Top 10 Distribution Clerk Certifications

Certifications for a distribution clerk are important for two reasons. First, certifications validate the knowledge and skills of a distribution clerk, demonstrating to employers that they have acquired necessary skills to perform the job efficiently and effectively. Secondly, certifications can help a distribution clerk stand out from other applicants in the job market by showing potential employers their commitment to professional growth and development. Certifications also highlight an individual’s dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and standards, which can be beneficial in helping a distribution clerk secure a desired position or promotion.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the most beneficial certifications for Distribution Clerks and explain how they can advance their careers.

What are Distribution Clerk Certifications?

Distribution clerk certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of distribution, which includes the processing and shipment of goods. It is offered by various organizations and institutions, such as the American Logistics Association (ALA) and the Institute of Distribution Management (IDM).

The certification provides employers with assurance that certified individuals possess the necessary skills to perform their job duties effectively. It serves as proof of an individual's knowledge and experience in distribution processes and procedures. This can be especially beneficial for employers who are looking to hire new staff members or promote existing employees in the field.

In addition to providing employers with assurance, it also helps certified individuals stand out among other applicants or employees when applying for promotions or new positions. Having a certification can demonstrate to potential employers that an individual is knowledgeable and experienced in the field of distribution. This can help them stand out among other applicants or employees who do not have similar credentials.

Finally, having a distribution clerk certification can provide individuals with access to professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, seminars, and training courses that focus on topics related to distribution management. These opportunities can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, furthering their knowledge and expertise in this field.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a certification as a distribution clerk, make sure to research the requirements and job duties of the position. Additionally, consider taking courses or completing an apprenticeship in order to gain additional knowledge and experience in the field.

Related: What does a Distribution Clerk do?

Top 10 Distribution Clerk Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Distribution Clerks today.

1. Certified Distribution Clerk (CDC)

Certified Distribution Clerk (CDC) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Certified Distribution Clerks (IACDC). The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful distribution clerks in the field of logistics. It provides training in areas such as inventory control, order processing, shipping and receiving, customer service, and warehouse management.

The CDC program consists of three levels: Basic Certification, Intermediate Certification, and Advanced Certification. To obtain Basic Certification, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as basic inventory control principles, order processing procedures, shipping and receiving processes, customer service techniques, and warehouse management fundamentals. Upon completion of the coursework, applicants must pass a written exam.

Intermediate Certification requires more advanced knowledge in areas such as supply chain management principles and strategies, international shipping regulations and procedures, transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse automation technologies, global trade compliance regulations and requirements, hazardous materials handling protocols and safety standards. Applicants must also pass a written exam to receive this certification.

Advanced Certification requires extensive knowledge in areas such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for logistics operations; customs clearance processes; reverse logistics; 3PL/4PL services; freight auditing; inventory optimization; sustainability initiatives; supply chain security protocols; transportation optimization strategies; e-commerce fulfillment operations; data analytics for logistics operations; and other related topics. Applicants must also pass a written exam to receive this certification.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete all three levels of the CDC program depending on the individual's availability to study for the exams.

To get certified as a Certified Distribution Clerk (CDC), applicants must first register with IACDC online at www.iadc-certification.org or contact their local IACDC office for more information on how to apply for certification. The cost of obtaining CDC certification varies depending on which level of certification you are applying for but generally ranges from $150-$500 USD per level.

2. Certified Logistics and Distribution Professional (CLDP)

Certified Logistics and Distribution Professional (CLDP) 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 proficiency in logistics, supply chain management, transportation, inventory control, warehousing, and distribution.

The CLDP certification requires the successful completion of an online exam that consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as supply chain management, logistics operations, transportation management, inventory control, warehousing/distribution systems, customer service/order fulfillment processes, global logistics/trade compliance issues, and technology applications.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CLDP certification process. This includes studying for the exam as well as completing the online application. To get started on the certification process you will need to submit an application form with a fee of $250 USD. Once your application has been accepted you will receive access to study materials and be able to register for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam you will become a Certified Logistics and Distribution Professional (CLDP). This designation signifies that you possess a high level of expertise in logistics and distribution operations. As a CLDP certified professional you will be eligible for higher positions within your organization or industry as well as increased salary potential.

3. 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 an advanced-level certification that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in supply chain management.

The CSCP program takes approximately 18 months to complete and consists of three parts: self-study, online exams, and a two-day exam. The self-study portion includes reading the CSCP Learning System textbook, completing practice questions, and taking the online Knowledge Exam. The Knowledge Exam must be completed before taking the two-day CSCP Exam.

To get certified, you must first register with ASCM and pay the registration fee. The fee for the program is $995 USD for members of ASCM or $1,295 USD for non-members. Once registered, you will gain access to the CSCP Learning System textbook and other study materials. After completing your self-study and passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, you will become a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

4. Certified Inventory Management Specialist (CIMS)

Certified Inventory Management Specialist (CIMS) is a certification program that provides inventory management professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage inventory in any organization. The program focuses on the principles of inventory control, forecasting, and replenishment, as well as the use of technology to improve inventory accuracy and efficiency.

The CIMS certification is offered through the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). To get certified, you must first pass an exam administered by APICS. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as supply chain management, inventory planning and control, forecasting and replenishment, warehouse operations, quality management, customer service, and more.

The cost for taking the CIMS exam varies depending on your membership status with APICS. For non-members it costs $495 USD; for members it costs $395 USD. It typically takes 1-2 months to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam you will receive your CIMS certification which is valid for three years.

