Top 10 Operations Team Leader Certifications

Certifications are important for an operations team leader in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and commitment to their field. They show potential employers that the individual has taken the time to learn about the industry, gain specialized skills, and develop expertise. Additionally, certifications provide proof of professional development and can help set a candidate apart from other applicants by showcasing their qualifications. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement in an organization; employers often look for candidates with specific credentials when considering promotions or hiring new employees.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Operations Team Leaders and provides insight into how they can help to advance an operations team leader's career.

What are Operations Team Leader Certifications?

Operations team leader certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in leading teams within an organization. This certification provides evidence of the individual’s understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with managing a team, as well as their ability to effectively lead and motivate employees.

The certification process typically involves obtaining specialized training and gaining practical experience in operations management. The program may include courses on topics such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, resource management, performance measurement, customer service, and conflict resolution. It also includes developing key leadership skills such as delegation, coaching, motivation and mentoring. Upon successful completion of the course requirements, individuals may take an assessment or examination to demonstrate their proficiency in the subject matter.

Having operations team leader certification can be beneficial for those seeking career advancement opportunities in their current organization or looking to enter the field of operations management. It is often seen as a mark of distinction among employers and can open up potential job opportunities at higher levels within the organization. Additionally, it can provide individuals with confidence that they possess the necessary skills to effectively manage teams in any given environment.

Pro Tip: When considering operations team leader certification, look for programs that offer hands-on training in the areas of project management, change management, leadership development, and communication. This will ensure you have the skills necessary to effectively lead an operations team.

Related: What does an Operations Team Leader do?

Top 10 Operations Team Leader Certifications

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

1. Certified Operations Team Leader (COTL)

A Certified Operations Team Leader (COTL) is an individual who has achieved a professional certification in the field of operations management. This certification is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of operations management and leadership.

The COTL certification is available through the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). To become certified, applicants must pass a three-hour exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, production planning, quality assurance, project management, and process improvement. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or in person at an APICS testing center.

The cost for the COTL certification varies depending on the applicant's membership status with APICS. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members, it is $395 USD. The cost includes access to study materials and practice exams to help prepare for the test.

It typically takes about two months to complete all of the requirements for COTL certification. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their work experience in order to receive their certificate from APICS.

2. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a mastery of Lean Six Sigma principles and practices. Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that combines the principles of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

The CLSSBB certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the Lean Six Sigma methodology through an examination process. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, and quality control. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts of Lean Six Sigma in a practical setting by completing a project or case study.

The CLSSBB certification typically takes between four and six months to complete, depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam. To get certified, you must first complete an approved training program from an accredited institution or organization. After completing your training program, you can then register for the CLSSBB exam online or through an approved testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CLSSBB certification varies depending on where you take your training program and how much preparation you do for the exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 - $3,000 USD for all associated fees including course materials, registration fees, and any additional resources needed for preparation.

3. Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPPIM)

Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional knowledge and skills related to production and inventory management.

The CPPIM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in production and inventory management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, demand planning, quality assurance, process improvement, and more.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CPPIM exam. To prepare for the exam, applicants should review the APICS Body of Knowledge (BOK) which outlines all the topics covered on the exam. Additionally, applicants can take advantage of APICS’s online study materials or attend one of their instructor-led courses.

The cost of obtaining the CPPIM certification depends on whether you are an APICS member or not. If you are an APICS member, it costs $795 USD for the exam fee plus $100 USD for the application fee. If you are not a member, it will cost $1125 USD for both fees combined.

4. 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 program is designed to help individuals and organizations understand, develop, and implement best practices in supply chain management. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding end-to-end supply chain operations, from suppliers to customers.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CSCP certification process. The first step is to register with ASCM and purchase the CSCP exam package. This includes an online course, study materials, and access to practice exams. Once registered, candidates must complete the coursework within nine weeks and then take the proctored exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of the CSCP exam package varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or non-member. For members, it costs $995 USD; for non-members, it costs $1,295 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CSCP certification which will be valid for three years from date of issue.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after credentials in project management. The PMP certification validates an individual’s ability to manage projects effectively and efficiently.

In order to be eligible for the PMP exam, an individual must have at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of formal project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. The exam covers five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

To get the PMP certification, you must first apply for the exam through the PMI website. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam on Prometric or Pearson VUE websites. After passing the exam, you will need to submit your professional development units (PDUs) every three years in order to maintain your certification status.

The cost of taking the PMP Exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 while members pay $405. Additionally there are other costs associated with taking courses or attending seminars related to project management that may be required in order to obtain PDUs for maintaining your certification status.

6. 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 quality engineers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. The CQE certification demonstrates an individual's commitment to quality principles and practices.

The CQE exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality concepts, product design, process control, statistical analysis, problem solving, auditing, and management systems. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

It typically takes between one and two years to prepare for the CQE exam. Preparation may include taking courses or workshops on quality engineering topics as well as studying independently.

