As a seasoned customer success leader, I've witnessed the impact that continuous learning and development can have on a career. The key to success lies in being proactive and committed to continuous learning. By staying curious and embracing new challenges, I've been able to adapt to industry changes, develop innovative strategies, and foster strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
In this post, I'll share my insights on some of the most worthwhile CS certifications out there for each career stage.
1. SuccessCOACHING's Customer Success Training Curriculum
SuccessCOACHING's Customer Success Training Curriculum is an accredited, industry-leading program designed to teach and certify Customer Success Managers on the best practices that enable them to effectively engage, manage, and retain their customers. The curriculum is the backbone of their Certified Customer Success Manager (CCSM) training programs, which leverage the experience and knowledge of industry experts to provide comprehensive and practical training.
Who should consider it
The Customer Success Training Curriculum is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including:
- Aspiring Customer Success Managers who want to learn the fundamentals of customer success and gain practical skills to excel in their career.
- Current CSMs looking to enhance their skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and improve their customer engagement and retention strategies.
- Customer Success Team Leads and Managers who want to develop their team's skills and drive better results for their organization.
- Executives and decision-makers in organizations looking to implement or improve their customer success strategies and drive customer-centric growth.
What career benefits to expect
By participating in the SuccessCOACHING Customer Success Training Curriculum, it promises the following career and skill advantages:
- In-depth knowledge of customer success best practices: Learn the most effective strategies and techniques for engaging, managing, and retaining customers, and gain insights into how to apply these practices in real-world scenarios.
- Enhanced skills: Develop the necessary skills to excel as a Customer Success Manager, including communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.
- Industry recognition: Earning a CCSM certification demonstrates your commitment to customer success and showcases your expertise to potential employers, colleagues, and customers.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with other customer success professionals, share experiences, and learn from their successes and challenges.
- Career advancement: A CCSM certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market, negotiate a higher salary, and advance your career in the customer success field.
2. TriTuns Customer Success Training
TriTuns Customer Success Training is a versatile program designed to develop exceptional customer success skills and expertise in individuals and teams. The training offers a variety of options to cater to different needs, ensuring that participants can boost their knowledge, skills, and confidence in a format and schedule that works best for them. Delivered online, virtually, and in-person, the program focuses on enhancing customer success capabilities and user adoption strategies.
Who should consider it
The TriTuns Customer Success Training is suitable for:
- Budding Customer Success Managers seeking to grasp the basics of customer success and acquire hands-on abilities to thrive in their profession.
- Present CSMs aiming to refine their expertise, keep abreast of sector developments, and optimize their customer interaction and retention approaches.
- Customer Success Team Supervisors and Managers interested in advancing their team's capabilities and delivering superior outcomes for their company.
- Organizational executives and key personnel aiming to establish or enhance their customer success tactics and promote customer-focused expansion.
What career benefits to expect
By participating in the TriTuns Customer Success Training, you can expect the following:
- Comprehensive understanding of customer success and user adoption: Acquire the most efficient methods and tactics for engaging, managing, and retaining clients, as well as insights on how to implement these approaches in real-life situations.
- Augmented abilities: Hone the essential skills required to excel as a Customer Success Manager, such as communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building capabilities.
- Adaptable learning alternatives: Select from an array of training styles and timetables, allowing you to learn at your preferred pace and in a manner that best accommodates your requirements.
- Networking opportunities: Network with fellow customer success professionals, exchange experiences, and glean valuable insights from their triumphs and obstacles.
- Career progression: Enhance your customer success proficiency, increasing your value to your organization and setting you apart in a competitive employment landscape.
3. Cisco Customer Success Manager Certification
The Cisco Customer Success Manager certification is a fantastic program that provides a solid framework and core set of skills to help you deliver immediate value to your customers. This certification focuses on developing and integrating solutions, identifying adoption barriers and removing them, implementing adoption frameworks, interpreting customer usage data, and leading customers to renewals. The program is designed to cultivate new sales opportunities throughout the entire customer lifecycle.
Who should consider it
The Cisco Customer Success Manager certification is perfect for:
- Ambitious Customer Success Managers seeking to grasp the core concepts of customer success and acquire hands-on abilities to flourish in their profession.
