Tech Sales Certifications

Tech Sales Certifications

The world of tech sales is full of opportunity, especially for those willing to learn and adapt. Whether you’re just starting or looking to move up in your career, you might be wondering if certifications are worth your time and money. With the growing popularity of free tech sales certifications online, bootcamps, and other forms of tech sales training, there's no shortage of options. However, before you dive into a certification, it's essential to understand the benefits, potential pitfalls, and alternatives available to you. Read on to figure out if a tech sales certification really can make you stand out in the job market, or are other paths more valuable?

Does Tech Sales Pay Well?

One of the first questions many people ask before jumping into the world of tech sales is: Does tech sales pay well? You’ve probably heard success stories of high-earning tech sales professionals or come across Reddit threads highlighting huge commission checks, but are these stories true? Do tech salesmen really make the big bucks? The answer is: it depends.

Generally, tech sales does pay well, particularly if you are a high performer. The commission structures in sales roles vary widely, but for those who consistently exceed their targets, sales can be one of the highest-paying positions in a company. In tech sales, it’s common for skilled salespeople to earn six-figure salaries when factoring in commission, bonuses, and incentives. Many top-performing salespeople are among the best-compensated employees in an organization, thanks to uncapped earning potential and the ability to exceed quotas.

Tech sales professionals also have the potential to move up quickly in their careers, leading to even higher earnings. Entry-level roles like Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) can lead to higher positions like Account Executives (AEs), and eventually, sales management. Each step up comes with greater earning potential, especially in larger tech companies that offer lucrative compensation packages for sales roles. In this field, hard work and results are rewarded.

That said, it’s important to recognize that not everyone in tech sales enjoys this level of success. The industry is highly competitive, and commission-based roles mean that if you don’t hit your targets, your earnings can be significantly lower. The volatility of commission-based compensation structures can be stressful for some, and this is one aspect of tech sales that prospective candidates should consider carefully. If you’re ready to thrive in this performance-driven environment, tech sales can be highly lucrative.

What Certifications Do I Need for Tech Sales?

Do you need tech sales certifications to land your first role in tech sales? The simple answer is no. Tech sales is not like becoming a financial planner or an accountant, where a specific certification is required to perform the job legally. Instead, the most valuable asset you can bring to the table in tech sales is experience. That said, having some formal training, such as taking free tech sales courses or getting a certification, can help you get up to speed with industry jargon and processes, making you more comfortable during interviews.

If you have no prior sales experience, then taking a tech sales certification course might be a good investment. Courses like these often teach essential skills, such as building rapport with clients, handling objections, and using sales software like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. But here’s the catch, if you have experience in any customer-facing role, whether in retail, hospitality, or other industries, that experience will often hold more weight than a certificate when applying for jobs.

A college degree, while not necessary, can also make it easier to land your first entry-level role in tech sales. However many people successfully transition into the industry without a degree, particularly if they have strong communication skills, a curiosity of technology, and the ability to learn quickly. Tech sales certifications can also be a useful stepping stone if you lack a degree, but experience will always trump credentials.

The key takeaway is that certifications can help if you are completely new to sales, but if you have any experience working with customers or in a sales-adjacent role, employers will typically value that experience more. Certifications are a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

Are Tech Sales Courses Worth It?

With so many tech sales courses online, the natural question becomes: are they worth it? The answer largely depends on where you are in your career and the course itself. Some sales courses provide excellent value, while others may not be as helpful.

The most significant factor to consider when evaluating a sales course is whether the course is invested in your success after you complete it. Does the course offer placement assistance or career support? Do they help you build connections within the industry, or do they simply leave you to fend for yourself once you’ve completed the training? A reputable course will offer more than just lessons; they’ll provide career guidance and networking opportunities.

For individuals with no prior sales experience, a good tech sales course can be helpful in getting your foot in the door. For example, many courses will help you learn sales techniques, understand industry terms, and feel more confident during interviews. Some tech sales courses may even include practical training or mentorship opportunities, which can be incredibly valuable for those starting out.

