Top 11 Wholesale Account Executive Certifications

Certifications are important for wholesale account executives because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They also give potential employers an indication of the candidate’s commitment to their chosen profession. Certification programs can provide wholesale account executives with up-to-date information on industry trends, best practices, and other relevant topics. Additionally, certifications can help them stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market and may even lead to better salary offers or promotions. Finally, certifications demonstrate to employers that the candidate is dedicated to staying current on industry standards and providing quality service to customers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Wholesale Account Executives and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Wholesale Account Executive Certifications?

Wholesale account executive certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a wholesale account executive. Wholesale account executives are responsible for developing and managing relationships with customers, vendors, and distributors in order to facilitate the sale of products or services.

Wholesale Account Executive Certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of wholesale processes, practices, and strategies. It also serves as evidence they have the necessary skills to work in this field. This certification can be beneficial when applying for jobs, negotiating salary, or seeking promotions. It can also help build credibility among customers, vendors, and distributors by showing an individual’s commitment to their profession. Additionally, certification may open up opportunities for networking with other professionals within the industry. Finally, it could make individuals more attractive to potential employers by demonstrating their expertise and dedication to their career.

Pro Tip: To become a successful wholesale account executive, obtain a certification from an accredited institution. This will show potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the role. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry trends and taking additional courses in finance or business can help set you apart from other candidates.

Related: What does a Wholesale Account Executive do?

Top 11 Wholesale Account Executive Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Wholesale Account Executives today.

1. Certified Wholesale Account Executive (CWAE)

Certified Wholesale Account Executive (CWAE) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the wholesale distribution industry. CWAE certification is offered by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW).

To become a Certified Wholesale Account Executive, individuals must complete an online course and pass an examination. The online course covers topics such as sales strategies, customer service, product knowledge, inventory management, and financial analysis. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the individual’s understanding of these topics.

The cost of the CWAE program is $395 for NAW members and $495 for non-members. It typically takes about six weeks to complete the program and pass the exam. Once certified, individuals are eligible to use the CWAE designation after their name on business cards and other materials.

2. Certified Professional Wholesaler (CPW)

Certified Professional Wholesaler (CPW) is a certification program created by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the wholesale distribution industry. The CPW certification is awarded to those who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the areas of sales, marketing, operations, finance, and customer service.

The CPW program consists of five levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each level requires a certain number of hours of coursework and/or experience in order to be eligible for certification. To obtain the Bronze level certification, you must complete 15 hours of coursework or have one year of professional experience in the wholesale distribution industry. For Silver level certification, you must complete 30 hours of coursework or have two years of professional experience in the industry. For Gold level certification, you must complete 45 hours of coursework or have three years of professional experience in the industry. For Platinum level certification, you must complete 60 hours of coursework or have four years of professional experience in the industry. Finally for Diamond level certification, you must complete 75 hours of coursework or have five years of professional experience in the industry.

In order to get Certified Professional Wholesaler (CPW) status, you will need to submit an application with your resume along with proof that you meet all eligibility requirements for each respective level. Once your application has been approved by NAW’s Certification Committee, you will be required to take an online assessment test which covers topics such as sales & marketing strategies; customer service & relationship management; operations & logistics; finance & accounting; and legal & regulatory compliance issues related to wholesaling. Upon successful completion of this assessment test and payment of applicable fees ($250 for Bronze Level Certification), you will receive your CPW certificate from NAW’s Certification Committee.

The CPW program is designed to give recognition to individuals who demonstrate a high degree of proficiency within the wholesale distribution industry and it offers them an opportunity to further their career prospects within this field.

3. 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. The CSP certification is offered by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP).

The CSP program takes approximately 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the individual's study habits and availability. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, communication, negotiation, sales process management, sales technology, and more.

The cost of becoming a Certified Sales Professional varies depending on the package you purchase. The basic package includes access to the online exam and costs $349 USD. Additional packages are available that include additional resources such as study materials and practice exams for an additional fee.

Overall, becoming a Certified Sales Professional is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the field of sales and can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

4. National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Certification Program

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Certification Program is an industry-recognized program that provides a comprehensive overview of the wholesale distribution business. This certification program is designed to help wholesaler-distributors become more effective and efficient in their operations, while providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive environment.