- Existing CSMs aiming to boost their expertise, remain current with sector advancements, and optimize their customer interaction and loyalty tactics.
- Customer Success Team Supervisors and Managers interested in fostering their team's competencies and delivering superior performance for their company.
- Organizational leaders and key personnel striving to establish or refine their customer success approaches and promote a customer-driven expansion.
What career benefits to expect
By enrolling in this program, you will experience the following career and skill improvements:
- Profound understanding of customer success best practices: Acquire the most efficient methods and tactics for engaging, managing, and retaining clients, as well as insights on how to implement these approaches in real-life situations.
- Augmented abilities: Hone the essential skills required to excel as a Customer Success Manager, such as communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building capabilities.
- Industry acknowledgement: Obtaining a Cisco Customer Success Manager certification illustrates your dedication to customer success and highlights your proficiency to potential employers, colleagues, and clients.
4. The Success League's CSM Certification Program
The Success League's Customer Success Certification Program is an accredited, comprehensive learning experience designed to provide customer success professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their role. This interactive, expert-led program has been running since 2017, making it one of the longest-running customer success training programs available. It emphasizes long-term learning and offers practical applications of best practices, along with tools that CSMs can adopt right away.
Who should consider it
The Success League's Customer Success Certification Program is mainly addressed to:
- Customer Success Managers who want to learn the fundamentals of customer success and gain practical skills to excel in their career.
- CSMs looking to enhance their skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and improve their customer engagement and retention strategies.
- CS Team Leads and Managers who want to develop their team's skills and drive better results for their organization.
- Executives and decision-makers in organizations looking to implement or improve their customer success strategies and drive customer-centric growth.
What career benefits to expect
Participation in this program offers the ensuing career and skill growth opportunities:
- In-depth knowledge of customer success best practices: Learn the most effective strategies and techniques for engaging, managing, and retaining customers, and gain insights into how to apply these practices in real-world scenarios.
- Enhanced skills: Develop the necessary skills to excel as a Customer Success Manager, including communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.
- Practical tools: Gain access to a series of 15 online, expert-led classes, each with a practical tool that CSMs can implement and add to their professional toolkit.
- CV-worthy Expertise: Earning a certification from The Success League, accredited by the Customer Success Association, demonstrates your commitment to customer success and showcases your expertise to potential employers, colleagues, and customers.
5. The Success League's CS Leadership Certification
The Success League's CS Leadership Certification is a specialized training program designed to teach customer success leaders the skills needed to build, scale, and refine a customer success program. This online, expert-led program consists of 15 classes, each accompanied by a business model that participants can use to set up their program, drive change, build their team, and demonstrate their program's performance. As the longest-running CS leadership training program in the field, it is backed by over 100 years of combined experience from The Success League's team.
Who should consider it
The Success League's CS Leadership Certification is ideal for:
- Customer Success Leaders who want to enhance their skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and improve their customer success program strategies.
- Aspiring Customer Success Leaders who want to learn the fundamentals of building, scaling, and refining a customer success program to excel in their career.
- Company Executivessearching of ways to optimize their customer success strategies and establish a customer-centric to company growth.
What career benefits to expect
Immersing yourself in this program provides the following career and skill progressions:
- Deep understanding of customer success leadership: Learn effective ways to create, grow, and improve a customer success program, and find out how to use these methods in real situations.
- Leadership skills: Improve your ability to work with top leaders, get good results from customer success investments, and focus on data-driven customer value and goals.
- Help from an experienced CS advisor: Get advice and support from a knowledgeable customer success expert during your learning journey.
- Proven CS models: Access successful models used in The Success League's consulting work, which can help you set up your program, make changes and build your team.
6. Udemy's Customer Success Manager Course
Udemy's Customer Success Manager course, titled "Customer Success Manager: Fundamentals to your CSM career," is an online learning experience designed to introduce aspiring customer success professionals to the fundamentals of the customer success manager role. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of customer success, the keys to being a successful CSM, creating a world-known customer success brand, and the principles for the customer success process. Additionally, the course offers guidance on where to find customer success manager jobs and provides a plan, lessons learned, and frequently asked questions for those looking to start their CSM career.
