Top 11 Manufacturing Operations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a manufacturing operations manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field. Additionally, certifications provide potential employers with evidence that the applicant is qualified to manage production processes and operations in an efficient and safe manner. With certifications, employers can be sure that their employees have the necessary skills and expertise to handle complex tasks related to managing manufacturing processes. Certifications also demonstrate to potential employers that candidates are committed to staying up-to-date with best practices and industry trends. Finally, certifications can give a competitive edge when applying for jobs in a highly competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Manufacturing Operations Managers and explain how they can help advance a manufacturing operations manager's career.

What are Manufacturing Operations Manager Certifications?

Manufacturing operations manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the processes and procedures involved in managing manufacturing operations. This certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise to employers, as well as provide them with the skills needed to excel in their roles. It can also help qualified individuals secure higher salaries and more career advancement opportunities.

In order to obtain this certification, individuals must complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics related to manufacturing operations management. The curriculum typically includes topics such as production planning and control, quality assurance, lean manufacturing principles, financial analysis and forecasting, supply chain management, and project management. These courses are designed to equip candidates with the skills they need to effectively manage all aspects of a manufacturing operation.

Having a manufacturing operations manager certification can open up career opportunities for those interested in advancing their careers within the field of manufacturing operations management. It can give them the competitive edge they need when applying for new positions or competing for promotions within their current organization. Furthermore, it serves as an acknowledgment of their commitment to excellence in this specialized field.

Pro Tip: When considering a manufacturing operations manager certification, look for certifications that are both industry recognized and accredited by a reputable organization. This will ensure you get the most out of your certification and that it is accepted by employers. Additionally, look for certifications that focus on specific areas of the manufacturing process, like quality control or supply chain management, to ensure you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in your role.

Related: What does a Manufacturing Operations Manager do?

Top 11 Manufacturing Operations Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). CPIM is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage production and inventory activities in a variety of industries. It focuses on topics such as demand forecasting, inventory planning, master scheduling, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, quality control, supply chain management, and more.

To become certified in CPIM, you must complete five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management; Master Planning of Resources; Detailed Scheduling and Planning; Execution and Control of Operations; and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. After completing the five courses, you must pass two exams—one covering the Basics of Supply Chain Management course material and one covering all five courses—to become certified.

The cost for CPIM certification varies depending on your membership status with APICS. For non-members, it costs $1,795 for the full certification package which includes access to all five courses plus both exams. For members, it costs $1,195 for the same package.

In addition to these fees, there are also exam fees that must be paid at each testing center where you take your exams. Exam fees vary from center to center but typically range between $100-$200 per exam.

Once you have completed all five courses and passed both exams with a score of 70% or higher on each exam, you will receive your official CPIM certification from APICS within 4-6 weeks after passing your final exam.

2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). The CSCP program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and manage the end-to-end supply chain, from supplier relationships to customer satisfaction. It is considered the most comprehensive certification program available in supply chain management.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: a self-study course, an exam, and a recertification process. The self-study course includes topics such as supply chain fundamentals, inventory management, transportation and logistics, customer service, global sourcing, technology applications, and sustainability. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

It typically takes about six months to complete the self-study course and pass the exam. However, this timeframe can vary depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week.

To get certified as a CSCP, you must first purchase the ASCM CSCP Learning System online or through one of their approved resellers. This system includes access to online resources such as practice exams and interactive study tools that will help you prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your self-study course and passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will become certified as a CSCP.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSCP varies depending on which learning system you purchase. The ASCM CSCP Learning System costs $1,295 USD for members or $1,495 USD for nonmembers.

3. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification provided by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the application of the Six Sigma methodology. It is one of the highest levels of certification available in this field.

It typically takes about three to four months to complete the requirements for CSSBB certification. Candidates must first complete a series of courses, including an introductory course, a project management course, and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course. After completing these courses, candidates must pass an exam administered by ASQ.