On the flip side, if you already have sales experience, these courses may not add much value to your resume. Employers are typically more interested in what you’ve done rather than the certificates you’ve earned. In these cases, your time might be better spent refining your sales pitch and practicing real-world selling techniques. Consider where you are in your career and weigh the potential return on investment for each course.

How Much Is Sales Certification?

The cost of sales certifications varies widely, from free tech sales certifications to high ticket programs at renowned business schools. For example, Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management offers a 10-week online sales program priced at $2,600. The high price tag is mostly due to the school’s reputation and the network you’ll gain access to rather than the content of the program itself.

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Coursera offers an SDR (Sales Development Representative) course for $59 per month as part of its Coursera Plus membership. Another notable option is the N.E.S.T. Academy, which offers a free tech sales certification and places graduates in commission-earning positions upon completion. This option can be particularly appealing to those who value experience and want to avoid the financial investment upfront.

While there are many sales certifications with varying price points, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the potential value. A high-cost program may offer valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and career support, but if your goal is to learn the basics of tech sales, a free or lower-cost option might provide everything you need. The ultimate decision will depend on your personal goals and financial situation.

What Is the CPSP Certification?

The CPSP certification, or Certified Professional Sales Person, is one of the more popular sales certifications offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). Priced at $795, the CPSP aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the sales process. The certification covers standard sales concepts, including prospecting, closing deals, and maintaining customer relationships.

While the CPSP certification is a recognized credential in the sales world, it's important to weigh its value against other options. The knowledge you’ll gain through this certification is standard sales information that can often be found in free resources online. The main benefit of a program like the CPSP is the structure it provides. The structure can help learners who struggle with self-discipline or need more formal guidance. However, if you are self-motivated, you might find that you can acquire much of this knowledge through self-study without paying nearly $800.

Another key consideration with the CPSP certification is its relevance in today’s tech sales environment. While it provides a solid foundation in sales principles, the tech sales landscape is constantly evolving, and some of the information you learn in the course may become outdated quickly. That’s something to keep in mind before investing in this particular certification.

Are NASP Sales Certifications Worth It?

The NASP offers several certifications to make you a certified technical sales professional, but whether these certifications are worth the investment is up for debate. Certifications offered by the NASP typically provide standard sales training, which is widely available online for free.

In addition to the fact that most of the information is available online for free, the sales landscape changes so quickly that certifications often become outdated by the time you complete the course. This is particularly true in tech sales, where new tools, technologies, and methodologies are constantly emerging. The CPSP and other NASP certifications may help you get an initial interview, but they rarely carry the weight needed to secure a job over someone with real-world sales experience.

For hiring managers, experience tends to outweigh certification. While a certification can be a nice addition to your resume, it’s unlikely to be the deciding factor in whether you get the job. If you’re committed to pursuing a certification, make sure it offers value beyond the classroom, such as networking opportunities or career placement services.

Is a Sales Certificate Worth It?

A low-cost certificate or tech sales bootcamp free can be worth it if you are just starting out and need a baseline understanding of sales processes and terminology. While a certification can be helpful, it’s essential to manage your expectations before signing up for a certification. A certification alone will not land you a job in tech sales. Experience, whether in sales or another customer-facing role, will always be more valuable than a certificate.

If you do choose to pursue a sales certificate, look for programs that offer hands-on experience, such as internships, practical exercises, or even real-world sales opportunities. Bootcamps that provide this kind of experience are more likely to help you stand out in a competitive job market. Gaining experience through these opportunities can also help you build a portfolio of achievements, which is far more compelling to hiring managers than a list of certifications.

Do You Need Certifications for Tech Sales?

So, do you need certifications for tech sales? The simple answer is no. Experience will always trump certification in tech sales. If you’re looking to break into tech sales, the most important thing you can do is gain hands-on experience. Whether through internships, freelance work, or customer-facing roles, real-world experience is what employers value most.

That being said, if you find a certification that also offers practical experience, it can be a helpful tool to kickstart your career. For example, the N.E.S.T. Academy offers not only a free tech sales certification but also places graduates in commission-earning positions, giving you both the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in tech sales.

If you’re serious about a career in tech sales, consider checking out the N.E.S.T. Academy to see if their certification and placement program are the right fit for you.