Who should consider it
The Udemy Customer Success Manager course is meant for:
- Individuals aiming to become Customer Success Managers, seeking to grasp the core concepts of customer success and acquire hands-on abilities for career advancement.
- Existing CSMs striving to refine their expertise, remain current on industry developments, and optimize their strategies for customer interaction and retention.
- Professionals from fields like sales, marketing, or product management, interested in shifting to a customer success position or gaining a deeper comprehension of the customer success approach.
What career benefits to expect
By joining this course, you will reap the following career and skill rewards:
- Comprehensive understanding of customer success basics: Discover essential ideas, methods, and tactics for engaging, managing, and retaining clients, as well as insights on implementing these practices in real-life situations.
- Augmented abilities: Hone the crucial skills required to thrive as a Customer Success Manager, such as communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building capabilities.
- Hands-on advice: Acquire knowledge on locating customer success manager positions and navigating the job market, along with valuable tips from seasoned customer success experts.
- Career progression: A strong grasp of customer success fundamentals can set you apart in a competitive employment landscape, enable you to negotiate a higher compensation, and further your career in the customer success domain.
7. CCXP Certification
The Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) certification is a globally recognized credential offered by the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA). The certification process consists of three phases: program application and acceptance, exam registration and successful completion, and CCXP credential use and maintenance. Candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements before taking the certification exam. Once certified, professionals must maintain their active certification status through ongoing professional development.
Who should consider it
The CCXP certification is tailored to the needs of:
- Customer experience professionals who want to validate their skills, knowledge, and expertise in the customer experience field.
- Individuals looking to transition into customer experience roles and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.
- Professionals seeking career advancement opportunities within their organization or the broader customer experience industry.
What career benefits to expect
By committing to this program, you will enjoy the following career and skill advancements:
- Industry recognition: Earning the CCXP certification showcases your expertise in customer experience and demonstrates your commitment to professional development, setting you apart from your peers.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with other customer experience professionals through the CXPA community, share experiences, and learn from their successes and challenges.
- Career advancement: A CCXP certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market, negotiate a higher salary, and advance your career in the customer experience field.
- Ongoing professional development: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices by participating in CX-related conferences, training events, or contributions to the CXPA.
8. Gainsight's Pulse+
Gainsight's Pulse+ is a Customer Success Training & Certification program designed for Customer Success Managers and Customer Success teams. The program combines eLearning, industry-grade certifications, and exclusive content from thought leaders who exemplify the true spirit of customer success. Offered as an annual training subscription, Pulse+ aims to develop and grow the careers of Pulse community members around the world. The Pulse+ curriculum covers a range of core courses, such as identifying key CS metrics, segmenting customers, and developing effective engagement models, as well as providing centralized access to hundreds of hours of CS community and thought leadership content.
Who should consider it
The Gainsight Pulse+ program aims to help:
- Customer Success Managers looking to enhance their skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and improve their customer engagement and retention strategies.
- Customer Success teams seeking a comprehensive training program to support their professional development and align their efforts with industry best practices.
- Professionals in related fields, such as sales, marketing, or product management, who want to gain a deeper understanding of customer success principles and strategies.
What career benefits to expect
By committing to this program, you will enjoy the following benefits:
- Comprehensive understanding of CS excellence: Discover essential ideas, methods, and tactics for engaging, managing, and retaining clients, as well as insights on implementing these practices in real-life situations.
- Professional distinction: Obtaining a certification from Gainsight's Pulse+ program highlights your dedication to career growth and showcases your proficiency in customer success to potential employers, colleagues, and clients.
- Pulse Community: Network with fellow customer success experts, exchange experiences, and glean valuable insights from their triumphs and obstacles through the Pulse community.
- Career edge: A strong grasp of customer success fundamentals and a certification from Gainsight's Pulse+ program can set you apart in a competitive employment landscape, enable you to negotiate a higher compensation, and further your career in the customer success domain.
You can also expect to get familiar with the fundamental principles required to actually use Gainsight or one of it's alternatives effectively.
