What do you do if you want to become a certified Account Manager?

2 Meet the eligibility criteria

Before you can enroll in a certification program, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a minimum level of education, work experience, and professional references. For example, to apply for the Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) credential from SAMA, you need to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, at least three years of experience in strategic account management, and two letters of recommendation from current or former clients or employers. You also need to be a member of SAMA and pay an application fee.

3 Complete the coursework and exams

Once you are accepted into a certification program, you need to complete the coursework and exams that are required to earn the credential. Depending on the program, you might have to attend online or in-person classes, workshops, webinars, or self-paced modules. You will learn about various topics related to account management, such as account planning, value creation, negotiation, communication, leadership, and ethics. You will also have to pass one or more exams that test your knowledge and skills in these areas.

4 Maintain your certification

After you successfully complete the certification program, you will receive your credential and a certificate that you can display on your resume, LinkedIn profile, or business card. However, your certification is not valid forever. You need to maintain it by renewing it periodically, usually every two or three years. To do so, you need to pay a renewal fee and show proof of continuing education or professional development activities, such as taking courses, attending events, or publishing articles related to account management.

5 Advance your career

Becoming a certified account manager can have many benefits for your career. It can help you stand out from the competition, enhance your reputation, increase your confidence, and expand your network. It can also open up new opportunities for career growth, such as pursuing higher-level positions, managing larger or more complex accounts, or mentoring other account managers. Additionally, it can boost your earning potential, as some employers offer higher salaries or incentives for certified account managers.

6 Keep learning and improving

Finally, remember that certification is not the end of your learning journey. Account management is a dynamic and challenging field that requires constant adaptation and innovation. You need to keep up with the latest trends, best practices, and customer needs in your industry and market. You also need to seek feedback, reflect on your performance, and identify areas for improvement. By doing so, you will not only maintain your certification, but also enhance your value and impact as an account manager.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?