Top 11 Wholesale Manager Certifications

Certifications can be an important tool for a wholesale manager in the job market. Certifications demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job. They also show that you are committed to your profession and willing to invest time and money into continuing your education. Additionally, certifications can help differentiate you from other applicants as they provide evidence of specialized expertise in a particular field or industry. Finally, certifications can also make it easier for employers to evaluate potential candidates since they provide an objective way to measure job qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Wholesale Managers and explain how they can help to advance a Wholesale Manager's career.

What are Wholesale Manager Certifications?

Wholesale Manager Certification is a professional designation that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage a successful wholesale business. It is designed to help those in the wholesale industry reach their goals by providing them with the tools, resources, and expertise necessary to excel in their profession. The certification covers topics such as inventory management, sales and marketing, customer service, financial analysis, and more. With this certification, individuals gain the confidence and knowledge needed to effectively manage a wholesale business. This certification can also help individuals stand out from the competition when seeking employment or advancement opportunities within their field. Additionally, it can provide individuals with an edge when negotiating deals or contracts with vendors or customers. Having this certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in their profession and can be beneficial for career growth.

Pro Tip: To become a certified wholesale manager, it is important to have a strong understanding of the industry and its regulations. Additionally, taking courses or seminars in business management, accounting, and finance can provide valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a wholesale manager. Finally, make sure to keep up with current trends in the industry and stay informed about new developments in order to remain competitive.

Related: What does a Wholesale Manager do?

Top 11 Wholesale Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Wholesale Manager (CWM)

Certified Wholesale Manager (CWM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of wholesale management. The program is administered by the International Association of Wholesalers (IAW).

To be eligible for CWM certification, applicants must meet certain educational and/or professional experience requirements. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of professional experience in wholesale management or five years of related business experience. In addition, applicants must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university, or have completed at least 24 semester hours of coursework in business administration from an accredited college or university.

The CWM certification process typically takes about three months to complete. The first step is to submit an application to IAW along with supporting documentation and payment of the required fee. Once approved, applicants will receive access to the online CWM exam. This exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as inventory control, customer relations, pricing strategies, and marketing principles. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and become certified.

The cost for the CWM certification program varies depending on whether you are already a member of IAW or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD; for members it is $295 USD.

2. Certified Professional in Wholesale Management (CPWM)

Certified Professional in Wholesale Management (CPWM) is a professional certification program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the wholesale industry. The CPWM program is offered by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) and is recognized as a premier credential for those working in the wholesale distribution industry.

The CPWM program consists of three courses, each of which can be completed in approximately six months. The courses cover topics such as inventory management, sales and marketing, customer service, financial analysis, and operations management. Upon completion of all three courses, participants will receive their CPWM certification.

To become certified as a Certified Professional in Wholesale Management (CPWM), individuals must first complete an application form available on the NAW website. Applicants must have at least two years of experience working in the wholesale industry or related fields. Once approved, applicants will be required to pay a registration fee and take the three course exams within 12 months of registering for the program.

The cost of becoming certified as a Certified Professional in Wholesale Management (CPWM) depends on several factors including whether you are taking individual courses or completing all three courses at once. For those taking individual courses, each course costs $395 plus applicable taxes; for those taking all three courses together, there is an additional discount of 10% off the total cost.

3. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The CPM certification is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in purchasing and supply management. It is considered one of the most prestigious certifications in the field and is recognized by organizations across the globe.

To become a Certified Purchasing Manager, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam administered by ISM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as procurement processes, supplier relationships, contract management, cost analysis, inventory control, and more.

The process of becoming a CPM typically takes around six months from start to finish. To get started, individuals must first register for the exam with ISM. Once registered, they can begin studying for the exam using ISM’s study guide or other resources available online or through their employer. After studying for several months, individuals can then take the exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of becoming a CPM varies depending on which route you choose to take. For those who opt to use ISM’s study materials, there is an initial fee of $300 plus additional fees for taking the exam ($425) and maintaining your certification ($75/year). For those who choose to use alternate study materials or take courses through their employer or college/university, there may be additional costs associated with these options as well.