9. Growth Molecules Success Academy
Growth Molecules Success Academy is an education platform tailored for customer success and support teams. The Academy offers various courses and training programs designed to help professionals excel in their customer success and account management roles. The curriculum covers essential skills for customer success professionals, such as building strong client relationships, asking the right questions for growth, maximizing one-on-ones with leadership, and driving positive results. The platform provides flexible learning options, including on-demand, self-paced courses, and private hybrid learning programs for large groups or departments.
Who should consider it
The Growth Molecules Success Academy is right for:
- Customer Success Managers and specialists aiming to refine their expertise, remain relevant on industry developments, and optimize their strategies.
- Customer Success teams searching for extensive training programs to bolster their professional growth and harmonize their endeavors with industry-leading practices.
- Professionals from fields like sales, marketing, or product management, interested in acquiring a more profound comprehension of customer success concepts and tactics.
What career benefits to expect
By participating in Growth Molecules Success Academy's programs, you can expect to:
- Dive deep into customer success excellence: Master the essential concepts, strategies, and techniques for captivating, managing, and retaining customers, while unlocking insights on implementing these practices in real-life situations.
- Boost your skills: Cultivate the vital skills needed to shine as a Customer Success Manager, encompassing communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building talents.
- Tailored learning experiences: Select from an array of learning pathways, featuring on-demand, self-guided courses, and exclusive hybrid learning programs, empowering you to study at your preferred pace and timetable.
- Forge valuable connections: Engage with fellow customer success professionals, exchange insights, and absorb valuable lessons from their triumphs and obstacles within the Growth Molecules community.
- Propel your career forward: A robust understanding of customer success fundamentals and involvement in Growth Molecules Success Academy's programs can distinguish you in a competitive employment landscape, enable you to negotiate a higher compensation, and further your career in the customer success domain.
10. CX Academy's Professional Diploma in Customer Experience
The Professional Diploma in Customer Experience is a comprehensive online training program offered by The CX Academy. This program aims to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to excel in the field of customer experience. The curriculum covers essential topics such as customer journey mapping, customer feedback, and voice of the customer, as well as advanced topics like CX strategy, culture, and leadership. The course is structured as a self-paced online program, allowing participants to complete the coursework at their convenience and earn a globally recognized certification upon successful completion.
Who should consider it
The Professional Diploma in Customer Experience is suitable for:
- Customer experience professionals who want to validate their skills, knowledge, and expertise in the customer experience field.
- Individuals looking to transition into customer experience roles and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.
- Professionals seeking career advancement opportunities within their organization or the broader customer experience industry.
What career benefits to expect
By acquiring this certification, you can expect the following career and skill benefits:
- Delve into customer experience mastery: Acquire a thorough understanding of customer experience principles, approaches, and instruments, empowering you to foster customer-focused expansion and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Elevate your skills: Cultivate the vital skills needed to shine as a customer experience expert, encompassing problem-solving, communication, and leadership talents.
- Professional distinction: Obtaining a Professional Diploma in Customer Experience from The CX Academy highlights your proficiency in customer experience and illustrates your dedication to career growth, distinguishing you from your colleagues.
- Customized learning: The self-guided online structure of the program enables you to study at your preferred pace and timetable, facilitating a balance between work, personal obligations, and professional development.
- Propel your career forward: A Professional Diploma in Customer Experience can set you apart in a competitive employment landscape, enable you to negotiate a higher compensation, and further your career in the customer experience domain.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our journey through the world of customer success education, it's time for you to boldly go where no customer success professional has gone before! Well, perhaps not quite that far, but you get the idea. Embrace your inner customer success superhero and embark on an epic adventure of learning, growth, and skill mastery.
Remember, the customer success realm is vast and ever-changing, so staying ahead of the curve is essential. With the right CS certifications and a pinch of wit, you'll not only conquer the challenges that lie ahead, but you'll also dazzle your clients and colleagues with your newfound knowledge and expertise.
After all, in the wise words of a famous customer success guru (okay, maybe it's just us), "A day without learning is a day without delighting your customers." Happy learning, and may the customer success force be with you!