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Best account executive certifications

The best certifications for an account executive are Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), and Sales Management.

Account executive certifications demonstrate your competency as an account executive to employers. However, not all account executive certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best account executive certifications. Obtaining an account executive certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

20 best account executive certifications

1. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)

The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

2. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)

Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Marketing Association

3. Sales Management

The SIOR designation is a professional achievement for highly qualified commercial real estate practitioners with a strong transactional history in brokerage, fee-based services, or executive management.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Sales Management
Certifying organization
Society of Industrial and...

4. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Course that help you to prepare for certification
Project Management Certification Training + 2 Practice Exams
udemy
4
(144)

6. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)

ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No

7. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant candidates must pass a national exam certifiying that they are eligible to be licensed in the state(s) of their choosing. Information about state licensing requirements is made available in the Licensed Occupation tool.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Public Accountant
Certifying organization
American Institute of Certified...

8. Accreditation in Public Relations (PR)

APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today's business arena.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

9. Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF)

The CDI Certified Industry Resume Specialist allows you to gain certification in your chosen industry.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
Career Directors International

10. Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)

IABC's accreditation program is the global standard of professional achievement for business communicators. Accredited members practicing around the world apply the same strategic management process in all communication disciplines, across diverse cultures, and in for-profit and nonprofit organizations of all sizes. This peer-reviewed program challenges candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of strategic communication planning, implementation, measurement and ethics. Candidates who meet all requirements earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

11. Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC)

Certified irrigation contractors install, maintain and repair irrigation systems. CICs:Execute irrigation projects to meet all specifications and requirements. Prepare installation sites, including layout, staking, excavation, boring, trenching, grading and back-filling. Cut and join pipe, know the limitations of different piping systems, and understand basic hydraulics. Lay out and install piping and water delivery components; backflow prevention components; mechanical, hydraulic and electrical irrigation controls; and other irrigation system components. Troubleshoot and repair irrigation components and systems. Understand good business practices; construction contracts and their legal rights and obligations; and licensing laws and codes in their state.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying organization
Irrigation Association

12. Certified Blockchain & Digital Marketing Professional

Certified Blockchain and Digital Marketing Professional™ is a unique training and certification specially designed to demonstrate how Blockchain can revolutionize digital marketing. This course focuses on the core concepts of digital marketing and Blockchain technology. It discusses how Blockchain can overcome the challenges faced by digital marketers in the current scenario. The course will render expertise on eliminating digital marketing middlemen, eliminating online ad fraud, building trust and transparency while giving customers full control of their information with the use of Blockchain technology. Certified Blockchain and Digital Marketing Professional training will prove to be your USP and will act as a catalyst to accelerate your career growth.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No

13. Program Management Professional (PgMP)

Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

14. Automotive Sales Professional

This is a tremendous opportunity for everyone who has an interest in automotive sales to become a knowledgeable, ethical and customer-focused trained individual and enjoy great career success.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

15. Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR)

Applicable to financial services professionals who have completed the AIB Customer Service Representative Certificate and who function as customer service representatives.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

16. Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)

An individual earning the esteemed distinction of Certified International Trade Professional ® (CITP®) has met the international trade industry's highest professional standards across all four major areas within the industry, including logistics, marketing, documentation, finance, and has demonstrated mastery of practical knowledge necessary to orchestrate international trade activities.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
IIEI Certification

17. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

CEM, which stands for Certified Energy Manager®, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated high levels of experience, competence, proficiency, and ethical fitness in the energy management profession. Each CEM candidate must meet one of the following criteria. A four-year engineering degree and/or P.E., with at least three years experience in energy engineering or energy management.A four-year business or related degree, with at least five years experience in energy engineering or energy management.A two-year technical degree, with eight years experience in energy engineering or energy management.Ten years or more verified experience in energy engineering or energy management.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying website
Certified Energy Manager
Certifying organization
Association of Energy Engineers

18. Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program identifies qualified professionals to lead flight departments and companies that use business aircraft. Join the ranks of esteemed aviation professionals who have already been recognized as Certified Aviation Managers and apply for the CAM Exam today.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

19. Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)

Economic development organizations need professionals who possess the expertise to combat new challenges that emerge in a constantly changing industry. The CEcD designation represents demonstrated competency in economic development wilth a high degree of knowledge, significant skills and considerable experience in the field.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

20. Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR)

The Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation empowers outstanding individuals to provide exceptional customer service.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

What is the best certification for an account executive?

The best account executive certification is Certified Sales Professional (CSP). The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) is awarded by the Manufacturers Representatives Educational Research Foundation. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this account executive certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Sales Professional (CSP), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 3 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for account executives?

The most in-demand account executive certification is Sales Management based on all active job postings. Having this account executive certification will give you access to more account executive jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact an account executive career and salary?

The Sales Management certification will help you to secure an sales manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An sales manager's average salary is $81,511 whereas account executives make an average salary of $69,618.

Best certifications

The most common combination of account executive certifications include: Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), and Sales Management.

Online courses for account executives to earn certifications

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