16 Best Customer Service Certifications For Upskilling In 2024
Customer service certifications are valuable for professionals seeking to improve their skills and knowledge in customer interactions and service delivery.
In this article, I've summarized the best customer service certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Customer Service Certification Shortlist
- Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) — Best for developing comprehensive customer experience skills
- Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) — Best for aspiring leaders in customer service management
- Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) — Best for mastering customer experience strategies
- COPC Certification (COPC) — Best for implementing performance improvement processes
- Customer Service Management Certificate — Best for public power utilities
- Certified Client Service Specialist (CCSS) — Best for client-focused service
- Customer Service Excellence — Best for service quality improvement
- CVS Health Call Center Customer Service Professional Certificate — Best for call center professionals
- Certified Customer Service Professional Exam (CCSP) — Best for comprehensive service skills
- Call Center Associate Certified (CCAC™) — Best for call center associates
- HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR) — Best for foundational skills in customer service
- Customer Service Manager Certificate (CSMC) — Best for aspiring customer service managers
- Advanced Service Leadership Training Course — Best for developing leadership skills in service management
- Certified Client Service Specialist (CCSS©) — Best for enhancing client relationship skills
- Certified Support Manager (CSM) — Best for managing support teams effectively
- Customer Service Certificate — Best for comprehensive customer service knowledge
Overview Of The Best Customer Service Certifications
1. Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) — Best for developing comprehensive customer experience skills
The CCXP certification from CSIA provides comprehensive training in advanced customer experience management, focusing on CX strategy, customer-centric culture, and voice of the customer (VoC) programs. It equips professionals to address customer needs, improve customer relationship management, and enhance customer loyalty across multiple touchpoints. Ideal for those aiming to lead CX teams or elevate customer experience strategies to drive business success.
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Issued by: CSIA Customer Service Training
Focus:
- Customer experience strategy
- Customer-centric culture
- Customer journey mapping
- Metrics and measurement
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: At least 3 years in customer service
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes, every 2 years
Price: $247
Who It’s For: Ideal for professionals seeking to validate and enhance their skills in managing customer experiences effectively.
2. Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) — Best for aspiring leaders in customer service management
The Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) certification by CSIA develops real-world leadership skills for managing customer service teams. It covers service quality, team leadership, and handling difficult customers, equipping professionals with the expertise to excel as a customer success manager. Ideal for those seeking leadership roles, this certification ensures a strong foundation in customer service management.
Issued by: CSIA Customer Service Training
Focus:
- Leadership and management skills
- Service quality improvement
- Customer service strategy
- Team management
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: At least 2 years in a managerial role
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes, every year
Price: $2,250
Who It’s For: Designed for current or aspiring managers looking to excel in leading customer service teams.
3. Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) — Best for mastering customer experience strategies
The CCXP certification from the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CCXPA) is a comprehensive training program that equips professionals with the tools to deliver excellent customer service. It focuses on CX design, customer-centric leadership, and experience measurement, supporting professional development and helping elevate customer satisfaction and loyalty through strategic CX management.
Issued by: CCXPA
Focus:
- Customer experience design
- Governance and accountability
- Customer insights and understanding
- Customer-centric culture
Prerequisites:
- Education: Post-secondary degree, or high school diploma
- Work Experience: 3 years in customer experience roles
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes, every 2 years
Price:
- Standard: $645
- CXPA Member: $495
Who It’s For: Perfect for those looking to deepen their expertise in customer experience strategy.
4. COPC Certification — Best for implementing performance improvement processes
The COPC Certification provides professionals with the skills to effectively implement and manage performance improvement processes within customer service operations. Focused on driving efficiency and service quality, this certification equips individuals with the tools to enhance operational performance, streamline processes, and improve overall customer satisfaction. It's ideal for those looking to optimize service delivery and achieve measurable improvements in customer-facing operations.
Issued by: COPC
Focus:
- Performance management
- Quality assurance
- Process improvement
- Customer satisfaction
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: 2 years in a related field
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes, every 3 years
Price: Contact the institution for pricing
Who It’s For: Suitable for those aiming to enhance operational performance in customer service.
5. Customer Service Management Certificate — Best For Public Power Utilities
The Customer Service Management Certificate is specifically designed for professionals in public power utilities, equipping them with the skills to effectively manage customer service operations. This certification covers essential topics such as service quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, making it ideal for those looking to enhance service delivery within the unique context of public power utilities.
Issued by: American Public Power Association
Focus:
- Customer service operations
- Management skills
- Utility-specific service strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completed five required courses on customer service operations, technologies, strategies, and leadership
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Who It’s For: It is designed for professionals aiming to enhance their ability to manage and improve customer service operations in the public power sector.
6. Certified Client Service Specialist (CCSS) — Best For Client-Focused Service
The Certified Client Service Specialist (CCSS) certification validates an individual’s expertise in delivering exceptional client-focused service. It equips professionals with the skills needed to understand client needs, foster strong relationships, and provide tailored service solutions, making it ideal for those committed to enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.
Issued by: National Customer Service Association
Focus:
- Client relationship management
- Service delivery optimization
- Customer satisfaction techniques
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of three accredited programs
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Who It’s For: It is suited for professionals who wish to demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality client service.
7. Customer Service Excellence — Best For Service Quality Improvement
The Customer Service Excellence certification program is tailored to enhance service quality and boost customer satisfaction. It equips professionals with practical skills and strategies for delivering high-quality service, ensuring consistent improvement in customer interactions and overall service performance. Ideal for those focused on elevating customer experience standards.