To apply for the CQE certification exam, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of education or work experience in a related field. The fee for the exam is $450 USD.

7. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in quality management, organizational excellence, and performance improvement.

The CMQ/OE certification requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an exam. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least eight years of work experience in quality or performance improvement, including three years of managerial experience; or six years of work experience with a bachelor's degree in any field; or four years of work experience with a master's degree in any field.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management principles, organizational excellence models, process management and improvement techniques, customer satisfaction strategies, cost-benefit analysis methods, and leadership principles. The exam takes about 4 hours to complete.

The cost for the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with ASQ. For non-members it costs $715 USD to take the exam; for members it costs $570 USD; and for student members it costs $285 USD.

8. Agile Scrum Master Certification (ASM)

Agile Scrum Master Certification (ASM) is a certification program designed to help individuals become certified Agile Scrum Masters. This certification provides an understanding of the principles and practices of Agile, as well as the ability to apply them to real-world projects. The certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing Agile methods.

The ASM certification requires completion of an online or in-person course that covers topics such as Agile values and principles, Scrum roles and responsibilities, sprint planning, product backlogs, user stories, and more. The course typically takes about two days to complete and includes both theoretical and practical components. After completing the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their ASM certification.

The cost of the ASM certification varies depending on the type of course you take. Online courses typically range from $500-$1000 USD while in-person courses can cost anywhere from $1500-$3000 USD. Additionally, there are often discounts available for groups or organizations looking to certify multiple people at once.

Once certified, individuals can use their ASM credentials to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in Agile project management techniques. They may also be able to find employment opportunities with companies that value the skillset they have acquired through this certification program.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand the ITIL Framework and its associated best practices. It is designed to help organizations improve their IT service management processes and increase customer satisfaction.

The ITIL Foundation certification takes approximately two days to complete, depending on the provider. To get certified, you must take an accredited training course from a licensed training organization (LTO). The cost of the course will vary depending on the provider and location, but it typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,500 USD.

Once you have completed your training course, you will need to pass an exam in order to become certified. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be passed with a score of 65% or higher. The cost of the exam varies by country but is typically around $250 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your ITIL Foundation certification which is valid for three years. After three years, you will need to renew your certification by taking additional courses or exams in order to maintain your status as an ITIL Certified Professional.

10. Manufacturing Operations Management Professional (MOMP)

Manufacturing Operations Management Professional (MOMP) is a certification program designed to provide recognition and credentials for those who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of manufacturing operations management. The MOMP certification is offered by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). It is a three-level program, with each level requiring more experience and expertise than the last.

To get certified as a MOMP, you must first complete an application form and submit it to AME. You will then be asked to complete an assessment that consists of multiple-choice questions about your knowledge of manufacturing operations management principles, processes, and best practices. After successfully completing the assessment, you will receive your MOMP certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a MOMP depends on the level you are applying for. The cost ranges from $395 USD for Level 1 to $795 USD for Level 3. It usually takes around two weeks to receive your certification after submitting your application and assessment results.

Do You Really Need a Operations Team Leader Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to advance your operations career, then an Operations Team Leader Certificate may be a beneficial addition to your resume. The certificate provides formal training and certification in the areas of team leadership and operations management. This type of training can help you gain the skills needed to effectively lead teams while managing day-to-day operations.

For those with experience in leading teams, there may not be much benefit in obtaining a certificate. However, if you are just starting out or transitioning into a leadership role, the certificate could provide an edge over other candidates when applying for positions. It can also give you greater confidence in your ability to manage team dynamics and operations processes.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if an Operations Team Leader Certificate is worth the investment of time and money. Consider what type of job you are aiming for and what kind of skills employers are seeking when making this decision.

Related: Operations Team Leader Resume Examples

FAQs About Operations Team Leader Certifications

1. What is an Operations Team Leader Certification?

Answer: An Operations Team Leader Certification is a qualification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to lead a team of operations professionals. It covers topics such as project management, communication, customer service, problem-solving, and business strategy.

2. How can I get an Operations Team Leader Certification?

Answer: You can obtain an Operations Team Leader Certification by completing a training program or taking an exam administered by a recognized certifying body. Programs may include online courses, in-person seminars, or self-study materials.

3. What are the benefits of having an Operations Team Leader Certification?

Answer: Having an Operations Team Leader Certification shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage complex operational processes and teams effectively. This qualification also provides opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

4. How long does it take to get an Operations Team Leader Certification?

Answer: The duration needed to obtain an Operations Team Leader certification varies depending on the type of program chosen and the individual’s background knowledge in operations management. Generally speaking, programs can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete depending on their structure and requirements.

5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining an Operations Team Leader Certification?

Answer: Yes, there is usually a cost associated with obtaining an Operations Team Leader Certification which will vary based on the type of program chosen and certifying body used. Costs may include tuition fees, exam fees, or other administrative fees related to completing the program or taking the exam.