Top 11 Director of Operations Certifications

Certifications are important for a director of operations in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge, expertise and experience. They can show employers that the individual is qualified for the position and has a good understanding of the industry. Certification also often indicates that the individual has taken additional steps to improve their skills and knowledge, which can be viewed as an asset by potential employers. Additionally, certifications may be required by some organizations or companies in order to be considered for certain positions, making them essential in some cases.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Directors of Operations and explains how they can help enhance a Director's career.

What are Director of Operations Certifications?

Director of operations certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual's knowledge and expertise in the area of operations management. It is designed to help individuals boost their career prospects by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to lead operations within an organization. The certification program typically covers topics such as project management, process improvement, organizational development, financial analysis, customer service and quality assurance.

The certification also helps individuals stand out in the competitive job market by demonstrating their commitment to staying current on industry trends and best practices. It can provide individuals with the confidence they need to take on more responsibility within their organization or to apply for higher-level positions. It also demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to personal growth and development, which can be attractive to employers looking for reliable and motivated employees.

Pro Tip: When considering a Director of Operations certification, research the different certifications available and make sure that it is accredited by an industry-recognized organization. Additionally, ensure that the certification program offers comprehensive training on topics such as planning, budgeting, resource management, process improvement and project management.

Related: What does a Director of Operations do?

Top 11 Director of Operations Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director of Operationss today.

1. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise and knowledge in healthcare quality management. The CPHQ certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

The CPHQ certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in healthcare quality management. Applicants must also complete an approved educational program, such as the NAHQ’s Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) Program or an equivalent program.

To get the CPHQ certification, applicants must pass a written exam administered by NAHQ. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as quality improvement, patient safety, risk management, data analysis, and healthcare regulations. The exam fee is $350 USD for NAHQ members and $450 USD for non-members.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their CPHQ certificate from NAHQ. The certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years with continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

2. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality management, organizational excellence, and continuous improvement. The CMQ/OE certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the profession and ability to lead organizations towards improved performance.

To obtain the CMQ/OE certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement techniques, customer satisfaction measurement, organizational culture and change management. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of full-time work experience in a quality-related field or seven years of part-time experience; having earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; or having completed an approved training program related to quality management.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you live and whether you are an ASQ member or not. In general, it costs $399 for members and $499 for non-members. There is also an additional fee for retaking the exam if needed.

3. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the principles, practices, and tools of Lean Six Sigma.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to complete the CLSSBB training program. The program consists of classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on experience with real-world projects. In order to become certified as a CLSSBB, you must pass a written exam that tests your knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and techniques.

In order to get the CLSSBB certification, you must first complete an approved training course or program. There are many courses available both online and in-person. Prices vary depending on the provider but generally range from $2000-$3000 USD for the full course.

Once you have completed your training course, you will need to register for and pass the exam administered by either ASQ or IASSC. The cost of taking this exam is usually around $400 USD per attempt. After passing this exam, you will be officially certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt!

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). The CSCP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved mastery in the field of supply chain management. It is the only globally recognized supply chain certification program that covers the entire end-to-end global supply chain.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online self-paced learning system, a comprehensive exam, and a professional development program. The online self-paced learning system includes more than 30 hours of instruction and practice exams to help prepare for the comprehensive exam. The comprehensive exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three components of the CSCP program, although this can vary depending on individual study habits and availability. To get certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having two years of relevant work experience or completing an approved degree or certificate program in supply chain management.

The cost for the CSCP program varies based on whether you are an ASCM member or not. For nonmembers, it costs $995 USD to register for the program, while members pay $795 USD.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise and knowledge in the field of project management. PMP certified professionals are expected to have the skills and experience necessary to lead and direct projects from initiation to completion.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to get PMP certified, depending on your prior experience and education. The process involves completing an application, passing an exam, and meeting certain educational and professional requirements.

To get PMP certified, you must first meet the eligibility criteria set by PMI. This includes having a four-year degree or higher, at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading projects, 35 hours of project management education/training, and passing an exam. After meeting these requirements, you can submit your application for review by PMI. Once approved, you will be eligible to take the PMP exam.

The cost of getting PMP certified varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 USD for the exam fee alone; however if you become a member it costs $405 USD for the exam fee plus additional membership fees which vary depending on your country of residence.

6. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course must be completed in order to receive the CPIM certification.

In order to get the CPIM certification, you must first complete all five courses within two years. You will then need to take a series of exams that assess your understanding of each course material. Once you have passed all five exams, you will receive your CPIM certification.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. If you choose to attend classes in person or online, there may be additional fees associated with those options. Additionally, if you decide to take the exam without taking any classes, there is an exam fee associated with that option as well. Generally speaking, the total cost for the CPIM program ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD depending on which route you choose.

7. American Society for Quality Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (ASQ CMQ/OE)

The American Society for Quality Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (ASQ CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in quality management and organizational excellence. The ASQ CMQ/OE certification is designed to help organizations improve their performance by providing certified professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead their organization in achieving its goals.

To become an ASQ CMQ/OE, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of five years of experience in quality management or organizational excellence and passing an exam. The exam consists of two parts: the written exam, which covers topics such as quality systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and leadership; and the oral examination, which focuses on topics such as problem solving methods, team building strategies, and project management.

The cost for taking the ASQ CMQ/OE exam varies depending on the country where you are taking it. In the United States, it costs $450 to take the written exam and $500 to take the oral examination. It typically takes between three to six months to complete the entire certification process from start to finish.

Once you have passed both exams and met all other requirements for certification, you will receive your certificate from ASQ confirming your status as a Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE). This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

8. American Society for Quality Six Sigma Green Belt (ASQ CSSGB)

American Society for Quality Six Sigma Green Belt (ASQ CSSGB) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Six Sigma principles and processes. This certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an organization dedicated to quality assurance and improvement in all aspects of life.

The ASQ CSSGB program is divided into two parts: the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge, which covers core topics such as process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, and project management; and the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam, which tests your understanding of these topics. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to obtain the ASQ CSSGB certification, you must first complete a training course that covers the topics outlined in the Body of Knowledge. Most courses are offered online or in-person through accredited institutions. Once you have completed the coursework and passed the exam with a score of at least 70%, you will receive your ASQ CSSGB certification.

The cost of obtaining an ASQ CSSGB certification varies depending on where you take your training course, but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD.

Overall, it usually takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for obtaining an ASQ CSSGB certification.

9. American Society for Quality Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ CSSBB)

The American Society for Quality Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ CSSBB) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional's expertise in the field of quality management and process improvement. It is the highest level of certification offered by ASQ and requires a comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma principles and their application to organizational processes.

The ASQ CSSBB certification requires a minimum of three years of work experience in a full-time, paid role in which the applicant has demonstrated an understanding of Six Sigma principles. In addition, applicants must pass two exams: the Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) exam and the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt exam. The CSSBB exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions while the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions.

In order to become certified, applicants must first complete an approved training course from an accredited provider such as ASQ or another organization offering courses related to Six Sigma principles. After completing the training course, applicants can then register for and take both exams.

The cost for taking both exams varies depending on where you take them, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD. This cost does not include any additional fees associated with taking a training course or any other related costs such as travel expenses or materials.

10. International Organization for Standardization Lead Auditor Certification (ISO 9001:2015 LA or ISO 14001:2015 LA)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills required to audit an organization’s management systems against the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 14001:2015. It is designed to help organizations ensure that their products and services meet customer expectations, as well as applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

To become an ISO Lead Auditor, you must first complete a training course. The length of the course depends on the type of certification you are seeking; however, most courses range from three to five days in duration. During this time, you will learn about auditing principles and techniques, as well as how to plan and conduct audits according to ISO standards. At the end of the course, you will be tested on your knowledge and understanding of the material. Upon successful completion of the course and test, you will receive your ISO Lead Auditor certification.

The cost of an ISO Lead Auditor certification varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 USD per person. This cost may also include additional fees such as registration fees or travel expenses if applicable.

Once certified as an ISO Lead Auditor, it is important to maintain your certification by attending refresher courses every few years or when new standards are released. This ensures that you remain up-to-date with industry best practices and can continue providing quality audits for your organization or clients.

11. International Facility Management Association Facility Management Professional Certification

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Facility Management Professional (FMP) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and experience of facility management professionals. It is designed to improve the quality of facility management services and provide an objective measure of competency in the field.

The FMP credential requires a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in facility management, as well as successful completion of four courses: Introduction to Facility Management, Financial Management for Facility Managers, Leadership and Strategy for Facility Managers, and Operations and Maintenance for Facility Managers. The courses can be completed online or in-person at various locations around the world.

Once all four courses have been completed successfully, applicants must submit their application to IFMA for review. Upon approval, applicants will receive their FMP credentials within six weeks.

The cost for the FMP certification varies depending on how you choose to take the courses. Online courses range from $495-$595 per course, while in-person courses range from $795-$895 per course. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $100 when submitting your application to IFMA.

Do You Really Need a Director of Operations Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and ambitions. If you are already working in the field of operations and want to advance your career, a Director of Operations Certificate could be beneficial. It can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the area, as well as provide you with additional opportunities for advancement.

However, if you are just starting out in the field or looking to make a career change, a certificate may not be necessary. A certificate is often only required if you are applying for a higher-level position or one that requires particular skills or qualifications. In this case, it may be worth considering completing a course or program to gain the necessary knowledge and experience.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Director of Operations Certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. Consider what kind of job you are aiming for and whether any qualifications or certifications would give you an advantage over other applicants.

Related: Director of Operations Resume Examples

FAQs About Director of Operations Certifications

1. What is a Director of Operations Certification?

Answer: A Director of Operations Certification is a professional certification that recognizes those who have demonstrated an understanding of the principles and practices of operational management. It typically involves completing a series of courses, passing an exam, and demonstrating proficiency in areas such as project management, process improvement, and decision-making.

2. How can I get Director of Operations Certification?

Answer: The most common way to obtain a Director of Operations Certification is to enroll in an accredited program or course that covers the topics necessary for certification. These programs are available online, through universities, or through organizations like the American Management Association.

3. What skills do I need to become certified?

Answer: To become certified as a Director of Operations, you should have knowledge in the areas of business strategy, budgeting, data analysis and reporting, organizational development, customer service management and operations management. Additionally, you should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills as well as excellent project management capabilities.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: Generally speaking, it takes between six months to three years to complete all requirements for certification depending on the program chosen and the amount of time dedicated to studying.

5. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have at least two years' experience working in operations or related fields before applying for certification. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or higher in business administration or operations management prior to enrolling in their program.