Top Customer Service and Support Certifications to Boost Your Career
There are several customer service and support professional certifications worth pursuing, depending on your career goals and industry. Here are some of the most recognized and valued certifications in this field:
Certified Customer Service Professional
The CCSO certification, offered by the Professional Association for Customer Engagement (PACE), recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in customer service practices, policies, and procedures. To qualify, you must have at least two years’ professional experience in the field and pass an exam that is based on a study guide you can review at your own pace.
Certified Support Professional (CSP)
This certification, offered by the Technology Services Industry Association (TSIA), is designed for professionals who provide technical support to customers. It covers topics such as problem-solving, customer communication, and product knowledge.
Service Capability and Performance (SCP) Standards Certification
There are several options for SCP certification, and which you pursue depends on your career goals and trajectory and the skills you want to focus on. The following are available:
- Certified Service Representative (CSR)
- Certified Support Professional (CSP)
- Certified Support Specialist (CSS)
- Certified Support Supervisor (CSV)
- Certified Support Manager (CSM)
- Certified Field Service Professional (CFSP)
- Certified Field Service Supervisor (CFSV)
- Certified Field Service Manager (CFSM)
Help Desk Institute (HDI) Support Center Analyst
This certification is designed for professionals who work in a help desk or support center environment. It covers topics such as customer service skills, incident management, and problem-solving. Obtaining the certification requires passing an exam within 12 weeks that is based on a 9-unit course.
Salesforce Certified Customer Service Representative
Offered by Salesforce, this certification, recognizes professionals who are skilled in using Salesforce to support customer service operations. It covers topics such as case management, knowledge management, and communication. Completing the course is a great way to start your career as a Salesforce System Admin or apply the Salesforce skillsets to your current job.
Customer Experience Professional (CCXP)
The CCXP certification, offered by the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), recognizes professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in creating and managing customer experiences across all touchpoints. Obtaining this certification requires you to pursue 20 hours of professional development through CX-related conferences, trainings, or contributions to the CXPA.
Whatever career goals you have within the customer service and support field, earning a certification will help you highlight your expertise, boost your skillset, and impress employers, hiring managers, clients, and recruiters. The payoffs are more than worth the time and financial commitment. Talk to one of our experienced talent specialists today about upskilling your career, or search for open roles!