Top 10 Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certifications

Certifications are important for industrial maintenance mechanics in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers seek when hiring qualified and experienced candidates. Certifications show employers that an individual has taken the time to receive additional training and education in their field. This can indicate to employers that an individual is dedicated to their craft and has the skills necessary to be successful in the position. Additionally, certifications can provide access to higher-paying jobs, as many employers are willing to pay more for certified employees due to their increased levels of expertise.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Industrial Maintenance Mechanics and explains how they can help to further an industrial maintenance mechanic's career.

What are Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certifications?

Industrial maintenance mechanic certification is a credential that shows employers and clients that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform industrial maintenance tasks. This type of certification demonstrates that the individual is qualified to perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on industrial machinery and equipment. It also highlights their ability to troubleshoot equipment failures, install new systems, and make repairs as needed.

Having an industrial maintenance mechanic certification can help an individual stand out from others seeking employment in this field since it shows they have obtained a specific level of training in the area. Additionally, having this credential can often lead to higher salaries or promotions since employers recognize individuals who have taken the initiative to learn more about industrial maintenance. Furthermore, having this certification can give individuals confidence in their own abilities when working on complex tasks as well as provide them with access to more job opportunities. Finally, having a certified technician on staff can give companies assurance that their machines are being maintained properly and safely.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing an industrial maintenance mechanic certification, make sure to research the requirements and prerequisites associated with the program. Many certifications require a certain amount of experience or specialized education before they can be obtained. Additionally, some employers may require additional certifications or credentials beyond those required for the certification itself.

Related: What does an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic do?

Top 10 Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Industrial Maintenance Mechanics today.

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). This certification recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management fields. It is designed to help professionals advance their careers and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field.

The CMRP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as: asset management, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, failure analysis, lubrication practices, reliability engineering principles, safety practices, and more. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To become certified as a CMRP professional you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least 5 years of professional experience in the maintenance or reliability field. You must also have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.

The cost of taking the CMRP exam varies depending on your SMRP membership status. For non-members it is $450 USD; for members it is $350 USD; for student members it is $150 USD; and for retired members it is $50 USD.

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in plant maintenance management. The program is administered by the Association of Maintenance Professionals (AMP).

The CPMM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, operations, maintenance and engineering. The exam is offered twice a year and consists of multiple-choice questions. Applicants must also demonstrate a minimum of five years’ experience in plant maintenance management or related field.

In order to obtain the CPMM certification, applicants must submit an application form, pay the applicable fees, and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The fee for the exam is $225 USD for AMP members and $275 USD for non-members. Once certified, holders of the CPMM designation are required to renew their certification every three years by submitting proof of continuing education credits earned during that period.

Overall, obtaining the CPMM certification requires significant effort and dedication but can be well worth it for those looking to advance their career in plant maintenance management.

3. Certified Maintenance Technician (CMT)

Certified Maintenance Technician (CMT) is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery. The certification is offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP), a leading international organization dedicated to advancing maintenance and reliability excellence.

To become certified, applicants must successfully complete an online exam that covers topics such as preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, safety, and electrical systems. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of at least three years’ experience in industrial maintenance or related fields.

The cost of the CMT certification exam is $450 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMT certificate within six weeks. The certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking a recertification exam or completing continuing education credits.

4. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a certification program that is designed to ensure that maintenance mechanics have the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain industrial machinery. The CIMM program is administered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

The CIMM program consists of two levels, Level I and Level II. To become certified at Level I, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, mechanical systems, fluid power systems, process control systems, and preventive maintenance. To become certified at Level II, applicants must pass an additional examination that covers more advanced topics such as troubleshooting and repair techniques.

In order to be eligible for the CIMM program, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in industrial maintenance or related fields. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their education level (high school diploma or equivalent).

The cost for taking the CIMM examinations varies depending on the level being taken. The cost for Level I is $150 while the cost for Level II is $200. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results from the exams once they are taken.

Once a person has obtained their CIMM certification they will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in industrial maintenance and repair work which can lead to better job opportunities with higher salaries.

5. Journeyman Industrial Mechanic/Millwright (JIM/MW)

Journeyman Industrial Mechanic/Millwright (JIM/MW) is a trade designation that is given to individuals who have completed a three-year apprenticeship program and passed the provincial or territorial certification exam. This certification allows individuals to work as skilled tradespeople in various industries, including manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, construction, and power generation.

The apprenticeship program for JIM/MW typically takes three years to complete. During this time, apprentices will learn how to repair and maintain industrial equipment such as pumps, motors, boilers, compressors, conveyors, and other mechanical systems. They will also learn about safety protocols related to working with heavy machinery.

To become a JIM/MW apprentice, you must be at least 16 years old and have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. You should also have good communication skills and be able to read technical manuals. You must also be physically fit enough to do the job safely.

Once you are accepted into an apprenticeship program for JIM/MWs, you will need to pay tuition fees for your training courses. The cost of these fees varies depending on where you live and the type of courses you take. However, most programs cost between $2 000 - $4 000 per year in tuition fees.

After completing your apprenticeship program and passing the provincial or territorial certification exam, you can officially call yourself a Journeyman Industrial Mechanic/Millwright (JIM/MW). This designation will allow you to pursue employment in many different industries across Canada.

6. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certification

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is a not-for-profit education foundation created to develop standardized construction and maintenance curricula. It offers certification programs that assess the knowledge and skills of craft professionals in the construction industry.

NCCER's certification program is designed to provide employers with an objective assessment of a craft professional's qualifications, as well as to help craft professionals demonstrate their mastery of certain skills. The program consists of four levels: Core Curriculum, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level requires passing an exam or completing a project or both.