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of supply chain management best practices and principles. The CSCP program provides a comprehensive education on global supply chain management, from strategy and design to implementation and improvement.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to complete the CSCP program. To get certified, you must first register for the exam online and pay the associated fees. After that, you will need to study for the exam using ASCM’s official study materials, which include textbooks, practice exams, and online courses. Once you have completed your studies, you can then take the three-hour long CSCP exam at one of ASCM’s approved testing centers.

The cost of the CSCP program varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. The exam fee is $695 USD for members of ASCM or $995 USD for non-members. Additionally, there are costs associated with purchasing textbooks and other study materials as well as any applicable fees for taking the exam at an approved testing center.

5. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLP designation is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the core competencies required for success in the logistics field.

The CLP program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, customer service, transportation, warehousing, and international logistics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in logistics or related fields. Applicants must also submit proof of their education level and provide references from employers or colleagues who can attest to their knowledge and skills in the field.

The cost for the CLP exam varies depending on whether you are an AST&L member or non-member. For AST&L members, the fee is $295; for non-members, it is $395. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 regardless of membership status.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your CLP certification within four to six weeks after submitting your application materials.

6. Global Supply Chain Professional (GSCP)

Global Supply Chain Professional (GSCP) is a certification program offered by the Global Supply Chain Council (GSCC). It is designed to provide supply chain professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the global supply chain arena. The GSCP certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence, and it provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to professional development and career advancement.

The GSCP certification program consists of three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires successful completion of a set of exams that cover topics such as logistics, operations management, supply chain strategy, and customer service. The program also includes several online courses and workshops that can be taken at any time.

The entire GSCP certification process typically takes about 12 months to complete. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly one completes the required exams and courses.

To get started with the GSCP certification process, prospective candidates must first register on the GSCC website. After registering, they will need to purchase the appropriate exam vouchers for each level they wish to pursue. Exam vouchers cost $395 USD per level. Once purchased, candidates will have access to all relevant course materials and exam registration information.

Once all exams have been successfully completed and all course requirements have been fulfilled, candidates will receive their official GSCP certificate from the GSCC indicating their successful completion of the program.

7. Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management (MBA-SCM)

The Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management (MBA-SCM) is a specialized degree program designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the field of supply chain management. The MBA-SCM program focuses on the development of skills and knowledge related to the management of global supply chains, including topics such as logistics, procurement, inventory management, and transportation.

Typically, an MBA-SCM program requires two years of full-time study to complete. Most programs are offered through accredited business schools or universities and require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. In addition, some programs may also require applicants to have prior work experience in the field.

To get an MBA-SCM degree, students must complete coursework that covers topics such as operations management, strategic sourcing, financial analysis, project management, and international trade. Students must also complete a capstone project or thesis that demonstrates their understanding of the concepts they learned during the program.

The cost of an MBA-SCM program varies depending on the school you attend and whether you choose to study online or on campus. Generally speaking, online programs tend to be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs because there are no travel costs associated with them. However, online programs may also require additional fees for technology support services or other materials needed for completion of coursework.

8. Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPICM)

Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPICM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in production and inventory control. The CPICM certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in production and inventory management.

The CPICM certification requires applicants to pass two exams: the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) exam and the APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) exam. Both exams are administered by APICS and require applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of production and inventory control principles, processes, techniques, and technologies.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CPICM certification exams. Applicants should plan on spending at least 30 hours per week studying for each exam. To help with preparation, APICS offers study materials such as textbooks, online courses, practice tests, webinars, and workshops.

The cost of the CPICM certification varies depending on which study materials you choose to purchase. The CSCP exam costs $695 USD while the CPIM exam costs $495 USD. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or attending workshops or webinars.

