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Top 10 General Worker Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 17 min read

Certifications are important for a general worker in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and skill. They can also help to increase a person's employability, as employers often prefer applicants who have been certified in their field. Additionally, certifications can help workers stand out from the competition and give them an edge when applying for jobs. Finally, certifications can provide access to higher-level positions and better pay.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for General Workers and explain how they can help to advance a general worker's career.

What are General Worker Certifications?

General worker certification is a type of certification that demonstrates an individual has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to perform general work tasks. This type of certification is often available through educational institutions, professional organizations, or companies who specialize in providing this type of training. The goal of the certification is to ensure that workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in their job.

The benefits of general worker certification can vary depending on the individual’s needs and goals. Generally, it can help employers verify that a potential employee has the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in a particular role. It can also help individuals demonstrate their commitment to their profession by taking the initiative to gain additional qualifications. Furthermore, having this type of certification may give individuals an edge when applying for jobs or promotions as it shows they are willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them. Additionally, some employers may offer incentives such as higher wages or better benefits for those with general worker certifications.

Pro Tip: When considering a general worker certification, be sure to research the certifying body and make sure it is recognized by your industry or employer. Additionally, consider the cost of the certification and how long it will take to complete, as well as if any additional training or education will be required.

Related: What does a General Worker do?

Top 10 General Worker Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to General Workers today.

1. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification is a certification program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides safety training to workers in general industry. The program is designed to help employers and employees recognize potential workplace hazards and take appropriate steps to prevent injury or illness. It covers topics such as hazard communication, fire safety, machine guarding, personal protective equipment, electrical safety, and more.

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification is an online course that takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The course consists of 10 modules with interactive quizzes at the end of each module. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a wallet card from OSHA verifying their certification.

To get the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification, you must first register for the course through an authorized provider. You can find a list of approved providers on OSHA's website. Once you have registered for the course, you will be given access to the online modules which you can complete at your own pace within one year of registration.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD.

2. EPA Lead Renovator Certification

EPA Lead Renovator Certification is a certification program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires individuals who perform renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities to be certified. The certification program was created to protect public health by reducing the amount of lead dust that can be generated during these activities.

To become certified as an EPA Lead Renovator, individuals must complete a training course approved by the EPA. The training course typically takes 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as identifying lead hazards, proper use of containment methods, cleaning techniques, and record keeping requirements. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals will receive a certificate of completion from the EPA indicating their certification status.

The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $150-$300. Additionally, some states may require additional licensing or certifications in addition to EPA Lead Renovator Certification in order to legally perform renovation work that disturbs lead-based paint.

3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a certification program offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPHQ certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in healthcare quality.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the CPHQ exam, depending on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge. To get certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as healthcare quality management, patient safety, risk management, performance improvement, and data analysis.

The cost of the CPHQ exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. In the United States, it costs $450 for members of NAHQ and $550 for non-members. Other countries may have different fees associated with taking the exam.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience in a healthcare quality role or having completed an approved educational program related to healthcare quality.

4. Certified Production Technician (CPT)

Certified Production Technician (CPT) is a nationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful production technicians. The CPT program is designed to provide employers with an assurance of competency in the areas of safety, quality, and production. It is also intended to help individuals increase their chances of success in the job market by demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the production field.

The CPT program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The Basic level focuses on safety, quality control, and basic production processes; the Advanced level covers more complex processes such as problem solving, process improvement, and advanced manufacturing techniques; while the Master level includes topics such as project management, lean manufacturing principles, and total quality management.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete all three levels of the CPT program. During this time, students must attend classes or workshops at an approved training center or college/university offering CPT courses. Students are also required to pass examinations at each level in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Production Technician certification varies depending on where you take your courses or workshops. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 for all three levels combined.

5. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). This certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of logistics. The CLA credential is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to successfully manage all aspects of logistics operations.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CLA program. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form, which includes providing proof of their educational background and work experience in logistics. Once accepted into the program, applicants must attend a series of four courses that cover topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, and customer service. After completing these courses, applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam before receiving their CLA certification.

The cost for the CLA program varies depending on the provider; however, most providers charge around $1,000 for the entire program. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts or scholarships for those who qualify.

6. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of maintenance and reliability principles, practices, and technologies. The CMRP certification is an internationally recognized credential that signifies expertise in maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of professional experience in the field of maintenance and reliability; completion of an approved educational program or equivalent combination of education and experience; passing the SMRP CMRP exam; and agreeing to adhere to the SMRP Code of Ethics.

The process typically takes three to six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete an application form, submit documentation verifying their qualifications, register for the exam, prepare for the exam by studying materials provided by SMRP or attending review courses offered by approved providers, take the exam at a designated testing center, receive results from SMRP within four weeks after taking the exam, and accept or decline certification upon receiving notification from SMRP.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on how much preparation is required. The cost includes registration fees for both the application form ($100) and the exam ($395), as well as any additional fees associated with review courses or other study materials.

7. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP credential is the highest level of safety certification in the United States and is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of safety. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to safety management.

