NRF Customer Sales and Service
NRF Customer Sales & Service Certificate Training
The In-Person NRF Customer Service & Sales Certification Training is an intermediate, industry-recognized credential program developed by the NRF Foundation as part of its RISE Up workforce initiative. Designed for in-person classroom delivery, this training builds on basic retail knowledge to equip participants with advanced interpersonal communication, proactive sales strategies, customer retention techniques, and career management skills.
Developed in collaboration with over 20 notable retailers, the curriculum helps your learners land high-demand jobs and get promoted in the retail industry and beyond. Earning a certification validates their knowledge and skills to employers and builds workplace-readiness.
Through the RISE Up Customer Service and Sales training, learners will master fundamental employability and workplace skills, including:
- Understanding the customer life cycle
- Developing effective strategies to engage customers
- Assessing customer needs and closing sales
- Reading customer body language
- Increasing customer satisfaction and retention
- Problem-solving and working in teams
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:
- The full scope of store operations and running a retail environment
- Utilizing merchandising and marketing techniques
- Understanding the retail profit model and competition
- Recognizing retail policies, regulations, and safety
- Effective management of others
- Planning and following a career path in retail
In-Person Class Experience
- Role-Playing & Simulated Scenarios: Hands-on practice with mock sales pitches, objection handling, and real-time customer service de-escalation.
- Instructor Feedback: Direct coaching from the trainer on active listening, body language, and effective presentation skills.
- Peer Collaboration: Group exercises focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, and sales strategy brainstorms.
Target Audience
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Retail & Hospitality Staff: Current frontline employees looking to increase sales performance, earn promotions, or move into supervisory positions.
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Job Seekers & Career Changers: Individuals seeking an edge in customer-facing fields including retail sales, bank tellers, call centers, client support, or hospitality.
Assessment & Certification
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Exam Format: A proctored, closed-book multiple-choice national exam administered on-site at the conclusion of the training.
- Credential Issued: Passing candidates earn the NRF Foundation Customer Service & Sales Certificate along with a digital Credly badge for LinkedIn and resume verification.
Next Training is:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 9th, 2027 - March 18th, 2027 from 2pm - 5pm
Location:
Corning Community College Health Education Center
Lecture Hall
132 Denison Pkwy E., Corning, NY 14830
Cost: $700.00 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.