Demonstrate competence in Consultative Selling

Each candidate pursuing the CSP designation must participate in Formal Sales Training or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process.

Key Sales Competencies Checklist
The following validated key competencies and tasks were developed by the Canadian Professional Sales Association in co-operation with Human Resources Skills Development Canada. They form the foundation of the Professional Selling course and CPSA Sales Institute’s CSP designation exams. The CSP designation program tests the knowledge and skills required to be a successful—and professional—sales person, and leads to the designation CSP — Certified Sales Professional. Download the Key Sales Competencies checklist.

Formal In-Class Sales Training

The education requirement will be confirmed by submitting a Certificate of Course Completion or Diploma along with Learning Outcomes or Course outline with your application. All training programs listed on your application form must include the year the training was completed, the title and/or name of organization offering the course, the name of the instructor and a photocopy of a certificate of completion is to be attached.

Two ways to meet the education requirement and participating in the Formal Training process:

II. Colleges / Universities / Accredited Training Providers
Various post-secondary institutions and accredited training programs offer courses/certificates that fulfill the education requirement for the CSP designation.

a) Professional Sales Certificate Program
CPSA has partnered with a number of post-secondary institutions across Canada to offer the Professional Sales Certificate (PSC) Program. The Professional Sales Certificate program – a six course post-secondary credit certificate - reflects the core "Key Competencies in Sales" to provide students with all the fundamental skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for success in an entry-level sales position.

• Communications
• Professional Sales
• Marketing
• Relationship Building/Customer Service

• Account Management
• Knowledge Management
• Customer Value Creation
• Sales and Technology
• Sales Administration
• Strategic Sales Planning
• Time and Territory Management
• Sales Management
• Business Acumen (Business Ethics, Law, and Accounting)

b) Post Secondary Institutions – Professional Selling
Various post-secondary institutions across Canada offer CPSA's Professional Selling course designed to help enhance your understanding of the sales competencies.

c) Accredited Training Programs
The CPSA Sales Institute has reviewed and accredited several training organizations whose sales curriculum has covered two thirds of the required competencies. Candidates must successfully complete the approved program listed.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is a process that involves the identification, documentation assessment and recognition of learning acquired through formal and informal study. This may include work and life experiences, training, independent study, volunteering, travel, hobbies and family experiences. PLAR is based on the assumption that significant learning can and does occur outside of the classroom and that such learning should be evaluated for credit.

The recognition of prior learning can be used towards the requirements of the CSP designation. You must demonstrate your competence in the Consultative Selling process, and at least two thirds of the other identified competencies, by submitting a professional portfolio of work experience and personal development related to your employment as a sales professional that has been built up over a period of time. Download the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Guide