Top 10 VP of Sales Certifications

Certifications are important for a VP of Sales in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and knowledge in the field. Certified VPs of Sales have been trained and tested on their understanding of sales processes, strategies, and techniques, which will give them an edge over non-certified applicants when it comes to job opportunities. Certification also shows that the VP has a commitment to continuous learning in order to stay up-to-date on new trends and best practices, which is highly attractive to employers. Additionally, certifications can provide access to professional networks where VPs can connect with other industry professionals and learn about new opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for VP of Sales and explains how they can contribute to a VP of Sales' career by providing valuable insights and resources.

What are VP of Sales Certifications?

VP of Sales certification is a professional training program designed to give sales professionals the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Vice Presidents of Sales. It is an intensive program that covers topics such as leadership, communication, negotiation, customer service, sales strategies, and more. VP of Sales certification can help sales professionals develop the necessary skills for leading a successful sales team. It can also provide them with insight into best practices for managing budgets, creating effective sales plans, and motivating their teams. Additionally, it can help them learn how to better communicate with customers and understand their needs in order to provide them with the best possible experience. Finally, VP of Sales certification provides participants with access to industry experts who can offer guidance on current trends and strategies for success in the field.

Pro Tip: To obtain VP of Sales certification, create a portfolio of your sales achievements. Include information about your sales strategies, accomplishments, and any awards or recognition you have received. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you are prepared for the role and can help them make an informed decision when considering you for the position.

Related: What does a VP of Sales do?

Top 10 VP of Sales Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Sales Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Management Association (SMA). It is designed to recognize sales professionals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required to lead and manage a successful sales organization.

The CPSM certification requires applicants to complete three levels of exams, each with its own set of requirements. The first level focuses on sales management fundamentals, such as customer service, organizational skills, and communication. The second level covers sales strategy and execution, while the third level focuses on leadership and change management.

To become certified, applicants must pass all three levels of exams within two years from the date they start their studies. Applicants must also have at least five years of experience in sales management or related fields.

The cost for taking the CPSM exam varies depending on which country you are in. In the United States, it costs $1,195 for all three levels of exams. This includes an application fee and access to study materials.

2. Certified Sales Executive (CSE)

Certified Sales Executive (CSE) is a professional certification offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). It is designed to help sales professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in sales. The CSE certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of successful sales, as well as an ability to apply those principles in real-world settings.

The CSE certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. To obtain the CSE certification, applicants must pass two exams: one on general sales knowledge and one on specific product or service knowledge. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in sales and providing evidence that they have met all requirements for the certification.

The cost of obtaining the CSE certification varies depending on the provider. Generally, it costs around $1,000 to $2,000 for both exams and portfolio submission.

3. Certified Sales Leader (CSL)

Certified Sales Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional competency in sales and sales leadership. The CSL certification is based on the AAPS’s Core Competencies for Professional Selling, which are widely accepted as the standard for effective sales performance.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSL certification process, although this may vary depending on an individual's experience and training needs. Candidates must first complete a self-assessment to determine their current level of proficiency in each of the core competencies. After completing the self-assessment, candidates must then register with AAPS and pay a fee of $595 USD. Once registered, they can begin studying for the CSL exam using AAPS’s online learning resources. Upon passing the exam, candidates will receive their CSL certification.

4. Certified Professional Selling Skills (CPSS)

Certified Professional Selling Skills (CPSS) is a certification program designed to help sales professionals improve their skills and increase their effectiveness in selling. It is offered by the American Society of Professional Salespeople (ASPS).

The CPSS program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Mastery. Each level includes both online and in-person training sessions. The Basic level focuses on the fundamentals of sales, such as understanding customer needs, building rapport, identifying opportunities, and closing deals. The Advanced level covers more advanced topics such as negotiation strategies and leveraging technology for sales success. Finally, the Mastery level dives into topics such as developing a sales process and creating a winning culture within an organization.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three levels of the CPSS program. During this time, participants will attend online classes and participate in virtual coaching sessions with experienced sales professionals.