Issued by: Mount Royal University
Focus:
- Service quality improvement
- Customer interaction strategies
- Complaint resolution
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: None
- Other Certifications Required: None
Price: $747
Who It’s For: It is intended for individuals seeking to improve their service quality and customer satisfaction levels.
8. CVS Health Call Center Customer Service Professional Certificate — Best For Call Center Professionals
The CVS Health Call Center Customer Service Professional Certificate includes specialized and self-paced customer service courses and modules designed to enhance the skills of call center professionals. It covers essential areas like effective communication, problem-solving, and customer care techniques, making it ideal for those aiming to excel in call center environments and improve customer satisfaction.
Issued by: CVS Health
Focus:
- Call center operations
- Customer service skills
- Communication techniques
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: None
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: It is crafted for call center professionals aiming to boost their service delivery and communication skills.
9. Certified Customer Service Professional Exam (CCSP) — Best For Comprehensive Service Skills
The Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) exam offers comprehensive training in essential customer service skills, ideal for entry-level and help desk professionals. It covers key areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and active listening, helping individuals excel in delivering high-quality service across various industries.
Issued by: National Customer Service Association
Focus:
- Comprehensive service skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication and interpersonal skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: At least 2 years of related experience in customer service
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Price: Exam fees start at $345
Who It’s For: It is perfect for individuals seeking to validate their extensive customer service capabilities.
10. Call Center Associate Certified (CCAC™) — Best For Call Center Associates
The Call Center Associate Certified (CCAC™) certification is an online course designed to equip call center associates with essential skills. It covers key areas such as communication, problem-solving, and soft skills through case studies, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their performance and efficiency in a call center environment.
Issued by: Management and Strategy Institute
Focus:
- Call center operations
- Customer interaction
- Technical support
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Price: $99.95
Who It’s For: It is targeted at call center associates looking to enhance their service and technical support skills.
11. HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR) — Best For Foundational Skills In Customer Service
The HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR) certification equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge for effectively managing customer interactions. It focuses on building a strong foundation in communication, problem resolution, and customer support, making it ideal for professionals starting or developing their careers in customer service.
Issued by: HDI
Focus:
- Customer interaction skills
- Communication techniques
- Problem-solving strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes
Price: Starts at $549
Who It’s For: It demonstrates basic proficiency in customer service skills.
12. Customer Service Manager Certificate (CSMC) — Best For Aspiring Customer Service Managers
The Customer Service Manager Certificate (CSMC) is designed to develop the management skills needed to lead and oversee customer service teams effectively. This certification covers key areas such as team leadership, performance management, and service quality improvement, making it ideal for professionals looking to advance into customer service management roles.
Issued by: Accredited Certification Institute
Focus:
- Leadership in customer service
- Team management
- Customer service strategy
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes
Price: $995
Who It’s For: It signifies readiness to manage customer service teams.
13. Advanced Service Leadership Training Course — Best For Developing Leadership Skills In Service Management
The Advanced Service Leadership Training Course by Service Strategies is designed to enhance leadership skills for professionals in service management roles. It focuses on strategic thinking, team leadership, and performance optimization, making it ideal for those looking to advance their leadership capabilities and drive service excellence within their organizations.
Issued by: Service Strategies
Focus:
- Leadership development
- Strategic planning
- Service management
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: Recommended
- Exam: None
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No
Price: $4,000
Who It’s For: It prepares individuals for leadership roles in service management.
14. Certified Client Service Specialist (CCSS©) Certification — Best For Enhancing Client Relationship Skills
The Certified Client Service Specialist (CCSS©) Certification by CSPN equips professionals with advanced skills to effectively manage and enhance client relationships. It focuses on building strong client connections, problem-solving, and delivering personalized service, making it ideal for individuals looking to excel in client-facing roles and boost client satisfaction.
Issued by: CSPN
Focus:
- Client relationship management
- Communication skills
- Customer satisfaction
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes, every 3 years
Who It’s For: It demonstrates expertise in client relationship management.
15. Certified Support Manager (CSM) — Best For Managing Support Teams Effectively
The Certified Support Manager (CSM) certification equips individuals with the essential skills needed to manage support teams effectively. It covers key areas such as team leadership, performance management, and service delivery optimization, making it ideal for those looking to lead high-performing support teams and improve operational efficiency.
Issued by: Service Strategies
Focus:
- Support team management
- Customer service techniques
- Performance metrics
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: Recommended
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes
Price: Starts at $1,395
Who It’s For: It signals capability in managing and leading support teams.
16. Customer Service Certificate — Best For Comprehensive Customer Service Knowledge
The Customer Service Certificate from Temple University offers a thorough understanding of various aspects of customer service. This program covers essential topics such as communication, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction, making it ideal for professionals looking to gain a well-rounded foundation in delivering exceptional customer service.
Issued by: Temple University
Focus:
- Customer service fundamentals
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
Prerequisites:
- Education: None
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: None
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No
Price: $1,200
Who It’s For: It establishes a broad understanding of customer service principles for anyone just starting out.
FAQs about customer service certification
What are the benefits of obtaining a customer service certification?
Obtaining a customer service certification can enhance your professional skills, improve your career prospects, and increase your confidence in handling customer interactions effectively.
How long does it typically take to complete a customer service certification program?
The duration of customer service certification programs can vary widely, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program's depth and the participant's pace of study.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a customer service certification course?
Most customer service certification programs do not have strict prerequisites, although some might recommend prior experience in a customer-facing role or a foundational understanding of customer service principles.
Can customer service certifications be obtained online?
Yes, many institutions offer online customer service certification programs, providing flexibility for participants to complete coursework at their own pace and schedule.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out: