Top 10 Petroleum Supply Specialist Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for a petroleum supply specialist, as they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform well in the role. Certifications also provide evidence that the individual is up-to-date on industry trends and regulations, which can be critical when working with petroleum products. Additionally, certifications can provide access to specialized training courses and networking opportunities that may not be available without them. Ultimately, having certification can give a petroleum supply specialist an edge in the job market by providing evidence of their commitment to their profession and expertise in their field.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Petroleum Supply Specialists and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Petroleum Supply Specialist Certifications?

Petroleum Supply Specialist certification is a professional certification program designed to provide recognition of professionals in the petroleum supply industry. This certification program is offered by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge, experience, and commitment to the petroleum supply industry.

The Petroleum Supply Specialist certification program covers areas such as safety, operations, inventory management, transportation, storage, and quality assurance for fuel supply operations. The program provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in these areas and become certified as a Petroleum Supply Specialist.

The certification can help individuals gain recognition in the petroleum supply industry and stand out from others with similar qualifications. Additionally, it can help employers identify qualified personnel who have demonstrated their expertise in the field. Moreover, having this certification may lead to higher job opportunities and better salaries in the petroleum supply industry. In addition, obtaining this certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in their profession and allows them to stay ahead of current trends in the industry.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a petroleum supply specialist certification, make sure to research the requirements and certifications offered by various organizations. This will help you find the best program for your goals and ensure that you are up to date on the latest industry standards and regulations.

Related: What does a Petroleum Supply Specialist do?

Top 10 Petroleum Supply Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Petroleum Supply Specialists today.

1. Certified Petroleum Supply Specialist (CPSS)

Certified Petroleum Supply Specialist (CPSS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (NAOESP). The CPSS certification program is designed to help professionals in the petroleum supply industry develop and maintain their knowledge and skills. It provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the areas of supply chain, operations, storage, distribution, and safety.

To earn the CPSS certification, applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience in the petroleum supply industry or equivalent education. In addition, they must complete an approved training program and pass a written exam. The training program typically takes between five and eight days to complete depending on the applicant's level of experience.

The cost of obtaining a CPSS certification depends on the training provider chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 and $2,500 to become certified. This cost includes tuition fees, materials, testing fees, and any other associated costs with completing the coursework.

Once an individual has earned their CPSS certification they are required to renew it every three years by completing continuing education courses or attending workshops that are related to their field of work.

2. Certified Petroleum Logistics Professional (CPLP)

Certified Petroleum Logistics Professional (CPLP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of petroleum logistics. The CPLP designation is awarded by the International Association of Logistics Professionals (IALP).

The CPLP program consists of three parts: an online self-assessment, a comprehensive exam, and a professional development portfolio review. The self-assessment helps candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses in the areas of oil and gas logistics, supply chain management, transportation management, safety management, and customer service.

The comprehensive exam tests the candidate’s knowledge in all areas of petroleum logistics. Candidates must pass this exam with at least 70% accuracy in order to be eligible for the CPLP designation.

The professional development portfolio review evaluates the candidate’s work experience and other relevant qualifications such as certifications or degrees. This review is conducted by IALP staff members who will assess the candidate’s qualifications against established criteria.

It typically takes six to nine months to complete all three components of the CPLP program. The cost for taking the program varies depending on whether you are an IALP member or non-member. For non-members, it costs $2,200 USD; for members it costs $1,800 USD.

3. Certified Petroleum Industry Professional (CPIP)

Certified Petroleum Industry Professional (CPIP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional expertise in the petroleum industry. It is administered by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).

The CPIP certification process consists of three parts: an application, an examination and a peer review. The application requires applicants to provide proof of their education, experience and professional accomplishments. The examination tests knowledge in areas such as geology, drilling and production operations, safety and environmental regulations, economics and business management. The peer review evaluates the applicant’s ability to contribute to the profession through leadership and service activities.

