Top 10 Manufacturing Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a manufacturing technician in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the required knowledge and skills to perform the job. Certification also serves as proof that an individual has met certain standards and is qualified to work in a specific field. In addition, certifications can help attract potential employers and show that an individual is committed to their profession. Certifications can also lead to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and greater career advancement.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Manufacturing Technicians and explains how they can contribute to a manufacturing technician's career by providing valuable credentials that can help them advance their professional development.

What are Manufacturing Technician Certifications?

Manufacturing technician certification is a type of professional certification offered by several organizations and institutions to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of technicians working in the manufacturing industry. The certification process typically involves completing a set of standardized assessments to demonstrate mastery of the necessary job requirements. By obtaining a manufacturing technician certification, individuals can demonstrate their experience and expertise in the field and potentially increase their marketability in the job market.

Having a certified manufacturing technician designation also provides employers with an assurance that they are hiring an individual who has received rigorous training and is knowledgeable about current best practices in the industry. This can help employers save time and money during the hiring process since they will not need to conduct extensive background checks or research on potential hires. Additionally, having certified personnel on staff can lead to increased efficiency and higher quality products due to their understanding of standard processes and procedures. Finally, having certified technicians working for your organization can help build customer confidence since customers will know that you employ individuals who have been trained to provide high-quality service.

Pro Tip: When obtaining a manufacturing technician certification, be sure to research and understand all the requirements for the specific industry you are working in. Different industries may require different certifications, and some certifications may not be valid in certain countries. It is important to make sure you have the right credentials for the job you are applying for.

Related: What does a Manufacturing Technician do?

Top 10 Manufacturing Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMT)

Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMT) is a certification program offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). It is designed to help workers develop and demonstrate the skills needed to become successful in today’s advanced manufacturing environment. The CMT program provides a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge assessments, as well as industry-recognized credentials that can be used to demonstrate mastery of core technical competencies.

The CMT certification consists of four modules: Safety, Quality Practices & Measurement, Manufacturing Processes & Production, and Maintenance Awareness. Each module has its own assessment and must be completed before receiving the CMT credential. To get certified, individuals must pass all four modules with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CMT certification varies depending on which modules are taken and how many times they are taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for all four modules. The entire process typically takes about three months to complete from start to finish.

To get started on the CMT certification process, individuals must first register online with MSSC and pay the associated fees. Once registered, individuals will receive access to online learning materials and assessments that will help them prepare for their exams. After completing each module’s assessment with a score of 70% or higher, individuals will receive their certificate of completion from MSSC and will be officially certified as a Certified Manufacturing Technician (CMT).

2. Certified Production Technician (CPT)

Certified Production Technician (CPT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of production technicians in the manufacturing industry. It is offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing industry-recognized certifications for workers in advanced manufacturing.

The CPT certification is based on a set of core competencies that are essential for success in today’s high-tech, global manufacturing environment. The competencies are divided into four categories: safety, quality practices and measurement, manufacturing processes and production, and maintenance awareness. To earn the CPT certification, individuals must demonstrate mastery of these competencies through an assessment process.

It typically takes about 10 hours to complete the CPT assessment process. Candidates must first register with MSSC and then complete an online self-assessment to determine their readiness for the assessment. Once they have completed this step, they can take the two-part assessment at an approved testing center or online via remote proctoring services.

The cost of the CPT certification varies depending on how you choose to take it; however, most candidates should expect to pay between $250-$400 for both parts of the assessment.

3. Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a mastery of quality principles, practices, and tools. The CQT certification is highly regarded in the field of quality assurance and control.

The CQT certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, and problem-solving techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. Candidates must have at least three years of work experience in a related field in order to be eligible for the exam.

To get certified, candidates must first register with ASQ and pay a fee of $299 USD. After registering, they will receive information on how to prepare for the exam and access study materials from ASQ’s website. Candidates can also take practice exams online to help them prepare for the actual exam.

Once they have passed the exam, candidates will receive their CQT certificate within four weeks of completing the test. The certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.

4. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on industrial equipment. The CIMM program is offered through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The CIMM program consists of four levels of certification, each taking approximately 200 hours to complete. Level one covers basic safety, tools, fasteners, hand tools, power tools, shop math, rigging, mechanical systems and pumps. Level two focuses on electrical systems including AC/DC circuits and motors, instrumentation and controls. Level three covers fluid power systems such as hydraulics and pneumatics. Finally level four covers advanced topics such as welding, machine alignment and troubleshooting.

To become certified an individual must successfully complete all four levels of the CIMM program as well as pass a written exam administered by NCCER. The cost of the CIMM program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 for all four levels.

5. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of automation. The CAP credential is recognized worldwide as an indication of expertise and commitment to professional excellence in automation.

To become a Certified Automation Professional, individuals must pass an ISA-developed exam that covers topics such as industrial control systems, process control, safety systems, data acquisition and analysis, system integration and programming. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to take the CAP exam, applicants must first submit an application to ISA and pay the associated fees. Once approved for the exam, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for it. The fee for taking the CAP exam is currently $450 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their official Certified Automation Professional credentials from ISA.

The CAP certification does not expire; however, it is recommended that certified individuals engage in continuing education activities related to automation in order to maintain their knowledge and skills.

6. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to identify, analyze, and solve problems in an organization. The CLSSGB program focuses on the application of Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to improve processes and reduce waste. It is designed for professionals who have a basic understanding of Lean Six Sigma concepts and are looking to expand their knowledge and skills.

