Top 11 Maintenance Planner Certifications

Certifications are important for a maintenance planner in the job market as they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a deep understanding of the field and is capable of effectively managing and planning maintenance operations. Certifications also indicate to employers that an individual has taken the initiative to hone their knowledge and skills, which can prove invaluable in a competitive job market. Additionally, certifications provide assurance that an individual is up-to-date with industry best practices, making them more attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Maintenance Planners and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Maintenance Planner Certifications?

Maintenance planner certification is a professional certification program designed to help maintenance planners and schedulers develop their skills and knowledge in the field. The certification program consists of two levels: Maintenance Planner Level 1 (MPL1) and Maintenance Planner Level 2 (MPL2). MPL1 focuses on the basics of planning and scheduling, including developing work plans, understanding scheduling systems, managing resources, and tracking progress. MPL2 builds on these fundamentals by delving deeper into advanced topics such as reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), root cause analysis (RCA), preventive maintenance optimization, condition-based maintenance (CBM), and asset management.

The main benefit of earning a maintenance planner certification is that it provides an opportunity for practitioners to demonstrate their expertise in the field. It also helps them stay informed on best practices and current trends in the industry, enabling them to make better decisions when it comes to planning and scheduling maintenance activities. Moreover, certifications can be used as a career advancement tool by showing employers that you have the necessary knowledge and experience for higher level positions. Finally, having a recognized credential can help increase your job prospects since many organizations prefer certified professionals over non-certified ones.

Pro tip: Prepare for your maintenance planner certification by studying the requirements of the certification and familiarizing yourself with the terminology and concepts related to maintenance planning. Additionally, practice using different software tools that are commonly used in this field to gain a better understanding of how they can help you with your work.

Related: What does a Maintenance Planner do?

Top 11 Maintenance Planner Certifications

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

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of maintenance and reliability principles, practices, and technologies. The CMRP exam tests knowledge in areas such as asset management, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, safety, quality assurance, and more.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CMRP exam. To get certified, you must have at least three years of experience in the field of maintenance and reliability or related disciplines. You will also need to complete an approved training course or pass an online proctored exam.

The cost of the CMRP certification varies depending on your chosen method of preparation. If you choose to take an approved training course or pass an online proctored exam, the cost can range from $500 - $2,000 USD. If you choose to self-study for the exam without taking a course or taking an online proctored exam, there are no additional costs associated with obtaining this certification.

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Maintenance Professionals (AMP). The CPMM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in managing maintenance operations in industrial and manufacturing plants.

The CPMM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to plant maintenance management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety, preventive maintenance, reliability engineering, asset management, scheduling, budgeting and cost control, and quality assurance.

To be eligible for the CPMM certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in plant maintenance management or a related field. They must also submit two letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors or colleagues.

It typically takes about four months to complete the application process for the CPMM certification. Once the application is approved by AMP, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. After registering for the exam, applicants will need to pay a fee of $295 USD before they can take it.

The CPMM certification is valid for three years after which time recertification is required. To maintain certification status, holders must earn 40 continuing education credits every three years through activities such as attending seminars and workshops or taking online courses related to plant maintenance management.

3. Certified Maintenance and Operations Management Professional (CMOMP)

Certified Maintenance and Operations Management Professional (CMOMP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of maintenance and operations management principles, practices, and techniques. The CMOMP certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as asset management, reliability engineering, preventive maintenance, quality control and safety.

The CMOMP certification process takes approximately three months to complete. Candidates must first submit an application form which includes details on their educational background, experience in the field of maintenance and operations management, and any other relevant qualifications. Once the application has been approved, candidates must then pass an online examination that tests their knowledge of the subject matter. After passing the exam, they will be awarded the CMOMP certification.

In order to obtain the CMOMP certification, candidates must pay a fee of $395 USD. This fee covers the cost of taking the exam as well as any associated materials or resources needed for study purposes. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with renewing or maintaining your certification status over time.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Maintenance and Operations Management Professional (CMOMP) is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in this field and can open up new career opportunities in maintenance and operations management.

4. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

A Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who has achieved a level of expertise in the field of reliability engineering. This certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CRE certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in the areas of product/system design, development, operation, maintenance, and improvement.

The CRE certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as reliability modeling and prediction, system safety, quality assurance, maintainability engineering, and failure analysis. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions with four possible answers. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CRE, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of professional experience in reliability engineering or related fields; holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; and passing the CRE exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost to take the CRE exam varies depending on your country/region. In North America it typically costs between $400-$500 USD to take the exam.

5. Certified Asset Management Assessor (CAMA)

Certified Asset Management Assessor (CAMA) is a professional certification program that provides training and assessment to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in asset management. The certification program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively assess, manage, and maintain assets in an organization.

The CAMA certification program consists of three levels: Level 1 – Foundation; Level 2 – Practitioner; and Level 3 – Master. Each level requires the completion of a series of online courses, as well as an assessment exam. The assessment exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of asset management principles, processes, and best practices.

It typically takes six months to complete all three levels of the CAMA certification program. During this time, candidates must complete all coursework and pass the assessment exams for each level. Upon successful completion of all three levels, candidates will receive their CAMA certification from the Asset Management Institute (AMI).

To get certified as a Certified Asset Management Assessor (CAMA), applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of professional qualifications such as a degree or diploma in asset management or related field. After submitting their application form, applicants must then attend an orientation session conducted by AMI where they will learn about the CAMA certification process and requirements. Following this orientation session, applicants must register for the appropriate courses offered by AMI and pass all three levels of assessments within six months before being awarded their CAMA certificate.

The cost for obtaining a CAMA certificate varies depending on which level you are seeking certification at. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to obtain your Level 1 Foundation Certificate; $2,000 USD for your Level 2 Practitioner Certificate; and $3,000 USD for your Level 3 Master Certificate.

6. Certified Maintenance Planner/Scheduler (CMPS)

Certified Maintenance Planner/Scheduler (CMPS) is a certification program offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in maintenance planning and scheduling. The CMPS certification program is based on accepted industry standards and best practices, and provides an objective measure of competency for maintenance planners/schedulers.

The CMPS certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as: maintenance planning and scheduling principles, preventive maintenance concepts, work order management, resource utilization, safety considerations, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately three hours.

To obtain the CMPS certification, applicants must first submit a completed application form to AMP. After submission, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online examination system. Applicants must then register for the exam and pay the associated fee before taking the exam.

The cost for the CMPS certification is $395 USD for members of AMP or $495 USD for non-members. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be notified within two weeks if they have passed the exam or not. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CMPS certificate from AMP.

7. Certified Preventive Maintenance Technician (CPTM)

Certified Preventive Maintenance Technician (CPTM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the principles and practices of preventive maintenance. The CPTM certification is awarded by the International Society for Preventive Maintenance (ISPM).

The CPTM program consists of three levels: Certified, Master Certified, and Senior Certified. Each level requires successful completion of an online exam and submission of a portfolio demonstrating mastery of the topics covered in the exam. The exams are based on the ISPM’s Preventive Maintenance Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application form, pay a fee, and pass an online exam. The cost for the exam varies depending on the level being sought. For example, the cost for the Certified Level is $195 USD; for Master Certified it is $395 USD; and for Senior Certified it is $595 USD.

The length of time required to complete each level will vary depending on how much study time is dedicated to preparing for the exam. Generally speaking, most people can expect to spend between four to six weeks studying before taking the exam.

8. Certified Reliability Leader (CRL)

Certified Reliability Leader (CRL) is a professional certification program that provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of reliability engineering. The CRL certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved an advanced level of expertise in reliability engineering and can demonstrate their ability to lead successful reliability improvement initiatives.

The CRL certification requires applicants to complete a rigorous application process, including passing a written exam and successfully completing a project demonstrating their ability to apply reliability principles. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the applicant's availability and commitment to completing the requirements.

