Previous Certification Holders (from other certification providers)

Certificants who have been previously certified by an organization have most likely not learned the global standards and universal selling framework or selling knowledge necessary to receive full credit on the UPSA Credentialing exam.  However, UPSA does recognize the efforts of these certificants and their willingness to advance their professional status.  As a result, and because UPSA is the only global standard in selling, previous certificants from other organizations may challenge for partial credit on the UPSA credentialing exam.  Each request is reviewed objectively by UPSA's standards committee following the guidelines listed below. 

Guideline for certificants who have been certified by now defunct organizations:

Certificants who have been certified within the past 10 years from an organization or non-profit association dedicated to the profession of selling may submit proof of certification, as proof of content covered through the certification process, for partial credit on the UPSA Credentialing exam.  No more than 30% credit for the exam will be given for each certification held.

Guideline for certificants who are currently certified from organizations who offer a “certification in selling” and that organization is still offering certification as of January 2005:

Certificants from organizations (preferably a non-profit association) that offer a selling certification may also apply for partial credit on a case-by-case basis.  Proof of certification and certification content (what was tested, etc) is required. No more than 30% credit for the exam will be given for each certification held.

Guideline for non U.S. Certificants:

Certificants with certifications in selling from organizations not based in the U.S.A., may also apply for partial credit on a case-by-case basis.  Proof of certification and certification content (what was tested, etc) is required.

Guidelines for individuals who have been certified by Training Companies

Because individual training companies train on specific methodologies and “how-to” methodologies, not universal selling knowledge, individuals “certified” on a methodology will not receive partial credit on the UPSA Credentialing Exam.  However , these courses and certificates may be applied to the SDU requirements for each designation, per the Certification Handbook.

Important note for previous certification holders:

Any individual previously certified must STILL abide by the ethical code requirement as well as the continuing education requirements.  Individuals wishing to challenge for partial credit must still submit proof of SDUs for the past 12 months, per the SDU requirement for the specific designation being sought.

Individuals wishing to challenge for partial credit should send an email to: standards@upsa-intl.org or call UPSA HQ at 877-694-8262

UPSA publishes a combined Certification Handbook that covers the Certified and Registered Sales Associate (CRSA) and Certified and Registered Sales Professional (CRSP) designations.  You may download the certification handbook with the link below.

The certification handbook includes:

• Introduction 
• What is the CRSP Designation? 
• What is the CRSA Designation? 
• What is the Difference between the Two Designations? 
• What Are The Benefits Of The Designations? 
• UPSA Certification Program Overview 
• Purpose of the UPSA Certification Program 
• Certification Program Structure 
• Minimum Standards to Achieve the CRSP Designation 
• Minimum Standards to Achieve the CRSA Designation 
• Application Process 
• Exam Preparation Courses
• Renewal of Designations
• APPENDIX 1 -- Approved SDU Activities
• APPENDIX 2 -- Definitions
• APPENDIX 3 -- Application and Required Forms