Top 10 Manufacturing Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are very important for a manufacturing supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is required to perform the job. Certification programs provide supervisors with specific training and knowledge on how to supervise, lead, and manage a manufacturing team. They also show employers that the supervisor has an understanding of quality control, safety protocols, and other related topics. Additionally, certifications can help supervisors stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market. By having certifications, it shows employers that the individual has taken the initiative to learn more about their field and is committed to continuing their education in order to stay up-to-date on best practices and industry standards.

This article reviews the top certifications for Manufacturing Supervisors and explains how they can help to advance their careers.

What are Manufacturing Supervisor Certifications?

Manufacturing supervisor certification is a type of program that provides supervisors with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage production operations. It typically includes courses in quality management, safety, production planning, scheduling and cost control. This certification can help supervisors become better leaders and more effective decision makers by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of manufacturing. Through this certification, supervisors can gain an understanding of how to manage staff effectively and make informed decisions on production processes and procedures. They are also able to develop their problem-solving skills, allowing them to quickly identify issues that could lead to errors or delays in production. Manufacturing supervisor certification can also help supervisors develop better communication skills which can be beneficial when dealing with employees or other stakeholders. Finally, it provides supervisors with the necessary tools and resources needed to ensure the highest quality standards are met while meeting customer expectations in a timely manner.

Pro Tip: When considering a manufacturing supervisor certification, be sure to consider the value of the program and its relevance to your current role. Consider what knowledge and skills you will gain from the program and how they can help you in your current role. Additionally, research any potential certifying organizations to ensure that their credentials are reputable and widely accepted.

Related: What does a Manufacturing Supervisor do?

Top 10 Manufacturing Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Manufacturing Supervisor (CMS)

Certified Manufacturing Supervisor (CMS) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise as a supervisor in the manufacturing industry. The certification is offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, quality control, process improvement, production planning and scheduling, cost analysis, and personnel management. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the certification exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. An online exam costs $200 while an in-person exam costs $250. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 which must be paid when submitting your application.

The certification process typically takes about four weeks from the time you submit your application until you receive your results. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate of completion from NIMS that is valid for three years. After three years, you must renew your certification by taking another exam or completing continuing education courses.

2. Certified Production Supervisor (CPS)

Certified Production Supervisor (CPS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of production supervisors. It is offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers topics such as production planning, scheduling, inventory control, quality assurance, cost management, and more.

To become certified as a CPS, an individual must pass an exam administered by APICS. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, individuals can take courses offered by APICS or study independently using materials provided by APICS.

The cost for the CPS certification varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or not. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members it is $395 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or purchasing study material from APICS.

3. Certified Quality Assurance Supervisor (CQAS)

Certified Quality Assurance Supervisor (CQAS) is a certification program designed to equip supervisors with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that quality assurance standards are met in the workplace. The CQAS certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization dedicated to advancing quality management practices.

The CQAS certification requires successful completion of a two-day course, followed by a written exam. The course covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and problem solving. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online.

To get the CQAS certification, you must first complete the two-day course and pass the written exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from ASQ. You can then use this certificate to demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance in the workplace.

The cost of obtaining the CQAS certification varies depending on whether you take the course online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $500-$1,000 USD while in-person courses may cost up to $2,000 USD or more.

4. Certified Lean Manufacturing Supervisor (CLMS)

Certified Lean Manufacturing Supervisor (CLMS) is an advanced certification program designed to provide supervisors and middle managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead successful Lean transformation initiatives. The CLMS program is a comprehensive training program that focuses on the development of core competencies in Lean principles, tools, and techniques. It is intended for those who have already achieved a basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing and are ready to take their knowledge to the next level.

The CLMS certification requires completion of a three-day workshop, followed by an exam. The workshop covers topics such as value stream mapping, process improvement, waste reduction, 5S implementation, problem solving techniques, Kaizen events, and more. Upon successful completion of the workshop and exam, participants will receive their CLMS certification.

The cost for the CLMS certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per person.

To get certified as a CLMS professional you must first complete the three-day workshop and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have completed all requirements for certification you will be awarded your CLMS certificate.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in Six Sigma methodology and tools. It is an internationally recognized standard for quality management and process improvement.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is designed to provide an understanding of the core concepts, principles, and techniques of Six Sigma. It covers topics such as project management, problem-solving, data analysis, process improvement, and more. The certification also includes training on Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques used to improve processes and reduce waste.

The certification typically takes around four weeks to complete depending on the program you choose. Most programs are offered online or in person at various locations around the world. To get certified, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality).

The cost of the certification varies depending on the program you choose but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

6. American Society for Quality – Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of quality and organizational excellence. The CMQ/OE certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the body of knowledge necessary to successfully manage, lead, and improve an organization’s performance.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements in terms of education and experience, pass an exam, and adhere to the ASQ Code of Ethics. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, process improvement methods, statistical methods for quality control, customer satisfaction measurement techniques, and organizational excellence principles.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the application process and prepare for the exam. To get started, applicants must first register with ASQ by submitting an application form along with all required supporting documents. After submitting the application form, applicants will receive instructions on how to access their online account where they can access study materials and practice exams. Once applicants are ready to take the exam, they can schedule it through their online account or by calling ASQ directly.

