Top 10 Manufacturing Associate Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for manufacturing associates, as they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of specific skills. Certifications give employers assurance that potential employees have the necessary knowledge and experience to be successful in their roles. They also provide a way for manufacturing associates to stand out from other candidates in the job market. Furthermore, certifications can offer competitive advantages when negotiating wages and benefits, as well as provide access to exclusive career opportunities. Finally, certifications can open up new possibilities for career advancement within the manufacturing industry.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Manufacturing Associates and explain how they can help further a Manufacturing Associate's career.

What are Manufacturing Associate Certifications?

Manufacturing Associate Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a manufacturing environment. The certification provides an overview of the principles and practices of modern manufacturing, including safety, quality assurance, production control, inventory management, and materials handling. It also provides an understanding of the use of technology in manufacturing processes.

The certification can be beneficial for those looking to join the workforce or advance their career in manufacturing. It can provide employers with assurance that prospective hires possess the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful on the job. Employers may also view certified applicants as more qualified than non-certified candidates when making hiring decisions. Additionally, having this certification can give workers more confidence when applying for new jobs or negotiating higher salaries.

Overall, obtaining Manufacturing Associate Certification can help equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive manufacturing industry while providing employers with assurance that they are getting qualified employees who have a good understanding of current industry trends and standards.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a manufacturing associate certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and select one that best matches your experience and goals. Also, consider taking advantage of any employer training programs or online courses that may help you prepare for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Manufacturing Associate do?

Top 10 Manufacturing Associate Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Manufacturing Associates today.

1. Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMT)

Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in the manufacturing industry. The CMT certification is offered by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and is recognized as an industry standard for those working in manufacturing.

The CMT certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field of manufacturing or a related field, such as industrial engineering or quality assurance. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as production processes, quality systems, safety management, and maintenance practices.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and can be taken either online or at an AME-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $125 - $200 USD.

In order to maintain their CMT certification, individuals must complete continuing education units every three years. The cost of these units varies depending on the type of course taken and can range from $50 - $500 USD per unit.

2. Certified Production Technician (CPT)

Certified Production Technician (CPT) is a nationally recognized certification program developed by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). The CPT program provides a comprehensive assessment of the core technical skills and knowledge needed by front-line production and material handling workers. It is designed to certify individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the essential skills required in today’s advanced manufacturing environment.

The CPT certification requires successful completion of four modules: Safety, Quality Practices & Measurement, Manufacturing Processes & Production, and Maintenance Awareness. Each module consists of an online assessment that must be completed within three hours. The assessments are designed to measure knowledge and skills in areas such as safety practices, quality control measures, machine operations, maintenance procedures, and production processes.

The cost for the CPT certification varies depending on how many modules you choose to take. Generally, it costs around $400-$600 for all four modules or $100-$150 per module. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or other financial assistance to help cover the cost of taking the CPT certification exam.

It typically takes around 6-8 weeks to complete all four modules and obtain your CPT certification. During this time you will need to study for each module individually and complete the associated online assessments within three hours each. Once you have successfully completed all four modules and passed the assessments with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your Certified Production Technician certificate from MSSC.

3. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQE certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality engineering and management.

The CQE program consists of two parts: an exam and a work experience requirement. To qualify for the CQE exam, applicants must have a minimum of eight years of full-time work experience in quality engineering or management within the past 10 years. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of documented technical expertise in quality engineering or management.

The CQE exam is administered by ASQ twice per year and consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in areas such as quality control, design of experiments, process improvement, and reliability engineering. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CQE exam is $395 for ASQ members and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants must submit documentation verifying their work experience to be eligible for certification. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CQE certificate from ASQ.

4. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB) is a certification program that is designed to help individuals learn the principles and tools of Lean and Six Sigma. This certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, apply, and lead process improvement initiatives in their organization.

The CLSSGB certification is offered by various organizations such as ASQ, IASSC, and APMG. The length of the certification program depends on the provider, but typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete.

In order to get the CLSSGB certification, individuals must first pass an exam which covers topics such as Lean principles, Six Sigma methodology, statistical analysis techniques, project management tools and techniques, process mapping tools and techniques, problem solving methods, quality control methods, and more. After passing the exam, individuals will receive a certificate of completion from their chosen provider.

The cost of obtaining the CLSSGB certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking it costs around $1000-$2000 for course materials and exam fees.

5. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of logistics. The CLA is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is an internationally recognized certification that provides recognition for those who have achieved a certain level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of logistics.

The CLA program consists of two parts: the written examination and a practical experience requirement. The written exam covers topics such as supply chain management, customer service, inventory management, transportation, and warehousing. The practical experience requirement involves completing a minimum number of hours working in a logistics-related position or taking part in an approved educational program.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the CLA certification. To get started on your path to becoming certified, you must first register with AST&L and pay the registration fee. After registering, you will receive study materials and be able to access online practice tests. Once you have completed all of your coursework and passed both parts of the exam, you will receive your Certified Logistics Associate certificate.

The cost of obtaining the CLA certification varies depending on whether you choose to take part in an approved educational program or not. If you choose to take part in an approved educational program, costs can range from $2,000-$5,000 USD depending on length and type of program chosen. If you choose to go without taking part in an approved educational program then costs are generally around $400 USD for registration fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam itself (such as proctoring fees).

6. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is an internationally recognized certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of maintenance and reliability principles. This certification is offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of maintenance and reliability engineering, operations, management, and leadership.