The CSP program consists of an online application process, a comprehensive exam, and a work experience requirement. Candidates must have at least four years of full-time safety experience prior to applying for the CSP credential. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as risk assessment, hazard control, emergency preparedness, occupational health and ergonomics.

The entire process typically takes between 9-12 months from start to finish. To get started on the path to becoming a CSP, candidates must first submit an online application through BCSP's website. Once accepted into the program, they must then register for and take the exam at one of BCSP's approved testing centers. After passing the exam, candidates must then document their work experience through either an employer or supervisor attestation form or by submitting copies of relevant job descriptions and performance evaluations.

The cost for applying to become a CSP varies depending on whether you are already a member of BCSP or not. For non-members it costs $400 USD plus additional fees associated with taking the exam ($200 USD). For members it costs $200 USD plus additional fees associated with taking the exam ($100 USD).

8. American Society for Quality – Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

American Society for Quality – Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to successfully lead and implement process improvement projects in their organization. This certification is designed to help professionals understand the fundamentals of Six Sigma, including its principles, methodology, tools, and techniques. The program also covers how to effectively use these tools to solve problems and identify opportunities for improvement.

The certification requires a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, which can be completed online or in-person depending on availability. The course covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) process improvement methodology, data analysis techniques, project management strategies, and more. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified, you must apply online through the American Society for Quality website. There is a fee associated with the application process that varies depending on your location and other factors. Once approved for certification, you will need to pay an additional fee for the exam itself. The cost of this exam typically ranges from $250-$400 USD depending on your location and other factors.

Once you have passed the exam successfully, you will receive your official Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from ASQ which is valid for three years before needing renewal.

9. Association for Operations Management – Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

The Association for Operations Management (AOM) Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage successful Lean Six Sigma projects. The certification is designed to help professionals develop their skills in using the Lean Six Sigma methodology to improve business processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification requires a minimum of 60 hours of training, which can be completed through online courses or in-person seminars. In order to become certified, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as project management, process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and change management.

To get the AOM Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, you must first complete the required training and then register for the exam. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. You will have up to three attempts at passing the exam before you are required to retake the course.

The cost of obtaining AOM Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500-$3,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with becoming certified.

10. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to automotive service professionals. ASE certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a technician’s knowledge and skill in the field of automotive repair and maintenance. To become ASE certified, technicians must pass a series of tests administered by the ASE. The tests cover a variety of topics, such as engine repair, electrical systems, brakes, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, and more.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to complete all the necessary tests for ASE certification. In order to get certified, technicians must register with the ASE and pay a fee of $36 per test. Once they have passed all the exams required for their chosen area of specialization, they will receive their official ASE certificate in the mail.

ASE certification is not mandatory for automotive service professionals; however, it can be beneficial in terms of career advancement and job opportunities. Employers often prefer to hire technicians who are certified by the ASE because it shows that they have met certain standards of knowledge and expertise in their field. Additionally, some states may require certain levels of ASE certification for certain types of automotive jobs or positions.

Do You Really Need a General Worker Certificate?

A General Worker Certificate (GWC) is a certification that is typically required by employers to show that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their job duties. The certificate is usually awarded after completing a course of study in a particular field or industry, such as construction, retail, hospitality, healthcare, etc. It is important to note that the GWC does not guarantee employment; rather it attests to the fact that an individual has taken the necessary steps to become qualified for certain positions.

The answer to whether or not you need a GWC depends on your situation and career aspirations. If you are looking for entry-level work in certain industries, then having a GWC can give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have one. Employers often look for people who have taken the initiative to obtain formal training and certification in their chosen field. Having this certification shows employers that you are committed to gaining knowledge and experience relevant to their industry. Furthermore, many employers use the GWC as a way of screening potential candidates; they may be more likely to hire someone with this kind of certification than someone without it.

On the other hand, if you are already established in your field and have plenty of experience under your belt, then having a GWC may not be necessary. In some cases, having extensive experience may even be seen as more valuable than having formal education or certifications. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not obtaining a GWC will be beneficial for your career goals. Consider your current level of knowledge and experience in relation to what employers are looking for in your industry before making any decisions about pursuing a GWC.

Related: General Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About General Worker Certifications

1. What is a general worker certification?

A general worker certification is a certificate that verifies the skills and knowledge of a worker in areas such as safety, health, and environmental awareness. It is an important part of many employers’ safety programs.

2. How do I obtain a general worker certification?

In order to obtain a general worker certification, you must complete an approved training program or course and pass any applicable exams or tests. After successful completion of the program or course, you will be issued a certificate.

3. How long does it take to get a general worker certification?

The amount of time it takes to obtain a general worker certification varies depending on the type of program or course you take, but typically ranges from one to six weeks.

4. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a general worker certification?

No, there is no age requirement for obtaining a general worker certification; anyone over the age of 18 can pursue one. However, some programs have additional requirements such as having prior work experience or completing certain prerequisites before enrolling in the program.

5. Do I need to renew my general worker certification after receiving it?

Yes, most general worker certifications must be renewed every two or three years in order to stay valid. Renewal typically requires completing additional training courses to update your skills and knowledge in areas such as safety, health, and environmental awareness.

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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