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Best outside sales representative certifications

Outside sales representative certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an outside sales representative to employers. However, not all outside sales representative certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for an outside sales representative are Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Sales Management, and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).

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

7 best outside sales representative 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. 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...

3. 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

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. Certified Sales Representative (CSR)

For individuals responsible for sale of water quality improvement products.

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
Water Quality Association

6. 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)

7. Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS)

The PPAI Professional Development Certification Program Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) Certification is a PPAI industry credential awarded to promotional products professionals with at least three years of promotional products industry experience, and who have met rigorous educational course and testing requirements-demonstrating exemplary commitment to their profession. Professionals who have earned their CAS provide the highest standard of conduct and integrity.

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)

What is the best certification for an outside sales representative?

The best outside sales representative 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 outside sales representative 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 outside sales representatives?

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

What certifications can impact an outside sales representative career and salary?

The Certified Sales Professional 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 outside sales representatives make an average salary of $60,443.

Best certifications

The most common combination of outside sales representative certifications include: Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Sales Management, and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).

Online courses for outside sales representatives to earn certifications

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