The NAW Certification Program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of certain courses, as well as a final exam. The Basic level focuses on the fundamentals of wholesale distribution such as inventory management, pricing strategies, customer service, and sales techniques; the Intermediate level covers topics such as marketing and promotion, financial management, legal issues, and technology; and the Advanced level covers topics such as supply chain management and global sourcing.

The time it takes to complete each level varies depending on how quickly you are able to learn the material. Generally speaking, it takes about six months to complete each level.

To get started with the NAW Certification Program you must register for an account online at www.nawcertificationprogram.org. Once you have registered for an account you will be given access to all of the course materials needed to complete each level of certification.

The cost for each level varies depending on whether or not you choose to take advantage of any discounts available through your employer or other organizations associated with NAW. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 per level depending on which discount options are available at the time of registration.

5. Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)

Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) is a certification program designed to help professionals develop their skills in business development. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates knowledge and experience in the field of business development.

The CBDP certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam and application process. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as sales, marketing, strategy, finance, operations, and customer service. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in business development or related fields.

The CBDP certification is offered by the International Association of Business Development Professionals (IABDP). The IABDP offers several levels of certification: Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), Certified Advanced Business Development Professional (CABDP), and Certified Executive Business Development Professional (CEBDP).

The cost to take the CBDP exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $395 USD for members of IABDP and $495 USD for non-members. There are also discounts available for groups taking the exam together.

It usually takes two to three months to complete the entire CBDP certification process from start to finish. This includes studying for and taking the exam, submitting all required documents, and completing any other requirements set by IABDP.

6. Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)

Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) is a professional designation offered by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). The CITP designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in international trade.

It takes approximately one year to complete the requirements for the CITP designation. To get it, you must meet certain educational and experience criteria, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the FITT Code of Ethics.

The cost of obtaining the CITP designation is $1,100 CAD. This fee covers all materials needed for the program, including textbooks and online resources.

7. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an internationally recognized certification designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain. It is offered by the APICS organization, which is a global leader in supply chain and operations management education and certification.

The CSCP program takes approximately three to six months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of knowledge and experience. The program consists of three parts: a self-study course, an online exam, and a final assessment. The self-study course covers topics such as supply chain design, planning, implementation, and control. The online exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course. Finally, the final assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

To get certified as a CSCP professional, individuals must first register for the program through APICS’ website. Once registered, they will receive access to all of the materials needed for completion of the program including textbooks, study guides, practice exams and other resources. After completing all three parts of the program successfully, candidates can then take their final assessment and become certified as a CSCP professional.

The cost for becoming a Certified Supply Chain Professional varies depending on where you live and if you are an APICS member or not. In general it costs around $1125 USD for non-members or $750 USD for members.

8. American Purchasing Society's Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

The Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a certification offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced purchasing professionals. The CPP certification is recognized as an industry standard for excellence in purchasing, and it provides a way for employers to identify qualified candidates for purchasing positions.

To become a CPP, applicants must have at least five years of full-time purchasing experience and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as procurement strategies, supply chain management, contract law, and financial analysis. Applicants must also complete continuing education requirements every three years to maintain their certification.

The cost of the CPP certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States, the fee is $395 USD. The application process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months depending on how quickly all required documents are submitted and processed.

Once certified, CPPs are eligible for membership in APS and access to exclusive networking events, job postings, continuing education opportunities, and other benefits.

9. Institute for Supply Management's Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of supply management professionals. ISM's CPSM program is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the field of supply chain management.

To become a CPSM, an individual must demonstrate mastery of core competencies through a combination of education, experience, and examination. The program consists of three parts:

1. Education: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in supply chain management or related fields.

2. Experience: Candidates must have at least three years of full-time professional supply chain management experience within the last five years.

3. Examination: Candidates must pass three exams that cover topics such as procurement and contract management, logistics and transportation management, inventory control and materials handling, supplier relationship management, global sourcing strategies, technology applications in supply chain management, financial analysis for decision making in supply chain operations, and sustainability practices in supply chain operations.

It typically takes six months to two years to complete all requirements for the CPSM certification depending on an individual's educational background and professional experience level.

