NRF Retail Industry Fundamentals
NRF Retail Industry Fundamentals
Certificate Training
The retail industry is America’s largest private-sector employer, supporting 55 million first jobs, next chances and lifelong careers to people in every community. Our industry-recognized curriculum and exams build workplace readiness through training resources loaded with real-world examples and engaging, media-rich activities.
The NRF Foundation RISE Up Retail Industry Fundamentals Certificate is an introductory course for learners developing workplace readiness skills for a first job or reentering the workforce.
Developed in collaboration with over 30 retailers, the curriculum helps your learners land high-demand jobs and get promoted in the retail industry and beyond. Earning the Retail Industry Fundamentals certificate validates their knowledge and skills to employers and builds workplace-readiness.
Through RISE Up’s Retail Industry Fundamentals training, students will develop basic employability and workplace skills, including:
- Identifying the economic impact of the retail industry.
Recognizing the retail cycle; Developing basic customer service and math skills to conduct sales transactions. - Learning technology tools used in retail; Practicing interview skills.
Key Concepts
NRF Foundation's RISE Up curriculum and exams are industry-recognized and developed in collaboration with over twenty retailers, including Walmart, Macy’s, The Home Depot, and Nordstrom.
The Retail Industry Fundamentals training equips students with introductory knowledge to understand:
~ Industry terms and retail cycles
~ The economic impact of the retail industry
~ Customer service and sales skills
~ Basic retail operations and practices
~ Retail industry career-path options
~ Professionalism and communication for workplace readiness
In-Person Delivery Features
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Interactive Learning: In-person role-playing exercises for customer service scenarios and active sales demonstrations.
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Instructor-Led Support: Direct, real-time feedback from the trainer on retail math, POS simulations, and resume/interview preparation.
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Group Collaboration: Peer-to-peer activities and team problem-solving tasks.
Credential & Assessment
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Exam Format: Closed-book, multiple-choice exam administered on-site at the conclusion of the training.
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Certification: Passing candidates earn the industry-recognized NRF Foundation Retail Industry Fundamentals Certificate and a digital badge for resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
Next Training is:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 12th, 2027 - January 19th, 2027 from 2pm - 5pm
Location:
Corning Community College Health Education Center
Lecture Hall
132 Denison Pkwy E., Corning, NY 14830
Cost: $360.00 per person (includes textbook & exam)
Cancellations with less than 3 days notice or failure to attend (No Shows) the first day of class will not qualify for a refund or reduction of charges.
Students may cancel 3 days or more prior to the day of class and receive a full refund. We solidify dates with instructors 3 days prior to the start of the class (or reschedule/cancel) and it is dependent upon enrollment. Cancellations with less than 3 days notice can not be refunded). Notification maybe done by phone to the Office of Workforce Education (607-936-5501) or email to ilearn@corning-cc.edu
Email ilearn@corning-cc.edu or call 607-936-5501 for more information on upcoming dates or opportunities for your corporate training needs!
Businesses in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben interested in seeking funding to send promising leaders from their organizations to this training should contact CSS Workforce NY at 607-937-8337.
SUNY Corning Community College is committed to ensuring equal access to students with disabilities. If you believe that you will need accommodations while taking this course, please contact Accessibility Services by phone 607-962-9262 or email Accessibility@corning-cc.edu to begin the process of requesting accommodations. We strive to coordinate accommodations in a timely manner, but some accommodations may not be available when you need them if you do not give timely notice.
Kimberly Barres
Instructor/Consultant , Kimberly Barres brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in retail, sales, and hospitality to Corning Community College. As the Program Manager at IncubatorWorks for nearly five years, she supports small business growth across the Southern Tier and Western New York by facilitating business accelerator classes and leading entrepreneurial programming. Kimberly built her career from the ground up, starting in front-line retail and hotellerie—beginning at the front desk of a 90-room hotel—before advancing to leadership positions with major brands like Crowne Plaza, Marriott, Hyatt, and Sofitel (including the flagship Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile). She holds an M.S. in Hospitality Management from Purdue University and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish (summa cum laude) from Ohio University. A Certified Meeting Planner, she is also near-fluent in Spanish. At CCC, Kimberly teaches courses in Retail Industry Fundamentals, Customer Service, and Sales, with additional hospitality coursework in development.