The CLSSGB program typically takes between four and eight weeks to complete depending on the individual's level of experience. To get certified, individuals must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, problem-solving techniques, and more. After completing the courses, individuals must pass an exam in order to earn their certification.

The cost of the CLSSGB certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD. Some providers may offer discounts for group enrollments or other special offers.

7. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE credential is held by professionals working in many industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, medical device, and pharmaceuticals.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CQE exam. Candidates should be familiar with quality engineering concepts such as statistics, design of experiments, process capability analysis, reliability engineering, and quality system auditing. They should also understand the use of tools such as control charts and flowcharts.

To become certified as a CQE, candidates must first pass an examination administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics related to quality engineering principles and practices. Candidates must also meet certain educational requirements; they must have either a bachelor’s degree in engineering or at least three years of relevant work experience in a quality-related field.

The cost of becoming certified as a CQE varies depending on the country where you live and whether you are an ASQ member. In the United States, it typically costs around $400-$600 to take the exam plus additional fees for study materials and other expenses associated with preparing for the exam.

8. Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in reliability engineering. The CRE certification requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an exam.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of work experience in reliability engineering or a related field such as quality assurance, engineering management, or operations research. In addition, applicants must have either: 1) a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science; 2) an associate’s degree in engineering technology plus three years of relevant work experience; 3) a high school diploma/GED plus seven years of relevant work experience; or 4) any combination of education and/or work experience that totals 10 years.

The CRE exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as failure analysis and prediction, design for reliability, reliability testing methods, maintainability and availability analysis, preventive maintenance optimization, and more. The exam takes four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CRE exam is $450 for ASQ members and $650 for non-members.

9. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated a mastery of maintenance and reliability principles, practices, and technologies. The CMRP certification is intended to provide employers with an assurance of competency in the field of maintenance and reliability.

To become certified as a CMRP, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as asset management, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, safety, quality control, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements or have relevant work experience. Educational requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalent plus either an associate’s degree or two years of documented work experience in the field of maintenance and reliability.

The cost for the exam is $450 USD for SMRP members and $550 USD for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there are also fees associated with becoming a SMRP member ($100 USD) if you are not already one.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your official CMRP certification from SMRP. This certification is valid for three years after which it must be renewed by taking additional courses or retaking the exam.

10. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification is a nationally recognized credential that verifies an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the metalworking industry. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that their employees possess the necessary skills to perform their job duties safely and effectively.

To obtain NIMS Certification, individuals must complete a series of assessments and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. The assessments are based on industry-developed standards that define the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform specific tasks in the metalworking industry. Depending on the level of certification sought, it may take anywhere from one to three years to complete all of the requirements for NIMS Certification.

To get started on obtaining NIMS Certification, individuals should contact a local NIMS-accredited training center or college program. These centers offer courses and assessments that are required for certification. Individuals can also find information about NIMS Certification requirements online at nims-skills.org/certification/.

The cost of obtaining NIMS Certification varies depending on which level of certification is sought and which training center or college program is used for assessment preparation. Generally speaking, costs range from $200-$500 per assessment plus any additional fees charged by the training center or college program used for assessment preparation.

Do You Really Need a Manufacturing Technician Certificate?

Yes, you do need a Manufacturing Technician Certificate. This certificate provides a way to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the manufacturing industry. It also gives employers assurance that you have the necessary skills and experience needed to work in this field.

The Manufacturing Technician Certificate is an industry-recognized credential that helps employers assess your qualifications for the job. It is awarded by organizations such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) or the American Welding Society (AWS). These credentials are valuable because they show employers that you have completed rigorous training and testing in various aspects of manufacturing technology, such as welding, machining, metallurgy, quality control, and safety procedures.

Having a Manufacturing Technician Certificate can help you stand out from other job seekers when applying for jobs in this field. The certificate shows potential employers that you are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the industry. Additionally, it proves your commitment to professional development and continual learning throughout your career. Having this credential on your resume can open up more job opportunities because employers know they are hiring someone who is qualified for the position.

Overall, having a Manufacturing Technician Certificate demonstrates a level of commitment to mastering technical skills related to manufacturing technology. This is an important asset for any person looking to find employment in this field and should not be overlooked when considering career paths.

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FAQs About Manufacturing Technician Certifications

1.Q: What is a Manufacturing Technician Certification?

A: A Manufacturing Technician Certification is a certification that certifies professionals in the area of manufacturing technology. It provides a broad knowledge base and skillset to help them become successful technicians in the field.

2.Q: How do I get certified as a Manufacturing Technician?

A: To be certified as a Manufacturing Technician, you must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet any other requirements set by the certifying organization.

3.Q: What types of jobs can I get with a Manufacturing Technician Certification?

A: With a Manufacturing Technician Certification, you can work as an industrial technician, production technician, assembly technician, or maintenance technician. You may also be able to find positions such as quality control or process engineering technicians.

4.Q: How long does it take to get certified as a Manufacturing Technician?

A: The length of time required to become certified depends on the specific certification program you choose and your experience level. Generally speaking, most programs require at least six months of full-time study and practice before taking the exam.

5.Q: What are the benefits of getting certified as a Manufacturing Technician?

A: Being certified as a Manufacturing Technician can lead to higher wages and job security due to your increased knowledge and skillset in this field. Additionally, having this certification can open up opportunities for promotion or advancement within organizations that value certifications from recognized organizations such as ASQ or NCCER.