The Best Customer Experience Certifications: CCXP vs CXS
In the realm of customer experience (CX), certifications hold significant value as they demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field. Two prominent customer experience certifications in this domain are the CCXP (Certified Customer Experience Professional) certification offered by the CXPA (Customer Experience Professionals Association) and the CXS (Customer Experience Specialist) certification offered by CX University.
Table of Contents
This article aims to provide professionals seeking to enhance their CX knowledge and credentials with a detailed understanding of the differences between these two customer experience certifications, empowering them to make informed decisions about their certification journey.
CCXP Certification
The CCXP certification, offered by CXPA (Customer Experience Professionals Association), is an internationally recognized certification that signifies a serious commitment to customer experience and positions individuals as leaders in the field.
The Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) acts as an independent, member-driven organization offering the Customer Experience Certification (CCXP).
Interestingly, the CXPA maintains a Chinese wall, ensuring a clear separation between the exam and the preparation/training aspects.
The CCXP certification is an internationally recognized certification that signifies a serious commitment to customer experience and positions individuals as leaders in the field. Here are the key details of the CCXP certification:
Certification Overview
- Certification Name: Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP)
- Offered by: CXPA (Customer Experience Professionals Association)
- Cost: $645 for CXPA Non-Members; $495 for Members
- Validity: The certification is valid for two years.
- Maintenance: CCXPs must attend CX events and engage in continuous learning to maintain the certification. After two years, a fee ranging from $199 to $349 is required to extend the certification for an additional two years.
Focus and Competencies
- Core Competencies: The CCXP certification evaluates a comprehensive understanding of customer experience principles and practices across six core competencies defined by the CXPA. These competencies Include:
- Customer-Centric Culture
- Customer Insights
- Design and Innovation
- Metrics and Measurement
- Organizational Adoption and Accountability
- Experience Delivery and Improvement
Eligibility and Exam
The CCXP is often misunderstood, as it not only relies on knowledge but also strong practitioner understanding. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must fulfil a range of experience requirements, this emphasizes the importance of practical expertise and not merely theoretical knowledge needed to achieve a CXPA certification.
- Exam Eligibility
- The CCXP certification is tailored for experienced CX practitioners with broad exposure and a comprehensive understanding of various CX knowledge areas. Professionals seeking CCXP certification must meet these specific eligibility criteria,
- Exam Format
- The CCXP exam is a comprehensive, challenging exam that requires thorough preparation. Sample exams are available to familiarize candidates with the exam format, which follows standardized test thinking.
Recent Updates in CCXP
In 2020, the CCXP Body of Knowledge (BoK) underwent revisions based on a comprehensive CX Job Analysis. This analysis was aimed to align the BoK with the real-world knowledge requirements necessary to excel in CX activities.
The updated CCXP Body of Knowledge now comprises five components instead of six, and CXPA volunteer members contributed to creating a BoK compendium, incorporating insights from within the CXPA practitioner and consulting community (rather than a single provider’s perspective).
CXS Certification™
The CXS Certification™, known as Customer Experience Specialist Certification, focuses on building expertise in specific areas of customer experience.
Below we look into the key details of the CXS Certification™:
Certification Overview
- Certification Name: Customer Experience Specialist (CXS) Certification
- Cost: $595.00 (CX 500 Series Bundle)
- Validity:
- Focus: The CXS Certification™ emphasizes specialization in customer experience domains.
- Offered by: CX University
Course Structure and Specializations
- Core Courses
- The CXS Certification™ involves completing the CX 500 Series Bundle course that covers best practices and applied aspects of customer experience
- Specialization Tracks
- CXS Certification™ provides focused knowledge covering the following areas; customer experience strategy, customer-centric culture, organizational adoption, metrics and measurement, experience design, Voice of the Customer and customer insights.
Course Access and Exam
- Course Access
- Participants gain access to all 6 online course materials for 6 months, allowing self-paced learning and review.
- Certification Assessment
- Upon completing the core courses, participants are required to pass a certification assessment to earn the CXS Certification™.
The Differences Between a CCXP Certification and CXS Certification
| CXPA | CXS | |
| Scope of Knowledge | CCXP certification covers a broad range of customer experience principles and practices across multiple competencies based on the CCXP Body of Knowledge (revised in 2020) | CXS Certification™ provides specialized knowledge and skills in specific customer experience areas based on the chosen specialization track |
| Certification Body | The CCXP certification is offered by CXPA, a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the customer experience profession | CXS Certification™ is provided by CX University, which offers specialized customer experience training and education |
| Pricing | The CCXP certification costs $495 for CXPA members and $645 for non-members | CX 500 Series Bundle course costs $595 |
| Duration | The CCXP certification is valid for two years, with maintenance fees required for extension. | CXS Certification™ does not require revalidation |
| Prerequisites | Post-secondary degree (or a high school diploma or equivalent) 5 years of work experience that include three years of CX-specific work experience | No pre-requisites |
Pursuing the CCXP or CXS Certification™ is a valuable step for professionals seeking recognition and expertise in the customer experience field. The CCXP certification, offered by CXPA, evaluates a broad understanding of customer experience principles across six core competencies. On the other hand, CXS Certification™ provides specialized knowledge in specific customer experience domains through specialized tracks.
Both customer experience certifications offer unique opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the dynamic field of customer experience.
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Great spotlight for all those seeking to validate their CX experience with a certification. Well done.
Thank you Cynthia