The Certified Sales Associate Program is now online only.

It consists of two parts:

1. The Graduate Sales Associate Course
2. The AGS 101 Course

The Graduate Sales Associate course provides a concise introduction to the jewelry profession. As new people are hired, management is challenged to provide the attention and training that will enable the new associate to be productive—quickly. Although experience is a great teacher, the Graduate Sales Associate course provides new associates with a useful kick-start.

This interactive seven-chapter course contains pertinent facts on diamonds, colored stones, pearls, metals, watches, and period jewelry, along with information about the jewelry industry and the importance of good customer service and professionalism. At the conclusion of the course, you will be more confident in your professional manner, your product knowledge, and your potential for success. This confidence, along with practicing your selling skills, will increase your earning capabilities. And, as a member of a sales team, you can exhibit leadership skills that will benefit the entire store.

The AGS 101 Course is a short online module that overviews the AGS mission, vision, and values, and ensures you know what it means to uphold the AGS Standards. It concludes with a short knowledge check.

Upon successful completion of the two courses, the associate is awarded the Certified Sales Associate  designation from the American Gem Society. This designation is exclusive to AGS members. Ongoing education and professional development are important to the credibility of the individual and can raise the level of professionalism of the store in the eyes of the consumer.

BENEFITS:

Store owners and sales associates will benefit from this course as it:

• Minimizes training time, while maximizing learning 
• Expands the individual sales associate's knowledge and expertise
• Prepares the sales associate to share the store's philosophy and the store's product
• Gives the sales associate tools and techniques to aid in selling the product
• Provides the credentials that can develop customer confidence
• Shows the sales associate how to deliver accurate information to the customer in a professional manner
• Assists the store owner with a team-building program, bringing together management, sales associates, bench jewelers, and office staff to form a cohesive and productive unit. 

PRICING:

The Certified Sales Associate Program* is available to American Gem Society members and is priced at $249. We also offer volume-based credits for courses purchased throughout the year. The qualifying period is September 1 – August 31 of each year ("Qualifying Period"). The credit will be applied towards the member firm's renewal for the following fiscal year ("Firm Renewal"). Credits are non-refundable and may only be applied to the Firm Renewal. Please find the volume-based tiers below:

• Tier 1
• For 5-10 courses purchased during the Qualifying Period, the firm will receive a credit of $50 per course to be applied to the Firm's Renewal.
• Tier 2
• For 11-15 courses purchased during the Qualifying Period, the firm will receive a credit of $75 per course to be applied to the Firm's Renewal.
• Tier 3
• For 16 or more courses purchased during the Qualifying Period, the firm will receive a credit of $100 per course to be applied to the Firm's Renewal.

To purchase the course:

1.) Log in to your individual (not firm) account on your AGS portal.

2.) Click on the "Enroll Now" button below.

If you have trouble logging in, or need an individual login, please contact the American Gem Society membership department at 866-805-6500 for assistance.

*Each course purchased must be registered to an individual at the time of purchase. The individual has one year from the purchase date to complete the course and pass the final exam with a score of 75% or better. Expired courses must be re-purchased at current pricing. Courses are non-transferrable and non-refundable. The final exam is proctored online through a third party. In order to complete the exam, the individual must have a computer or laptop with a web camera and microphone, and have the ability to run the required application. For a full list of system and test-taker requirements, click here.