The cost of the CRL certification varies depending on the country in which it is taken, but generally ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective Lean Six Sigma practitioner. The program focuses on the principles of Lean, Six Sigma and other process improvement methodologies. It is designed to help individuals understand how to identify, analyze, measure, improve and control processes in order to achieve organizational objectives.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes around three months to complete. It consists of online training modules as well as in-person workshops or seminars. During the course, participants learn about the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, including its core concepts and tools such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) and PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act). They also learn how to apply these tools and techniques in real world scenarios.

In order to get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass a certification exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). The cost of the exam varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD.

In addition to taking the exam, some organizations may require candidates to have prior experience in process improvement or related fields before they can be certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of project management. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which sets the standards and criteria for obtaining and maintaining the certification.

The PMP credential requires applicants to have at least three years of project management experience, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of project management education. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours.

In order to get the PMP certification, you must first apply for it through PMI’s website. Once your application is approved, you will need to take an online training course or attend a live seminar to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, you will need to submit proof of your professional experience and educational background for final review before being awarded with the credential.

The cost of getting a PMP certification varies depending on whether you choose to take an online training course or attend a live seminar. Online courses typically range from $200-$1000 while attending seminars may cost up to $2000 or more depending on location and duration. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $405 USD required by PMI when applying for the credential.

11. American Society for Quality – Quality Technician Certification

American Society for Quality (ASQ) – Quality Technician Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality assurance. The certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the field of quality assurance and provide employers with a reliable indicator of their abilities.

The ASQ Quality Technician Certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as quality principles, problem solving, auditing, inspection, statistical process control, and more. The practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply the concepts learned on the written exam in real-world scenarios.

The ASQ Quality Technician Certification program typically takes around three months to complete. Candidates must first take the written exam, which usually takes about four hours to complete. After passing the written exam, candidates must then take the practical exam, which usually takes about two hours to complete.

To get certified as an ASQ Quality Technician, you will need to register for both exams through ASQ’s website or by calling their customer service line. You will need to pay a fee for each part of the certification process; the cost varies depending on your location and other factors but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD for both parts combined.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official ASQ Quality Technician Certification certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks. Congratulations!

Do You Really Need a Maintenance Planner Certificate?

The short answer is yes. A maintenance planner certificate can be a great asset for anyone who is looking to become an effective and successful maintenance planner. It can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to help you succeed in this field, as well as make sure that you are up to date on the latest industry standards and regulations.

Having a maintenance planner certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your desire to stay current on best practices. It will also give you an edge when competing for jobs or promotions, as employers often prefer applicants who have taken the time and effort to obtain professional certification.

Furthermore, having a maintenance planner certificate can also give you access to resources that may not otherwise be available, such as training courses, seminars, and industry-specific publications. This information can be invaluable in helping you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping up with trends in the field of maintenance planning.

In conclusion, a maintenance planner certificate is worth obtaining if you want to pursue a career in this field. It provides valuable credentials that demonstrate your dedication to excellence, as well as giving you access to resources that will increase your knowledge and skillset.

Related: Maintenance Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Maintenance Planner Certifications

1. What certifications do Maintenance Planners need?

Answer: Maintenance Planners typically need to have certifications in areas such as Lean Six Sigma, Facility Management, Project Management, and Quality Control.

2. How long does it take to become a certified Maintenance Planner?

Answer: The length of time required to become a certified Maintenance Planner varies depending on the certifications chosen and the individual's experience level. Generally, it takes anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete all of the necessary certifications.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified Maintenance Planner?

Answer: Yes, some certifications require individuals to have prior experience in fields such as engineering or facility management before they can qualify for certification. Additionally, some programs may require individuals to take prerequisite courses or exams before they can begin their certification program.

4. What is the cost associated with obtaining a Maintenance Planner certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Maintenance Planner certification depends on which certifications are chosen and where they are obtained from. Generally speaking, costs range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the program chosen and any additional materials or services needed for completion.

5. Is there an exam I need to pass in order to become certified as a Maintenance Planner?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs include an exam that must be passed in order to become certified as a Maintenance Planner. The type of exam varies depending on which certifications are chosen but generally includes topics related to facility management, lean six sigma principles, project management practices, and quality control standards among others.