12 Sales Certifications To Take In 2025
Sales certifications are valuable for sales professionals seeking to enhance their skills, credibility, and career opportunities in competitive markets. I've summarized the best sales certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Sales Certifications Shortlist
- Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) — Best for enhancing sales skills and techniques
- Inbound Sales Certification — Best for mastering inbound sales strategies
- Certified Sales Executive (CSE) — Best for executive-level sales management
- Certified Sales Professional (CSP®) Program — Best for developing professional sales skills
- Certified Master Sales Professional (CMSP) — Best for achieving mastery in sales
- Salesforce Sales Development Representative Professional Certificate — Best for Salesforce platform proficiency
- Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) — Best for inside sales expertise
- Certified Professional Sales Associate — Best for entry-level sales associates
- Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL) — Best for leadership in sales
- Sales Professional Certification — Best for comprehensive sales training
- Accredited Inside Sales Manager (AISM) — Best for managing inside sales teams
- Consultative Sales Certification (CSC) — Best for consultative selling approach
Overview of the Best Sales Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best sales certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) - Best for enhancing sales skills and techniques
This certification focuses on refining sales strategies by integrating psychological principles and practical habits into modern sales practices. It offers a six-week online program to transform you into a high-performing sales professional with advanced communication and negotiation skills.
Issued by: National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
Focus:
- Modern sales strategies
- Effective communication
- Building successful sales habits
- Navigating the client purchase process
- Sales cycle optimization
- Addressing customer needs
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for sales professionals, executives, CEOs, and business owners seeking to elevate their sales performance and influence. It signifies advanced skills in guiding clients through the buying process, negotiating, and understanding the emotional dynamics of sales.
2. Inbound Sales Certification - Best for mastering inbound sales strategies
This free certification course is designed to teach you how to engage prospects through personalized outreach and exploratory conversations. The program emphasizes adopting an inbound approach to sales, aligning with modern buying behaviors, and delivering impactful sales presentations.
Issued by: HubSpot Academy
Focus:
- Inbound sales techniques
- Customer engagement strategies
- Personalized outreach
- Effective sales presentations
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: None required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: Free
Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for sales professionals and small business owners who want to refine their skill set, attract the right prospects, and close more deals through tailored conversations and presentations.
3. Certified Sales Executive (CSE) - Best for executive-level sales management
The Certified Sales Executive (CSE) certification is a structured, self-paced program that develops leadership skills through three modules focused on sales, management, and executive-level strategies. Completing the modules and passing the certification exam grants the CSE designation, a recognized mark of sales leadership excellence.
Issued by: Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI)
Focus:
- Leading as a Salesperson
- Leading as a Sales Manager
- Leading as a Sales Executive
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: With managerial sales experience
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes; certification is valid for three years
Price:
- Per module: $300
- Module bundle: $900
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for sales managers, directors, and executives seeking to enhance their sales leadership and strategic sales management skills to excel in executive-level roles.
4. Certified Sales Professional (CSP®) Program - Best for developing professional sales skills
This certification provides advanced training to refine sales techniques and elevate performance in competitive markets. It also combines structured learning with practical exercises to help you develop confidence and capability in closing deals.
Issued by: Strategic Axis
Focus:
- Advanced sales techniques
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Sales strategies for competitive markets
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Certification does not expire
Price: Contact for pricing details
Who It’s For: This certification is tailored for sales professionals seeking to advance their careers by mastering professional sales techniques and strategies. It highlights expertise in managing customer relationships and achieving consistent sales results in dynamic markets.
5. Certified Master Sales Professional (CMSP) - Best for achieving mastery in sales
This certification is a 14-month program to develop advanced sales and leadership skills. It combines two certifications, an advanced influence program, and access to a year-long sales mastery group to prepare you for success in high-performance sales environments.
Issued by: NASP
Focus:
- Advanced sales strategies
- Leadership and team-building
- Sales influence and communication techniques
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Completion of assessments is required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: $3,395
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for sales executives, CEOs, and business owners seeking to elevate their expertise and earn a distinguished credential as master sales professionals.
6. Salesforce Sales Development Representative Professional Certificate - Best for Salesforce platform proficiency
The certification is an entry-level program designed to give you practical skills for a career in tech sales. It includes five courses with hands-on projects that help you manage inbound and outbound leads and create a professional portfolio to showcase your expertise.
Issued by: Coursera
Focus:
- Sales Development Representative role
- Personal branding
- Conversational selling methodology
- Effective use of technology tools
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: None required
- Exam: Completion of assessments and quizzes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: Subscription-based, approximately $49 per month
Who It’s For: This certificate is ideal for individuals aspiring to enter the tech sales industry, those seeking to enhance their sales skills, or professionals aiming to transition into sales development roles, particularly within organizations that utilize Salesforce.
7. Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) - Best for inside sales expertise
This program offers structured training for early-career sales representatives. It includes audio and video modules covering essential sales skills and concludes with a live role-play exam to assess practical competencies. The certification focuses on building foundational expertise in inside sales.
