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Customer Service Specialist

Customer service is a rapid-growth industry that provides exciting new career opportunities. Today, three out of every five Georgians are employed in some type of customer service position and the need is increasing.

Designed by service-training professionals, the Certified Customer Service Specialist (CCSS) program helps provide an available, skilled work force for Georgia's service, hospitality, retail and other service industries in which customer contact is a vital operation.

The Certified Customer Service Specialist program will train and certify you in communications, customer service, computer, and the essential business skills necessary to provide world-class customer service. Upon successful completion of the program, you will become a Certified Customer Service Specialist and be guaranteed an employment interview with one of our business partners.

These companies offer:

  • Competitive salaries
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Additional benefits which may include:
    • Health, life & dental plans
    • Stock options and 401(K) plans
    • Tuition reimbursements
    • Child care options

CCSS is a comprehensive program that provides a strong foundation of the skills and knowledge it requires to succeed in the customer service industry. If you have basic keyboarding knowledge, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, this may be the class for you.

Students learn the following, and more:
Customer service face-to-face and over the telephone.
Communication and listening skills.
Managing difficult customers.
Team building skills.
Problem solving skills.
Computer basics such as Windows, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
Personal and career-enhancing skills such as time and stress management.

For more curriculum details, view the list of individual courses and course objectives.

Frequently-Asked Questions

What is the program all about?
The goal of the program is to equip individuals with the foundational and advanced skills necessary to deliver excellent service in a broad range of positions. The CCSS program consists of 154 hours of training. Students earn 15 credit hours and a Technical Certificate of Credit.
When are the courses offered?
CCSS programs begin every quarter. Classes are offered on a part-time and a full-time schedule.
What kind of person does it take to be successful as a Customer Service Representative?
People with the following characteristics make the best CSR:
Computer literate.
Able to multi-task.
Enjoy talking to people.
Enjoy solving problems.
Able to manage time and stress.
How do I start?
A Columbus Technical College application and successful completion of the COMPASS Exam is required prior to entry into the CCSS program.

Admission Requirements

  1. No high school diploma or official GED scores required.
  2. Be at least 16 years old.
  3. Meet minimum test scores.
  4. No special or provisional admission allowed.

Career and Occupational Outlook

What types of jobs will I be qualified for by successfully completing the program?
The program prepares students for entry-level positions in a broad range of positions. Some of the jobs might include:
Customer Service Representative (CSR)
Contact Management Representative (CMR)
Customer Relationship Manager (CRM)
Who would consider me for employment?
The Certified Customer Service Specialist program is partnered with local and area businesses. These partners will guarantee an interview to students completing the program with an 80% grade on all coursework.
The Certified Customer Service Specialist program and its business partners cannot guarantee employment. Graduates considered for employment must still complete each company's pre-employment process, which may include drug screening, credit report and background checks.

Curriculum Outline

Course # Title Credit Hours
MKT 161 Service Industry Business Environment 2
MKT 162 Customer Contact Skills 6
MKT 163 Computer Skills for Customer Service 3
MKT 164 Business Skills for the Customer Service Environment 3
MKT 165 Personal Effectiveness in Customer Service 1

Last updated: October 22, 2009.