Top 10 Material Handler Certifications

Certifications are important for material handlers in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and proficiency that employers value. Certifications can help distinguish a candidate from other applicants, as it shows employers that the individual has gone through rigorous training and is competent in their field. Additionally, certifications can open up more job opportunities, as many organizations require certifications to be considered for certain positions. Furthermore, certifications may also lead to higher pay and better benefits packages. Ultimately, having a certification not only makes candidates more attractive to potential employers but also provides them with a greater sense of professional accomplishment and recognition.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Material Handlers and explain how they can help advance a material handler's career.

What are Material Handler Certifications?

Material handler certification is a type of credential that is awarded to those who have successfully completed training in the safe and efficient handling of materials. This type of certification can be beneficial for those looking to gain employment in warehouses and other industrial settings, as it demonstrates a level of competency when it comes to managing materials safely and efficiently. It also helps employers ensure that their employees are qualified to handle hazardous materials, as well as properly maintain equipment used for material handling. Material handler certification shows potential employers that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills needed to not only handle materials safely but also to do so in an efficient manner. Furthermore, having this credential can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs, since employers will know that they have already been trained in proper material handling techniques.

Pro Tip: When considering material handler certification, make sure to check the requirements for the specific certification you are interested in. Some certifications may require additional training and/or experience before you can apply for them. Additionally, research any potential employers to see if they recognize the particular certification you are looking into.

Related: What does a Material Handler do?

Top 10 Material Handler Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Material Handlers today.

1. OSHA 10-Hour Material Handler Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Material Handler Certification is a voluntary program that provides workers with safety and health training in the handling of hazardous materials. It is designed to help employers meet their OSHA requirements for providing safety training to employees who work with hazardous materials. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course, which can be done online or in person. The cost of the course varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $50-$150. To get certified, individuals must complete the course and pass a final exam. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour Material Handler Certificate valid for five years.

2. Forklift Operator Certification

Forklift Operator Certification is a certification program designed to ensure that forklift operators have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate a forklift. The certification is typically obtained through an accredited training provider and involves both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

The length of the certification process varies depending on the type of forklift being operated, but generally takes between 4-8 hours to complete. During this time, the operator will learn about safe operating procedures, how to inspect a forklift before use, and how to properly maneuver a forklift in different environments.

To obtain Forkift Operator Certification, individuals must first find an accredited training provider. These providers can be found online or through local trade schools or vocational colleges. Once a provider has been chosen, the individual must register for the course and pay any associated fees. After completing the course, the individual will receive their certification card which they must keep with them at all times when operating a forklift.

The cost of Forklift Operator Certification varies depending on where you take the course and what type of forklift you are being trained on. Generally speaking, costs range from $100-$500 per person for standard certification courses.

3. Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of those who work in the logistics field. The CLT certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their mastery of the principles, techniques, and technologies used in logistics operations. It is offered through the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

To become a Certified Logistics Technician, individuals must pass an exam administered by AST&L. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation management, warehousing operations, customer service and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CLT certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of AST&L. For members, the cost is $325; for non-members it is $425. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with scheduling and proctoring the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CLT certificate from AST&L. This certificate will serve as proof that you have met all requirements for becoming a Certified Logistics Technician and can be used to demonstrate your expertise in logistics operations to potential employers or clients.

4. Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)

Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) is a professional certification program that provides an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field of logistics. The CPL program is administered by the International Society of Logistics (SOLE).

The CPL program consists of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory management, transportation, warehousing, and customer service. The exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for successful performance in a logistics role.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CPL exam. During this time, applicants are encouraged to review course material and practice tests provided by SOLE. Additionally, applicants may choose to take an online or in-person preparatory course offered by SOLE or other organizations.

In order to become certified as a CPL, applicants must pass the comprehensive exam with a score of 75% or higher. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPL certificate from SOLE.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPL varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. Preparatory courses can range from $500-$2,000 while taking the actual certification exam costs $400-$500.

5. 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 designation recognizes professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in supply chain management, including the ability to effectively manage global supply chain activities such as sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and ongoing professional development. The online course covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design and implementation; global operations and sourcing; inventory and warehouse management; transportation and distribution; customer service; performance measurement; risk management; technology enablement; sustainability and social responsibility.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CSCP program depending on the individual's learning pace. To get certified, individuals must successfully complete the online course and pass a rigorous three-hour exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of supply chain management.

The cost of becoming a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or non-member. For ASCM members, the cost is $695 USD for the online course plus $695 USD for the exam fee. For non-members, it is $995 USD for the online course plus $995 USD for the exam fee.

6. 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). The CPIM program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as demand management, procurement and supplier planning, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, master scheduling, sales and operations planning, performance measurements, quality control, continuous improvement techniques, and inventory management.

In order to become certified in CPIM, individuals must pass all five courses as well as a final exam. The average time it takes to complete the program is approximately 6-9 months depending on how quickly you can study and complete the exams.

The cost of the CPIM program varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member. For non-members the cost of the entire program is $1,795 USD while members pay $1,495 USD. Additionally there are discounts available for students and groups who wish to take the course together.

