Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solutions are a must-have for organizations that want to stay competitive and scale efficiently.

CPQ software helps sales teams quickly generate error-free quotes, automate pricing approvals, and remove bottlenecks in the sales process to close deals faster.

But mastering CPQ isn’t just about using the software; gaining expertise in these tools can help teams strategically drive results. That’s where CPQ certification comes in.

Whether you’re a sales professional, RevOps leader, or admin, certification can enhance your expertise and make your team more efficient and effective.

In this article, we’ll explore what CPQ certification is, why it’s worth considering, and how it can help you outpace your competition.

What is CPQ certification?

CPQ certification validates your knowledge and expertise using CPQ software. Like a professional certificate from completing a course or training, it shows your ability to optimize quoting processes.

CPQ certification goes beyond the fundamentals to help you gain the skills to configure pricing rules, build customized quoting workflows, and adapt the system to fit your team’s needs. This ensures more accurate, efficient, and scalable quoting operations.

Is CPQ certification worth it?

A CPQ certification can be valuable if you want to demonstrate your expertise in CPQ software, whether you’re responsible for setting up and configuring the system or using it to improve the sales process and close deals. Certification can also boost your credibility and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

If you’re not sure if certification is right for you, here are a few key considerations:

  • Company support: Will your organization cover the cost or provide time for you to complete the training?
  • Role relevance: Are you actively using CPQ software in your day-to-day work? If you’re responsible for configuring pricing and product rules, managing workflows, bundling configurations, or optimizing quoting processes, certification could provide tangible benefits.
  • CPQ software compatibility: What CPQ tool does your organization use? Ensure that the certification you’re considering aligns with the specific platform.
  • Career growth and ROI: Does your employer or industry value CPQ certification? If it’s a recognized credential in your field, it could lead to new opportunities, promotions, or salary increases.

Ultimately, CPQ certification is most valuable when it enhances your ability to improve quoting accuracy, efficiency, and deal velocity for your organization.

If those skills align with your current or future career goals, investing in certification could be a smart move.

What are the different types of CPQ certifications?

There are a few different types of CPQ certifications. Consider the one that aligns with the software your team uses.

How much does CPQ certification cost?

The cost of CPQ certification depends on which one you choose.

  • Salesforce Certified CPQ Specialist: $200, plus applicable taxes. If you need to retake the certification exam, the fee is typically half of the original exam price.
  • Salesforce Certified Industries CPQ Developer: $200 plus applicable taxes. Retake fees are generally half of the initial exam cost.
  • Oracle CPQ 2024 Certified Implementation Professional: $245.
  • PandaDoc Quote-to-Cash Certification: Free for PandaDoc customers.

CPQ certification requirements

While prior experience with CPQ can be beneficial, it’s not required. Most certification programs have no prerequisites, meaning you can enroll and build your expertise regardless of your background.

How long does it take to learn CPQ?

The time it takes to learn CPQ varies based on your previous experience and the specific tool you’re using. On average, learning CPQ can take a few weeks to months.

The time and learning curve also depend heavily on the complexity of the tools you’re using.

For example, PandaDoc CPQ offers the same robust features as other options, with easy-to-use functionality. This means teams can implement the software and learn to use the features faster than with other options.

What are the biggest challenges in learning CPQ?

In addition to the complexity of the tool you use, learning CPQ depends on the following:

  • Understanding pricing and configuration rules. CPQ tools use complex pricing structures, discounting rules, and product configurations. These can be difficult to master if you’re unfamiliar with sales processes.
  • Customization and workflow automation: CPQ platforms often require customization to meet specific business needs. Configuring automation rules, approval processes, and custom workflows can be challenging.
  • Data accuracy and management. CPQ systems rely on clean, well-structured data. Understanding how to manage product catalogs, pricing data, and dependencies is essential but can be overwhelming for new users. Tools like PandaDoc that offer 2-way data synchronization with CRMs like HubSpot can help maintain data accuracy.

PandaDoc CPQ simplifies these challenges by offering a more intuitive interface, reducing the learning curve compared to other CPQ tools.

The bottom line: do you need CPQ certification?

Certification can enhance your understanding of CPQ platforms and may open doors for career growth, but it’s not required and depends on your organization, job responsibilities, and career goals.

If you’re looking to expand your expertise, configure CPQ systems for your business, or unlock new opportunities, certification could be a valuable step.

Hila Schwartz, Senior Instructor at PandaDoc, shares some of the benefits of the PandaDoc CPQ certification.

  • Confirm your understanding: The certification ensures you have a solid grasp of the most important elements of PandaDoc’s CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) process, validating your expertise and ensuring you’re up to date on best practices.
  • Become a team expert: The certification positions you as a go-to person within your team, helping colleagues improve workflows and establishing you as a key contributor to your organization’s efficiency.

CPQ certification isn’t mandatory to use CPQ solutions, but it can enhance your knowledge and help you become a power user.

However, if certification isn’t on your radar, prioritize an intuitive CPQ platform, like PandaDoc, that’s easy to navigate and provides 24/7 support for troubleshooting and ongoing questions.

If you’re looking for a CPQ solution that’s powerful yet easy to use, try PandaDoc to enhance your sales process without the steep learning curve. Want to give PandaDoc a try? Start your free 14-day trial.

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