The cost of taking the CMQ/OE exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, the fee is $399; for non-members it is $499. The fee includes one retake if needed.

7. International Organization for Standardization – ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Lead Auditor certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to audit an organization’s quality management system. This certification is intended for auditors who are responsible for assessing an organization’s compliance with ISO 9001 standards.

How long does it take to get it?

The time required to obtain the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification will vary depending on the individual's experience and background. Generally, most people can expect to complete their training within three months or less.

How to get it?

To become certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, you must first complete a training course that covers all aspects of the ISO 9001 standard. Once you have completed the course, you will need to pass a written exam and then demonstrate your knowledge by completing a practical audit project. Upon successful completion of these requirements, you will receive your official certificate from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification varies depending on where you take the training course and which provider offers it. Generally speaking, courses range in price from $2,000 - $5,000 USD.

8. National Institute for Metalworking Skills – NIMS Machining Level I Certification

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level I Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills related to machining. It is designed to measure the competency of entry-level machinists in the areas of safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, inspection, and machine operations.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the certification process. To get the certification, applicants must first pass a written test that covers topics such as safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, inspection and machine operations. After passing the written exam, applicants must then pass a hands-on performance evaluation at a NIMS certified testing center.

The cost of getting the NIMS Machining Level I Certification varies depending on where you take the test and what materials you need to purchase for it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100-$500 for all associated fees and materials.

9. American Welding Society – Certified Welding Inspector

The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program is a certification program for welding inspectors and supervisors. It is designed to provide welders with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect welding operations, verify quality assurance requirements, and ensure that welds meet industry standards. The AWS CWI certification is recognized by many employers as a sign of competency in the field of welding inspection.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Welding Inspector depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, individuals must first complete an approved training course and pass an exam administered by the AWS. After passing the exam, they must then submit an application to the AWS for review and approval.

The cost of becoming a Certified Welding Inspector varies depending on the type of training required and other factors such as location. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for the entire process including training courses, exams, and application fees.

10. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training is a training program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workers in general industry settings. It is designed to provide safety and health information to employers and employees, as well as to help them recognize and reduce workplace hazards. The course covers topics such as hazard recognition, hazard control, emergency preparedness, and other safety-related topics.

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training typically takes two days to complete. Most courses are held in a classroom setting with an instructor who will guide participants through the material. The course can also be taken online or through self-study materials.

In order to get the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training, you must find an approved provider of the course. These providers can be found on the OSHA website or by searching online for “OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training”.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, most courses range from $100-$200 per person.

Do You Really Need a Manufacturing Supervisor Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not necessarily need a Manufacturing Supervisor Certificate in order to work as a manufacturing supervisor. However, having such a certificate can be beneficial for many reasons.

Having a Manufacturing Supervisor Certificate can show potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage production operations. A certificate also demonstrates that you have taken the time to study the principles of manufacturing and understand how they can be applied in a real-world setting. Furthermore, employers may view such credentials as evidence that you are committed to your profession and are willing to invest in yourself. This could potentially give you an edge over other applicants who lack similar qualifications.

In addition, having a Manufacturing Supervisor Certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge in areas such as inventory control, safety regulations, quality assurance, cost analysis and production planning. These skills are invaluable when it comes to managing complex manufacturing processes and ensuring efficient operations. Having this type of knowledge could also make you more attractive to employers because it shows that you are capable of making informed decisions on behalf of the company.

Finally, having a Manufacturing Supervisor Certificate could open up new job opportunities or even lead to promotions within your current organization. With this credential under your belt, employers may be more likely to consider you for higher-level positions or give you additional responsibilities due to your commitment to furthering your career through education.

Overall, while it is not mandatory for someone looking to become a manufacturing supervisor to have a Manufacturing Supervisor Certificate, having one can certainly benefit them by providing evidence of their competency and dedication towards their chosen profession.

Related: Manufacturing Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Manufacturing Supervisor Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Manufacturing Supervisor?

Answer: To become a Manufacturing Supervisor, you must have at least three years of experience in manufacturing or production management and have completed a certified training program in manufacturing supervision.

2. Is certification necessary to be a Manufacturing Supervisor?

Answer: Certification is not required to be a Manufacturing Supervisor, but it can help demonstrate your expertise and increase job opportunities.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Manufacturing Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Having a Manufacturing Supervisor Certification can help you stand out from other candidates for job opportunities, as well as provide recognition for the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It also demonstrates your commitment to your profession and provides evidence of your dedication to ongoing professional development.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Manufacturing Supervisor?

Answer: The duration of certifications can vary depending on the type of certification program you choose. Generally, most certification programs require between 6-12 months of study and practice before taking an exam or assessment.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming a Certified Manufacturing Supervisor?

Answer: Yes, many organizations offer online courses that cover topics such as quality control, production planning, problem solving, safety practices, and more that are necessary for those seeking certification as a Manufacturing Supervisor.