The cost for CSSBB certification varies depending on where you take the courses and exams. Generally speaking, it can cost between $2,000 and $4,000 USD to become certified.

To maintain your CSSBB certification, you must earn at least 60 hours of continuing education credits every three years. You can earn these credits through attending conferences or workshops related to Six Sigma methodology or by taking additional online courses.

4. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program that teaches professionals the skills needed to improve processes and eliminate waste in organizations. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines two of the most powerful improvement methods in the world: Lean and Six Sigma. The program focuses on teaching participants how to identify, analyze, and solve problems using data-driven techniques.

The LSSGB certification typically takes around four weeks to complete. It is available as an online course or through classroom instruction. The cost of obtaining the certification varies depending on the provider, but it generally ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD.

To get certified as a LSSGB, you must first complete a training course that covers topics such as process improvement tools and techniques, problem-solving strategies, project management principles, and more. After completing the coursework, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification and be able to use it to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in Lean Six Sigma.

5. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification for quality engineers and technicians that demonstrates an individual's understanding of quality engineering principles and their ability to apply them in the workplace. It is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

In order to become a CQE, one must first meet certain educational and experience requirements. To be eligible, individuals must have at least eight years of experience in quality engineering or related fields, with at least three years in a supervisory role. Additionally, they must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

In order to take the CQE exam, one must first complete an application process through ASQ. This includes submitting proof of educational background and work experience as well as passing a background check. Once approved, individuals can register to take the exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistics, design of experiments, quality systems management, product/process improvement tools and techniques, and more.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members it costs $549 USD while for members it costs $449 USD. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and results are available immediately after completion.

Once you pass the exam you will receive your Certified Quality Engineer certificate from ASQ along with other benefits such as access to exclusive networking opportunities and discounts on products/services related to quality engineering.

6. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification developed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality management and organizational excellence. The CMQ/OE certification is an international standard for quality professionals.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites, including having a minimum of five years of experience in quality management or related fields, such as operations management or engineering. Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the CMQ/OE exam, which consists of 250 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality assurance, customer satisfaction, and process improvement.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $450 USD for ASQ members and $550 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants receive their certification within two weeks. The certification must be renewed every three years by completing 45 hours of continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

7. American Society for Quality Control Technician Certification (ASQCT)

The American Society for Quality Control Technician Certification (ASQCT) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in quality control. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the principles, practices, and techniques of quality assurance and control. It also provides employers with a way to identify qualified candidates for quality-related positions.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the ASQCT certification process. The process begins by taking an online exam that covers topics such as basic statistics, sampling plans, quality control tools, and problem solving. After passing the exam, applicants must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as statistical process control, total quality management, and root cause analysis. Once all the courses are completed, applicants must pass a final examination to receive their certification.

To get ASQCT certified, you must first register with the American Society for Quality (ASQ). You can do this online or by mail. Once registered, you will need to pay an application fee of $150 USD which covers registration for both the online exam and course materials. After paying the fee, you will be able to access the online exam as well as any course materials needed for completion of your certification requirements.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements for ASQCT certification, you will receive your certificate from ASQ along with a digital badge that can be used on resumes and other professional documents. The cost of obtaining your ASQCT certification is $150 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking courses or exams if necessary.

8. International Organization for Standardization 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that provides an understanding of the principles and practices of auditing management systems based on ISO 9001:2015. This certification allows individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in auditing management systems, as well as their ability to interpret the requirements of ISO 9001:2015.

To obtain this certification, individuals must complete a training course and successfully pass an exam. The duration of the training course typically varies from one to five days depending on the provider, but it usually takes around three days to complete.

The cost of the training course also varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and travel expenses.

Once a person has completed the training course and passed the exam, they will receive a certificate that verifies their status as an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of project management. The PMP certification demonstrates that a project manager has the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to lead and direct projects successfully.

