2021 may seem like a long way off, but it’s not too early to prepare for the future. In this blog post, I will introduce you to the changing landscape of CRM certifications and explain your options if you want your career in marketing or sales-ready by 2021. CRM (customer relationship management) software has become a must-have in today’s commercial world. These tools may significantly enhance how your company handles leads and customers. CRM can boost KPIs in many sectors, from sales to marketing and customer service. It’s one of the most effective strategies to manage consumer connections and keep them satisfied, so they return for more. While the advantages of CRM software are self-evident, deploying these tools and succeeding with them is a different story. CRM software might be challenging to understand, particularly if you’re a rookie. On the other hand, A CRM certification will guarantee that you get the most out of the resources available to you.
What is CRM Certification, and why is it important?
CRM certificates are verifiable credentials that demonstrate a person has mastered the abilities required to operate a specific CRM program. To become formally recognized, these credentials usually include training, courses, and tests. The need for qualified CRM specialists increases as more companies implement and scale CRM initiatives. Once certified, you’ll be a valuable addition to your current work, but you’ll also be able to pursue other job options.
4 Techniques to Help You Improve Your CRM Certification
You may use online training materials, classes, practice examinations, and other tools to ensure you’re well prepared for your CRM certification exams. Consider the following four CRM certification preparation tools:
1. HubSpot Academy
HubSpot is one of the most well-known, adaptable, and respected CRM solutions available. As a result, this company is at the top of our list of the best CRM systems. With online training, courses, and certifications, the HubSpot Academy makes it simple for professionals to develop their careers. All of the methods and certificates are available for free. So there’s no danger in signing up and getting started. Marketers, salespeople, and service agents may benefit from HubSpot Academy’s courses and training resources. So, regardless of your function, you may study for your CRM certification and apply the ideas to how you utilize HubSpot’s products. The HubSpot Academy has qualified over 165,000 business professionals across the globe. You can study for tests, take courses, and become certified all in one spot, and it’s all free.
2. Trailhead
Salesforce created and maintained Trailhead, which is a learning platform. So, if you want to get one of the 30 Salesforce certifications, Trailhead is the place to start. Trailhead offers a variety of training materials and learning tools in addition to certifications. You may learn directly from Salesforce specialists by taking courses from the Trailhead school. These courses are available both in-person and online. The site also includes “trails,” which are self-guided learning pathways. Whether you’re a CRM newbie, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, you’ll find a route to suit your requirements. To help you prepare for your CRM certification, Trailhead even provides free half-day seminars.
3. Focusonforce
Focusonforce is yet another fantastic online resource for Salesforce certification preparation. Focusonforce, unlike Trailhead, is not a Salesforce-affiliated company. The website inventor had eight years of Salesforce experience and ten different certifications before creating a specialized learning platform with all of the knowledge required to pass these examinations. Focusonforce has been utilized by over 100,000 business executives and IT professionals across the globe to prepare for a Salesforce CRM certification. Practice examinations, online courses, Salesforce study guides, and essential tools are available for any Salesforce subject possible on the platform. Focusonforce is also mobile-friendly, allowing you to study and take practice examinations whenever you have spare time. Less than $20 gets you a study guide and a practice test.
4. Zoho Spark
Zoho Spark is a comprehensive online training platform with various learning tools that may help you advance your Zoho CRM knowledge. The certifications offered by Zoho aren’t as well-known in the business as some of the other possibilities. However, Zoho Spark is still a viable training choice for any business professional who uses Zoho CRM. Obtaining certification via this program is an excellent method to demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of Zoho CRM. Virtual classes and one-on-one training sessions are also available with Zoho Spark. You’ll gain access to a variety of learning tools and resources in addition to the courses to help you grasp Zoho CRM.
Certifications in CRM Fundamentals
CRM certifications are available in various forms and sizes, based on your function and the software you use. We’ll look at some of the most excellent CRM certifications to check into, so you can have a better idea of what it takes to get certified.
Certifications for HubSpot CRM
Business workers may leverage HubSpot’s comprehensive CRM certifications to enhance their careers. Your certification will appeal to a wide variety of potential work prospects since HubSpot’s software is used by 100,000+ firms. The fact that a HubSpot CRM certification is free is one of the most excellent aspects. A HubSpot accreditation adds value to your CV as an industry leader in customer relationship management. You may even add industry-recognized badges to your LinkedIn profile after being certified. The HubSpot CRM certification procedure is straightforward. By viewing video lectures and completing tests, you may work at your speed. You’ll just need to pass the certification test and perform certain practical activities to demonstrate your expertise to obtain your certificate.
CRM certifications are available from HubSpot in every area. The following are some of the best choices:
- Certification for HubSpot Marketing Software
- Certification for HubSpot Sales Software
- Certification for HubSpot Service Hub Software
So whether you’re a marketer, salesperson, or customer care representative, HubSpot can help you acquire a CRM certification. The most challenging certification is for marketing software. It lasts around 3.5 hours and includes 14 courses, 71 videos, and 11 quizzes. The sales certification takes around an hour to complete, while the service certification takes longer.
