the certification depends on the individual's experience level and prior knowledge of SAP. Generally speaking, it takes around 6-12 months to complete the coursework required for this certification.

To get certified, candidates must first register with SAP Education Services to gain access to their learning platform. Once registered, they can purchase the necessary training materials from SAP or an authorized training partner. After completing all coursework requirements, candidates must then pass a series of exams that are administered by SAP or its authorized partners.

The cost for obtaining this certification varies depending on which training materials and exams you choose to take. The cost typically ranges from $2,000 - $3,000 USD for all coursework and exams combined.

6. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies. It is designed to provide IT professionals with the necessary skills to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate and configure basic network infrastructure. This certification covers topics such as network components, cabling and topologies, IP addressing and routing protocols, security fundamentals and more.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. The exam itself consists of 90 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam you must achieve a score of 720 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get your CompTIA Network+ certification you must first take and pass the CompTIA Network+ Exam (N10-007). You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your CompTIA Network+ Certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years you must recertify by either taking a new version of the CompTIA Network+ Exam or completing continuing education credits (CEUs).

7. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing & Switching

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing & Switching is a certification program designed to validate an individual's skills and knowledge in the areas of routing and switching. It is intended for professionals who work with medium-sized networks, including those that use Cisco hardware and software. The CCNP Routing & Switching certification validates an individual’s ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks.

The CCNP Routing & Switching certification requires passing three exams:

• 300-101 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing
• 300-115 SWITCH: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks
• 300-135 TSHOOT: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the CCNP Routing & Switching certification if you have prior networking experience. However, if you are new to networking it may take longer. To get started, you will need to purchase a study guide or training material from a trusted source such as Cisco Press or Global Knowledge. You can also find online resources such as tutorials, practice tests, and forums that can help you prepare for the exams. Additionally, there are instructor-led courses available from various vendors that provide hands-on labs and other materials to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CCNP Routing & Switching certification varies depending on where you purchase your study materials and exam vouchers. Generally speaking, expect to pay between $1,000-$2,000 USD for all three exams combined.

8. IBM Cloud Technical Sales Mastery Test v1

IBM Cloud Technical Sales Mastery Test v1 is a certification exam for IBM Cloud technical sales professionals. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of those who are responsible for selling IBM cloud solutions. The exam covers topics such as cloud computing fundamentals, IBM cloud services, and best practices in selling IBM cloud products. It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete the exam and it costs $200 USD. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The test can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center.

9. IBM Watson Customer Engagement Solutions Professional Certification

IBM Watson Customer Engagement Solutions Professional Certification is a certification program designed to help professionals gain in-depth knowledge of IBM's customer engagement solutions. This certification is ideal for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in developing, implementing, and managing customer engagement solutions using IBM's suite of products.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To earn the IBM Watson Customer Engagement Solutions Professional Certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get the certification, you must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam is $200 USD. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your account and schedule your exam date.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from IBM that validates your skills as an IBM Watson Customer Engagement Solutions Professional. You will also be listed as a certified professional on IBM's website and can use this credential to further enhance your career prospects.

10. Google AdWords Certification

Google AdWords Certification is a program offered by Google to help individuals and businesses become certified in the use of its advertising platform, AdWords. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s or business’s proficiency in using the AdWords platform to create effective campaigns and maximize returns on investment.

The certification process involves taking two exams: one for fundamentals and one for advanced topics. The fundamentals exam covers topics such as setting up campaigns, understanding bidding strategies, and analyzing performance data. The advanced exam covers topics such as creating remarketing campaigns, optimizing landing pages, and using conversion tracking. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and requires a passing score of 80%.

In order to get Google AdWords certified, you must first create an account with Google Partners (formerly known as Google Adwords Certification Program). Once your account is set up, you can take the two exams online at any time. After passing both exams, you will be officially certified in the use of the AdWords platform.

The cost of getting Google AdWords Certified depends on whether you are taking the exams individually or as part of a group. If taken individually, each exam costs $50 USD; if taken as part of a group (up to five people), each exam costs $25 USD per person.

11. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s ability to design and deploy applications on the AWS platform. It demonstrates a professional’s expertise in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

The exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice, multiple answer, and fill-in-the-blank questions. To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a minimum score of 720 out of 1000.

To prepare for this certification, it is recommended to have at least one year of hands-on experience working with AWS services in addition to studying for the exam. There are many online courses available that provide comprehensive training materials as well as practice tests to help you prepare. Additionally, there are several books available that cover topics related to the exam such as “AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide” by John Stamper and “AWS Certified Solutions Architect Official Study Guide” by Joe Baron.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD.

Do You Really Need a Technical Sales Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. If you are considering a career in technical sales, then having a technical sales certificate can be beneficial. It can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field.

A technical sales certificate program can provide you with an understanding of the different types of products and services offered by companies, as well as how to effectively market them. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of customer service and customer relations, which is essential for success in this field. You may also learn about different pricing strategies that can help increase sales, as well as how to create persuasive presentations that will help close deals.

Having a technical sales certificate could also open up opportunities for advancement within your current organization or even help you land a job with another company that specializes in the same type of product or service. Having the certifications demonstrates to employers that you have taken the time and effort to further your education and develop your skillset. Furthermore, it shows potential employers that you are serious about advancing in the field of technical sales and have taken steps towards achieving success.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a technical sales certificate depends on your individual goals and objectives. If you feel like it would benefit you in your current position or if it would open up new opportunities for advancement, then it may be worth considering getting certified. However, if these benefits do not outweigh the cost or time investment associated with obtaining certification then it may not be worth pursuing at this time.

Related: Technical Sales Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Sales Certifications

1. What Are the Benefits of a Technical Sales Certification?

A: A technical sales certification can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective sales professional. It can also give you an edge over other candidates in the job market, as employers are increasingly looking for certified professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession. Additionally, a technical sales certification may open up opportunities for higher salaries and promotions within your current role.

2. How Long Does It Take To Complete a Technical Sales Certification?

A: The length of time it takes to complete a technical sales certification varies based on the program and individual student's ability to learn and apply new concepts. In general, most programs require between 6-12 months of coursework or online study before completion.

3. What Types of Jobs Can I Get With a Technical Sales Certification?

A: With a technical sales certification, you will be qualified for positions such as sales engineer, product specialist, account manager, business development representative, and more. These roles typically involve working with customers to understand their needs and providing them with solutions that meet those needs through products or services offered by your employer.

4. What Is the Cost of Obtaining a Technical Sales Certification?

A: The cost of obtaining a technical sales certification depends on several factors including the type of program chosen and any additional materials needed (such as textbooks). Generally speaking, most programs range between $500 - $3000 USD depending on the level of instruction desired.

5. Do I Need Experience Before Pursuing a Technical Sales Certification?

A: While previous experience in sales is not required to pursue a technical sales certification, it can certainly help when completing some courses or exams associated with these certifications. Additionally, having prior knowledge of industry-standard tools and techniques can be beneficial when taking certain tests or exams related to these certifications.