Top 10 Industrial Maintenance Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for an industrial maintenance technician in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional competence. Certification shows employers that the technician has achieved a certain level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to their field. It also indicates that the technician is up-to-date on the latest industry standards, practices, and regulations. Lastly, certifications can help increase earning potential as employers typically offer higher wages to certified technicians compared to non-certified technicians.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Industrial Maintenance Technicians and explain how they can contribute to an industrial maintenance technician's career.

What are Industrial Maintenance Technician Certifications?

Industrial maintenance technician certification is a professional credential that demonstrates to employers and clients that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform industrial maintenance tasks. This certification is typically obtained through a technical school, community college, or trade association. Certification can be obtained in a variety of areas including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), welding, and more.

By obtaining industrial maintenance technician certification, individuals demonstrate to employers that they possess the skills necessary for the job. Certification is often seen as a sign of commitment to the profession and may also lead to higher wages or promotion opportunities. Additionally, having this type of certification allows technicians to work in certain industries where it is required by law or regulation.

Having industrial maintenance technician certification can also help technicians stay up-to-date on new technologies and industry trends. As technology advances and new tools are developed for industrial processes, technicians with certifications are better equipped to handle these changes than those without credentials. Additionally, certified technicians may have access to additional training programs offered by their employer or trade association that can help them stay ahead of the curve in their field.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have the right industrial maintenance technician certification for the job. Different industries may require different certifications, so it is important to research which certifications are necessary for the particular job you are applying for. Additionally, some employers may require additional certifications or continuing education to stay current in your field.

Related: What does an Industrial Maintenance Technician do?

Top 10 Industrial Maintenance Technician Certifications

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

1. 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 the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those in the maintenance and reliability industry.

The CMRP certification requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in maintenance and reliability along with passing an exam. Candidates must also have at least one year of experience as a supervisor or manager in order to qualify for the CMRP designation.

To get certified, candidates must first submit an application to SMRP which includes their work experience, educational background, and references. Once approved, they can then register for the exam which is administered by SMRP. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as maintenance management, operations management, asset management, safety management, quality management, and more.

The cost to take the CMRP exam varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or non-member. For members it is $395 USD while non-members pay $495 USD. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or other costs related to taking the test at a testing center.

2. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) is a certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the maintenance and reliability field. The CMRT certification is based on a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as safety, preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, lubrication, failure analysis, asset management, and more.

It typically takes about 12 months to complete the requirements for the CMRT certification. This includes studying for and passing the CMRT exam, completing an approved training program or coursework in maintenance or reliability engineering, and submitting proof of at least two years of professional experience in the field.

To get certified as a CMRT, you must first register with SMRP. After registering, you will be given access to study materials and practice exams to help prepare for the CMRT exam. Once you have passed the exam and completed your training requirements, you can submit your application for certification.

The cost of getting certified as a CMRT varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or not. For non-members, it costs $450 for the registration fee plus $350 for the exam fee. For members of SMRP, it costs $150 for registration plus $350 for the exam fee.

3. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a certification program offered by the Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of plant maintenance management. The CPMM certification is a valuable credential for those seeking to advance their career in this field.

The CPMM program consists of three courses: Plant Maintenance Management, Plant Maintenance Safety, and Plant Maintenance Systems. Each course must be completed within two years, and all three must be completed within five years. Upon successful completion of all three courses, applicants must pass an exam to earn the CPMM certification.

To get the CPMM certification, applicants must first register with AFE and pay the required fees. Once registered, applicants can take the courses online or attend classes at an approved training facility. After completing all three courses, applicants will need to submit their transcripts along with their application for the exam.

The cost for the CPMM program varies depending on how you choose to take it; online courses typically cost around $1,500 while attending classes at an approved training facility may cost up to $2,500. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the exam which is currently set at $250.

Overall, obtaining the CPMM certification can take anywhere from 6 months to 5 years depending on how quickly you complete each course and pass your exam.

4. Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of plant engineering. The CPE certification is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of plant engineering, including safety, maintenance, operations, and energy management.

To become certified as a CPE, applicants must complete an AFE-approved training program and pass an exam. The training program typically consists of two parts: a core curriculum and an elective course. The core curriculum covers topics such as industrial safety, maintenance management, process control systems, and energy efficiency. The elective course focuses on specific areas within the field of plant engineering, such as HVAC systems or electrical systems.

The cost for the CPE certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more for the full program. There are also additional costs associated with taking the exam, which can range from $200 to $400.

Once you have completed your training and passed your exam, you will receive your CPE certificate from AFE. This certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to remain active.

5. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a certification program offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of industrial maintenance mechanics.

The CIMM certification requires the completion of an NCCER-accredited training program, which typically takes between two and four years to complete. The training program covers topics such as electrical systems, mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, welding, machine shop operations, and more.

To get certified as a CIMM, you must first complete an accredited training program. After completing the training program, you must then pass the NCCER Core Curriculum exam as well as any additional specialty exams required for your specific industry or job title. Once all exams have been passed successfully, you will receive your CIMM certification from NCCER.

The cost of becoming a Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other factors such as travel expenses. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars to become certified.

6. Automated Machinery Maintenance Technician Certification (AMMTC)

Automated Machinery Maintenance Technician Certification (AMMTC) is a certification program for professionals who work with automated machinery. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and troubleshoot automated machinery. This certification is offered through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

The AMMTC program consists of two parts: a written exam and a hands-on performance assessment. The written exam covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, mechanical systems, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. The hands-on performance assessment requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to diagnose problems with automated machinery and implement corrective actions.

The AMMTC certification process typically takes three to six months to complete, depending on how quickly the candidate can complete the required coursework and exams. Candidates must complete both the written exam and hands-on performance assessment in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining an AMMTC certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$600 USD for all materials needed to complete the program.

7. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level I Certification

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level I Certification is a nationally recognized certification program that verifies the skills of entry-level machinists. This certification is designed to ensure that machinists have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job safely and efficiently.

To obtain the NIMS Machining Level I Certification, an individual must successfully complete a series of assessments in four areas: safety, measurement, materials, and processes. The assessments are administered by NIMS-accredited testing centers or employers who have been approved as testing sites. The assessment consists of both written and practical tests, which must be completed within a six-month time frame.

The cost of obtaining the NIMS Machining Level I Certification varies depending on the type of assessment taken and whether it is taken at an accredited testing center or employer site. Generally speaking, individuals should expect to pay between $50-$200 for the assessment.

Once all assessments are successfully completed, individuals will receive their official NIMS Machining Level I Certificate from NIMS headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. This certificate will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

8. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level II Certification

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level II Certification is a nationally recognized certification program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of machinists. The certification is based on industry-defined standards and measures the ability of machinists to perform complex tasks related to CNC programming, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

To obtain the NIMS Machining Level II Certification, candidates must complete an online application form and submit it with proof of experience or training in machining. Candidates must also pass a written exam and a hands-on performance evaluation. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as safety, mathematics, materials, measurement & inspection, machine tools & operations, CNC programming & setup, and troubleshooting. The performance evaluation requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to set up and operate a CNC machine in accordance with NIMS standards.

The cost of obtaining the NIMS Machining Level II Certification varies depending on the type of training or experience required. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$1000 USD for individuals seeking certification without prior experience or training. For those who have prior experience or training in machining, the cost may be lower depending on the type of training or experience they have completed.

In terms of time requirements for obtaining the certification, most candidates can expect to spend at least two months preparing for and completing all necessary steps towards certification. This includes studying for the written exam and completing any necessary hands-on training or practice before taking the performance evaluation.

9. Fluid Power Society Hydraulic Technician Certification

The Fluid Power Society Hydraulic Technician Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of technicians working in the hydraulic industry. It is a voluntary program that provides recognition for those who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of hydraulics.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and an on-site practical exam. The online exam covers topics such as fluid power principles, system components, troubleshooting and maintenance, safety practices, and more. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to work with hydraulic systems by performing hands-on tasks such as assembling components, testing pressure and flow, and troubleshooting problems.

It typically takes between three months to one year to complete the certification process depending on the individual’s experience level. Applicants must first register for the program through the Fluid Power Society website before they can take either part of the exam. Once registered, applicants will receive study materials from the Society that will help them prepare for both parts of the certification process.

The cost for this certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the Fluid Power Society. For members, it costs $175 USD plus applicable taxes while non-members pay $225 USD plus applicable taxes.

10. Fluid Power Society Pneumatic Technician Certification

The Fluid Power Society Pneumatic Technician Certification is a professional certification program that demonstrates a technician’s knowledge and expertise in the field of pneumatic systems. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that technicians are knowledgeable, capable, and competent in the areas of fluid power safety, maintenance, installation, operation, and troubleshooting.

The certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish. The first step is to register for the exam online by submitting an application form and paying the exam fee. Once registered, applicants must complete a two-day training course which covers topics such as fluid power principles, system design and components, safety practices, installation procedures, and troubleshooting techniques. After completing the training course successfully applicants must pass an online proctored exam covering all of the topics presented in the training course.

Once applicants have passed their exams they will receive their certification cards from FPS within two weeks. The cost for this certification is $450 USD which includes both the registration fee and the cost of the two day training course.

Do You Really Need a Industrial Maintenance Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question will depend on your individual situation. If you are looking for a career as an industrial maintenance technician, then a certificate may be beneficial in helping you to secure a position. A certificate program can provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to perform the job successfully. It can also demonstrate to potential employers that you have a dedication to the profession and the desire to stay current on industry trends and advances.

On the other hand, many employers are willing to hire individuals who have relevant experience or training but do not possess a certificate. If you already have experience in the field or if you have taken courses related to industrial maintenance, then it may be possible for you to find work without obtaining a certificate.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an industrial maintenance technician certificate depends on your specific circumstances. If you are just starting out in the field and want to demonstrate your commitment and qualifications, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial. On the other hand, if you already have experience or relevant training, then it may be possible for you to find work without one.

Related: Industrial Maintenance Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Industrial Maintenance Technician Certifications

1. How do I become an Industrial Maintenance Technician?

Answer: To become an Industrial Maintenance Technician, you must complete a certificate or degree program in industrial maintenance technology or a related field. You may also need to obtain a state license or certification depending on your location.

2. What is the job outlook for Industrial Maintenance Technicians?

Answer: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of industrial maintenance technicians is projected to grow 6% from 2019-2029. This growth is slightly faster than the average for all occupations, making it a promising career path.

3. What qualifications are required for an Industrial Maintenance Technician?

Answer: To qualify as an Industrial Maintenance Technician, you will typically need to have completed at least a high school diploma or GED, and have some prior experience with mechanical systems and tools. Some employers may require additional certifications such as OSHA 10 Construction Safety and Health Certification or other specialized skills training programs.

4. How much does an Industrial Maintenance Technician make annually?

Answer: The median annual wage for industrial maintenance technicians was $52,720 in May 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by region and employer, with some positions offering higher salaries based on experience and qualifications.

5. What type of certifications can I get as an Industrial Maintenance Technician?

Answer: There are several different types of certifications available to Industrial Maintenance Technicians including Certified Plant Mechanic (CPM), Certified Reliability Leader (CRL), Certified Manufacturing Technology Specialist (CMTS), Certified Automation Professional (CAP), and more depending on the specific requirements of your job role and employer.