Top 11 Industrial Mechanic Certifications

Industrial mechanics are highly sought after in the job market due to their specialized knowledge and skill set. Certifications provide employers with evidence that a candidate has the necessary skills and qualifications to perform their duties safely and effectively. By obtaining certifications, industrial mechanics can demonstrate to potential employers that they are knowledgeable in the field and have taken the initiative to develop their skills. This makes them more attractive candidates for employment, as employers want employees who are dedicated to learning and growing in their profession. Additionally, certifications help demonstrate a commitment to professional development, which can make an industrial mechanic’s resume stand out from other applicants.

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

What are Industrial Mechanic Certifications?

Industrial mechanic certification is a qualification awarded to individuals who have received specialized training in the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery. This certification can be obtained through various accredited programs, such as those offered by technical colleges or trade schools. By obtaining an industrial mechanic certification, individuals demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and efficiently with industrial machinery.

The benefits of having an industrial mechanic certification are numerous. Those who hold this certification are able to command higher wages, as they are more qualified than non-certified mechanics. Additionally, having a valid certification demonstrates to potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills to perform their job safely and effectively. Industrial mechanics with certifications may also have access to more job opportunities, as some employers prefer certified technicians over those without any qualifications. Furthermore, those with certifications may receive additional training that can further improve their knowledge and abilities in the field.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing an industrial mechanic certification, make sure you have the necessary skills and experience to qualify for the program. Also, research the program thoroughly to ensure that it meets your career goals and provides the best possible qualifications for success in your chosen field.

Related: What does an Industrial Mechanic do?

Top 11 Industrial Mechanic Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Industrial Mechanics 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). The CMRP certification is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of maintenance and reliability professionals in the areas of asset management, reliability engineering, operations, maintenance planning and scheduling, work control systems, parts inventory control systems, lubrication programs, quality assurance programs, and safety programs.

The CMRP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours. To qualify for the CMRP exam you must have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the field or a combination of education and experience that SMRP deems acceptable.

To obtain the CMRP certification you must register with SMRP and pay an application fee ($50 USD) as well as an exam fee ($400 USD). After registering for the exam you will receive an email from SMRP with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded your CMRP certification.

The cost to obtain the CMRP certification is $450 USD (application fee + exam fee).

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of plant maintenance management. The CPMM certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers topics such as preventive maintenance, safety management systems, asset management, cost control, and energy efficiency. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by AFE.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. The fee for the exam is $395 USD. Candidates who pass the exam will receive their CPMM certification within two weeks of passing the exam.

To maintain their certification status, CPMMs must complete continuing education activities every three years to demonstrate their knowledge in the field of plant maintenance management.

3. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMART)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMART) is a certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in maintenance and reliability engineering, as well as knowledge of industry best practices.

The CMART certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as asset management, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, lubrication fundamentals, failure analysis, and safety. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to apply for the CMART certification, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 1) hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; 2) have five years of experience in maintenance and reliability engineering; 3) have two years of experience in maintenance and reliability engineering plus an associate’s degree; or 4) have one year of experience in maintenance and reliability engineering plus a certificate from a technical school.

The cost to take the CMART exam is $350 USD.

4. Automation Certification Program (ACP)

The Automation Certification Program (ACP) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to help automation professionals advance their knowledge and skills in the field. The program is administered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).

The ACP consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Master. Each level requires a certain number of Automation Points, which are earned by completing courses, exams, and other activities related to automation. To become certified at each level, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of automation concepts and technologies.

The Associate level is designed for those who are new to the field or have limited experience in automation. It typically takes about six months to complete this level and it costs around $400 USD for the exam fee.

The Professional level is designed for those with more experience in automation and requires a higher degree of knowledge and understanding. It typically takes about one year to complete this level and it costs around $800 USD for the exam fee.

The Master level is designed for experienced professionals who have mastered the concepts and technologies associated with automation. It typically takes two years or more to complete this level and it costs around $1,200 USD for the exam fee.

To get started on your ACP journey, you will need to create an account on ISA’s website and then select a course package that best suits your needs. After completing your courses, you will be able to take the appropriate exams for each certification level.

5. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certificate Program (IMMCP)

The Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certificate Program (IMMCP) is a comprehensive training program offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). It provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become successful industrial maintenance mechanics.

The IMMCP consists of five core courses: Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Fluid Power Systems, Process Control Systems, and Instrumentation & Measurement. Each course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of each system as well as provide hands-on experience in troubleshooting and repairing equipment. Upon completion of all five courses, students will have earned an NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certificate.

The program typically takes six months to complete depending on the student’s availability and commitment level. The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most institutions offer financial aid options to help cover tuition costs. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement for employees who successfully complete the program.

To get started in this program, prospective students must first find an accredited institution that offers it. Once enrolled in a school or college offering the IMMCP, students must complete all five courses within six months in order to earn their certificate. After completing all five courses and passing their final exams with a minimum grade of 70%, they will receive their NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certificate from their school or college.

6. Industrial Machinery Mechanics Certificate Program (IMMCP)

The Industrial Machinery Mechanics Certificate Program (IMMCP) is a comprehensive training program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as industrial machinery mechanics. This program is offered through many technical schools and community colleges, and typically takes around one year to complete.

The IMMCP includes courses in mechanical systems, electrical systems, hydraulics/pneumatics, welding, machining, and safety. Students will learn how to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with machinery, repair and maintain equipment, read blueprints and schematics, use hand tools correctly, understand basic electronics principles, operate CNC machines and other computer-controlled equipment, and more.

To get the IMMCP certificate you must first apply to a school that offers the program. Depending on the school you choose, you may need to submit an application form or take an entrance exam. Once accepted into the program you will need to complete all of the required courses in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of the IMMCP varies depending on the school you choose but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include textbooks and supplies as well as any fees associated with taking exams or tests required for certification.

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

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a worker’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the construction field. It is used to verify a worker’s qualifications for employment or advancement in the construction industry. The NCCER certification program consists of core curriculum, safety training, and craft-specific training.

It typically takes between two weeks and four months to obtain an NCCER certification, depending on the type of certification being pursued. To get certified, individuals must complete an approved NCCER training program through an accredited institution or organization. After completing the training program, individuals must pass a written assessment and then submit their application along with all required documentation to NCCER for review.

The cost of obtaining an NCCER certification varies depending on the type of certification being pursued. Generally speaking, costs can range from $200-$500 USD per course or module.

8. Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMT)

Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMT) is a professional certification program designed to enhance the technical skills of individuals in the manufacturing industry. The program is offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and certifying industry-recognized credentials for the manufacturing workforce.

The CMT program consists of two levels: Certified Production Technician (CPT) and Advanced Certified Production Technician (ACPT). The CPT level focuses on basic technical knowledge, while the ACPT level covers more advanced topics such as problem solving, quality assurance, and safety.

The CMT program requires a minimum of 160 hours of instruction, which can be completed through online courses or in-person classes. The cost of the program varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $500-$1000.

To obtain your CMT certification, you must pass both levels of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After successful completion of both exams, you will receive your official MSSC Certificate and be eligible for career advancement opportunities in the manufacturing industry.

9. Fluid Power Society Certification

The Fluid Power Society (FPS) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of fluid power technology. FPS certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of fluid power.

To obtain FPS certification, individuals must complete a series of exams that test their knowledge and understanding of fluid power principles, components, systems, and applications. The exams are divided into three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. To become certified at each level, applicants must pass all required examinations with a minimum score of 70%.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete all three levels of the FPS certification program. During this time, applicants must attend training courses or seminars to gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pass the exams.

In order to apply for FPS certification, applicants must first register online through the FPS website. The registration fee for each level is $150 USD plus applicable taxes. After registering for the program, applicants will receive information about upcoming exam dates and locations as well as instructions on how to prepare for each exam.

Once all three levels have been successfully completed, applicants will receive their official FPS certification card from the Fluid Power Society. This card serves as proof of their achievement and can be used to demonstrate their qualifications when applying for jobs in the field of fluid power technology.

10. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certifications

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certifications are a nationally recognized set of credentials that demonstrate a worker’s knowledge and skill in the metalworking industry. NIMS certifications are designed to provide employers with assurance that their workers have the necessary skills to perform their job safely and efficiently.

To obtain a NIMS certification, an individual must first complete a training program that meets NIMS standards. This training can be provided by an accredited educational institution, employer-sponsored program, or through self-study. After completing the training program, the individual must then pass an exam to earn the certification.

The amount of time it takes to get a NIMS certification depends on the type of certification being sought and how much prior experience and knowledge an individual has in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all of the necessary requirements for a particular certification.

In terms of cost, most NIMS certifications require individuals to pay for both the training program and exam fees. The exact cost will depend on which type of certification is being sought as well as where the training is taking place. In some cases, employers may cover all or part of these costs as part of their employee development programs.

11. American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications

The American Welding Society (AWS) is a professional organization that provides certifications to welders who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in welding. AWS certifications are internationally recognized and are often required for employment in many industries.

Getting an AWS certification can take anywhere from one day to several months depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally, there are four steps to getting an AWS certification: passing the written exam, completing a practical exam, obtaining a welding endorsement, and submitting all necessary documentation.

The cost of an AWS certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and the number of tests taken. Generally speaking, it can range from $100-$400 for each test taken. Additionally, some employers may reimburse employees for taking the tests or provide discounts on testing fees.

Do You Really Need a Industrial Mechanic Certificate?

Industrial mechanics are a crucial part of any manufacturing, construction, and production industry. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of complex machinery, ensuring that all components are working correctly, safely and efficiently. An industrial mechanic certificate is an important credential that can help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this role.

Having a certificate in industrial mechanics not only shows potential employers that you have received formal training in the field but also demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest developments in machine maintenance and repair. With a certificate, you can prove that you understand the fundamentals of machines, including mechanical principles and electrical systems. You will also learn about troubleshooting techniques for common problems as well as the importance of proper safety protocols when working with machinery.

The benefits of having an industrial mechanic certificate extend beyond just demonstrating your qualifications for potential employers. It can also open up opportunities for higher pay or career advancement within your current company or industry. Many companies specialize in certain types of machines or services and may require employees who possess specific certifications or qualifications to work on them. Having an industrial mechanic certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one, making it easier to find employment in those industries.

In conclusion, having an industrial mechanic certificate is a valuable asset in today’s job market, regardless of whether you’re looking for a new job or want to advance your career within your current organization. It not only shows potential employers that you possess the knowledge and skills needed to work on complex machines but also demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date on changes in technology and safety protocols so you can remain competitive in the workforce.

Related: Industrial Mechanic Resume Examples

FAQs About Industrial Mechanic Certifications

1. What is an industrial mechanic certification?

Answer: An industrial mechanic certification is a credential that proves a person has met the qualifications and standards necessary to work as an industrial mechanic in their field of expertise. This includes knowledge of safety protocols, maintenance techniques, mechanical systems, and other related skills.

2. How do I obtain an industrial mechanic certification?

Answer: To obtain an industrial mechanic certification, you must complete a training program or apprenticeship that meets the requirements set by your local jurisdiction or state. Once you have completed the program or apprenticeship, you can apply for your certification from the relevant organization or governing body.

3. What kind of jobs require an industrial mechanic certification?

Answer: Industrial mechanics are required to work in many different industries such as manufacturing, construction, automotive repair, aviation maintenance and more. These professionals are responsible for maintaining and repairing machines and equipment in order to keep them running effectively and safely.

4. How long does it take to become certified as an industrial mechanic?

Answer: The exact time frame for obtaining an industrial mechanic certification varies depending on the type of program or apprenticeship you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from six months up to two years to complete all the requirements for becoming certified as an industrial mechanic.

5. Is there a cost associated with getting certified as an industrial mechanic?

Answer: Yes, there may be a fee associated with obtaining your certification depending on the type of program or apprenticeship you pursue as well as any additional materials needed for testing purposes. Be sure to research all costs upfront so that you can plan accordingly when budgeting for your training and certifications fees.