To become certified, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements as well as pass an exam. To qualify for the PMP exam, you must have either:

• A four-year degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with at least three years of project management experience, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; or
• A secondary diploma (high school or equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes four hours to complete.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on your membership status with PMI. For non-members it costs $555 while members pay $405. In addition to the cost of the exam itself there are also fees associated with applying for the certification ($129-$405).

10. Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certification

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is an industry-led, training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s front-line production and material handling workers. MSSC certifications are designed to measure technical competency in manufacturing operations.

MSSC offers two levels of certification: Certified Production Technician (CPT) and Certified Logistics Technician (CLT). The CPT certification focuses on production operations such as safety, quality control, maintenance awareness, manufacturing processes and production procedures. The CLT certification focuses on logistics operations such as inventory control, material handling equipment operation, shipping/receiving processes and warehouse management systems.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the training for either CPT or CLT certification. To get certified, individuals must first complete an approved MSSC training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on activities. After completing the training program, individuals must then pass a written exam administered by an MSSC-certified proctor.

The cost of getting MSSC certified varies depending on the type of program chosen. Most programs range from $500-$1,000 per person for the entire course including materials and exams.

11. OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate

The OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate is a certificate program designed to provide workers with comprehensive safety and health training in general industry settings. The program covers a wide range of topics, including hazard recognition, accident prevention, personal protective equipment, fire protection systems, emergency response planning, and more.

The OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate can be completed in as little as two weeks. It consists of thirty hours of online instruction that can be completed at your own pace. The cost for the course is typically around $200-$300 depending on the provider.

To get the OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate you must complete an approved course from an authorized provider. You will need to register for the course online or through your employer's training office. Once you have registered for the course you will receive access to all of the materials needed to complete it successfully. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate verifying that you have completed all required training.

Do You Really Need a Manufacturing Operations Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals. If you are looking to pursue a career in manufacturing operations management, then a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, it can demonstrate to employers that you have taken the time to develop expertise in the area of manufacturing operations management.

However, if you are already working in the field or have experience in related areas, such as engineering or project management, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate. Ultimately, what is most important is that you have the relevant skills and knowledge to effectively manage manufacturing operations within your organization.

If you choose not to pursue certification, there are still other ways to demonstrate your knowledge and capabilities. You can attend industry-related conferences or seminars, join professional organizations, and read relevant literature on manufacturing operations management topics. By doing so, you will ensure that you stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices in this field.

In conclusion, whether or not obtaining a Manufacturing Operations Manager Certificate is right for you depends on your individual goals and needs. If certification is something that interests you and aligns with your career objectives, then it could be beneficial for advancing your career in this field. However, if certification isn’t necessary for what you want out of a job in manufacturing operations management, then there are other ways to gain the required knowledge and skills without having to get certified.

Related: Manufacturing Operations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Manufacturing Operations Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Manufacturing Operations Manager Certification?

A1. A Manufacturing Operations Manager Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the management of production operations. The certification provides employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skills to effectively manage production operations.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Manufacturing Operations Manager Certification?

A2. Benefits of obtaining a Manufacturing Operations Manager Certification include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, better career advancement prospects, and recognition as an expert in the field. Additionally, certified professionals may be eligible for discounts on professional development courses and other industry-related events.

Q3. What qualifications do I need to become a Certified Manufacturing Operations Manager?

A3. To become a Certified Manufacturing Operations Manager, you must have at least 5 years of experience in manufacturing operations management or related fields such as supply chain management or industrial engineering. You must also pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body such as APICS or ISM to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The amount of time required to obtain a Manufacturing Operations Manager certification depends on several factors such as your prior experience and familiarity with the subject matter, how much study time you dedicate, and which certifying body you choose to use for testing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on all these factors combined.

Q5. Where can I find more information about obtaining my certification?

A5: You can find more information about obtaining your certification by visiting the website of any accredited certifying body such as APICS or ISM, which both provide comprehensive resources regarding their respective exams and requirements for becoming certified in this field