To get started on your path to becoming a CPSM certified professional, you will need to register with ISM online at www.ismcertification.org/cpsm/. Registration includes completing an application form that requires basic information about your educational background and work history as well as payment of a registration fee which currently costs $395 USD for non-members or $295 USD for ISM members. After registering with ISM you will be able to access study materials including practice exams that can help prepare you for the actual exams required for certification. You will also be able to schedule your exams with Pearson VUE testing centers located around the world after you have completed all necessary requirements for taking the exam(s). Once you have passed all three exams required for certification you will receive your official CPSM certificate from ISM along with other recognition items such as lapel pins and digital badges that can be used to showcase your achievement on social media profiles or websites.

10. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply's Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Qualification

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Qualification is a professional qualification that is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in the procurement and supply chain management industry. It is a globally recognized qualification, which demonstrates your ability to lead, manage, and advise on procurement and supply chain activities.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete the CIPS Qualification depending on how you choose to study. You can either take the full program or opt for modular learning, which allows you to take individual modules as needed. The cost of the qualification varies depending on your chosen route but typically ranges from £1,500-£2,000 for the full program or £400-£600 per module if you choose modular learning.

To get started with the CIPS Qualification you need to register with CIPS and then select your chosen route of study. Once registered, you will be provided with access to all of the relevant course material including textbooks, online resources, lectures, tutorials and exams. After completing all of the required modules or courses you will then need to sit an exam in order to gain your qualification. Upon successful completion of this exam you will be awarded your CIPS Qualification certificate.

11. Association for Operations Management's Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).

The Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles of production and inventory management. The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as supply chain management, demand planning, inventory control, production activity control, and master scheduling.

It typically takes four to six months to complete the CPIM program. To get certified, candidates must pass all five courses and an exam. The courses can be taken online or in person at an APICS-approved training center. Each course costs around $1,000–$2,000 depending on the location and format. The exam fee is around $550–$650 depending on the location.

In addition to passing the courses and exam, candidates must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having two years of professional experience in production or inventory management or completing a minimum number of continuing education credits within three years prior to applying for certification.

Once certified, CPIMs are required to maintain their credentials by earning continuing education credits every three years through activities such as attending conferences or seminars, taking additional APICS courses, publishing articles related to operations management topics, or teaching operations management classes.

Do You Really Need a Wholesale Account Executive Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, consider the type of job you are pursuing. If you are looking for an entry-level position in wholesale account executive, then a certificate may be beneficial and demonstrate your commitment to the field. However, if you already have experience and knowledge in the industry, then a certificate may not be necessary.

Second, consider the requirements of the particular job you are applying for. Some jobs may require that applicants possess specific certifications or qualifications in order to be considered for employment. In these cases, having a wholesale account executive certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one.

Finally, consider your own personal goals. Are you looking for professional development or simply seeking recognition? A certificate may provide both of these benefits if it is from an accredited program or organization that is recognized in your field. It can also serve as proof of expertise and demonstrate your commitment to continuing education and staying current with industry trends and developments.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a wholesale account executive certificate will depend on your individual goals and situation as well as the specific requirements of the job you are applying for.

Related: Wholesale Account Executive Resume Examples

FAQs About Wholesale Account Executive Certifications

1. What is a Wholesale Account Executive Certification?

Answer: A Wholesale Account Executive Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s competency in the field of wholesale account management. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage wholesale accounts, including customer service, sales, marketing, product knowledge and financial management.

2. Who should pursue a Wholesale Account Executive Certification?

Answer: Those interested in pursuing a career as a Wholesale Account Executive or those already working in the field and looking to enhance their credentials should consider obtaining a Wholesale Account Executive Certification. This credential is beneficial for employers looking to hire qualified candidates with proven experience and knowledge in the field of wholesale account management.

3. How do I obtain a Wholesale Account Executive Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Wholesale Account Executive Certification, applicants must first complete an accredited program approved by the American Institute of Professional Studies (AIPS). After completing the program, applicants will then be required to pass an examination administered by AIPS in order to receive their certification.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Wholesale Account Executive Certification?

Answer: Yes, certified professionals are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification status. Continuing education can include attending seminars or webinars, completing online courses or self-study programs, participating in industry events or conferences, and more.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Wholesale Account Executive?

Answer: The timeline for obtaining your certification depends on how quickly you complete the required coursework and pass the AIPS examination. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months depending on individual circumstances.