As CRM software becomes more important for businesses, high-level training and certifications do as well.
- To attain CRM certification, applicants must pass an exam. Hours of training are usually required to do so.
- CRM certifications and training allow companies to increase their digital presence, have a competitive edge and increase engagement.
- The need for CRM specialists continues to grow year after year. Getting certified can help secure job placements and increase career advancement opportunities.
- This article is for business owners and individuals who want to improve their business and career path by completing CRM certifications and training.
Customer relationship management (CRM) takes customer service to a whole new level. Modern CRM software uses technology and automation to find and interact with leads and customers. Leveraging CRM software can help a company engage with its customers to build trust and provide necessary products and services.
Current CRM certification courses are available through academic institutions, professional affiliates and massive open online courses. Topics can include CRM optimization, automation, marketing strategies, product management, business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C) and networking. According to certification course provider Simplilearn, IT professionals with one Salesforce certification on their resume can expect as much as a 40% pay increase.
What are CRM certifications and training?
CRM certifications can enhance your skills by requiring you to complete advanced CRM software training. Some certifications are built with courses and require you to pass exams; others are for status only. Completing CRM certifications and training can demonstrate commitment, present new job opportunities and increase pay.
Why are CRM certifications and training necessary?
To compete globally, companies benefit from increasing their digital presence. Utilizing a CRM tool improves the B2C and B2B relationship and allows companies to engage and thrive. Because companies are encouraged to focus on detailed digital strategies in which CRM is vital, businesses are looking for CRM-certified employees to help them move forward in the e-commerce space.
Who should get CRM certified?
While all departments can benefit from CRM training, it is especially relevant for sales, marketing and IT team members. In addition, recent high school graduates and college students can stay competitive in the job market by becoming CRM certified.
Recent high school graduates and college students
Want to score a higher-paying job quickly? As CRM specialization jobs are in high demand, high school graduates and college students can get a competitive edge by learning CRM before entering the professional workforce.
Sales professionals
Sales teams work with a CRM platform for lead tracking and follow-up. Detailed customer data gathered and stored by a CRM improves lead scoring and speeds up conversions.
Marketing professionals
Because marketing requires quality leads to drive a return on investment, a robust CRM is crucial to a marketing team’s success. The CRM can help marketing professionals quickly visualize data, as well as identify lead patterns, potential customers and pain points that your business’s products or services may solve.
IT professionals
IT can work with sales and marketing to customize the CRM to specific needs, industries or internal policies. Using a CRM, IT teams can onboard, maintain and provide professional support to employees. CRM certification is often required for IT professionals, as the training is standard for the industry.
CRM certificate vs. certification
Though a CRM certificate and a CRM certification sound like they may be the same, there is a difference. A CRM certificate is earned in a school setting, whether in person or remote, and resembles an academic degree. A CRM certification, by contrast, is earned through industry-based performance tests, regardless of where you learn the information.
7 best CRM certifications
The following CRM certifications are found regularly in job listings and are globally recognized and easily accessible for most people:
Microsoft Dynamics 365
As a top competitor to Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers certification levels ranging from fundamental to advanced. The platform can provide courses on sales, finance, operations and customer service. Professionals can choose to complete a CRM certification or an overall fundamentals course. For CRM certification, IT professionals must pass exam MB-910: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM).
