Key takeaways
CRM certificates can be a great way to take your career to the next level for web development teams and salespeople alike. There are numerous potential programs available to turn you into a power user or even an implementation expert. The question, then, is which is right for you?
ALSO READ: How to Use CRM for Business
| Salesforce Administrator | HubSpot Academy | Microsoft Dynamics 365 | NetSuite Administrator | Zendesk | |
| CRM Certification Cost | From $100 to $6,000, depending on chosen path | Free, but some options require HubSpot Professional at $800 per month. | Starts at $99 | $250 | Starts at $350 |
| Certification Length | 1 year, then recertification | 13-25 months | Does not expire | 3 years | 1-2 years, then recertification |
| Previous skills required? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CRM courses may cover areas like customer service, marketing, administration, and sales. The CRM certification process will often involve training and taking exams to demonstrate a worker’s understanding and proficiency of the topic or topics of study.
Once an employee has met the necessary requirements to obtain a certificate he or she can show clients and employers that they have the skills available to improve workflow and customer relationships.
In this article...
5 Of the best CRM certifications
Salesforce Administrator: A Salesforce certification is a credential that is globally recognized and can benefit administrators, marketing consultants, and developers.
HubSpot Academy: HubSpot Academy offers a variety of certification courses with lessons that range from one to six hours to complete. These courses include concentrations in CRM, CMS, and sales.
Microsoft Dynamics 365: Microsoft Dynamics 365 is among the very best in offering CRM certification for basic and advanced skill levels. The platform provides a number of classes that are applicable to professionals working in sales, finance, and customer service.
NetSuite Administrator: Oracle’s NetSuite is geared towards larger companies and a NetSuite certification is intended for professionals already knowledgeable with Oracle and its customer database. NetSuite consultants can expect to gain more clients and maintain existing clientele more easily through certification.
Zendesk: Zendesk provides certification for customer support specialists, sales professionals, and administrators. This certification offers CRM support tools and usually applies to small businesses.
Who stands to benefit from CRM certification?
Businesses with a desire to improve customer satisfaction and drive customer retention rates stand to benefit when key team members become CRM-certified.
Employees also stand to largely benefit from receiving their CRM certificates as they can use them to add to their work experience and improve their employment outcomes in the future.
CRM certification is a professional validation of the knowledge and skill sets gained by those workers who have undergone formal training and show proficiency in CRM that allows them to better manage CRM systems.
ALSO READ: Who Uses a CRM and Why?
What are the drawbacks to certification?
While there are many benefits that can be associated with the certification process, some drawbacks are possible. For example, the cost of certification may be outside of your company’s budget or the expense could be far too great to even consider. Also, if the focus is on the wrong employee, this could lead to a loss of resources and a poor use of time management.
Experiencing the ill effects of certification is perfectly normal. Weighing the cost/risk differential is paramount, and will involve assessing whether the certification of select team members is the appropriate course of action for your business to take. Consider timing, overall cost, and if betting on the right individual is worth the CRM training expense.
Reinvesting in your company by molding more knowledgeable employees can help them better manage CRM systems, and strengthen CRM strategies in the future, which bolsters your company’s position in a competitive marketplace.
ALSO READ: Top CRM Challenges & Strategies for Overcoming Them
Why is CRM certification important for your business?
CRM certification teaches members of your team the best business practices and gives ample opportunity to boost their efficiency, gain a competitive market advantage, and continue to make improvements to their CRM strategies. This should translate to better business practices overall and increase the viability of your company.
In addition to strengthening your business practices, the completion of CRM certification by key members of your team will allow them to work more cohesively while keeping abreast of changing trends and unforeseen challenges that can be thrust upon your company at any time.
Having employees who are able to think more critically when a problem arises will help your company better mitigate that issue and allow for your time and resources to be applied to other areas that also require attention.
Still looking for the latest in CRM solutions? Check out our CRM Software Buyer’s Guide.
FAQ
Is a CRM certification worth it?
That depends on which CRM platform your business is using. If you’re already using a CRM you could begin certification through that CRM platform. How much time and money you’re willing to spend will also be a factor. If you feel that you’ll gain an edge over your competition and you’re willing to invest in the process, accreditation could benefit your business.
How to become CRM certified?
A CRM certificate is often completed in a school setting and closely resembles an academic degree. Obtaining a certificate can usually be done in person or remotely. Extensive training and advanced learning are necessary as there will likely be exams that your team members will have to pass in order for them to become certified.