To become certified in CPSS, individuals must pass an exam at each level of the program. The cost of the certification varies depending on which level you are taking; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per level.

5. Certified Professional in Business Development & Sales Strategy (CPBDSS)

Certified Professional in Business Development & Sales Strategy (CPBDSS) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement effective business development and sales strategies. This certification is designed for professionals who want to gain an understanding of how to create and execute successful business development and sales plans.

The CPBDSS program takes approximately three months to complete, depending on the individual’s learning style. To get certified, individuals must pass an online assessment which covers topics such as market analysis, customer segmentation, product positioning, pricing strategy, channel management, sales process optimization, and more.

To become certified as a CPBDSS professional, individuals must first register for the exam through the official website. The cost of registration is $495 USD. Once registered, individuals will have access to the online assessment materials and can begin studying for the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will be awarded their CPBDSS certification.

6. Certified Sales Manager (CSM)

Certified Sales Manager (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals who have demonstrated the highest level of competency in their field. The CSM program is offered by the American Association of Professional Sales (AAPS).

The CSM program consists of three levels: Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Certified Sales Manager (CSM), and Master Certified Sales Manager (MCSM). Each level requires a different set of qualifications and experience. To become a CSP, applicants must have at least two years of sales experience, plus a minimum of 40 hours of sales-related training or education. To become a CSM, applicants must have at least five years of sales management experience, plus 60 hours of sales-related training or education. To become an MCSM, applicants must have at least 10 years of sales management experience, plus 80 hours of sales-related training or education.

The cost for the CSM program varies depending on the level you are applying for. The cost for the CSP level is $250; the cost for the CSM level is $350; and the cost for the MCSM level is $450.

To get started with the CSM program, applicants should visit AAPS’s website to review all requirements and register for an exam date. After registering, applicants will receive study materials that they can use to prepare for their exam. The exam itself takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as customer service, marketing strategies, product knowledge, and more. Once applicants pass their exam they will be certified as either a CSP, CSM or MCSM depending on their qualifications and experience.

7. Certified Professional of Strategic Selling (CPSS)

Certified Professional of Strategic Selling (CPSS) is a professional certification program offered by the Sales Education Foundation. It is designed to help sales professionals develop and demonstrate their expertise in strategic selling. The program consists of three courses and an exam, which must be completed within two years.

The first course focuses on the fundamentals of strategic selling, including customer segmentation, value proposition development, and sales process management. The second course covers advanced topics such as negotiation strategies, key account management, and sales force automation. The third course covers sales leadership and team development.

To become certified, candidates must successfully complete all three courses and pass the CPSS exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam is administered by the Sales Education Foundation at designated testing centers around the world.

The cost for the CPSS certification program varies depending on the location of the testing center but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

8. Advanced Professional Selling Skills (APSS)

Advanced Professional Selling Skills (APSS) is a comprehensive sales training program designed to help sales professionals increase their effectiveness in the marketplace. The program focuses on the development of advanced skills such as customer-focused selling, consultative selling, and relationship building. It also covers topics such as negotiation, communication, and closing techniques.

The APSS program typically takes 12 weeks to complete, but can be completed in less time depending on the individual's level of commitment and dedication to learning the material. The program is offered through various organizations and universities across the country. Some organizations offer online versions of the course that can be completed at one’s own pace.

To get started with APSS, individuals must first register for a course or program. Prices vary depending on the organization or university offering the course but generally range from $500 - $2,000 USD. After registering for a course or program, individuals will be provided with materials such as books and videos that cover all aspects of professional selling skills.

At the end of the course or program, individuals will take an exam to demonstrate their mastery of the material covered in APSS. Upon successful completion of this exam, they will receive an Advanced Professional Selling Skills certification which is recognized by many employers in the sales industry as proof of one’s knowledge and expertise in professional selling skills.