The entire process takes approximately 6-12 months from start to finish. To apply for CPIP certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation and other materials as requested by AAPG.

The cost for applying for the CPIP certification is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

4. Certified Petroleum Measurement Technician (CPMT)

A Certified Petroleum Measurement Technician (CPMT) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the measurement of petroleum products. This certification is administered by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

The CPMT certification program consists of two parts: an online examination and a practical skills assessment. The online examination covers topics such as product characteristics, measurement principles, and calculations. The practical skills assessment tests the applicant’s ability to accurately measure petroleum products using various types of equipment.

To be eligible for the CPMT certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the petroleum industry and must pass both the online exam and practical skills assessment. Applicants should also possess basic math skills, an understanding of safety procedures, and knowledge of applicable regulations.

The cost for taking the CPMT exam varies depending on where you are taking it; however, most locations charge around $400 USD. The cost for taking the practical skills assessment is typically around $500 USD.

In total, it can take up to six months to become certified as a CPMT depending on how quickly you can complete all of the required steps.

5. Certified Oil and Gas Supply Chain Professional (COGSCP)

Certified Oil and Gas Supply Chain Professional (COGSCP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage supply chain operations in the oil and gas industry. The COGSCP program is administered by the American Purchasing Society (APS).

To become certified as a COGSCP, you must have at least five years of experience working in the oil and gas supply chain management field. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as procurement, inventory management, logistics, safety and environmental regulations, contracts, risk management, and more.

The cost of the COGSCP certification varies depending on your membership status with APS. Non-members pay $395 for the exam fee plus $50 for the application fee. Members pay $295 for the exam fee plus $50 for the application fee. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam and paid all applicable fees, you will receive your official certificate from APS within four weeks of completion. This certificate is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed.

6. Certified Petroleum Quality Control Inspector (CPQCI)

Certified Petroleum Quality Control Inspector (CPQCI) is a certification program that provides training and certification for personnel responsible for the quality control of petroleum products. The CPQCI program is administered by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

The CPQCI program consists of four courses: Introduction to Petroleum Quality Control, Petroleum Quality Control Fundamentals, Advanced Petroleum Quality Control, and Refinery Quality Control. Each course takes approximately two days to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, participants will receive an API Certified Petroleum Quality Control Inspector certificate.

To become certified as a CPQCI, individuals must attend an approved training facility and successfully pass all four courses with a minimum score of 80%. Once certified, CPQCIs are required to renew their certification every three years by attending a refresher course or taking an online exam.

The cost of the certification varies between training providers but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

7. Certified Petroleum Distribution Manager (CPDM)

Certified Petroleum Distribution Manager (CPDM) is a professional certification program designed to provide the highest level of expertise in the management of petroleum distribution operations. The CPDM program is administered by the National Institute for Petroleum Management (NIPM).

The CPDM program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level requires a certain number of hours of coursework and experience in order to qualify for certification. To become certified at any level, applicants must pass an examination administered by NIPM.

Level 1 is designed for those who are new to petroleum distribution management or have limited experience in the field. It requires 40 hours of coursework and two years of experience in the industry.

Level 2 is designed for those with more advanced knowledge and experience in petroleum distribution management. It requires 80 hours of coursework and four years of experience in the industry.

Level 3 is designed for those with extensive knowledge and experience in petroleum distribution management. It requires 120 hours of coursework and six years of experience in the industry.

The cost to obtain CPDM certification varies depending on which level you are seeking certification at. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on your location and other factors such as whether or not you need to purchase study materials or take additional courses to prepare for the exam.

It typically takes anywhere from 6-12 months to complete all requirements necessary to obtain CPDM certification, depending on which level you are seeking certification at and how quickly you can complete all required courses and exams.

8. Certified Petroleum Inventory Analyst (CPIA)

Certified Petroleum Inventory Analyst (CPIA) is a professional credential offered by the American Association of Professional Inventory Analysts (AAPIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of petroleum inventory analysis. The CPIA program provides an objective assessment and certification of an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the analysis of petroleum inventories.

