Career Certified - Sales Development Specialist (CC-SDS)
Demonstrate your ability to create sales opportunities in any industry with this employer-driven certification exam and open the door to a world of opportunities. The CC-SDS accurately determines a candidate’s ability to prospect successfully.
Education Required:
High School Diploma, College Degree, or equivalent
Exam Pricing:
$199
Exam Format:
Live, proctored oral exam covering knowledge, technical, and interpersonal skills required in Sales Development.
Exam + Training Course:
$299
Exam Time:
60 minutes
85% of jobs are filled through referrals.
That’s where we come in. If you’re able to pass the CC-SDS certification exam, we’ll promote you directly to anyone in our employer network who is hiring for a relevant role.
Our Employer Network
We’ll personally introduce you to hiring managers and recruiters in our network whenever they have an open role that matches your certification.
Is CC-SDS right for you?
The CC-SDS certification proves you have the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the role of sales development. It demonstrates your ability to create opportunities for sales without being tied to any specific industry or geographic location.
85%
1M+
Percent of jobs that are filled through networking and personal connections.
Number of open Sales Development roles on average per year.
Path to Certification
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Eligibility Criteria
To ensure candidates are well-prepared to succeed, the following eligibility requirements must be met:Age Requirement: Candidates must be 18 years or older.
Educational Background: A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
Citizenship/Residency: Candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal residents authorized to work in the United States.
Professional Interest: Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in sales development.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required, as all certification materials and communication will be in English.
Technology Access: Candidates must have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection for the certification process.
Basic Skills: Familiarity with professional tools such as email, video conferencing, and spreadsheets is recommended, or candidates should be willing to learn these skills prior to certification.
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How to Pay and Schedule Your Exam
Booking Your Exam:
All exams are scheduled and paid for through Calendly.
You must select a date and time at least 3 days in advance, and your exam must be scheduled within 30 days of booking.
Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with:
A calendar invite for your exam date and time.
A Zoom link to connect for your exam.
An outline of possible exam topics to help you prepare.
Retake Policy:
You are allowed to take the exam only once every 30 days.
If you do not pass, you will need to wait 30 days before attempting the exam again.
Retaking the exam requires payment of additional fees.
Preparing for the Exam:
Ensure you have access to a quiet, distraction-free environment for the duration of the exam.
Familiarize yourself with the included topic outline sent after booking.
Have a reliable computer, internet connection, webcam, and microphone for your Zoom session.
Day of the Exam:
Join the Zoom meeting using the provided link at the scheduled time.
Have a government-issued ID ready for identity verification.
Follow all proctoring instructions during the exam to ensure compliance with testing standards.
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Prepare for the Exam
We want to set you up for success! To help you prepare, we provide a comprehensive list of all possible topics that may be covered during the exam after you schedule your test.
You have several options to get ready:
Self-Study: Use the topic list we provide to guide your independent study and preparation.
External Training: Find a suitable trainer, course, or resources that align with the exam topics.
CC-SDS Training Course: For a more structured approach, enroll in the official CC-SDS Training Course (available for an additional fee). This course is designed to fully prepare you for the exam.
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1. Exam Overview
The CC-SDS exam is a live, proctored session designed to assess your readiness and skills for success in sales development. The session lasts between up to 1 hour, during which you’ll demonstrate your knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills.
2. Exam Format
Customized Assessment: Questions are tailored to real-world scenarios you’re likely to encounter in a sales development role.
Live Interaction: A professional proctor will guide the process, ensuring a seamless experience while assessing your performance.
Oral Responses: You’ll answer questions verbally, simulating the kind of conversations and presentations required in sales development roles.
3. Before the Exam
Practice Materials: Upon registration, you’ll gain access to resources to help you prepare for the exam format and topics.
Technical Requirements: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, a quiet environment, and a webcam-enabled device.
Identity Verification: You’ll be required to verify your identity using a valid government-issued photo ID before the exam begins.
4. During the Exam
Secure Environment: The session will be recorded for review to maintain the integrity of the certification process.
Supportive Proctor: The proctor is there to make you feel comfortable, clarify instructions, and ensure the session runs smoothly.
Performance-Based Questions: Expect a mix of role-play scenarios, situational problem-solving, and knowledge-based inquiries.
5. After the Exam
Certification Results: You’ll receive your results within 1–2 business days.
Tips for Success
Review all provided resources.
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
Test your technology setup ahead of time to avoid last-minute hiccups.
How to prepare for the exam
The CC-SDS is the gold standard in sales development certification and distinguishes you from other sales professionals. Obtaining the certification proves to employers you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the role. If you don’t already know what you’re doing, there are those that can help.
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Use the topic list provided below to guide your independent study and preparation.
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CC-SDS Authorized On-demand Exam Prep
Developed and validated by CC-SDS certification holders, this official prep course advances your sales development skills and prepares you for the CC-SDS exam.
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Our authorized training partner program connects you with CC-SDS-aligned organizations that prepare you for the CC-SDS certification exam.
Email certifications@careerdash.com to find your authorized instructor.
Join Our Employer Network
Want to get access to vetted and certified talent at no cost? Sign up today and let qualified candidates know you’re interested in them.
FAQs
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This certification assesses the key skills required for a successful career in sales development. It’s designed in collaboration with top employers to ensure that the skills tested are the ones that matter most for on-the-job success.
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Anyone looking to pursue a career in sales development or current professionals aiming to validate their skills can take this certification. It’s also great for individuals looking to stand out to hiring managers or recruiters.
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No training is required before taking the certification, but we recommend that candidates have a foundational understanding of sales development. The exam is designed to assess practical, job-relevant skills, so prior experience or study in this field is beneficial.
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The exam is a live, 30-60 minute assessment. It includes a mix of scenario-based questions and practical demonstrations to ensure candidates can apply their skills in real-world situations.
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You will receive your results within 1 business day from the completion of your exam.
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Obtaining this certification gives you access to our network of thousands of employers. If a job is available at a company within our network, we will personally reach out to our connection and ??
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If you don’t pass the exam, you’ll receive feedback on areas for improvement. You can retake the exam after a 30-day period.
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The certification is valid for 1 year. After this period, you will need to renew it by taking a recertification exam.