Top 10 Equipment Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an equipment manager in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, expertise and commitment to the profession. Certifications provide employers with a tangible measure of qualifications that can be used to evaluate potential candidates. They provide evidence that the individual has met certain standards of proficiency and can be trusted to perform the duties of an equipment manager with competence. Additionally, certifications may allow an equipment manager to gain access to professional development opportunities or exclusive job postings. Finally, having certifications can give an equipment manager a competitive edge when applying for jobs, as employers may view it as a sign of dedication and professionalism.

This article reviews the top certifications for Equipment Managers and explains how they can help to advance an equipment manager's career.

What are Equipment Manager Certifications?

Equipment Manager Certification is a certification program developed by the Equipment Managers Association (EMA) that provides professional development and recognition to those individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the effective management of equipment. The program includes a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as safety, maintenance, purchasing, inventory control, storage, and disposal. It also includes an examination process that requires successful completion of both written and practical exams. By obtaining this certification from EMA, equipment managers can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field of equipment management and gain recognition for their expertise in the industry.

The certification helps to ensure that equipment is managed properly and efficiently in order to maximize productivity while minimizing costs. It also ensures that personnel are properly trained on how to use equipment safely and effectively. Additionally, it enables employers to identify qualified candidates for open positions in their organization. Finally, having certified equipment managers on staff will help build credibility with vendors and customers alike as they know that their business is being handled by professionals who have proven themselves capable of managing an organization’s assets.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for equipment manager certification in your state or region before beginning the process, as each jurisdiction may have different requirements and certifications. Additionally, look into any professional organizations that offer courses related to equipment management and consider taking a course or attending a seminar to ensure you are up-to-date on the latest industry standards.

Related: What does an Equipment Manager do?

Top 10 Equipment Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Equipment Manager (CEM)

Certified Equipment Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP). The CEM credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in managing and maintaining equipment.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CEM program, which includes an online application, a written exam, and an oral interview. To be eligible for the CEM certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in equipment management or related fields such as engineering, maintenance, or operations.

To get certified as a CEM, applicants must first submit their application and fee to AEMP. The fee for the program varies depending on whether the applicant has been previously certified by AEMP or not. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive access to the online exam which they must complete within 30 days. After passing the exam, applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview with members of AEMP's Certification Board.

The cost of obtaining a CEM credential depends on whether you are already certified by AEMP or not. For those who are not currently certified by AEMP, the cost is $1,100 USD; for those who are already certified by AEMP, the cost is $800 USD.

2. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency and understanding of supply management principles, practices, and techniques. The certification requires a comprehensive knowledge of the entire supply chain process, from procurement to delivery.

The CPSM certification program consists of three levels: Foundations, Professional, and Mastery. Each level requires passing an exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge in areas such as strategic sourcing, contract law, risk management, and global supply chain management.

It typically takes between two to five years to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. Candidates must first pass the Foundations exam before they can move onto the Professional and Mastery exams. After successfully completing all three exams, candidates will receive their official CPSM certificate.

To become certified as a CPSM, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by ISM. These include having at least two years of professional experience in supply management or related fields; having a bachelor’s degree or higher; and meeting certain continuing education requirements every three years after achieving your certification.

The cost to become certified varies depending on which level you are attempting to achieve. The cost for each exam ranges from $225-$395 USD plus additional fees for study materials and application processing fees.

3. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification program for plant maintenance professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who manage and maintain industrial plants. The CPMM certification is offered by the Association of Maintenance Professionals (AMP).

The CPMM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in plant maintenance management or equivalent education and training. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, operations, maintenance planning, reliability engineering, quality assurance, and leadership.

To get the CPMM certification, applicants must first register with AMP and pay the required fees. After registration is complete, applicants will be given access to study materials and can then schedule their exam date. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any AMP-approved testing center.

The cost of getting the CPMM certification varies depending on whether you are a member of AMP or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD plus applicable taxes; for members it is $295 USD plus applicable taxes.

4. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management, formerly known as the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to help individuals develop their knowledge and skills in production and inventory management. It focuses on topics such as demand management, operations planning and control, master scheduling, materials requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, supplier relationships, quality control, continuous improvement methods, and supply chain management.

The CPIM program consists of five modules: Basics of Supply Chain Management; Master Planning of Resources; Detailed Scheduling & Planning; Execution & Control of Operations; and Strategic Management of Resources. To earn the CPIM designation, candidates must complete all five modules within two years.

To get started with the CPIM program, candidates must first register with APICS. Registration fees vary depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member. After registering for the program, you will receive study materials that include textbooks, online learning resources, practice exams, and other tools to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost to take each module exam varies from $200-$300 USD per exam. Additionally there is a one-time fee of $50 USD for the CPIM designation once all five modules have been completed successfully.

5. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the maintenance and reliability field. The CMRP certification validates an individual’s expertise in the areas of maintenance planning and scheduling, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, asset management, inventory control, and safety management.

The CMRP certification process typically takes about three months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application which includes education information, work experience details, references from employers or colleagues in the field of maintenance and reliability engineering. Once approved for candidacy by SMRP's Certification Board of Governors (CBG), applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as: maintenance planning & scheduling; preventive/predictive maintenance; root cause analysis; asset management; inventory control; safety management; and more.

The cost of obtaining the CMRP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of SMRP. For members, the fee is $325 USD while non-members pay $425 USD. In addition to these fees there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or training courses.

6. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of Six Sigma.

The CSSBB certification program is based on the body of knowledge developed by ASQ and its industry partners. It requires candidates to demonstrate mastery of the principles, tools, and techniques of Six Sigma. The program also emphasizes leadership skills, project management, and team building.

To become certified as a CSSBB, candidates must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as Lean Six Sigma, process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, and design of experiments. Candidates must also demonstrate their proficiency in applying these concepts through a project submission.

The exam typically takes 3-4 hours to complete and can be taken at any ASQ-approved testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP credential demonstrates that a project manager has the experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time, you should review your project management experience and skills, complete any required training courses, and study for the exam.

To get the PMP credential, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least four years of project management experience with a minimum of 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal project management education or training. You must also pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions in four hours.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD; for non-members it costs $555 USD.

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program designed to help individuals become more effective and efficient in their work. It is based on the principles of Lean Six Sigma, which are focused on reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing customer satisfaction. The LSSGB program provides the skills and knowledge to identify and eliminate process inefficiencies and defects.

The LSSGB program typically takes around three months to complete. It consists of four phases: learning, application, assessment, and certification. During the learning phase, participants will learn about Lean Six Sigma principles and tools through online courses or in-person training sessions. In the application phase, they will apply what they have learned by completing projects that demonstrate their understanding of the material. During the assessment phase, participants will be tested on their knowledge and skills to ensure they have met all requirements for certification. Finally, during the certification phase, successful candidates will receive their Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate from an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on where you take your course or training session. Online courses can range from $500-$2,000 USD while in-person classes can range from $1,000-$4,000 USD depending on location and duration of the course.

9. American Society for Quality’s Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

The Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in quality engineering. The CQE certification is highly sought after by employers, as it indicates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of quality engineering principles and practices.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, and product/process design. Applicants must also have at least 8 years of experience in quality engineering or related fields to be eligible for the exam.

The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and costs $450 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CQE certificate within 6-8 weeks.

In addition to the exam fee, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD which must be paid in order to maintain active status with ASQ. Renewal requires completion of professional development activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to quality engineering.

10. International Facility Management Association’s Facilities Management Professional Certification Program (FMP).

The International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) Facilities Management Professional Certification Program (FMP) is a comprehensive program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of facility management professionals. The FMP designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a mastery of the core competencies required for effective facilities management.

The program consists of three components: an application process, a written exam, and an oral assessment. The application process requires applicants to submit their professional experience, education level, and other relevant information. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as facility management principles, operations and maintenance, financial management, project management, sustainability practices and more. After passing the written exam, applicants must participate in an oral assessment with a panel of experienced facility managers.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. To be eligible for the FMP certification program, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in facilities management or related fields.

The cost of the FMP certification program varies depending on IFMA membership status. Non-members pay $1125 while members pay $750 for the certification fee plus any applicable taxes. In addition to these fees there are also optional study materials available for purchase which range in price from $25-$100 depending on what materials are needed.

Do You Really Need a Equipment Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an equipment manager certificate to be successful in the field. However, having one can be beneficial for a few reasons.

First, having a certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to gain additional knowledge and expertise in the field. It shows that you are dedicated to your career and have gone above and beyond what is expected of someone in your position.

Second, a certification can provide recognition of your skillset and knowledge. This can help you stand out from other job candidates and make you more attractive to employers. It also allows you to network with other professionals in the industry who have achieved similar certifications, which can open up new opportunities for you.

Finally, having an equipment manager certificate may improve your chances of obtaining higher-level positions or promotions within a company or organization. Employers often look for candidates with specialized skills or knowledge when filling management positions, so having a certification may give you an edge over other applicants.

Overall, while it is not absolutely necessary to obtain an equipment manager certificate, it can certainly be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in the field.

Related: Equipment Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Equipment Manager Certifications

1. What is Equipment Manager Certification?

Answer: Equipment Manager Certification is a certification program that provides recognition for individuals who have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to manage, operate and maintain industrial equipment.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an approved training program and pass the certification exam.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: It typically takes 8-10 months to complete the required coursework and pass the certification exam.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming a certified Equipment Manager can help you stand out in your field, increase your job opportunities, and potentially earn higher wages.

5. Is there ongoing education or recertification required?

Answer: Yes, certifications must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education courses or retaking the certification exam.