My name is Lisa Alexander, I am the author of PharmRepSelect©-Your Complete Guide to Getting a Job in Pharmaceutical Sales . I have about eighteen years in this business. I started as a sales rep and worked my way up the ladder. I spent several years as a Hiring Manager. The companies I have worked for include Novartis, Wyeth and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. As a Recruiter with Innovex, where I spent six years, my function was to help build sales forces with dozens of  pharma companies, consequently, I got to know the hiring practices of many different companies. As the Executive Recruiter with Pharma Diversity I currently work with pharmaceutical companies to supply the best candidates for their job opportunities.

 
There is not a company that I know of that uses private certifications as a hiring criteria in their selection process. Please research this for yourself.  Call the pharmaceutical company directly ( where you will be interviewing)  and ask their HR department managers if a certification that you can purchase over the internet will get you a job with their company.

I encourage you to research the company before interviewing with them . Your research and preparation is essential to your interview success. Obviously, you should combine all kinds of research while preparing to secure your job. You will research the company, read about the selling process, learn what makes a good sales rep. You need to know exactly  how to demonstrate your experience professionally etc. A professional resume, brag book and excellent communication skills are a necessity for your success.  Outlined in my book and many books on the market you will find all the information that will help you prepare fully for your interview success.

The pharmaceutical company that you will go to work for will be investing in your training and spending  thousands of dollars to train you , their way,  to become a successful sales representative. Before you spend your own money on private certifications, ask a representative currently working for the company you want to work with this question:

"Did you pay for a certification on your own before you got your job? Should I ?" There you will find your answer.