Retail management is the art and science of buying, developing and selling products to customers in innovative ways.
Retail Management Certificate 
Is Retail Management for you?
If you can think outside the box and have leadership, customer service, problem solving and decision making skills, then you may be able pursue a successful career in retail management.
Featured Programs
Why Get Certified?
Certification is usually not required to work in retail management; a college degree and work experience is. However, a certified retail management professional may benefit more than their colleagues who are not certified. Furthermore, he/she may be perceived more committed to the profession, etc. In short, a certificate in retail management can be a beneficial academic credential.
Meet a Retail Management Professional
Retail and merchandising managers play an extremely vital role in any
business, as they are responsible for acquiring finished goods from a manufacturer, arranging transportation and assuring that products reach the shelves in time for customers. They are also responsible for inventorying stocks and arranging proper storage for various items. This field is not only limited to products, but also includes purchasing and using various services from different companies. As such, professionals in the field of retail and merchandising have a great degree of responsibility and must be very careful about the products and services that they aim to sell in terms of quantity, quality and on time delivery.
A retail management certificate can give you the skills needed to understand the art of buying and selling products. 
Certificates in Retail Management
A variety of certificates in the field are offered by independent professional bodies and universities both on campus and online. The following is a brief list of retail management certificates:
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Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
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Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)
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Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
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Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
The American Purchasing Society offers the certificate to those who are in purchasing and materials management and work for companies that hold a valid membership. Top executives who are members may also apply. Non members in the field can apply for the certificate as well.
Admission Requirements
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A college degree with a minimum 2 years of purchasing related experience, or
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A minimum 3 years of purchasing related experience
Certification Requirements
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Completion of a minimum of 100 points
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An examination
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A final review
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A 3-week online course
Certification Renewal
CPP is valid for 5 years. Reapplication must be made every five years to keep it valid.
Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)
The American Purchasing Society offers this certificate as well specifically for those in managerial positions. CPP is this certificate’s prerequisite.
Certification Requirements
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Enroll in a 3-week online course “Preparation for the CPPM Exam”
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Pass the CPPM exam
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are the same as in CPP with the exception that CPP itself is required prior to enrolling in CPPM.
Certification Renewal
CPPM is valid for 5 years. Reapplication must be made every five years to keep it valid.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
The Institute for Supply Management offers the certificate. It certifies that the participant has the fundamental knowledge and skills in:
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Risk Compliance
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Organization Global Strategy
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Supplier Relationship Management
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Finance
Admission Requirements
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5 years of supply management experience, or
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3 years of supply management experience with a bachelor’s degree
Certification Requirements
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
The certificate is offered by APICS. It demonstrates a participant’s organizational skills and knowledge for developing more streamlined supply chain management operations.
The certification is especially for you if you:
Want to increase your knowledge and expertise in global supply chain management, especially in the context of physical logistics, information technology enablement, international trade, and customer relations.
Certification requirements
CSCP exam
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175 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 4 hours
Convenience of Online Education
Most, if not all, of these certificates are offered online so that working professionals do not need to make changes to their work schedule. You may make your own study schedule and work on your assignments at the time of your liking.
Career Prospects
Retail and Merchandising professionals mainly work in wholesale and manufacturing industries, the food and beverage industry, chain retail stores, hotels, company management & supply agencies, and government organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents earning a median yearly salary of $60,550 in 2012. The job growth in the field is expected to be 4% faster than the job growth for all other occupations from 2012 to 2022.