How can you prepare for a professional certification in Customer Relationship Management?

It's also important at a high-level to understand where you want to take your career. For me my goal was to have a balance of business and technical acumen, so I specialized in Salesforce as it has many paths for a fulfilling career.

Internal factors can be just as important as external ones. Deciding to pursue something you don’t have an affinity or a compelling reason to just because it’s in-demand can be a recipe for burnout. For example: Salesforce is actually more common in Hong Kong and most CRM jobs here are for that software. I chose to pursue HubSpot certification because I personally enjoy the philosophy behind their system and it comes more naturally to me. So yes, consider demand but also consider your preferences.

I’m at an early stage in going down the certification path. I’m looking at Hub-spot and Salesforce. So I’m still making up my mind on what to pursue, but I do know learning these extra skills and applying them in the workplace will make me a more productive employee.

It is an interesting question. I personally think that a certification is always a good thing to have but it is more important analysing in depth needs before studying for obtaining one. A good CRM does not have to flatter its ego adding a long list of certifications to its cv if then does not use them on the day-to-day activity. And, in any case, I'm strongly convinced that, before focusing on tools, a CRM has to improve its negotiation skills

Getting Certifications is as essential as getting the skills to buttress the certificate. If you have acquired the skills, the next step is getting a professional certificate to prove your expertise and Knowledge. Research the essence and worth of the certification. Start preparations for the exam by getting the needed materials. Create your study plan strategically and Ace your exams.

For a professional certification in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), start by selecting the right certification that aligns with your career goals and CRM platform of choice. Once you've chosen your certification, gather relevant study materials, such as textbooks, online courses, and practice exams. Create a structured study plan, allocate time for daily or weekly study sessions, and make practical hands-on experience with a CRM system or sandbox environment a key part of your preparation.

Most certification providers offer these resources on their websites or in accompanying guides. The exam objectives provide insights into the topics and skills assessed in the exam, along with their relative weightage. Simultaneously, the exam outline offers a comprehensive understanding of the exam's structure, encompassing the number and types of questions, the passing score, and the time allotted. Familiarising yourself with these documents will provide a clear roadmap for your preparation, enabling you to concentrate on the areas that matter most and ensuring you are well-prepared for the certification exam.

If you know your subject material well, this is less of an influencing task. CRM is about innovation, adaptation and and overcoming stakeholder needs by managing the relationship, expect curved balls.

Informal videos can also be useful - users will share their approach including tips and tricks. I'm a strong proponent of repetition with variation for learning. Find different sources and review a range of them until you can start to finish the sentences on your own. Then you know it.

Engage with online CRM communities and study groups, seek feedback from experienced professionals, and take advantage of official documentation provided by the CRM provider. Prior to the exam, simulate the test conditions by taking practice exams with time limits. On the exam day, stay calm, read questions carefully, and allocate your time wisely. Whether you pass or not, post-exam review will help you identify areas for improvement, and after passing the exam, continue to stay updated with CRM best practices and industry changes to maintain your certification and further your career.

I have always been a visual learning, so understanding how the CRM looks, provides great insights when it comes to answering questions. A lot of CRM software's also offer trials which can help you get an understanding of it

Additionally, throughout your CRM certification journey, adopt a growth mindset, be persistent, and embrace a commitment to continuous learning. CRM systems and best practices are continually evolving, and staying at the forefront of these changes will not only help you pass the certification exam but also make you a more valuable asset in your professional career. Remember that the effort you invest in preparing for a CRM certification can lead to enhanced job opportunities, career advancement, and a deeper understanding of how to manage and optimize customer relationships for both your organization and its clients.

To be an expert in this filed and to pass any exam on CRM, you need to know three key things. 1. Data is king 2. Issues become complaints 3. CRM's are not just fill in the blanks. You have to own the relationship and know how to build a trust bond.

Certifications are a good way to gain proof of competency, but becoming an expert in CRM begins when you have thoroughly tested and implemented them within the real world. Try to find new and novel ways of setting up a CRM, take opportunities to own projects involving CRM setup, and volunteer to help solve complex problems. The best way to show competency is to practice what you have learned.

Dedicate time to study the course materials thoroughly. Take notes, ask questions, and seek clarification on any concepts you find challenging.

Decide first which career path you want to take, register for certification relevant to it. Be it online or offline,don't just gloss over it,make sure you learn and implement what you have learnt. Don't forget to look for mentors in your chosen path!!

Focus on learning material you are interested in and will internalize. Certifications will give you a foundation and framework but you must really care about the material enough to recognize that it is a starting point. Taking the test and getting the certification is the beginning of your mastery, not the cupmination of it.