The amount of time it takes to get NCCER certified depends on the level you are seeking to achieve. For example, the Core Curriculum level can take up to 8 hours to complete while Level 3 may take up to 400 hours depending on the specific craft area you are pursuing certification in.

To get NCCER certified, you must first register with NCCER and create an account on their website. Once registered, you will be able to access training materials and exams for each level of certification. You will also be able to track your progress through the certification process.

The cost for getting NCCER certified varies depending on the level you are seeking certification in and how many modules you need to complete in order to obtain your desired level of certification. Generally speaking, it can range from $50-$500 USD depending on these factors.

7. Automated Systems Technician Level I & II Certifications

Automated Systems Technician Level I & II Certifications are certifications that demonstrate a technician's knowledge and proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and repair of automated systems. Automated systems are computer-controlled machines used in manufacturing and other industries to automate processes such as assembly, packaging, and testing.

The Automated Systems Technician Level I certification is designed to provide technicians with the basic skills necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot automated systems. It requires approximately 40 hours of training and covers topics such as safety protocols, electrical wiring diagrams, programming languages, system architecture, automation components, and troubleshooting techniques. The certification exam consists of multiple choice questions covering these topics.

The Automated Systems Technician Level II certification builds on the knowledge gained from Level I by providing more advanced training in areas such as robotics programming, PLC programming, network communications protocols, system integration techniques, system optimization methods, and preventive maintenance procedures. This certification requires approximately 80 hours of training and includes an exam consisting of multiple choice questions.

To obtain either certification you must first complete the appropriate training program from an accredited institution or organization. Once you have completed the training program you can take the certification exam which is administered by a third-party testing provider such as Prometric or Pearson VUE. The cost for each certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.

8. Industrial Electrical and Mechanical Technician Certification

Industrial Electrical and Mechanical Technician Certification is a certification program designed to provide an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a qualified industrial electrical and mechanical technician. The certification is offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

The certification program consists of two parts: the NIMS Industrial Electrical and Mechanical Technician Certification Exam, which is a multiple-choice exam that tests an individual’s knowledge of industrial electrical and mechanical theory, principles, practices, and techniques; and the NIMS Industrial Electrical and Mechanical Technician Certification Practical Skills Assessment, which is a hands-on assessment that tests an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge in an actual work environment.

It typically takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the program. To get certified, individuals must first complete the NIMS Industrial Electrical and Mechanical Technician Certification Exam. Once they pass this exam, they can then take the NIMS Industrial Electrical and Mechanical Technician Certification Practical Skills Assessment. After passing both exams, individuals will receive their certification from NIMS.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on where you are taking it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2000 USD.

9. HVAC/R Technician Certification

HVAC/R Technician Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates one’s knowledge and skill in the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems. It is designed to ensure that technicians are knowledgeable in all aspects of HVAC/R systems including safety protocols, installation requirements, troubleshooting techniques, and system maintenance.

The length of time it takes to get HVAC/R Technician Certification depends on the individual’s experience level and the type of certification they are seeking. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified depending on the program chosen.

To get HVAC/R Technician Certification an individual must first complete an accredited training program or apprenticeship. This may include classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience with actual equipment. Upon completion of the program or apprenticeship individuals must pass a written exam to receive their certification.

The cost for HVAC/R Technician Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and the institution offering it. Generally speaking costs can range from $500-$2,000 for a basic certification but may be higher for more advanced certifications such as EPA Section 608 Certification or NATE Certification.

10. Fluid Power Technician Certification

Fluid Power Technician Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the field of fluid power technology. It is offered by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) and is recognized as a standard of excellence in the industry.

The certification requires successful completion of four examinations: Basic Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Electrohydraulics, and Advanced Hydraulics. The exams are administered at authorized IFPS testing centers throughout the world. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and typically takes two to three hours to complete.

In order to take the exams, applicants must first register with IFPS and pay a fee of $100 for each exam they wish to take. After registering, applicants can then schedule their exams at a local testing center. The cost for each exam is $250, which includes all materials needed for taking the exam as well as any applicable taxes or fees.

Once all four exams have been successfully completed, applicants will receive their official Fluid Power Technician Certification from IFPS. This process typically takes about six months from start to finish.

Do You Really Need a Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and career aspirations. For those who are looking to obtain a job in industrial maintenance, having an industrial maintenance mechanic certificate can be beneficial. It demonstrates to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance duties in an industrial setting.

Having a certificate also shows that the individual is serious about their job and has taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications. This can help them stand out from other applicants, especially when applying for positions with highly competitive salaries or advancement opportunities.

In addition, many employers prefer hiring individuals who have obtained a professional certification in industrial maintenance because it indicates that they have an understanding of safety protocols and regulations related to working with hazardous materials. Having certification also shows that the individual is knowledgeable about industry best practices and standards, which can be important when dealing with complex mechanical systems or equipment.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs an industrial maintenance mechanic certificate depends on their specific career goals and what type of job they are looking for. If they are seeking employment in an industrial setting where such qualifications are desirable or necessary, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial for them.

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FAQs About Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certifications

1. What is an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certification?

A: An Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in industrial maintenance and repair.

2. What types of certifications are available?

A: There are several types of certifications available, including Certified Industrial Maintenance Technician (CIMT), Certified Automotive Industrial Maintenance Technician (CAIMT), Certified Machinery Maintenance Technician (CMMT) and Certified Industrial Control Systems Technician (CICST).

3. Who offers these certifications?

A: These certifications are offered by a variety of organizations, including the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the Association for Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) and the International Society for Automation (ISA).

4. How do I become certified?

A: To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by one of the organizations offering the certification. Depending on the organization, you may also need to complete additional training or experience requirements prior to taking the exam.

5. How long does it take to get certified?

A: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on various factors such as your experience level, study habits and availability of courses or exams in your area. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to a year or more to become fully certified.