Top 10 Territory Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a territory sales manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for when considering potential candidates. Certifications show that the individual has taken the time to learn more about their profession, has kept up with industry trends, and is committed to professional development. They also provide proof that the individual is qualified to handle the tasks associated with a territory sales manager position. Certifications can give an edge over other applicants and may even lead to higher starting salaries or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the benefits of obtaining certifications for Territory Sales Managers, and how they can contribute to a successful career.

What are Territory Sales Manager Certifications?

Territory sales manager certification is a professional certification designed to help sales managers increase their knowledge and skills in managing sales territories. This certification helps individuals become more effective in managing their respective sales territories by providing them with the necessary training, knowledge and tools to optimize the performance of a territory. Territory sales manager certification can help individuals increase their confidence when it comes to understanding and interpreting data, strategizing and creating plans for their territory, as well as developing relationships with customers. It also provides them with the skills needed to analyze market trends, develop effective strategies for success, recognize potential new customers, negotiate terms and contracts, understand customer needs and wants, manage customer relationships, develop marketing campaigns, measure results and communicate effectively. With this certification, individuals are better equipped to lead teams effectively within their assigned territories while meeting organizational goals.

Pro Tip: When considering a territory sales manager certification, be sure to research the requirements and benefits of the program to ensure it is tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, make sure that you have access to a mentor or coach who can provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the certification process.

Related: What does a Territory Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Territory Sales Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Territory Sales Managers today.

1. Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Professional Sales Manager (CPSM) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in sales management. The certification program provides a comprehensive assessment of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for successful sales management.

The CPSM certification requires candidates to pass three exams: Fundamentals of Sales Management, Advanced Sales Management, and Professional Practices in Sales Management. Each exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Candidates must also complete an application form before taking the exams.

The cost of the CPSM certification depends on the number of exams taken and whether or not you are a member of NASP. The total cost ranges from $395 to $795 USD depending on your membership status and number of exams taken.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all three CPSM exams depending on how much time you have available to study for them. To prepare for the exams, candidates can take courses offered by NASP or purchase study materials from third-party providers such as ExamFX or Pass4Sure.

2. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of sales professionals. It is an internationally recognized designation that is awarded by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP).

The CSP program requires applicants to demonstrate their mastery of essential sales competencies through a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral presentation. The written portion covers topics such as customer service, communication, negotiation, and sales strategy. The oral presentation focuses on presenting solutions to customer problems and demonstrating knowledge of industry trends.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CSP program. To get started, applicants must first submit an application with supporting documents such as transcripts or other proof of education. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete the required coursework and pass both parts of the exam in order to receive their CSP certification.

The cost for the CSP program varies depending on location but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

3. Certified Territory Manager (CTM)

Certified Territory Manager (CTM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The CTM program is designed to provide marketing professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage territories. The program includes two levels of certification: Certified Territory Manager I and Certified Territory Manager II.

The Certified Territory Manager I (CTM1) certification is designed for those who are new to territory management or have limited experience in this field. It covers topics such as market segmentation, sales forecasting, customer relationship management, territory planning and analysis, and more. To become certified at this level, applicants must complete an online course and pass a written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to the topics covered in the course.

The Certified Territory Manager II (CTM2) certification is designed for those with more advanced knowledge of territory management principles and practices. It covers topics such as strategy development, pricing strategies, team building, negotiation techniques, customer service strategies, and more. To become certified at this level, applicants must complete an online course and pass a written exam as well as an oral presentation.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete both levels of the CTM program depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams. You can also choose to take one level at a time if you prefer.

The cost for the CTM program varies depending on which level you are pursuing. For CTM1 certification it typically costs around $500-$1000 USD including course fees and exam fees; for CTM2 certification it typically costs around $1500-$2000 USD including course fees and exam fees.

4. Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM)

Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) is a professional certification program designed to equip business professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead and manage the development of an organization. The program focuses on topics such as strategic planning, marketing, sales, operations, finance, human resources, customer service and technology.

The CBDM certification requires applicants to complete a three-day training course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as organizational structure and strategy; market analysis; financial management; customer service; product development; sales and marketing strategies; human resource management; operations management and technology integration. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, applicants will receive their CBDM certification.

The cost of the CBDM certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more for the entire program.

In order to get certified as a CBDM, you must first complete the three-day training course offered by an accredited provider. After completing the course successfully, you must then pass an exam in order to be awarded your certification. The exam is typically administered online or in person at a testing center near you. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CBDM certificate which is valid for two years from date of issue.

5. Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM)

Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Strategic Account Management (ASAM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in strategic account management. The CSAM certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully manage large accounts.

The CSAM certification process consists of two parts: an online self-assessment and a final examination. The online self-assessment evaluates your knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and principles of strategic account management. This assessment must be completed before you can take the final exam. The final exam tests your ability to apply those principles in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes around three months to complete the CSAM certification process, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. To get certified, you must pass both the online self-assessment and the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for taking the CSAM certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ASAM. For members, it costs $395 USD for each part of the exam; for non-members, it costs $495 USD for each part of the exam.

6. Advanced Negotiation Skills Certification (ANSC)

Advanced Negotiation Skills Certification (ANSC) is a certification program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge required to successfully negotiate in today's complex business environment. The program is offered by the International Association of Professional Negotiators (IAPN).

The ANSC program consists of two parts: an online course and a final assessment. The online course covers topics such as negotiation theory, strategies, tactics, communication techniques, and ethical considerations. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the online course.

To get certified, you must pass the final assessment which consists of multiple-choice questions and a written essay. The assessment tests your understanding of the material covered in the online course. You must score at least 80% on the assessment in order to receive certification.