7. American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L) Warehouse and Distribution Management Certificate Program

The American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L) Warehouse and Distribution Management Certificate Program is designed to provide professionals in the transportation and logistics industry with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage warehouse operations. The program focuses on topics such as inventory control, safety, customer service, and cost control.

The program consists of four online courses that can be taken at your own pace. Each course covers a different aspect of warehouse management, including: Inventory Control, Safety & Compliance, Customer Service & Relationships, and Cost Control. Upon completion of all four courses, participants will receive a certificate from AST&L recognizing their achievement.

The program takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete depending on how quickly you work through the material. It is self-paced so you can take as much or as little time as you need to complete each course.

To get the certificate, you must register for the program online at AST&L’s website and pay a fee of $495 USD. Once registered, you will have access to all four courses which can be completed at your own pace from any device with an internet connection. After completing all four courses, you will receive your certificate via email within 5 business days.

The Warehouse and Distribution Management Certificate Program is an excellent way for professionals in the transportation and logistics industry to gain valuable knowledge and skills necessary for effective warehouse management.

8. National Safety Council’s Lift Truck Operator Training Course

The National Safety Council’s Lift Truck Operator Training Course is a comprehensive program designed to teach operators the safe and proper use of powered industrial trucks. The course covers topics such as pre-operation inspection, loading and unloading, steering and maneuvering, refueling and recharging, parking, and maintenance. It also provides instruction on accident prevention, hazard recognition and avoidance, as well as safety rules and regulations.

The course typically takes one day to complete. It can be taken in person or online depending on availability. In person classes are offered at various locations throughout the United States. Online classes are available through the National Safety Council's website.

The cost of the course varies depending on location and format (in person or online). In general, the cost is around $200 for in-person classes and $100 for online classes.

At the end of the course, participants must pass a written test in order to receive their completion certificate. Upon successful completion of this training course, operators will have a better understanding of how to safely operate powered industrial trucks in their workplace environment.

9. OSHA 30-Hour Material Handler Certification

OSHA 30-Hour Material Handler Certification is a certification program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle materials in the workplace. The program covers topics such as proper lifting techniques, safe storage of materials, hazardous material handling, and other safety-related topics.

The OSHA 30-Hour Material Handler Certification takes approximately 30 hours to complete. This includes both online and in-person training components. To get certified, individuals must first complete an online course that covers all of the required topics. Once completed, they must then attend an in-person training session where they will receive instruction from an instructor certified by OSHA. Upon successful completion of both components of the program, participants will receive their certification card.

The cost of the OSHA 30-Hour Material Handler Certification varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$500 USD.

In addition to getting certified through a traditional classroom setting, there are also several online courses available for those who wish to get their certification without attending an in-person training session. These courses generally cost less than traditional classroom settings but may not be as comprehensive or thorough as a traditional course would be.

10. International Warehouse Logistics Association’s (IWLA) Warehouse Operations Certificate Program

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Warehouse Operations Certificate Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide warehouse professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a warehouse. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as inventory control, safety and security, customer service, and logistics management. The courses are offered online through IWLA’s Learning Management System (LMS).

The program takes approximately six months to complete. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. Upon successful completion of the four courses, participants will receive an IWLA Warehouse Operations Certificate.

To get the certificate, individuals must first register for the program on IWLA’s website. Once registered, they can access the LMS and begin taking the courses at their own pace. At the end of each course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive credit for that course. Once all four exams have been passed successfully, participants will be awarded their certificate.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether or not you are an IWLA member. For non-members, it costs $1,200 for all four courses; for members it costs $900 for all four courses.

Do You Really Need a Material Handler Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a material handler certificate to work in this field. However, having one can be beneficial. A material handler certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job correctly and safely. It also shows employers that you are committed to your profession and willing to invest time and money into learning more about it.

Having a material handler certificate can also give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Employers may look at applicants with certifications as being more reliable and knowledgeable than those without them. Moreover, depending on the industry or business you are applying to, having a certificate could make you stand out from other applicants and potentially increase your chances of getting hired.

In conclusion, while a material handler certificate is not required by law or regulation to do the job, having one may provide benefits in terms of increased knowledge of safety protocols as well as increased job opportunities.

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FAQs About Material Handler Certifications

1. What is a Material Handler Certification?

Answer: A Material Handler Certification is a credential that certifies an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently operate material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and lift trucks.

2. How do I obtain a Material Handler Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Material Handler Certification, you must pass an exam administered by a third-party organization or institution. You may also need to complete safety training courses or other prerequisites in order to be eligible for certification.

3. Does my company need to provide me with a Material Handler Certification?

Answer: While some companies may require employees to have a valid Material Handler Certification, most employers do not require them. It is up to the individual employee to pursue their own certification if they wish to do so.

4. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Material Handler Certification?

Answer: Yes, many organizations require certified material handlers to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status. This helps ensure that certified individuals are up-to-date on industry best practices and regulations regarding material handling equipment operation and safety standards.

5. What are the benefits of becoming a certified material handler?

Answer: By obtaining your certification, you can demonstrate your commitment to safety and professionalism in the workplace and increase your job prospects in the industry. Additionally, having your certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs that involve operating material handling equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks.