PSE CERTIFICATION FAQ
(Principles of Sales Excellence)

Sales Certification

What is PSE (Principles of Sales Excellence) certification?

Principles of Sales Excellence certification is a distinction recognizing experience, know how, and quality in the field of sales. Certification measures and validates the successful candidate's command of key sales concepts, principles, and practices needed for successful sales performance in any industry. PSE certification creates recognition and acknowledgement for your expertise and commitment to the profession of sales.

Why is sales certification important?

The PSE certification is independent verification that you possess the sales knowledge, skills and credibility needed in today’s challenging marketplace. This distinction is proof of your professionalism and dedication to continued improvement in your field.
“It is like getting a degree from a leading college. Without it you can’t differentiate yourself from the pack.”
- Kent Drangsholt. Sales & Marketing Manager, Speed’s Supertown, Portland, Oregon

Who should be certified?

PSE sales certification is for those who aspire to continuously enhance their sales career and performance. Certification is for salespeople who hold themselves accountable for their own career success and actively pursue professional development opportunities to help them succeed.

Who is eligible for PSE sales certification?

Professionals with the passion and drive to be the best in the field of sales, regardless of where you are in your sales career are welcome to apply for certification. Top salespeople recognize the importance of keeping their knowledge current and relevant.

- PSE Certification: Earning the full PSE designation requires verified sales experience of at least two years full time and successfully passing an exam on the principles of sales excellence.

- Associate PSE: If you have less than two years verified sales experience, you can take the PSE exam and upon successful completion, earn the Associate PSE designation while you work to gain the required two years of sales experience.

What are the benefits of certification?

Individuals pursue certification for a variety of reasons, including evidence of sales knowledge, professional pride, professional development and career planning, career dedication, a personal belief in the sales profession, and self-fulfillment.

Observed benefits include:


For individual salespeople:
- Sell more, earn more, advance your career.
- Take control of your sales career. Become indispensable.
- Differentiate yourself from the pack.
- Properly maintained, certification belongs to the individual salesperson, and is transferable between jobs.

For your customers:
- Identifies you as a knowledgeable professional
- Assures customers that they are receiving the best service available
- Trains salespeople to be focused on customer needs

For your company:
- Reinforces winning habits, so as to increase sales
- Independent certification increases confidence in a sales force
- Measures employee strengths and weaknesses

How do I get certified?

Certification requires that you pass a test demonstrating you understand the key principles and practices of sales excellence as determined by leading sales managers across a wide variety of industries. The PSE is awarded to those who successfully pass the exam and possess sales experience of 2 years or more. The Associate PSE can be earned by those with less than 2 years of sales experience who successfully pass the exam.

Get Certified.

What are the costs associated with PSE certification?

Click here to view purchase options for PSE Certification.

Can companies receive a volume discount for certifying multiple members of their sales staff?

While companies are encouraged to support and even sponsor staff members, each salesperson must apply for certification individually. Like any other recognition of personal excellence, the certification is received and owned by the salesperson, not the company, and is fully transferable between companies and even industries.

PSE Sales Certification