5. Certified Warehouse Operations Professional (CWOP)

Certified Warehouse Operations Professional (CWOP) is a certification program offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). The program is designed to provide warehouse professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage warehouse operations. It covers topics such as inventory management, safety and security, customer service, and supply chain management.

The CWOP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers the fundamentals of warehouse operations and provides a comprehensive overview of the industry. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, individuals must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified, individuals must register for the CWOP program through IWLA's website. The cost of registration is $295 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered, individuals will have access to all materials needed for the course and exam. Upon successful completion of both components, individuals will be issued their CWOP certificate.

6. Certified Transportation & Logistics Professional (CTLP)

Certified Transportation & Logistics Professional (CTLP) is an internationally recognized certification program offered by the International Association of Transportation and Logistics Professionals (IATLP). The CTLP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of transportation and logistics.

The CTLP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, logistics planning, freight forwarding, customs regulations, and international trade. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CTLP certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the transportation or logistics industry. Applicants must also have completed at least two IATLP-approved courses related to transportation or logistics.

The cost of the CTLP certification varies depending on the country in which it is taken but typically ranges from $350-$500 USD.

7. Certified Shipping & Receiving Manager (CSRM)

Certified Shipping & Receiving Manager (CSRM) is a certification program offered by the International Logistics Management Institute (ILMI). The CSRM certification is designed to provide professional recognition for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of shipping and receiving.

The CSRM certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which covers topics such as freight forwarding, customs clearance, inventory management, packaging and labeling, and hazardous materials handling. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on the ILMI's Shipping & Receiving Body of Knowledge. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in the field or have completed an ILMI accredited course on shipping and receiving.

The cost for taking the CSRM exam is $250 USD. The exam can be taken online or at an approved testing center. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. Once you successfully pass the exam, you will receive your official CSRM certificate within four weeks.

8. Certified Freight Brokerage Specialist (CFBS)

Certified Freight Brokerage Specialist (CFBS) is a certification program that provides specialized training and education in the freight brokerage industry. The program is designed to give individuals the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful freight brokers.

The CFBS certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Freight Brokerage, Advanced Freight Brokerage, Transportation Law, and Business Practices. Each course covers topics such as freight rates, contracts, customer service, transportation laws and regulations, business practices, and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CFBS certification program. To get certified you must first register for the program through an accredited provider. You will then need to complete all four courses within the allotted time frame and pass a final exam with a minimum score of 70%.

The cost of the CFBS certification program varies depending on the provider you choose. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,000 for the entire program.

9. Certified Distribution Management Specialist (CDMS)

Certified Distribution Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). It is designed to provide knowledge and skills in the areas of distribution, warehousing, logistics, and supply chain management.

The CDMS program includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as inventory control, warehouse operations, customer service, transportation management, and global supply chain management. The program also provides hands-on training in the use of software tools for inventory control and warehouse operations.

The CDMS certification requires successful completion of an exam administered by IWLA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of distribution and warehousing management. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in distribution or warehousing management.

The cost to take the CDMS exam is $450 USD. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any IWLA testing center around the world. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their Certified Distribution Management Specialist certification.

10. Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM).

Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to manage the distribution and logistics functions of an organization. The CDLM certification is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

The CDLM program consists of four modules, which cover topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing operations, customer service, and distribution center operations. Each module includes a written exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To get started with the process, interested individuals must first register for the program on AST&L's website. After registration is complete, applicants must purchase a study guide from AST&L for $125. The study guide contains all of the information needed to pass each module's written exam.

Once applicants have studied for each module's exam, they can register for an online proctored exam session with AST&L. Each exam session costs $150 per module and must be taken within one year of registering for the program. Upon successful completion of all four exams, applicants will receive their CDLM certification from AST&L.

In total, it costs $750 to become a Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM). This cost covers registration fees as well as the cost of purchasing the study guide and taking each online proctored exam session.

Do You Really Need a Distribution Clerk Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Distribution Clerk Certificate in order to become a distribution clerk. However, having this certificate may be beneficial in helping you to gain employment or advance your career.

A Distribution Clerk Certificate can demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field of distribution. It is most commonly awarded by trade schools and technical colleges, and it provides students with a comprehensive overview of their job responsibilities, including the use of inventory control systems, customer service, shipping and receiving operations, warehouse management and more.

Having this certification can give employers confidence that potential employees have been properly trained for the position they are applying for. A Distribution Clerk Certificate can also help to set job seekers apart from other applicants who do not hold such credentials. Additionally, those with certifications often receive higher wages than those without them.

Overall, while it is not necessary for all distribution clerks to have a Distribution Clerk Certificate, having one may be beneficial in helping you to land a job or advance your career.

Related: Distribution Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Distribution Clerk Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Distribution Clerk?

Answer: To become a Distribution Clerk, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be able to pass a background check. Additionally, employers may require additional certifications or qualifications depending on the specific job duties.

2. What types of certifications are available for Distribution Clerks?

Answer: There are several certifications available for Distribution Clerks, including Certified Logistics Associate (CLA), Certified Logistics Technician (CLT), and Certified Logistics Professional (CLP).

3. How long does it take to obtain certification as a Distribution Clerk?

Answer: The length of time needed to obtain certification will vary depending on the type of certification you choose and your experience level. Most certifications can be completed in one year or less.

4. What is the cost associated with obtaining certification as a Distribution Clerk?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the type of certification and provider you choose, but typically range from $100-$500 USD. Some providers may offer discounts or scholarships for those who qualify.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for certified Distribution Clerks?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that certified Distribution Clerks complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status. The amount and type of required courses will depend on the organization and/or individual employer's requirements.