Overall, obtaining a CPICM certification can be an expensive endeavor but it can also be extremely rewarding for those looking to advance their career in production and inventory control management.

9. Certified Distribution Manager (CDM)

Certified Distribution Manager (CDM) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the management and operation of wholesale distribution businesses. The CDM certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in wholesale distribution.

To become certified, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam which covers topics such as operations, marketing, sales, finance, technology, customer service and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and case studies. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the wholesale distribution industry or related field.

The cost to take the CDM exam is $495 USD for NAW members and $595 USD for non-members. The registration fee includes an application review process, study materials and access to practice exams.

The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center across the US or online through ProctorU. Once an applicant passes the exam they will receive their CDM certificate within 4 weeks of passing the test.

10. Certified Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM)

Certified Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM) is a designation for professionals who demonstrate expertise in the field of quality assurance. The certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization dedicated to advancing quality in all aspects of business and industry.

To become Certified Quality Assurance Manager, applicants must have at least five years of experience in quality assurance, including two years of management experience. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as quality systems, process improvement, auditing, and problem-solving.

The exam can be taken online or at a testing center and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $395 for members of ASQ and $495 for non-members.

Once certified, CQAMs are expected to maintain their certification by continuing their education in the field through professional development activities such as attending conferences, taking courses, or reading relevant literature.

11. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop and demonstrate their knowledge of Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques. It is typically awarded by organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The program typically takes between 4-6 months to complete depending on the individual's level of commitment and experience. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, process improvement, data analysis, problem solving and team building. The cost of the certification varies depending on the organization providing it but can range from $500 - $1,500 USD.

To get certified, individuals must first complete a training course in Six Sigma Green Belt principles and methods. This course should cover topics such as Lean Six Sigma methodology, Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC), Change Management and Statistical Process Control (SPC). After completing the training course, individuals must then pass an exam to receive their certification.

In addition to passing the exam, some organizations may require candidates to have a certain amount of work experience in order to be eligible for certification. For example, ASQ requires candidates to have at least three years of work experience in a related field before they can take their certification exam.

Once certified, individuals will be able to demonstrate their understanding of Six Sigma principles and apply them in their day-to-day activities. They will also gain access to exclusive resources such as job postings or career advice from experts in the field.

Do You Really Need a Wholesale Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a Wholesale Manager Certificate in order to become a successful wholesale manager. Although having knowledge of the industry and being certified can be beneficial, it is not necessary. A successful wholesale manager must possess certain qualities such as strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and problem-solving skills. The ability to negotiate prices with suppliers and manage customer relationships is also essential for success.

In addition to these skills, experience in the field is invaluable when it comes to managing a wholesale business. Being able to identify profitable opportunities for growth and develop strategies for achieving them requires an understanding of the industry that only comes from working in it. It takes time and effort to develop these skills but they are invaluable for any aspiring wholesale manager.

Having a Wholesale Manager Certificate may help demonstrate knowledge and commitment to the field but it is not required for success. Ultimately, success as a wholesale manager depends on having the right combination of skills, experience, and attitude—not necessarily on having a certificate.

Related: Wholesale Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Wholesale Manager Certifications

1. What is a Wholesale Manager Certification?

Answer: A Wholesale Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in wholesale management, such as inventory management, customer relations, pricing strategies, and other related topics.

2. How do I become certified as a Wholesale Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Wholesale Manager, you must complete an accredited training program and pass the corresponding certification exam.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Wholesale Manager?

Answer: Benefits include increased career opportunities, higher salary potential, greater respect from peers and employers, enhanced credibility within the industry, and recognition for your accomplishments.

4. Is there a cost associated with obtaining a Wholesale Management Certification?

Answer: Yes, most training programs and certifications require some sort of fee or tuition payment in order to participate. Fees can vary depending on the program provider or certification organization.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Wholesale Management Certification?

Answer: Prerequisites may vary depending on the specific certification or training program; however, most programs require you to have at least two years of experience in retail or wholesale management before applying for certification.