Top 11 Operations Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important way for operations managers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. They provide potential employers with evidence that an operations manager has the necessary skills and qualifications to effectively manage a business’s operations. Certifications also give employers assurance that an operations manager is up-to-date on industry trends, processes, and best practices, and can handle complex tasks efficiently. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements, which help ensure that operations managers remain knowledgeable about the latest developments in the field. Furthermore, certifications can help boost an operations manager’s salary as they demonstrate a greater level of expertise than someone without certification.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Operations Managers and explains how they can contribute to an operations manager's career growth.

What are Operations Manager Certifications?

Operations manager certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in the field of operations management. This certification is offered by various organizations, such as the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), the International Quality Federation (IQF), and the International Association of Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

By earning an operations manager certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their expertise in the field and gain further recognition for their achievements. This can be invaluable in helping them advance in their careers. With an operations manager certification, professionals can show potential employers that they have a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, project planning, process improvement, and other related areas. In addition, having this credential may make them more attractive candidates for leadership positions within organizations.

An operations manager certification also provides individuals with access to a wide range of resources and training opportunities that can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. These resources can be used to enhance their existing skills or to develop new ones that will help them remain competitive in their field. Finally, having this certification could open up additional job opportunities or enable them to command higher salaries when seeking employment.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing an operations manager certification, make sure you have the appropriate experience and knowledge to back it up. Consider taking courses related to operations management or attending seminars that can help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully complete a certification program.

Related: What does an Operations Manager do?

Top 11 Operations Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities. The CPIM program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of production and inventory management. The courses include Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources.

The CPIM program can be completed in as little as six months or up to two years depending on how quickly you want to complete it. To get certified you must first pass an exam for each course which is administered by APICS. After passing all five exams you will receive your CPIM designation.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on the format you choose to take it in. For example, if you opt for self-study materials only, then the cost will be around $1,000 USD. If you choose to take classes through an APICS approved provider then the cost could range from $2,000-$3,000 USD.

2. Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)

Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). It is designed to recognize excellence in logistics and supply chain management. The CPL certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for successful performance in the field of logistics and supply chain management.

The CPL certification requires applicants to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of logistics, including topics such as inventory control, transportation, warehousing, materials handling, customer service, distribution systems, quality assurance and safety. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

In order to become certified as a CPL, applicants must pass an exam administered by SOLE. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering all areas of logistics and supply chain management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CPL exam varies depending on your location; however, it typically costs between $400 and $500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application or taking the exam at certain locations.

Once you have successfully passed the CPL exam you will be awarded the Certified Professional Logistician designation from SOLE and will receive a certificate indicating your achievement.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to help supply chain professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage global supply chains. The CSCP certification focuses on four key areas: operations, sourcing, logistics, and customer relations.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online self-study course, an in-person exam, and a professional development program. The self-study course covers topics such as supply chain fundamentals, inventory management, forecasting and planning, transportation management, customer service management, and more. The in-person exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course. Finally, the professional development program includes activities such as webinars and workshops that help you stay up to date with industry trends and best practices.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three parts of the CSCP certification process. To get started on your CSCP journey, you will need to register for the online self-study course through APICS’s website. The cost of registration varies depending on your membership status with APICS but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD. Once you have completed the self-study course and passed the in-person exam, you will receive your CSCP certification from APICS.

4. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is a professional association that provides certification programs, educational resources, and networking opportunities for supply chain management professionals. APICS certifications are designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to excel in their current roles and advance their careers.

APICS offers two primary certifications: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The CPIM program focuses on production and inventory management, while the CSCP program covers a broad range of topics related to supply chain management, including customer relations, global logistics, distribution channels, technology integration, and more. Both certifications require passing an exam administered by APICS.

To become certified through APICS, individuals must first complete an application process that includes providing proof of work experience or academic credentials. After completing the application process, applicants can begin studying for their chosen certification exam. The amount of time it takes to prepare for the exam varies depending on an individual's background knowledge and experience level; however, most people spend between four to six months studying for the exam.

The cost of obtaining an APICS certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of APICS. For members, the cost is $395 per exam; for non-members it is $495 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with attending review classes or purchasing study materials.

5. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the tools and techniques of Six Sigma, a business process improvement methodology. The CSSBB certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality and excellence in their profession.

It typically takes between four and six months to prepare for the CSSBB exam, depending on an individual’s prior knowledge and experience with Six Sigma. To get certified, applicants must complete an approved training program or demonstrate sufficient mastery of the material through work experience. After completing the training or demonstrating mastery, applicants must pass a three-hour written exam that covers topics such as process improvement methods, data analysis techniques, project management principles, and more.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the training program chosen; however, most programs range from $2,000 to $3,500 USD.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of project management. The PMP certification indicates that the holder has the knowledge, skills, and experience to lead and direct projects successfully.

To become PMP certified, individuals must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. They must also pass an exam that covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time, individuals should review the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), take practice exams, attend study sessions or classes, and read books on project management topics.

The cost of getting PMP certified varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 while members pay $405 for their exam fee. In addition to this fee there may be other costs such as study materials or courses that need to be taken in order to prepare for the exam.

Overall, obtaining a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to project management best practices as well as your expertise in the field.

