Customer Success Manager Certification: Is It Worth Your Time?
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CSM Certification: Pros & Cons
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There is an ongoing discussion about getting a Customer Success Manager certification.
The question here is whether having a certification in CS has any significant impact on your career or not.
Here are the Pros & Cons:
1. Pros
Getting certified can be an advantage if you're just starting in Customer Success Management.
A certification, like Gainsight Pulse Academy, can be a smart move to build more confidence in your role.
It’s also a good way to build up knowledge, setting you apart when it comes to job interviews.
Note that certifications usually cost between $100 to $450.
2. Cons
Hands-on experience is what matters the most.
And nothing can replace it.
A certification is not a guarantee for success in your role as a Customer Success pro. This is why most hiring managers do not care much about you being certified.
Okay, it’s a plus.
It shows that you’re serious about your career goals and that you want to learn on the job. But it won’t get you ahead of someone who has more experience in the field.
I’d say certifications are great for entry-level customer success managers.
Most industry leaders I talk to do not care about these CS certifications.
In many cases, it’s just a way for companies to drive leads and make more money selling you more courses over time.
What recruiters and hiring managers value the most are hands-on skills.
Like your abilities in AI, Data Analytics, or Project Management, and not just having a certificate.
Practical experience, achievements, and measurable results matter much more than any theory or piece of paper.
So, Here’s What You Should Do Instead:
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