If you're looking to boost your sales career, getting a sales certification can give you the edge you need. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose?

Sales certifications are a great way to show potential employers or clients that you're serious about your career and have the skills to back it up. But not all certifications are created equal.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at the 7 best sales certifications to boost your sales career in 2023. From the industry standard Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) to the newer HubSpot Inbound Sales Certification, we'll break down what each certification entails and how it can help you advance your career. So whether you're just starting out or looking to take your sales career to the next level, read on to find the right certification for you.

What Are Sales Certifications?

Sales certifications are professional certifications that a sales rep or a sales leader has professional knowledge in the sales field. These certifications help sales professionals improve their skills, increase their credibility, and enhance their career opportunities.

Sales certifications cover a range of topics that includes sales techniques, sales management, sales leadership, and customer relationship management. Earning a sales certification requires passing an exam and meeting certain education or experience requirements.

Benefits Of Sales Certifications?

Having sales certifications is really important because they show employers and clients that you know a lot about sales. It proves that you're good at what you do and that you keep learning and improving yourself. This is super important because there are a lot of people competing for jobs in sales. Here are a few reasons why having certifications is crucial for a successful sales career.

Verifying Own Skill

Checking how good you are at something is really important. It means looking at what you can do and what you know in a specific area. It's useful because it helps you see where you can get better and make sure you're really good at doing things in a professional way.

There are different ways to check your skills. You can ask your friends or people you look up to for their thoughts and opinions. You can also take tests or exams to see how well you understand something. Another option is to join programs that teach you new things and help you improve. When you check your skills, you'll feel more confident in what you can do, and you can show others that you're really good at it, which can help you find a job or get clients.

Employer Attention

Having sales certifications is like having a super cool badge that employers really like. It shows them that you've worked hard to get better at selling stuff and that you really know your stuff when it comes to the sales industry. It also tells them that you're serious about getting even better and learning new things, which is something every boss loves to see in a salesperson.

Career Growth

It's super important to keep growing in your career if you want to succeed. But sometimes it's tough to reach your goals without the right certificates and qualifications to show off your skills and experience. If you're into sales, having a certification or two can really help you stand out. Moreover, it can increase your chances of getting a job, beat the competition, and even get promoted.

7 Best Sales Certifications For Job Success

Getting certified is one of the best ways to ensure success and stand out from the competition. With the right certifications, you can set yourself apart from other job seekers and prove that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the sales industry. Here are seven of the best certifications for job success in sales:

1. Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)

The Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) certification is a program provided by the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP) that recognizes and validates expertise in inside sales. It involves thorough training and evaluation, covering topics like finding potential customers, customer service, communication, sales process, and more to achieve your sales goals faster.

When someone becomes CISP-certified, it shows that they have a deep understanding of inside sales and are highly skilled in this area. This certification can bring many benefits, such as making them more attractive to employers and giving them a competitive edge.

It also increases their credibility and opens up more career opportunities. Those who pass the exam will receive a digital badge that can be shared on social media and other professional platforms to demonstrate their expertise.

• Structure: The CISP program is comprised of 12 online modules. Each module covers a different aspect of inside sales, from prospecting to closing deals. Participants must complete all 12 modules and pass a final exam to earn the CISP certification.
• Cost: $875 for members and $1,020 for non-members.

2. Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)

The CPSP certification program is recognized as a valuable authorization for sales professionals, sales executives, CEOs, and Business Owners. The CPSP designation recognizes individuals with exceptional sales skills and sales habits. To earn CPSP certification, candidates must meet eligibility criteria and pass rigorous assessments.

The certification signifies expertise in sales strategies, communication skills, negotiation, and more. CPSP holders gain professional credibility, access to a network of peers, and increased career opportunities. Employers value CPSP certification for its validation of essential sales skills and dedication to ongoing learning in the dynamic sales field.

• Structure: The CPSP is a six-week online course that teaches you how to succeed with strategy, conditioning, and behavioral training.
• Cost: $695

3. Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL)

The Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL) is one of the best sales certification programs for VPs of Sales, Sales Managers, Directors of Sales, and Small Business Owners. This sales certificate is designed for helping them implement successful sales strategies and managing sales teams. The certification is offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP).

• Structure: The CPSL is a six-week online course that provides the strategy, proven daily conditioning, and effective behavioral training.
• Cost: $795

4. SPIN Selling

The SPIN Selling certification is recognized as a valuable asset for career growth in the sales industry. It was developed by Neil Rackham on his research conducted at Huthwaite International. The SPIN (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-Payoff) method helps you understand potential customer needs better and develop better sales methodologies for selling your products.

• Structure: 4 x 3.5 hour sessions over two weeks.
• Cost: Available on request.

5. RISE UP Sales Certifications

The NRF Foundation's RISE Up program is designed to provide individuals with the training and skills they need to succeed in customer service and sales roles. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as communication, problem-solving, and sales techniques including the sales cycle. Participants can earn certifications in areas such as customer service, sales, and retail management, which can help them stand out to employers in a competitive job market.

• Structure: The RISE Up program starts with the basic theory of retail sales to find a dream job in Retail business.
• Cost: $125

6. Challenger Selling Skills

Challenger Selling Skills is an important certification for any salesperson looking to boost their career in sales. The program is designed to equip salespeople with the tools and techniques necessary to become a successful challenger seller. Which involves questioning customers' assumptions and challenging them on their buying decisions.

• Structure: The Challenger Selling Skills certification consists of seven-module online course. Each module covers a different aspect of challenging selling, from building relationships with customers to closing deals. Participants must complete all nine modules and pass a final exam to earn the certification.
• Cost: Available upon request

7. HubSpot Inbound Sales

HubSpot Inbound Sales is the perfect certification for any salesperson looking to take their career to the next level. This certification teaches inbound sales fundamentals and how to leverage technology, content, and customer relationships to close more deals. It provides a comprehensive understanding of different sales techniques and strategies, as well as an in-depth look at how to use data-driven insights to make smarter decisions.

• Structure: The HubSpot Inbound Sales certification course consists of five lessons that contain 22 videos and 5 quizzes.
• Cost: FREE

Final Words

Obtaining a sales certification is a smart investment for anyone looking to boost their sales career and beyond. With the right certification, you can gain valuable knowledge, skills, and credentials that will help you stand out in a competitive job market and take your career to the next level.

Remember to research each certification program thoroughly before committing, and consider factors like cost, time commitment, and reputation. With the right certification and dedication to your craft, you can take your sales career to the next level.

Want more sales tips, strategies, and sales certifications recommendations? Join our free newsletter for exclusive content and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions