Top 10 Dispatch Manager Certifications

Certifications for a dispatch manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage a dispatch team. Certifications show that an individual has taken the time to learn about and understand the industry, as well as develop their abilities in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Certification can also give employers confidence in an individual’s ability to handle difficult situations, make sound decisions, and work efficiently with minimal supervision. Additionally, certifications can provide access to additional resources such as continuing education and specialized training programs. Ultimately, certifications help individuals stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Dispatch Managers and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Dispatch Manager Certifications?

Dispatch manager certification is a program designed to help individuals become better qualified for positions in the transportation and logistics industry. It provides training in areas such as customer service, safety, scheduling, communication, and problem solving. The certification focuses on the skills necessary to effectively manage dispatch operations within a transportation or logistics organization.

The certification can help individuals develop their expertise and increase their value as an employee within the industry. Those with the certification have an advantage when it comes to job opportunities because they can demonstrate their knowledge, experience, and qualifications. Additionally, employers may be more likely to hire people with dispatch manager certifications because they are often more knowledgeable about the industry and have a better understanding of how to manage complex operations. Finally, having this certification may also lead to higher salaries since employers recognize those with the certification as being more knowledgeable than those without it.

Pro Tip: When considering a dispatch manager certification, make sure to research the requirements for the program thoroughly and ensure that you have the necessary skills and experience to qualify. Additionally, it is important to verify that the certification program is accredited by an appropriate organization in order to ensure that you receive a valid certification.

Related: What does a Dispatch Manager do?

Top 10 Dispatch Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Dispatch Managers today.

1. Certified Dispatch Manager (CDM)

Certified Dispatch Manager (CDM) is a certification program offered by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in managing and executing air transportation operations. The CDM Program provides a comprehensive, practical approach to the management of air transportation operations. It covers topics such as aircraft dispatch regulations, flight planning, aircraft performance, weather analysis, and more.

The CDM Program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site exam. The online course takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete and covers the material necessary for the on-site exam. The on-site exam is held at one of NATA's approved testing centers and takes about 4 hours to complete.

To become certified as a Certified Dispatch Manager, you must first complete the online course and then pass the on-site exam with a score of 80% or higher. After passing the exam, you will receive your CDM certificate from NATA.

The cost of becoming certified as a Certified Dispatch Manager varies depending on which training provider you choose to use for your online course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,500 USD depending on what type of package you purchase.

2. Certified Transportation Manager (CTM)

Certified Transportation Manager (CTM) is a professional certification program for transportation and logistics professionals. It is administered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L), an international association that promotes excellence in the field of transportation and logistics. The CTM program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the management of transportation and logistics operations.

To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, freight forwarding, inventory control, customer service, safety regulations, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Applicants must also demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience in the transportation or logistics field.

The cost to take the CTM exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $495 USD; in Canada, it costs $595 CAD; and in other countries outside North America, it costs $695 USD. Once you’ve passed the exam, you will be awarded with a Certified Transportation Manager certificate from AST&L. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program developed by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of logistics and supply chain management. The CLP credential is highly respected in the logistics industry, as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and their ability to effectively manage complex supply chains.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CLP program. To be eligible for certification, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or completing at least two years of full-time work experience in logistics or supply chain management. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as transportation management, inventory control, warehousing operations, customer service, and global supply chain management.

To get certified as a CLP, applicants must submit an application form along with all required documents to AST&L. Once approved by AST&L, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. The cost of registration for the exam is $325 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CLP certificate from AST&L.

4. Certified Freight Broker (CFB)

A Certified Freight Broker (CFB) is a professional who specializes in arranging and negotiating the transportation of goods for their clients. They are responsible for finding carriers to transport the goods, negotiating rates and services, and ensuring that all paperwork is completed correctly.

In order to become a CFB, you must first pass the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Certified Freight Broker exam. This exam covers topics such as freight brokerage laws, regulations, procedures, and industry standards. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To get started with the TIA certification process, you must first submit an application along with a fee of $400 USD. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility to take the exam. You can then register online or by mail for the exam and pay an additional fee of $150 USD.

Once you have passed the TIA Certified Freight Broker Exam, you will be eligible to apply for a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This license requires a fee of $300 USD and can take up to 90 days to process. After receiving your FMCSA license, you will officially become a Certified Freight Broker (CFB).

In total, it takes approximately 4-6 months to become a CFB from start to finish and costs around $850 USD in fees.

5. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved excellence in supply chain management. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as supply chain design, implementation, and improvement.

It takes approximately 12-18 months to complete the CSCP program. To get certified, you must first pass an online exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as supply chain strategy, customer service, operations management, and global logistics. Once you pass the exam, you will need to complete a series of online courses and submit a project portfolio demonstrating your understanding of the material covered in the courses.

The cost of the CSCP program varies depending on your country of residence and whether or not you are an ASCM member. For non-members, it typically costs around $1,200 USD for the entire program. For members, it costs around $995 USD for the entire program.

6. Certified Air Cargo Specialist (CACS)

Certified Air Cargo Specialist (CACS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the air cargo industry. The program is administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the leading trade association for airlines worldwide.

The CACS certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as air cargo operations, security, safety, customer service, and other related topics. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the air cargo industry or three years of experience in a related field.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and can be taken at any IATA-approved testing center around the world. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $250-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CACS certificate which is valid for three years. After that time, you must renew your certification by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

7. Certified Fleet Maintenance Manager (CFMM)

Certified Fleet Maintenance Manager (CFMM) is a professional certification program designed to help fleet maintenance professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage a modern fleet. The CFMM program is offered by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP).

The CFMM program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Fleet Maintenance, Advanced Fleet Maintenance, and Fleet Maintenance Leadership. Each course focuses on a specific area of fleet maintenance management and includes topics such as preventive maintenance, parts inventory management, vehicle repair, safety regulations, and more.

To become certified as a CFMM, you must complete all three courses within two years and pass an exam for each course. The cost of the program is $1,500 USD for AEMP members or $2,000 USD for non-members.

Once you have completed the program and passed all exams, you will receive your CFMM certificate from AEMP. This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking additional continuing education courses or attending refresher workshops offered by AEMP.

8. Certified Distribution Manager (CDM)

Certified Distribution Manager (CDM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). The CDM certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing the distribution of products and services. It is designed to help organizations improve their supply chain operations and increase customer satisfaction.

The CDM certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as logistics, inventory management, customer service, and supply chain management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in distribution management or related fields.

To get the CDM certification, candidates must first register with ICPM and pay a fee of $350 USD. After registering, candidates can access study materials online or purchase them from ICPM’s website. Once they have studied for the exam, candidates can schedule an appointment to take it at one of ICPM’s testing centers around the world. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CDM certificate within four to six weeks.

9. International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations Qualification Program (IATA DGRQP)

The International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations Qualification Program (IATA DGRQP) is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly handle, package, document, and transport dangerous goods by air. The program is based on IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which are the global standard for transporting hazardous materials by air.

To become qualified under the IATA DGRQP, participants must complete a two-day training course that covers all aspects of the regulations. This includes topics such as proper packaging and labeling of dangerous goods, documentation requirements, emergency response procedures, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an IATA DGRQP certificate valid for three years.

The cost of the course varies depending on location and provider but typically ranges from $500-$800 USD. It usually takes two days to complete the training course; however, some providers offer accelerated courses that can be completed in one day.

In order to enroll in an IATA DGRQP training course, individuals must first contact an approved training provider who offers courses in their area. A list of approved providers can be found on IATA’s website or through a search engine such as Google or Bing. Once enrolled in a course, participants will need to bring their own copy of the current edition of IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations book with them to class each day.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an official IATA DGRQP certificate valid for three years from date of issue. After three years have passed since receiving their certificate, participants will need to retake the course in order to remain qualified under the program.

10. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional Program

The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) program is a professional certification program designed to provide supply chain professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s global economy. The program focuses on the end-to-end supply chain, from strategic design to tactical implementation. It covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, demand planning, sourcing and procurement, production planning and scheduling, quality management, transportation and logistics, customer service, and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSCP program. To get started you must first register for the exam by completing an online application form or calling APICS Customer Service at 1-800-444-2742. After registering for the exam you will need to purchase study materials which can be purchased directly from APICS or through one of their authorized training partners. Once you have completed your studies you will then need to take the three hour long CSCP exam which is offered twice a year in June and December.

The cost of obtaining your CSCP certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. The cost of purchasing study materials directly from APICS is $695 USD plus applicable taxes and shipping fees. If you choose to take an instructor led course through an authorized training provider then prices can range anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 USD depending on the provider chosen. Finally there is a nonrefundable fee of $695 USD that must be paid when registering for the exam itself.

Do You Really Need a Dispatch Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a dispatch manager certificate in order to become a dispatch manager. However, having a dispatch manager certificate can help you stand out from the competition and may give you an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions.

Having a certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role of dispatch manager. The certificate also shows that you are committed to continuing your professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

The qualifications required for becoming a dispatch manager vary depending on the company and their specific needs. Generally speaking, it is expected that someone in this role has experience working with computers, software, scheduling systems, and coordinating with various departments. It is also important for them to be organized, have good communication skills, and be able to think critically and make decisions quickly.

If you are looking to become a dispatch manager but don’t yet have the necessary experience or knowledge, obtaining a dispatch manager certificate may be a good way to bridge that gap. The coursework associated with these certificates typically covers topics such as logistics management, fleet management, customer service techniques, problem solving strategies, and communication skills. Completing this type of certification will give recruiters confidence that you possess the skills needed for the job.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a dispatch manager certificate is up to you. However, if you feel like it could benefit your career goals or improve your chances of landing the job or promotion of your dreams then it could certainly be worth considering.

Related: Dispatch Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Dispatch Manager Certifications

1. What is a Dispatch Manager Certification?

Answer: A Dispatch Manager Certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage dispatch operations, such as customer service, scheduling, routing and tracking of orders.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Dispatch Manager?

Answer: Becoming a certified Dispatch Manager can help an individual gain the necessary skills to lead an efficient and successful dispatch operation. It can also provide job opportunities in management roles within the transportation industry.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Dispatch Manager Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Dispatch Manager Certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in dispatching or related work, complete an approved training program, pass an exam and pay a fee.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time required to become certified depends on the individual's experience level and availability for completing coursework and studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it takes between three months and one year to become certified depending on these factors.

5. How much does it cost to become certified?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the provider offering the certification program but typically ranges from $250 - $500 USD.