The CMRP certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as asset management, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, safety, risk management, and organizational performance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements in order to be eligible for the exam.

In order to become certified as a CMRP, applicants must register with SMRP and pay a fee of $395 USD. After registering with SMRP, applicants can take the exam at any Prometric testing center located around the world. Once the exam has been passed successfully, applicants will receive their CMRP certification within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam.

The cost for taking the CMRP exam is $395 USD which includes registration with SMRP and access to study materials. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel or accommodations if you are taking your exam at a Prometric testing center outside of your local area.

7. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CSCP designation recognizes professionals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management best practices, including how to effectively manage global supply chains.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CSCP program and earn the certification. To get certified, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as global supply chain management, customer relations, logistics and distribution, production and inventory control, materials requirements planning, and more.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your membership status with APICS. For non-members, it costs $695 for the exam registration fee plus an additional $150 for the study material. For APICS members, it costs $495 for the exam registration fee plus an additional $150 for the study material.

8. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in quality management. The CQM program is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization dedicated to promoting quality assurance and continuous improvement.

The CQM certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge in the areas of quality management, quality systems, and process improvement. Candidates must demonstrate their understanding of quality principles and practices in order to pass the exam.

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for the CQM exam, depending on how much time you are able to devote to studying each week. The best way to prepare for the exam is by taking an ASQ-approved training course or self-study using ASQ's recommended study materials.

The cost of becoming a Certified Quality Manager varies depending on whether you are taking a training course or self-studying. Training courses can range from $2,000-$4,000, while self-study materials can cost anywhere from $500-$1,200.

9. Advanced Manufacturing Certification Program (AMCP)

The Advanced Manufacturing Certification Program (AMCP) is a nationally recognized credentialing program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of individuals in the advanced manufacturing industry. The program provides a comprehensive set of certifications that are tailored to the specific needs of employers, allowing them to identify qualified workers for their operations.

The AMCP consists of three levels: Associate, Technician, and Master. Each level requires a certain number of hours of training and testing. The Associate level is designed for entry-level positions, while the Technician level is designed for more experienced workers. The Master level is designed for those who want to become experts in advanced manufacturing processes and techniques.

In order to obtain an AMCP certification, applicants must complete an online application form, submit proof of education or experience related to the field, pass an exam, and pay the associated fee. Depending on the level chosen, it can take anywhere from one month to two years to complete all requirements for certification.

The cost of obtaining an AMCP certification varies depending on which level you choose and how long it takes you to complete all requirements. Generally speaking, it will cost between $150-$300 USD per certification level.

10. National Institute for Metalworking Skills Certification (NIMS CERTIFICATION).

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification is a nationally recognized credential that provides industry-recognized standards of excellence for metalworkers. It is designed to assess and certify the skills of machinists, welders, fabricators, and other metalworking professionals.

To get NIMS certification, individuals must pass a series of assessments that test their knowledge and proficiency in various aspects of metalworking. The assessments are divided into two categories: Level I (basic skills) and Level II (advanced skills). Each level has its own set of tests and requirements.

In order to become certified, an individual must first register with NIMS. Once registered, they can then take the assessments at any approved testing center. The cost varies depending on the level being tested for, but typically ranges from $50-$200 per assessment. In addition to the cost of the assessment, there is also a one-time registration fee of $50.

The amount of time it takes to receive NIMS certification depends on how quickly an individual completes the required assessments and how soon they submit their application for certification. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to receive certification once all required documents have been submitted.

Overall, obtaining NIMS certification is a great way for metalworking professionals to demonstrate their competency in their field and gain recognition from employers in the industry.

Do You Really Need a Manufacturing Associate Certificate?

In most cases, no. A manufacturing associate certificate is not necessary to get a job in the industry, though it may be helpful. Depending on the type of work you are doing and the company you are applying for, having a certificate could help demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field. It could also demonstrate to employers that you have taken the time to acquire additional skills beyond what is expected of entry-level applicants.

Having a manufacturing associate certificate can also give you an edge over other applicants who don't have one. In some cases, having this certification can make you more competitive for certain positions since some employers prefer candidates with additional qualifications. Additionally, having a certificate may open up opportunities for advancement within the organization or even in other companies as well.

Overall, whether or not you need a manufacturing associate certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you feel like it would be beneficial for your career and help set you apart from other applicants, then it might be worth pursuing one.

Related: Manufacturing Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Manufacturing Associate Certifications

1. What is a Manufacturing Associate Certification?

Answer: A Manufacturing Associate Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a manufacturing environment. The certification provides an understanding of the principles and processes involved in the production of products, from raw materials to finished goods.

2. How do I become certified as a Manufacturing Associate?

Answer: To become certified as a Manufacturing Associate, you will need to complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body. You may also need to have relevant work experience or other qualifications depending on the specific certification requirements.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Manufacturing Associate gives you an edge over other job candidates when applying for roles in manufacturing and related industries. It shows employers that you have been trained in best practices, safety standards, quality assurance techniques, and more – all essential skills for working in modern manufacturing environments.

4. What are some of the topics covered in the certification program?

Answer: Topics covered in the certification program typically include safety regulations and procedures, quality control systems, environmental compliance, production planning and scheduling, new product development process, cost analysis of production processes, supply chain management principles, and lean manufacturing principles.

5. How long does it take to earn my Manufacturing Associate certification?

Answer: The length of time needed to earn your Manufacturing Associate certification varies depending on your prior knowledge and experience level; however it typically takes between 6 months to 1 year of study time and practice before taking the final exam.