Top 10 Technical Sales Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for technical sales engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in their field. A technical sales engineer with certifications will have an edge over other candidates, as employers are more likely to trust that they can effectively handle the tasks associated with the role. Additionally, certifications show potential employers that the candidate has taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications and is committed to staying up-to-date on developments in their industry. This is especially important for technical sales engineers, who must be adept at understanding complex products and services, as well as developing relationships with clients.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for technical sales engineers and demonstrate how they can advance their career.

What are Technical Sales Engineer Certifications?

Technical Sales Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a specialized knowledge of selling technical products and services. This certification is designed to give professionals the skills they need to be successful in sales engineering roles, which involve both sales and technical know-how.

The certification covers topics such as product positioning and competitive analysis, customer needs assessment, value proposition development, proposal writing and presentation, negotiation tactics, and post-sale support. By earning this certification, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in sales engineering processes and gain recognition from employers looking for qualified candidates.

Having Technical Sales Engineer Certification can help professionals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions. It also helps them become more knowledgeable about the latest technologies and trends in their field so they can better serve customers. Additionally, it gives them access to networking opportunities with other certified professionals who may be able to help them further their career. Finally, it shows potential employers that they are committed to staying up-to-date on industry developments and have the necessary skills to contribute significantly to their organization’s success.

Pro Tip: When considering a technical sales engineer certification, make sure to research the certifying organization to ensure it is reputable and offers a high-quality curriculum. Additionally, look for certifications that offer hands-on experience and opportunities to network with other professionals in the field.

Related: What does a Technical Sales Engineer do?

Top 10 Technical Sales Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Sales Engineer (CPSE)

Certified Professional Sales Engineer (CPSE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in the field of sales engineering. The CPSE certification is awarded to those who have demonstrated a mastery of the principles and practices of sales engineering, including customer service, technical knowledge, problem solving, and communication skills.

To become certified as a CPSE, an individual must complete a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as sales management, product development and marketing, customer service, technical knowledge, problem solving and communication skills. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The time required to get the CPSE certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, it takes about six months of study to prepare for the exam. During this time, individuals should review material related to sales engineering topics such as customer service, product development and marketing, technical knowledge and problem solving. Additionally, they should practice taking practice tests or participate in online courses or seminars offered by ASPE or other organizations related to sales engineering.

The cost for taking the CPSE exam is $550 USD for members of ASPE and $650 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials as well as registration fees associated with taking the exam.

2. Certified Technical Sales Professional (CTSP)

Certified Technical Sales Professional (CTSP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). The CTSP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in technical sales, including the ability to identify customer needs, develop effective solutions, and successfully close deals.

The CTSP certification requires successful completion of an online assessment that covers topics such as sales fundamentals, customer relationship management, negotiation techniques, and product knowledge. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge through a series of case studies. The assessment typically takes about three hours to complete.

In order to become certified, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the online assessment with a score of at least 70%. They must also pay an application fee of $195 USD. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing professional education credits and paying an annual renewal fee of $95 USD.

3. Certified Solutions Architect (CSA)

Certified Solutions Architect (CSA) is a professional certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in designing, deploying, and managing applications and infrastructure on the AWS platform. The certification validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and manage cloud-based solutions using AWS technologies.

It usually takes about three months of study and preparation to get Certified Solutions Architect (CSA). To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you have hands-on experience with AWS services and technologies. Additionally, there are several online courses available that can help you prepare for the exam.

To obtain the CSA certification, you must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Exam. This exam consists of multiple choice questions related to designing and deploying applications on the AWS platform. The exam costs $150 USD per attempt. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CSA certification from Amazon Web Services.

4. Certified Network Engineer (CNE)

Certified Network Engineer (CNE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the design, implementation and management of computer networks. It is offered by a number of organizations, including CompTIA, Cisco and Microsoft.

The CNE certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as network architecture, routing protocols, switching technologies, security systems and network troubleshooting. The certification also covers topics related to data centers, virtualization and cloud computing.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CNE certification program. Candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge on various topics related to networking technologies. The exam is usually offered online or at approved testing centers.

The cost of the CNE certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 USD for the exam fee alone. Additional fees may be required for study materials or other services associated with the program.

5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program developed by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of security professionals working in cloud computing environments. The CCSP certification demonstrates an individual’s understanding of cloud security best practices and their ability to apply them in real-world situations.

The CCSP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. To become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

In order to be eligible for the CCSP exam, candidates must have at least five years of cumulative paid full-time work experience in information technology, with three years of information security and one year in one or more of the six domains covered by the CSA's CCSP Body of Knowledge. Candidates must also agree to abide by the CSA Code of Ethics.

The cost for taking the CCSP exam is $549 USD.

6. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s expertise in Microsoft technologies, such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, System Center and Azure. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates an individual's ability to design, implement, and manage complex IT infrastructures using Microsoft technologies.

