The Certified Dropshipping Professional/Manager (CDP)™/(CDM)™ certification program is a globally relevant and practically oriented qualification designed for individuals seeking to build or scale successful dropshipping and e-commerce businesses. In today’s digital-first economy, dropshipping has emerged as a popular business model that allows entrepreneurs and organizations to sell products online without holding inventory. However, sustainable success in dropshipping requires more than setting up an online store—it demands strong product research, supplier management, digital marketing, customer experience, operational control, and financial discipline.

Dropshipping is a full business ecosystem involving market research, platform selection, store optimization, supplier sourcing, order fulfillment, pricing strategy, marketing analytics, and customer support. This program equips participants with a structured understanding of the dropshipping business model and its operational, marketing, and managerial components. Emphasis is placed on building scalable and compliant businesses, managing risks such as supplier reliability and customer satisfaction, and leveraging data to improve profitability and long-term brand value.

Graduates of the CDP™/CDM™ program will be capable of launching, managing, and scaling dropshipping operations with confidence, efficiency, and strategic clarity in both individual and organizational contexts.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Dropshipping Professional/Manager (CDP)™/(CDM)™ program, participants will be able to:

• Understand Dropshipping Business Fundamentals – Develop a strong foundation in the dropshipping model, platforms, and e-commerce ecosystems.
• Conduct Product and Market Research – Identify profitable products, niches, and target markets using data-driven research techniques.
• Manage Suppliers and Fulfillment – Select reliable suppliers, manage order processing, shipping, and quality control.
• Build and Optimize Online Stores – Design, launch, and optimize e-commerce stores for conversion, usability, and brand trust.
• Apply Digital Marketing and Sales Strategies – Use paid advertising, content marketing, SEO, and social media to drive traffic and sales.
• Manage Operations, Finance, and Scaling – Control costs, manage cash flows, handle customer service, and scale operations sustainably.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 0–4.9 years of relevant experience for Professional level (CDP)™, or 5+ years of relevant experience for Manager level (CDM)™

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CDP™/CDM™, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIBM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Dropshipping
• Module 2: Finding and Evaluating Suppliers
• Module 3: Setting Up an E-commerce Platform
• Module 4: Order Fulfillment and Customer Service
• Module 5: Marketing and Advertising Strategies for Dropshipping
• Module 6: Managing Returns and Handling Disputes

* The Certification Title and its modules are regularly reviewed, updated and may change in alignment with evolving industry needs and regulatory standards.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Dropshipping Professional/Manager (CDP)™/(CDM)™ certification is ideal for individuals who want to build, manage, or scale dropshipping and online retail businesses in a structured and professional manner. It is particularly valuable for:

• Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Start-up Founders looking to launch a dropshipping or e-commerce business.
• Existing Dropshipping Store Owners seeking to improve profitability, operations, and scalability.
• E-commerce and Digital Marketing Professionals expanding into dropshipping business models.
• Small Business Owners and Retailers transitioning from traditional retail to online and dropshipping models.
• Freelancers and Consultants supporting e-commerce, digital marketing, or online business clients.
• Marketing and Sales Professionals interested in performance-driven online selling and funnel optimization.
• Graduates and Career Switchers aiming to enter e-commerce, online entrepreneurship, or digital business roles.

Key Benefits of CDP / CDM Certification:

• Professional Recognition – Establishes credibility as a trained dropshipping and e-commerce business professional.
• Entrepreneurial Capability – Builds end-to-end understanding of launching and running a dropshipping business.
• Improved Profitability – Enhances skills in product selection, pricing, marketing, and cost control.
• Operational Discipline – Strengthens supplier management, fulfillment reliability, and customer service quality.
• Scalable Business Focus – Emphasizes sustainable growth, brand building, and risk management.
• Digital Commerce Expertise – Develops practical knowledge across platforms, tools, and online sales channels.
• Global Market Relevance – Applicable across international e-commerce markets and cross-border selling environments.

The CDP™/CDM™ certification empowers professionals to approach dropshipping as a structured, data-driven, and scalable business model rather than a short-term venture. By mastering product research, marketing execution, operations management, and growth strategies, certified individuals are well-positioned to build resilient and profitable dropshipping businesses in the global digital marketplace.