Work Experience

Why is the work experience required?
The purpose of the practical work experience requirement is to provide the Institute with a basis for assuring that those admitted have the required competencies to act as sales professionals. Measurement of the practical experience also helps to determine if candidates have adequate experience in the application of sales knowledge and skills.

What kind of experience is required?
The practical work experience requirement is 24 months of full-time practical experience gained in a sales environment. The experience can be obtained in the private or public sectors of the economy. The experience gained must cover the Consultative Selling sales competency. Two sponsors will be required to sign the Professional References section (found on the application form for certification) to verify experience reported.

Does retail sales experience count as meeting the work experience criteria?
Retail sales experience would only count if the sales experience covered the consultative selling competency. If it does, it would only count as half. So, for each year of retail experience, the CPSA Institute would accept it as 6 months experience.