It typically takes six months to two years to complete the MCSE certification depending on the individual’s experience level and the number of exams taken. To get certified, individuals must pass one or more exams from a list of approved exams. The cost of each exam varies depending on the exam type and location but generally ranges from $100-$200 per exam.

To maintain the MCSE certification status, individuals must retake any applicable exams every three years or participate in continuing education activities such as attending conferences or taking online courses.

7. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their competency in areas such as installation, configuration, networking, security, and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ certification is a great way to show employers that you have the technical skills needed to work in the IT field.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). The exams cover topics such as hardware, operating systems, virtualization and cloud computing, mobile devices, network technologies, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. Each exam takes 90 minutes to complete and contains 90 multiple choice questions.

To get CompTIA A+ certified you must pass both exams with a score of 700 or higher on each exam. You can take the exams at any Pearson VUE or Certiport testing center. The cost of the exams varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.

In total it usually takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. There are many online resources available including practice tests and study guides that can help you prepare for the exams.

8. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. This certification is suitable for entry-level network engineers, system administrators, network technicians, and help desk technicians.

It typically takes about three months of study and practice to prepare for the CCNA exam. It is recommended that individuals have at least one year of networking experience before attempting the CCNA exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but usually ranges from $250-$300 USD.

To get certified as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), an individual must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long and consist of multiple choice questions. After passing both exams, individuals will receive their CCNA certification.

9. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed to validate the technical skills and knowledge of IT professionals who work with VMware vSphere technologies. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s ability to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot complex virtualization environments.

The VCP certification process consists of two parts: a required training course and an exam. The training course must be completed prior to taking the exam. The length of the training course will vary depending on the version of VMware vSphere being certified for, but it typically takes between two and five days to complete.

To become VCP certified, you must first register for a VMware authorized training course from an accredited provider. After completing the training course, you must pass the associated VCP exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on which version of vSphere you are certifying for, but it typically ranges from $250 to $400 USD per exam attempt.

In addition to passing the required exam, there are other requirements that must be met in order to achieve VCP certification status. These include having at least six months of experience working with VMware vSphere technologies and agreeing to adhere to VMware’s Code of Conduct. Once all requirements have been met, you can apply for your VCP certification online through VMware's website.

10. Oracle Database Administrator Certification

Oracle Database Administrator Certification is a certification offered by Oracle Corporation to demonstrate a professional's expertise in administering and managing Oracle databases. The certification requires passing one or more exams that cover topics such as database architecture, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and data management.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the Oracle Database Administrator Certification exam depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, you must pass an exam administered by Oracle University. The cost of the exam varies based on the version of the Oracle database you are taking it for. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $245-$395 USD per exam.

In addition to passing the exam, there are some prerequisites that must be met before taking it including having at least six months of hands-on experience with Oracle Database Administration and/or having taken an approved training course from Oracle University.

Do You Really Need a Technical Sales Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on the individual’s goals and career path. For those who are looking to move up in the field of technical sales engineering, a certificate can certainly be beneficial. It can provide evidence of knowledge and expertise in the field as well as give employers an indication of dedication and commitment to the profession.

A certificate may also open doors for further opportunities, such as more advanced training or even a promotion within the company. With a certificate, it may also be easier to find work in other companies or industries that require similar skills.

On the other hand, a technical sales engineer certificate is not always necessary for success in this profession. There are many individuals who have had successful careers without one. In some cases, experience and self-education may be enough to succeed.

At the end of the day, it is important for each individual to evaluate their own needs and goals before making this decision. If a technical sales engineer certificate is seen as an essential step towards achieving career goals then it would be worth considering investing in one. However, if it does not seem necessary then it might not be worth pursuing at this time.

Related: Technical Sales Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Sales Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Technical Sales Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Technical Sales Engineer Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in sales engineering. It is designed to equip sales engineers with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively sell technical products and services.

2. What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Technical Sales Engineer Certification?

Answer: Prerequisites vary by certification provider, but typically require experience working in sales engineering or related fields, as well as passing written tests and/or practical exams.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Technical Sales Engineer Certification?

Answer: The amount of time needed to complete certification requirements can vary depending on the provider and level of certification sought, but most certifications can be completed within a few months if you have the necessary experience and study materials.

4. What are the benefits of having a Technical Sales Engineer Certification?

Answer: Having a Technical Sales Engineer Certification can help professionals stand out from other applicants when seeking jobs in the field, demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in sales engineering, increase their earning potential, and give them access to industry-related events and networking opportunities.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements associated with maintaining a Technical Sales Engineer Certification?

Answer: Yes, some providers require certified individuals to take part in ongoing continuing education activities such as attending seminars or workshops, completing online courses, or passing additional exams in order to maintain their certification status.