Retail Certification and Certificate Program Information

Schools that offer a retail certificate prepare individuals for management positions and may instruct them on how to make improvements to various aspects of their company. Programs may prefer that applicants already be employed in retail, food service and other sales-related industries. Students may also have the option of focusing on a particular aspect of retail management.

Retail Certificate

Programs in retail management may guide students on the changing world of retailers, teach them how to increase profits and/or how to recruit and properly train new employees. Individuals may also learn how to improve their communication skills with employees and supervisors as well. Those who plan on starting their own business, majoring in marketing or information systems could benefit from earning a retail certificate. Applicants could face competition if their desired program has a limited number of spots. As education prerequisites, schools may request that applicants have a high school diploma, submit standardized test scores or already be enrolled in an undergraduate program.

Program Coursework

Students could be offered internships to supplement their education and gain working experience. Courses may also be offered in accounting, business and computer applications. Certain class credits may be transferable to a bachelor's degree program. Other coursework may include the following:

  • Visual merchandising
  • Public speaking
  • Computer information
  • Communicative Spanish for retail
  • Financial analysis
  • Human relations
  • Business math
  • Supervision
  • Retailing issues
  • Organizational behavior

Career Options

After earning a retail certificate, graduates could be prepared for a variety of positions in a supervisory or managerial capacity. With more experience and education, individuals might even be prepared to work as store owners and retail buyers. Career options include the following:

  • Store manager
  • Retail loss prevention manager
  • Retail operations manager
  • Assistant store manager
  • Retail human resources manager

Employment Outlook & Salary Info

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2008-2018 the employment outlook for sales worker supervisors is expected to experience a five percent growth rate, which is slower when compared to other occupations (www.bls.gov).

Payscale.com cited that in 2011 retail managers earned between $25,383 and $72,822. Managers with one to four years made $28,042 to $59,852 while those with five to nine years earned between $30,524 and $66,340.

Retail Management Careers

Retail management jobs are always plentiful, with over 4 million retail salespersons employed throughout the U.S. While many retail jobs start at a modest hourly rate, employers often reward productive salespersons with bonuses, generous employee discounts and profit-sharing incentives.

Related to Retail Certification

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Talking Shop: A Retail Store Transforms a College Curriculum

Growing Vermont is a student-operated retail store at the University of Vermont. Far from being just another place to...

Retail Management Certification and Certificate Program Overviews

Retail managers oversee the day-to-day operations of stores and sales establishments. There are several academic and...

How to Become a Retail Auditor: Step-by-Step Career Guide

Retail auditors may fulfill a number of different job duties, which are normally centered on insuring that company...

Retail Pet Trainer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements

Retail pet trainers differ from other animal trainers in terms of educational background and place of employment. They...

Become a Retail Architect: Step-by-Step Career Guide

27 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs