Top 11 Dispatch Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a dispatch supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when evaluating job candidates. Certifications provide credibility and show potential employers that the individual has acquired specific skills, knowledge, and competencies related to their field. Certifications also provide evidence of an individual’s commitment to professional development, which is an attractive quality for any employer. Finally, certifications help to distinguish one candidate from another in a competitive job market by providing tangible proof of competency.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Dispatch Supervisors and explains how they can contribute to a dispatch supervisor's career by providing tangible skills and knowledge that can be applied in their work.

What are Dispatch Supervisor Certifications?

Dispatch Supervisor Certification is a professional certification program designed to help supervisors in the transportation and logistics industry develop and refine their skills. The program focuses on developing effective leadership, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and customer service skills. It also covers topics such as safety regulations, scheduling, budgeting, routing, tracking systems, and more.

By obtaining Dispatch Supervisor Certification, supervisors can demonstrate their expertise and proficiency in the field of transportation and logistics. This can help them become more competitive when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization or with other companies. Certification can also give supervisors greater confidence in their abilities to lead their team effectively while ensuring that they are meeting all applicable regulations and standards. Additionally, certification can increase supervisors’ credibility with customers who may be more likely to trust someone who has earned professional credentials in the field of transportation and logistics.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of dispatch supervisor certifications available and understand the requirements for each before making your decision. In addition, ensure that any certification program you pursue is accredited by a recognized organization in order to ensure its validity.

Related: What does a Dispatch Supervisor do?

Top 11 Dispatch Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Dispatch Supervisor (CDS)

Certified Dispatch Supervisor (CDS) is a certification program designed to provide professional development and recognition for individuals who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a dispatch center. It is designed to ensure that supervisors have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead their teams.

The CDS certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person assessment. The online course covers topics such as communication, leadership, customer service, problem solving, and team building. Upon completion of the online course, candidates must pass an in-person assessment in order to receive their certification.

The CDS certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. Candidates must complete the online course and pass the in-person assessment within that time frame in order to become certified.

The cost of the CDS certification program varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $400-$1,000 USD.

2. Certified Transportation Supervisor (CTS)

Certified Transportation Supervisor (CTS) is a certification program offered by the National Safety Council (NSC). It is designed to help transportation supervisors and managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their fleets. The CTS program covers topics such as fleet safety, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response.

To become certified, individuals must complete an online course that consists of 10 modules. The course typically takes about 40 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the online course is $395 USD. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with taking the proctored exam, such as test center fees or travel expenses if you are taking it at a location away from your home.

3. Certified Logistics Supervisor (CLS)

Certified Logistics Supervisor (CLS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage supply chain operations. The CLS certification is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

The CLS certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person workshop. The online assessment covers topics such as logistics principles, supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing and distribution, customer service, and safety. The in-person workshop focuses on developing leadership skills and applying the concepts learned from the online assessment.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CLS certification program. To get started, you'll need to register for the online assessment through AST&L's website. Once you've completed the online assessment, you'll receive an invitation to attend a three-day in-person workshop at one of AST&L's training centers. After completing both components of the program, you'll be eligible for CLS certification.

The cost for obtaining your Certified Logistics Supervisor (CLS) certification varies depending on which components you choose to take part in. The cost for taking just the online assessment is $495 USD; if you decide to take both components (online assessment plus in-person workshop), then it will cost $895 USD.

4. Certified Fleet Manager (CFM)

Certified Fleet Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in fleet management. It is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The CFM program is designed to recognize those who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of fleet management, including vehicle selection and maintenance, budgeting, safety compliance, and customer service.

The CFM program consists of two exams: one written exam and one practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as fleet operations, budgeting, safety compliance, customer service, and vehicle selection and maintenance. The practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in a simulated fleet environment.

The CFM program typically takes about six months to complete. Candidates must pass both exams within this time frame in order to become certified.

To get started with the CFM program, candidates must first register with ASE and pay an application fee of $150 USD. After registering, candidates will receive access to study materials and can begin preparing for the exams. Once they are ready to take the exams, they must pay an additional fee of $200 USD for each exam.

In total, it costs $350 USD to become a Certified Fleet Manager (CFM).

5. Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM)

Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in supply chain management. The CSCM credential validates an individual’s expertise in key areas such as supply chain strategy, operations, logistics, and technology.

It typically takes about two years to complete the CSCM certification process. To get certified, individuals must first pass an online exam that tests their knowledge on topics such as inventory management, global sourcing, and transportation. Once they pass the exam, they must then complete a series of courses offered by ASCM or other accredited institutions. After completing all of the required courses and exams, candidates are eligible to receive their CSCM designation.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the institution providing the courses and exams. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD depending on the number of courses taken and exams passed.

6. Certified Freight Broker/Agent (CFBA)

A Certified Freight Broker/Agent (CFBA) is a professional who specializes in the transportation of goods and services. The CFBA is responsible for arranging the shipment of goods, negotiating rates with carriers, and ensuring that all applicable laws and regulations are followed. They also provide customer service to their clients and ensure that shipments arrive on time and within budget.

It typically takes about 6-9 months to obtain a CFBA certification. To become certified, you must complete an online course offered by an approved provider, pass a written exam administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), and then submit an application to the TIA for review.

The cost of obtaining a CFBA certification varies depending on the provider you choose but can range from $500-$1,000 USD.

7. Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) is a professional certification program developed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). It is designed to provide public transportation professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage, operate, and maintain public transportation systems. The CTP certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge in areas such as safety management, operations management, financial management, customer service, and more.

The CTP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in public transportation or related fields to be eligible for the CTP certification. In addition, candidates must obtain a passing score on the CTP exam before they can receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining the CTP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an APTA member. For non-members, the cost is $500; for members, it is $400. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $100 for all certified individuals.

8. Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in logistics, supply chain management, and transportation. The CLT certification program is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers all aspects of logistics, including planning, procurement, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, customer service, and transportation.

The CLT certification requires passing an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as logistics principles and concepts; supply chain management; inventory control; warehouse operations; transportation systems; customer service; information systems; safety regulations; legal issues; financial analysis; and quality assurance. To take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the field or have completed an AST&L-approved training program.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an AST&L member or non-member. For AST&L members it costs $350 while for non-members it costs $450. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and results are usually available within two weeks after completion.

9. Certified Air Cargo Specialist (CACS)

Certified Air Cargo Specialist (CACS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the air cargo industry. The CACS certification is awarded by the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as air cargo operations, regulations, and safety. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the CACS exam with TIACA. Registration fees are $300 USD for members of TIACA and $500 USD for non-members. After registration, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam platform.

Once the exam is completed, applicants will be notified via email if they have passed or failed. If successful, applicants will receive their CACS certificate within four weeks of completion of their exam.

10. Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM)

Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA). The CDLM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the areas of supply chain management, logistics, and distribution.

The CDLM certification requires candidates to complete an online course, pass a comprehensive exam, and demonstrate their knowledge through a series of practical exercises. The online course covers topics such as supply chain strategy, inventory management, transportation planning, warehouse operations, customer service management, and more.

The CDLM certification typically takes between 3-6 months to complete depending on the individual’s commitment to studying and completing the required activities. To get started with the CDLM program, you must first register for an ISCEA account and purchase the CDLM package which includes access to the online course material and exam preparation materials.

The cost of the CDLM package varies depending on whether you are an ISCEA member or not but typically ranges from $1,000 - $1,500 USD.

11. International Air Transport Association's Dangerous Goods Regulations Certification (IATA DGR).

The International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR) is a set of global standards for the safe transport of hazardous materials by air. It is designed to ensure that all hazardous materials are properly classified, packaged, marked, labeled and documented for safe transport. The IATA DGR also sets out procedures for the handling and storage of hazardous materials during transport.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to get an IATA DGR certification. To get certified, you must first complete an online application form and provide supporting documents such as proof of identity, qualifications, and experience in handling dangerous goods. You will then be required to attend a two-day training course on the IATA DGR regulations and pass a written examination at the end of the course. Once you have successfully completed all requirements, you will receive your IATA DGR certification.

The cost of getting an IATA DGR certification varies depending on location and provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. This cost includes the application fee, training fees and examination fees.

In addition to obtaining an IATA DGR certification, it is important to stay up-to-date with any changes or updates to the regulations by attending refresher courses or seminars periodically.

Do You Really Need a Dispatch Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are seeking. If you are looking to become a supervisor in a dispatch center, then having a Dispatch Supervisor Certificate can be beneficial. Having this certification can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage a dispatch center. It can also help give you an edge over other applicants who do not have the same qualifications.

Having a certificate may provide additional training opportunities as well, such as taking courses in customer service, communication and leadership. This could further enhance your ability to lead and manage a dispatch center effectively. In addition, having the certification may provide access to professional networks within the industry which could lead to better employment opportunities.

In summary, whether or not you need a Dispatch Supervisor Certificate depends on what kind of job you are seeking and the requirements of that particular position. Generally speaking, having this certification can be beneficial for those looking for positions as supervisors in dispatch centers as it can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in managing such operations efficiently and effectively.

Related: Dispatch Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Dispatch Supervisor Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become a Dispatch Supervisor?

Answer: To become a Dispatch Supervisor, you must have at least five years of experience in the field of logistics and transportation, plus a valid certification from an accredited institution.

2. How much does it cost to get certified as a Dispatch Supervisor?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on the institution offering the program. Generally, costs range from $500 to $2000 USD for online courses and up to $4000 USD for in-person classes.

3. What is the best way to prepare for a Dispatch Supervisor Certification exam?

Answer: Preparing for a Dispatch Supervisor Certification exam requires dedication and commitment. It is recommended that you review all materials provided by the certifying institution, practice test questions, and participate in study groups or discussion forums with other individuals who are preparing for the exam. Additionally, many institutions offer preparatory courses or resources specifically designed to help students pass their certification exams.

4. Is there an expiration date on Dispatch Supervisor Certifications?

Answer: Yes, generally most certifications will expire after two years unless you can demonstrate continuing education credits or professional development activities during that time period. However, each certifying institution may have different requirements so it is important to contact them directly for more information.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Dispatch Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying institutions require that applicants have at least five years of experience working in logistics and transportation before they can be considered eligible for certification. Additionally, some institutions may also require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors as part of their application process.