Issued by: AA-ISP
Focus:
- Sales process
- Prospecting
- Objection handling
- Account management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price:
- AA-ISP members: $875
- Non-members: $975
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for early-stage sales reps, individuals seeking to enter the sales profession, and those aiming to validate and enhance their inside sales skills.
8. Certified Professional Sales Associate - Best for entry-level sales associates
The certification teaches foundational sales strategies and psychology-based behaviors. It combines training videos, real-world applications, and reference materials to help you develop practical skills and sustain long-term sales success.
Issued by: National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
Focus:
- Foundational sales behaviors
- Sales fundamentals
- Understanding sales psychology
- Effective prospecting
- Rapport building
- Value-based selling
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Suitable for those new to sales or early in their sales careers
- Exam: Completion of examination required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price:
- Full Program (including certification exam): $695
- Certification Exam Only: $595
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for new sales professionals seeking to establish a strong foundation and advance their skills to the next level.
9. Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL) - Best for leadership in sales
This program is an online course to develop modern sales leadership skills. It combines strategies, behavioral training, and daily practices to create a high-performing sales team while refining your approach to team management. The certification emphasizes consistent habits and effective communication for long-term leadership success.
Issued by: National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
Focus:
- Sales leadership strategies
- Team performance enhancement
- Communication and coaching techniques
- Emotional intelligence in leadership
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: $895
Who It’s For: This certification is designed for sales professionals, managers, and business owners looking to advance into or excel in a leadership role. It demonstrates expertise in leading sales teams, fostering motivation, and implementing strategies to boost team performance.
10. Sales Professional Certification - Best for comprehensive sales training
The Sales Professional Certification is an assessment-based program that evaluates and validates key sales competencies. It provides a structured approach to understanding customer needs and helps you demonstrate expertise in various sales strategies. Successful completion grants a certificate that showcases proficiency in essential sales techniques.
Issued by: Udemy
Focus:
- Understanding customer psychology
- Developing effective sales pitches
- Negotiation techniques
- Building customer relationships
- Closing sales deals
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Online assessment for certification
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: $599
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for aspiring sales professionals seeking to gain foundational knowledge and skills in sales. It signals a commitment to professional growth and a readiness to tackle sales challenges effectively.
11. Accredited Inside Sales Manager (AISM) - Best for managing inside sales teams
This certification enhances managerial skills for inside sales professionals. It provides training on managing teams, driving performance, and implementing strategies to improve sales outcomes.
Issued by: AA-ISP
Focus:
- Managing performance
- Call coaching
- Sales models
- Hiring strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Sales experience recommended
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Not required
Price:
- AA-ISP Members: $2,250
- Non-Members: $2,350
Who It’s For: This certification is designed for sales managers and leaders who want to excel in managing inside sales teams.
12. Consultative Sales Certification (CSC) - Best for consultative selling approach
This comprehensive certification program enhances consultative selling skills through e-learning, coaching, and practical application. Participants engage in interactive learning experiences, focusing on one core competency at a time while receiving feedback from personal mentors to ensure skill mastery.
Issued by: Impact Sales Training
Focus:
- Understanding customer styles
- Consultative selling methodologies
- Effective communication
- Business expansion strategies
- Gaining commitments
- Handling objections
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not specified
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No expiration
Price: Contact for pricing
Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for sales professionals seeking to enhance their consultative selling skills and improve client interactions, positioning themselves as trusted advisors in the sales process.
FAQs About Sales Certifications
What are sales certifications?
Sales certifications are formal recognitions given to individuals who have completed specific training programs focused on enhancing their sales skills and knowledge. These certifications are often provided by professional organizations or educational institutions and are designed to validate a salesperson's expertise in various sales techniques, strategies, and industry knowledge.
Why should sales professionals pursue certifications?
Sales professionals pursue certifications to enhance their career prospects, credibility, and confidence in their skills. Obtaining a certification can also provide a competitive edge in the job market, as it demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a willingness to invest in personal growth and development.
How long does it typically take to earn a sales certification?
The duration to earn a sales certification varies widely depending on the program and the level of the certification. Some certifications can be completed in a matter of days or weeks, while others may require several months of study and practice. It's essential to research specific programs to understand their time commitments.
Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a sales certification?
Prerequisites for sales certifications depend on the specific program. Some certifications may require prior experience in sales, while others might be open to beginners. Additionally, certain programs may necessitate the completion of preliminary courses or exams before enrolling in the certification course.
Can online courses provide valid sales certifications?
Yes, many reputable organizations offer online courses that lead to valid and recognized sales certifications. These online programs often provide flexibility for participants to learn at their own pace and can be as rigorous and comprehensive as traditional in-person courses.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- List of Sales Operation Courses
- The Best Sales Community to Join
- Best Sales Podcast to Listen
- List of the Best Sales Mapping Software
- A Guide to Revenue Vs. Sales
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