The cost of the ANSC certification varies depending on your membership status with IAPN. Non-members pay $295 for the certification while members pay $195.

7. Certified Key Account Manager (CKAM)

Certified Key Account Manager (CKAM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of key account management. It is designed to provide key account managers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage customer relationships, develop strategies for increasing sales, and maximize profits.

The Certified Key Account Manager program is offered through the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Key Account Management, Advanced Key Account Management, Strategic Selling and Negotiations, and Managing Customer Relationships. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants receive their CKAM certification.

The cost for the CKAM program varies depending on the number of courses taken. For example, if you take all four courses at once it will cost around $2,500 USD. If you choose to take one or two courses at a time, it will cost less per course but more overall.

In terms of how long it takes to get certified as a CKAM, this depends on how quickly you complete each course. Each course typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete depending on your individual learning pace. Additionally, there is an exam that must be passed in order to receive your certification which may add additional time onto your timeline.

8. Certified Customer Relationship Management Professional (CCRMP)

Certified Customer Relationship Management Professional (CCRMP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Certified Customer Relationship Management Professionals (AACCRMP). The CCRMP is designed to recognize and validate individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in customer relationship management. This certification is intended to demonstrate knowledge and skills in customer relationship management, including areas such as customer service, sales, marketing, customer analytics, and customer experience.

The CCRMP certification program consists of four courses that must be completed within 12 months. The courses cover topics such as customer service fundamentals, sales process improvement, marketing automation, customer analytics and insights, and customer experience management. Upon successful completion of the four courses, candidates are eligible to take the CCRMP exam.

The cost for the CCRMP certification program is $1,495 USD. This fee covers all course materials and access to the online learning platform. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $295 USD which must be paid prior to taking the exam.

Once certified, individuals will receive an official certificate from AACCRMP that can be used to demonstrate their credentials to employers or clients. The certificate also includes a digital badge that can be displayed on social media profiles or websites.

9. International Association of Sales Professionals Certification (IASP-CERT)

The International Association of Sales Professionals Certification (IASP-CERT) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of sales professionals. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of the sales process including prospecting, qualifying, presenting, closing, and post-sales service.

The IASP-CERT program consists of three levels: Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Advanced Certified Sales Professional (ACSP), and Master Certified Sales Professional (MCSP). Each level requires completion of a set number of courses and exams. The CSP level requires completion of four courses and one exam; the ACSP level requires completion of five courses and two exams; and the MCSP level requires completion of six courses and three exams.

In order to get certified, applicants must first register with IASP by creating an account on their website. Once registered, applicants can choose which course they would like to take from the list provided by IASP. Courses are offered both online and in person at various locations around the world. After completing each course, applicants must pass a corresponding exam in order to move on to the next level.

The cost for certification depends on which level you are pursuing. The CSP certification costs $295 USD; ACSP costs $495 USD; and MCSP costs $695 USD. In addition to these fees, there may be additional fees associated with taking individual courses or exams depending on where they are taken.

Overall, it typically takes about 6 months to complete all three levels of certification depending on how quickly you complete each course or exam.

10. Professional Selling Skills Certification Program (PSSCP)

The Professional Selling Skills Certification Program (PSSCP) is an online certification program designed to help sales professionals develop and refine their selling skills. The program consists of four modules: Introduction to Professional Selling, Communication & Negotiation, Closing the Sale, and Relationship Management. Each module includes interactive video lectures, assessments, and activities that will help participants improve their sales performance.

The PSSCP takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Participants can complete the program at their own pace and have up to one year to finish all four modules. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion from the Professional Selling Skills Institute.

To get the PSSCP certification, participants must first register for the program on the Professional Selling Skills Institute website. Once registered, they will be able to access all four modules of the program. After completing each module, participants must pass an assessment in order to receive credit for that module and move on to the next one.

The cost of the PSSCP is $299 USD per person or $249 USD per person if registering as part of a group of five or more people. This fee covers access to all four modules of the program as well as a certificate upon successful completion.

Do You Really Need a Territory Sales Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you want to pursue a career in territory sales management, then having a certificate or other professional qualification is likely to be beneficial. A territory sales manager certificate can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in this role, as well as demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Additionally, it may give you an edge over other job applicants.

On the other hand, if you already have significant experience working in sales and/or management, then a certificate may not be necessary for you. The best way to determine whether or not you need a territory sales manager certificate is to assess your current skills and knowledge base, and decide what aspects of the job are most important for you to learn more about.

If you feel that additional training would be beneficial, then pursuing a certificate could help give you an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions within your field. Ultimately, it is up to each individual person to decide whether or not they need a territory sales manager certificate in order to reach their career goals.

Related: Territory Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Territory Sales Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Territory Sales Manager?

Answer: Generally, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, plus several years of sales experience. Some employers may also require certifications such as those offered by the Professional Association of Sales Management (PASM).

2. How do I obtain a Territory Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: You can obtain a certification through organizations such as PASM or the American Society for Quality (ASQ). These organizations offer online and in-person courses and exams to help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills required for certification.

3. Is there an exam I must pass to become certified?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require passing an exam in order to become certified. The exams are designed to test your knowledge of sales management principles and practices.

4. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete the certification process varies depending on which organization you choose and how quickly you can study for the exams. Generally, it can take anywhere from one month up to six months or longer depending on your schedule and level of commitment.

5. Are there any other benefits associated with becoming certified?

Answer: Yes! Becoming certified as a Territory Sales Manager gives you credibility and demonstrates your expertise in sales management principles and practices. It also provides opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential within the field of sales management.