7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for leading improvement projects and managing teams within their organization. The certification is typically earned through a combination of classroom training, online courses, and hands-on project work.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the requirements for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. During this time, individuals must complete a series of courses and workshops to learn the basics of Lean Six Sigma, as well as more advanced topics such as project management, data analysis, and process improvement techniques. Additionally, individuals must complete a hands-on project that applies Lean Six Sigma principles to an existing business process or problem within their organization.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). The exam consists of multiple choice questions and may include case studies or simulations that test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the concepts covered in their training.

The cost of obtaining Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the certifying body and type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 to $4,000 USD per person for self-paced online courses or up to $10,000 USD per person for instructor-led classroom training programs.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification that provides an understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It is designed to help organizations improve their IT service management capabilities and processes.

The certification course takes approximately 16 hours to complete and covers topics such as ITIL principles, processes, roles, functions, and activities. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%.

To get certified, candidates can take a self-paced online course or attend an instructor-led training program. There are also several prep courses available online that can help prepare for the exam.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider and type of training taken. Generally speaking, self-paced online courses range from $200-$400 while instructor-led classes range from $500-$1000.

9. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize and validate the expertise of experienced business analysts. The CBAP certification recognizes professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in areas such as requirements gathering, process modeling, data analysis, project management, and stakeholder management.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of seven years of cumulative work experience in business analysis activities. This experience must be within the last 10 years and include at least 900 hours of leading or directing business analysis tasks within the past four years. Applicants must also demonstrate their proficiency in the six knowledge areas outlined by IIBA: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring; Requirements Elicitation & Collaboration; Requirements Management & Communication; Enterprise Analysis; Solution Assessment & Validation; and Underlying Competencies.

To become certified as a CBAP, applicants must pass an exam administered by IIBA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover all six knowledge areas outlined by IIBA. Candidates have three hours to complete the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $325 USD for members of IIBA and $450 USD for non-members.

Once certified, CBAPs must maintain their credentials through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities every three years in order to remain certified. CPD activities can include attending professional development courses, participating in professional organizations, publishing articles related to business analysis topics, or teaching courses related to business analysis topics.

10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Operations Manager

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Operations Manager (MCSE: OM) is a certification program that recognizes IT professionals who have the skills and knowledge to plan, deploy, manage, and maintain Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager. This certification is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for designing, deploying, and managing an enterprise monitoring solution using Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager.

The MCSE: OM certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-243 and Exam 70-246. The 70-243 exam covers topics such as configuring and deploying System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager, configuring notification settings, creating management packs, monitoring network devices and applications with System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager, and troubleshooting issues related to System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager. The 70-246 exam covers topics such as planning a monitoring strategy, designing a distributed application architecture with System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager, creating custom reports with System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager, integrating third party solutions with System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager, and maintaining a secure environment with System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager.

It typically takes around three months of preparation time to successfully pass both exams. Preparation materials can include books or online training courses from Microsoft or third party providers. It is also recommended that applicants have at least two years of experience working with the technology covered in the exams before attempting them.

The cost of the two exams varies depending on the country you are taking them in but typically ranges from $125-$150 per exam.

11. Oracle Enterprise Manager 12c Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle Enterprise Manager 12c Certified Implementation Specialist is an Oracle certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, and manage Oracle Enterprise Manager 12c. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for installing, configuring, and managing Oracle Enterprise Manager 12c in their organization.

To get the certification, you must pass a single exam (1Z0-457) which covers topics such as installation, configuration, patching and upgrades, monitoring, tuning and troubleshooting of Oracle Enterprise Manager 12c. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

You can register for the exam on the Oracle website or through a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification via email within two weeks.

Do You Really Need a Operations Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need an operations manager certificate depends on your career goals and the requirements of the job you are seeking. In some cases, an operations manager certificate may be necessary in order to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career as an operations manager. Likewise, if you are already working in an operations management role, having a certificate can show potential employers that you are qualified and experienced.

In other cases, however, it may not be necessary to have a certificate to get hired as an operations manager. For example, if the job requires more experience than education, then having a certificate may not be essential. Additionally, many organizations will consider candidates who have relevant experience but no formal certification. It is important to research any specific requirements for the job position before applying so that you can determine whether or not having a certificate is necessary for your particular situation.

Overall, having an operations manager certificate can certainly give you an edge when applying for jobs in this field and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and development. However, it is ultimately up to each individual to decide whether or not they need such a credential in order to reach their desired career objectives.

Related: Operations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Operations Manager Certifications

1. What are the different types of Operations Manager Certifications?

Answer: The three main types of Operations Manager Certifications are Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).

2. How do I become certified as an Operations Manager?

Answer: To become certified as an Operations Manager, you need to complete the relevant training courses and exams for each certification level. You can find the details of these on the Microsoft Learning website.

3. How long does it take to get certified as an Operations Manager?

Answer: This will depend on your experience level and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally, it takes around 4-6 months to gain certification at each level.

4. What is included in the exam for each certification level?

Answer: Each exam covers a range of topics related to operations management, including system architecture, security, networking and cloud computing. A full list of topics is available on the Microsoft Learning website.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking an Operations Manager Certification exam?

Answer: Yes - you must have passed all previous exams in order to take a higher-level exam. For example, if you want to take the MCSE exam, you must first have passed both the MCSA and MCP exams.