Top 10 Operations Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for an operations supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge, and experience in a particular field. They also provide employers with evidence that the applicant has achieved a certain level of competency in their area of specialization. Certifications provide assurance to employers that an individual is qualified to handle the responsibilities associated with the position. Additionally, certifications can differentiate an applicant from other candidates who may not have achieved the same level of proficiency. In some cases, certifications may even be required by certain employers in order to qualify for a position.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Operations Supervisors and explains how they can help enhance an operations supervisor's career.

What are Operations Supervisor Certifications?

Operations supervisor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in managing operational activities within a particular organization. This certification is designed to provide supervisors with the skills, tools, and resources necessary to effectively oversee day-to-day operations. With this certification, supervisors can gain the knowledge and leadership skills needed to help efficiently manage their team, projects, and processes.

Operations supervisor certification can be beneficial in many ways. It can help supervisors develop their abilities to lead teams and make decisions quickly. It also provides them with the tools they need to plan for the future of their organization by recognizing potential risks, developing strategies for success, and understanding how to improve operational efficiency. Furthermore, it helps supervisors stay up-to-date on changing regulations and best practices related to their field. Additionally, having a operations supervisor certification can help increase an individual’s chances of being promoted or receiving salary increases due to their increased knowledge and experience in the field.

Pro Tip: When considering an operations supervisor certification, make sure to look for one that is accredited by a professional association or organization. This will ensure that the certification is recognized and respected by employers and industry professionals. Additionally, make sure to research the program’s curriculum and requirements to ensure it provides the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your role as an operations supervisor.

Related: What does an Operations Supervisor do?

Top 10 Operations Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Operations Supervisor (COS)

Certified Operations Supervisor (COS) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide supervisors with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage operations in any organization. The COS certification focuses on improving operational efficiency, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction.

The COS certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in an operations role, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as operations management, project management, quality control, and customer service. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To get certified as a COS, applicants must submit an application to ASQ along with the required fee ($395). Once approved, applicants will be mailed an examination voucher which can be used to schedule their exam at an approved testing center. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official COS certificate from ASQ.

The cost for the COS certification is $395 for the application fee and $250 for the examination fee.

2. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to help professionals understand and apply production and inventory management concepts in their organizations. CPIM provides a comprehensive understanding of production and inventory management principles, including demand forecasting, operations planning, materials requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, master scheduling, procurement and supplier planning, quality control, inventory control systems, lean production methods, and more.

The CPIM program consists of two exams: the Basics of Supply Chain Management exam and the Master Planning of Resources exam. The Basics exam covers topics such as supply chain strategy, supply chain design and performance measurement. The Master Planning exam covers topics such as resource planning, enterprise resource planning systems (ERP), sales & operations planning (S&OP), project management techniques, inventory optimization techniques, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CPIM program depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying for the exams. It is recommended that you take an APICS-approved course or self-study using APICS study materials in order to prepare for the exams.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,500 USD for both exams. This cost includes registration fees for both exams as well as study materials.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage global supply chain activities, from strategy development to execution. The CSCP program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills required to successfully design, implement, and maintain best practices in supply chain operations.

The CSCP certification requires candidates to complete an online course that covers topics such as supply chain management principles, global logistics, customer relationship management, inventory management, transportation management, warehouse operations and more. After completing the coursework, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

It typically takes six months or more of study time for individuals to prepare for the CSCP exam. Candidates should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying for the exam prior to taking it. In addition to studying the material provided in the online course, candidates should also review additional resources such as books and practice exams.

The cost of obtaining a CSCP certification varies depending on which package you choose. ASCM offers several different packages ranging from $1,495 - $2,395 USD which include access to the online course materials and one attempt at taking the exam. Additional attempts at taking the exam can be purchased separately for $395 USD each.

4. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to help professionals improve processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes about three months to complete. It consists of two components: online training and an exam. The online training provides an introduction to the Lean Six Sigma methodology and covers topics such as process improvement tools, problem solving techniques, data analysis, project management, and more. After completing the training, individuals must pass a written exam to earn their certification.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals should first complete the required online training course. There are several providers that offer this course including ASQ (American Society for Quality), IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification), and other organizations. After completing the course, individuals can register for the exam with one of these providers or with a local testing center.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. This includes the cost of both the online training course and the exam fee.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in leading and directing project teams. The PMP certification is widely recognized as the gold standard for project managers, and it can help to open doors to new opportunities and career advancement.

In order to obtain the PMP certification, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to the PMI’s Code of Ethics. To become eligible for the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus at least five years of professional project management experience with 7,500 hours leading projects, or a four-year degree plus at least three years of professional project management experience with 4,500 hours leading projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your membership status with PMI; however, it typically ranges from $405-$555 USD.

Once you have passed the exam and fulfilled all other requirements, you will receive your official PMP certification which is valid for three years. Every three years after that you will need to complete 60 professional development units (PDUs) in order to maintain your certification.

6. Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Certified Quality Manager (CQM) is a professional certification program developed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQM program is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality management and leadership. It is intended to help individuals advance their careers and increase their value to employers.

The CQM program consists of three parts: an online exam, a written project report, and an oral presentation. The online exam covers topics such as quality systems, process improvement, and customer satisfaction. The written project report requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of quality management by analyzing a real-world problem and proposing solutions. Finally, the oral presentation allows applicants to present their findings from the project report in front of a panel of ASQ certified professionals.

The entire process typically takes about six months to complete, depending on how quickly the applicant can complete the requirements. To get started, applicants must first register for the CQM program with ASQ and pay a fee of $650 USD. After registration is complete, they will receive instructions on how to access the online exam and begin studying for it. Once they have passed the exam, they can then begin working on their project report and preparing for their oral presentation.

Upon successful completion of all three components of the CQM program, applicants will be awarded a certificate from ASQ recognizing them as Certified Quality Managers (CQMs). This certification demonstrates that they possess advanced knowledge in quality management principles and practices that are essential for success in today’s competitive business environment.

7. Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)

Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL). The CLTD certification is designed to provide logistics, transportation and distribution professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their field. The CLTD certification covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing and distribution, customer service and more.

The CLTD certification process involves an online application process followed by a comprehensive exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field or have completed an ASTL-approved course. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics related to logistics, transportation and distribution. Applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to receive their CLTD certification.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to get your CLTD certification after you submit your application. You can apply for the CLTD certification online through the ASTL website. The cost of the program is $795 USD which includes all materials needed for the exam as well as access to study resources such as practice exams and webinars.

8. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM-APICS)

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM-APICS) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to help professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge of production and inventory management. The CPIM-APICS certification is considered to be one of the most prestigious certifications in the field of operations management.

The CPIM-APICS program consists of two exams: Basics of Supply Chain Management and Master Planning of Resources. Candidates must pass both exams in order to receive the CPIM-APICS certification. The Basics exam covers topics such as supply chain fundamentals, inventory planning, forecasting, and demand management. The Master Planning exam covers topics such as master scheduling, capacity planning, material requirements planning, and project management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPIM-APICS program. Candidates are encouraged to take advantage of online study materials, self-study courses, or instructor-led classes offered by APICS or its partners in order to prepare for the exams.

The cost for taking both exams varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or nonmember. For nonmembers, the cost is $1125 USD for both exams; for members it is $925 USD for both exams. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or attending instructor-led classes.

9. American Society for Quality Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is an advanced professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead, manage, and implement successful Six Sigma projects.

To receive the ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, individuals must have at least three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma methodology, including project management, problem-solving techniques, data collection and analysis, process improvement methods, design of experiments, and team dynamics. In addition to this experience requirement, applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as Lean Principles & Tools; Design for Six Sigma; Statistical Analysis & Measurement Systems; Project Management; Team Dynamics & Leadership; and Process Improvement Methodologies.

The ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification exam typically takes between four to six hours to complete. It is offered in both online and paper formats. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether it is taken online or on paper. The fee for taking the exam online is $415 USD while the fee for taking it on paper is $450 USD.

10. International Organization for Standardization 9001:2015 Lead Auditor

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Lead Auditor is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to audit and assess the quality management system of an organization. It is designed to help organizations ensure their products and services meet customer expectations, as well as applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

It typically takes around 4-6 months to obtain the ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification. The process involves completing a training course, passing an exam, and having 3 years of experience in quality management systems or auditing.

To get started on obtaining the ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification, individuals must first complete a training program accredited by the IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors). After completing the training course, individuals must then pass an exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining the ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification varies depending on the provider and length of the training course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Operations Supervisor Certificate?

Whether or not you need an operations supervisor certificate depends on the industry and company you are working for. Generally, operations supervisors do not require a formal certification to do their job. However, some industries may require that employees have a certain level of education or experience in order to become an operations supervisor. Additionally, many companies may prefer that their employees have a formal certification as it can demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field.

A certificate in operations supervision can provide valuable knowledge and skills needed to excel in the role. It can also provide assurance to employers that you understand the key principles of operational management, such as budgeting, customer service, personnel management, and problem-solving. Furthermore, it can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs as an operations supervisor.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an operations supervisor certificate depends on your industry and employer’s expectations. However, having a certification in this area can be beneficial to your career prospects and demonstrate your knowledge in the field of operations supervision.

Related: Operations Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Operations Supervisor Certifications

1. What is an Operations Supervisor Certification?

Answer: An Operations Supervisor Certification is a certification program designed to help operations supervisors gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead teams effectively and efficiently in their organizations. It covers topics such as operations management, process improvement, customer service, organizational development, problem solving and communication.

2. Who should pursue an Operations Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Individuals who are looking to advance their career in operations management or those wanting to develop the necessary skills for leading teams should consider an Operations Supervisor Certification.

3. How long does it take to complete an Operations Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete an Operations Supervisor Certification depends on the specific program chosen; however, most programs can be completed within two years or less.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining an Operations Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an Operations Supervisor Certification can help individuals gain a competitive edge in the job market by demonstrating their commitment to professional development and strengthening their leadership skills. Additionally, they may also find that they have access to more job opportunities and higher salaries with this certification.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified in operations supervision?

Answer: Yes, typically applicants must have at least two years of experience working in operations management or a related field prior to enrolling in the program. In addition, some programs may require applicants to pass certain exams or demonstrate proficiency in certain areas before being accepted into the program.