CRSA Certified Retail Sales Associate

APSP is proud to offer the Certified Retail Sales Associate (CRSA) Program, a comprehensive and self-directed learning program. Developed by the APSP Retailers Council, it is intended for training retail employees in entry-level or even supervisory positions, as well as seasonal or potential workers. The program is appropriate for high school students or adults of any age or experience level. It offers knowledge that is relevant to the pool, spa, and hot tub retail environment, including customer service skills, consultative sales techniques, and basic technical information.

“The Retailers Council identified an opportunity to enhance the professionalism of our industry," explains Penny Johnson, APSP Chairman of the Board (Johnson Pools and Spas). "By focusing on the buying experience that consumers have in our retail stores, we can greatly enhance how the public views our business.”

The CRSA course materials, including the APSP Retail Sales Associate Manual, can be used by an individual learner or as part of company training provided to a group. Individuals can earn professional certification by passing a rigorous 200-question online exam. The exam questions relate to real-life situations that retail professionals are likely to encounter with customers. The exam measures each test taker's ability to identify the best courses of action. All successful candidates receive a certificate and, if they work for an APSP member, also receive the CRSA professional designation.

“Business owners and managers who are interested in growing their business will embrace the opportunity to train their sales staff to a higher standard,” says Brenda Murr, APSP Retailers Council Chairman and owner of Mermaid Pool and Spa in Anderson, Indiana. “The beauty of the CRSA program is its flexibility: It can be used by individuals or in a group setting and, since it’s self-paced, employees can take the exam when they are ready.”
 
To order the CRSA course materials or sign up to take the exam, please contact APSP Member Services at memberservices@APSP.org or 703.838.0083, ext. 301.
 
Click here to take the CRSA exam.