The CPIA program consists of two components: a written exam and a practical application. The written exam covers topics such as inventory management, product accounting, pricing, and analysis techniques. The practical application requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to analyze actual petroleum inventories using industry-standard software tools.

It typically takes approximately 6 months to complete the CPIA program, depending on the individual's pace and availability for study and practice sessions. To get certified, applicants must first register with AAPIA online or by mail. After registration, they will receive a study guide containing all the information needed to prepare for the exam and application process.

The cost for becoming certified as a CPIA is $495 USD. This includes access to AAPIA's online learning platform, which contains additional study materials such as practice tests and webinars; as well as the examination fee itself.

9. Certified Fuel Distribution System Operator (CFDSO)

A Certified Fuel Distribution System Operator (CFDSO) is a professional designation earned through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The CFDSO certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in fuel distribution system operations, maintenance, and safety.

The certification process requires an individual to successfully complete a written exam that covers topics such as fuel storage and handling, fuel quality control, fuel distribution systems, and safety regulations. The exam is offered twice a year at ASE-certified testing centers throughout the United States. To be eligible to take the exam, an individual must have at least two years of experience in fuel distribution system operations or related field.

The cost of the CFDSO certification exam varies depending on the location of the test center. Generally, it costs between $100-$200 to take the exam. It typically takes 3-4 weeks after taking the exam for results to be released.

Once an individual has passed the CFDSO certification exam, they will receive a certificate from ASE that recognizes their achievement. This certificate must be renewed every five years by taking additional exams or completing continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status.

10. Certified Tank Gauging Technician (CTGT)

Certified Tank Gauging Technician (CTGT) is a certification program offered by the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA). It is designed to provide tank gauging technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly and safely gauge tanks containing hazardous liquids. The CTGT certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance.

To become a Certified Tank Gauging Technician, applicants must complete an ILTA-approved training course. This course includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a written examination. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants will receive their CTGT certification. The training course typically takes two days to complete and costs approximately $600 USD.

Do You Really Need a Petroleum Supply Specialist Certificate?

When it comes to petroleum supply specialist certifications, the answer is not a simple yes or no. A petroleum supply specialist certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to enter the industry and gain recognition as an expert in their field. However, depending on your current experience and knowledge of the industry, you may not need a certificate at all.

For someone who has worked in the oil and gas industry for several years, they may already have the required skills and knowledge to excel in the field. They may only need to take additional courses or training to become certified. On the other hand, someone with little to no experience in the industry may benefit greatly from obtaining a petroleum supply specialist certificate. It will give them a leg up on their competition and demonstrate their commitment and expertise in this field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a petroleum supply specialist certification depends on your individual situation. If you are new to the industry and want to establish yourself as an expert quickly, then getting certified could be extremely beneficial. However, if you already have extensive experience in this area, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate at all.

Related: Petroleum Supply Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Petroleum Supply Specialist Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Petroleum Supply Specialist?

Answer: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as experience in the petroleum industry. Additionally, you may need certifications from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and other organizations for certain positions.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time depends on the certification program you choose and your level of experience in the petroleum industry. Generally, it takes between six months and two years to complete the necessary courses and exams for certification.

3. What skills do I need to be a successful Petroleum Supply Specialist?

Answer: Successful Petroleum Supply Specialists must possess strong technical knowledge of fuel supply systems, storage tanks, pumps, valves, and piping systems; excellent communication skills; strong problem-solving abilities; an understanding of safety regulations; and knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to petroleum supply operations.

4. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Most certifications require renewal every three years or so in order to remain valid. The exact details vary depending on the organization offering the certification program.

5. What types of jobs can I apply for with a Petroleum Supply Specialist Certification?

Answer: With a Petroleum Supply Specialist Certification, you can apply for jobs such as fuel system technician, tank farm operator, oil refinery technician, pipeline inspector/operator, or other related positions in the petroleum industry.