Certifications for Salesforce CRM
In the CRM software sector, Salesforce is a market leader. As a result, earning a certification from this company might help you progress in your career. Administrators, architects, consultants, developers, and marketers are among the 30 Salesforce credentials available, spanning five distinct positions. Some of these are sophisticated and need a high level of technical expertise and experience. The Salesforce Administrator Certification is an excellent place to start for most of you. This certification is for those who have used Salesforce before and want to learn how to use the software’s advanced features and capabilities.
You’ll need to know the following principles to pass the Salesforce Administrator exam:
- User administration
- Management of data
- Management of security
- Salesforce Sales Cloud and Salesforce Service Cloud customization
- Salesforce Sales Cloud and Salesforce Service Cloud upkeep
- Producing reports
- Creating workflows and dashboards
Before applying for this certification, you need to have at least 6-12 months of Salesforce experience. The overall time commitment is estimated to be between 115 and 125 hours. After you’ve earned your certification, you may improve your career by earning a Salesforce Advanced Administrator Certification. Before obtaining this certification, Salesforce advises that you have 12-24 months of experience with the platform. However, the time commitment to complete the procedure is nearly half that of the first, taking just 55-65 hours.
Certifications for Zendesk CRM
Zendesk’s CRM software isn’t as comprehensive as some other options available. Although it has solutions for sales, the tool is primarily used for customer care.
A Zendesk CRM Certification should be on your radar if you want to develop your profession as a customer support person or a customer support manager. This provider’s most popular certifications are:
- Certification for Zendesk Support Administrators
- Explore CX Analyst Certification at Zendesk
- Certification as a Zendesk Chat Specialist
- Certification as a Zendesk Talk Specialist
Zendesk even provides bulk certification packages, so you can save 15% on numerous certifications by purchasing them all at once. It’s worth becoming certified if your firm uses Zendesk for support or sales. This alternative, however, isn’t as flexible as some of the more popular CRM software available today. As a result, it will be less desirable on your CV to companies who do not use Zendesk.
4 Methods to Obtaining a CRM Certification
A CRM certification might be difficult, particularly if you’re a newbie. These quick tips and hacks, on the other hand, will make your life a lot easier.
1. Join a community.
Continuous self-study and online instruction can only get you so far. Joining a network with your peers going through the CRM certification process is a simple approach to enhance your experience. The Trailblazer Community, part of Trailhead, the Salesforce training platform, is one example. When you become a member of our group, you will have access to immediate assistance and inspiration from community leaders, professionals, and peers. In addition, there are collaborative groups and FAQs on the site. You’ll also receive access to Salesforce MVPs, Salesforce platform specialists who share their knowledge with the Trailblazer Community. Trailblazers may join various community groups, share their thoughts in an idea exchange, and attend events to help them network and flourish together. You may always turn to the Trailblazer Community if you encounter challenges or concerns while preparing for a Salesforce certification.
2. Take a practice exam.
Do you recall taking the SAT? Like most individuals, you undoubtedly took a few practice exams to be ready. The same principle may be utilized in this case. Certifications in CRM aren’t always straightforward. You can only go so far by studying. That is why it is critical to ensure that your expertise and training are tested. Taking a practice exam is the only method to accomplish this before the actual examination. Practice examinations are meant to simulate a real-world testing situation so you can see where you stand and if you’re ready for the real thing. If you fail the practice exam, it’s a hint that you need to study more before taking the certification exam. Failure on your test may increase your costs and lengthen the time it takes to get certified—no one wants that to happen.
3. Obtain the Appropriate Certification.
This may seem obvious or ridiculous, but you’d be shocked how often I’ve seen newbies make this error. Many CRM certifications are available, but only a handful are created equal. Don’t simply jump on the first one you come across without thoroughly assessing your position. CRM certifications are pretty narrowly focused. As a result, a HubSpot certification will not transfer to Salesforce. You’re not helping yourself if you earn a Zendesk certification, but your firm utilizes Zoho CRM. The HubSpot and Salesforce certifications will be your best choice whether you are presently searching for work or want to develop your career. These are two of the most excellent CRM software packages available today, so you’ll appeal to many potential employers. There are minor changes in the certification alternatives accessible even within each program. Some certificates are geared toward marketing, while others are geared toward sales, customer service, or IT. Your expertise will also influence which CRM certification is suitable for you. Spending a few minutes thoroughly evaluating your alternatives can save you a lot of time and aggravation later.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help.
Again, it may seem self-evident, yet many individuals refuse to ask for assistance when they are stuck. If you’re interested in becoming certified but have questions or concerns, seek advice from colleagues or superiors who have already gone through the procedure. A boss is unlikely to get offended if you raise a question. Instead, they’ll likely applaud your effort and maybe advise on which certifications would best help you develop inside your present firm. In addition, people who have previously gone through the CRM certification process may provide insight and success recommendations, just as they can with everything else. They may also have some study materials that you may utilize.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CRM certification cost?
A: The cost of CRM certification varies depending on the instructor. It can range from $3,000-$20,000 or even more if you want to learn a specific area, such as the billing module.
How long does it take to get CRM certified?
A: To get certified as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Professional, it takes around six months to go through all the required training. Depending on how quickly you learn and if your company has in-house experience with CRMs, this time can be shortened or lengthened.
What is a CRM certification?
A: A CRM certification is a certification that can be earned by an individual who has mastered the skills related to Customer Relationship Management.