9. Advanced Professional in Business Development & Sales Strategy (APBDSS)

Advanced Professional in Business Development & Sales Strategy (APBDSS) is an advanced certification program designed to help professionals develop their business development and sales strategy skills. The program focuses on the fundamentals of sales, marketing, and customer service, as well as the latest trends and techniques in business development and sales strategy. It also covers topics such as understanding customer needs, developing a value proposition, creating effective sales presentations, and more.

The APBDSS program consists of three levels: Level 1 (Foundation), Level 2 (Intermediate), and Level 3 (Advanced). Each level takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. To obtain the APBDSS certification, you must successfully complete all three levels.

The cost of the APBDSS program varies depending on which provider you choose to take it from. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $2,000 - $3,000 USD for all three levels combined. Some providers may offer discounts or payment plans if needed.

To get started with the APBDSS program, you will need to find a provider that offers it and then register for the course online or by phone. Once registered, you will be provided with access to course materials such as lectures, assignments, quizzes, and other resources necessary to complete each level of the program.

Good luck!

10. Master of Strategic Selling (MSS).

The Master of Strategic Selling (MSS) is a professional degree program designed to prepare students for successful careers in sales and marketing. The program focuses on developing the skills necessary to identify customer needs, develop effective sales strategies, and build relationships with customers. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in order to give students the knowledge they need to succeed in the field.

The MSS program typically takes two years to complete and consists of 36 credit hours of coursework. Students will take courses such as marketing research, sales management, customer relationship management, and sales communication. In addition, some programs may offer electives that focus on specific industries or topics like digital marketing or international business.

To get an MSS degree, students must first meet the admission requirements for their chosen school. This usually includes submitting transcripts from previous academic institutions and taking standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT. Once accepted into the program, students will need to complete all required coursework and pass any exams associated with each class in order to earn their degree.

The cost of an MSS degree varies depending on the school and other factors such as financial aid packages or scholarships available. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from around $15,000-$25,000 per year for public universities and up to $50,000 per year for private schools. Additional fees may also apply such as application fees or technology fees.

Do You Really Need a VP of Sales Certificate?

Yes and no. A VP of Sales certificate can be a valuable asset for someone who is looking to advance their career in sales. It demonstrates that the individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in sales, and it can provide recognition from potential employers. However, it is important to note that having a VP of Sales certificate does not guarantee success or make someone an expert in sales.

In order to be successful in the role of VP of Sales, one must possess certain skills and knowledge. These include strong communication and organizational skills, as well as an understanding of the industry and market trends. Additionally, being able to effectively manage a team and create strategies for success are essential for success. Therefore, even if someone holds a VP of Sales certificate, they must still possess the necessary skills in order to be successful in this role.

In conclusion, having a VP of Sales certificate can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in sales but it should not be seen as an end-all-be-all solution for success. Having the necessary skill set is just as important (if not more so) than having a certificate.

Related: VP of Sales Resume Examples

FAQs About VP of Sales Certifications

Q1. What is a VP of Sales Certification?

A1. A VP of Sales Certification is a professional designation earned by individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead sales organizations. The certification is typically earned through an accredited program and requires successful completion of tests and other assessments.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a VP of Sales?

A2. Benefits of becoming certified as a VP of Sales include increased job opportunities and higher salaries, as well as greater recognition within the industry for expertise in sales leadership. Additionally, certification can provide enhanced credibility when dealing with customers and prospects, which can lead to increased sales performance.

Q3. How do I become certified as a VP of Sales?

A3. To become certified as a VP of Sales, you must complete an accredited program that includes assessment tests and other requirements related to sales leadership topics such as finance, strategy development, organizational management, customer relationships, sales force management, and more.

Q4. How long does it take to obtain a VP of Sales Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to obtain a VP of Sales Certification depends on the specific program you choose; however, most programs require several months to complete due to the extensive coursework involved in completing the required assessments and exams.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my VP of Sales Certification?

A5: Yes, many programs require participants to complete ongoing education or other activities in order to maintain their certification status; these activities may include attending conferences or seminars related to sales leadership topics or completing additional courses or exams on relevant subject matter areas such as customer service or business analytics.