Top 10 Plant Controller Certifications

Certifications for a plant controller are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and proficiency in the field. They provide evidence to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to take on the responsibilities of a plant controller. Certifications also show potential employers that an individual is willing to invest time and energy into their career development, which is attractive to employers. Additionally, certifications can help plant controllers stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market.

The purpose of the article is to review certifications for Plant Controllers, and explain how they can help a Plant Controller's career growth.

What are Plant Controller Certifications?

Plant controller certification is a credential awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) that recognizes the individual’s knowledge and understanding of plant operations. It is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of controllers, cost accountants, financial analysts, and other professionals who work in or support manufacturing environments. The certification provides a comprehensive body of knowledge in areas such as cost accounting, inventory control, budgeting, forecasting, and plant operations management.

The certification helps individuals demonstrate their expertise in plant operations to employers and clients. It also can be used to help advance an individual's career by providing them with the skills needed to successfully perform their job duties. Plant controllers must understand all aspects of production processes, from raw material procurement through finished product distribution. With this type of certification, individuals are better equipped to handle the complexities of production management and meet the needs of their organization.

Additionally, having a plant controller certification can provide employers with peace-of-mind that they have hired personnel who can accurately track costs and ensure efficient operations within their manufacturing environment. This credential also serves as a valuable resource for those seeking new employment opportunities since it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional development and mastery in relevant topics related to plant operations management.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for plant controller certification in your area before beginning the certification process. Different states and regions may have different requirements and it is important to understand these in order to ensure you are meeting all necessary criteria. Additionally, make sure to keep up with any continuing education requirements that may be associated with your certification.

Related: What does a Plant Controller do?

Top 10 Plant Controller Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Plant Controllers today.

1. Certified Plant Controller (CPC)

Certified Plant Controller (CPC) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Plant Controllers (ICPC). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of plant controllers who are responsible for managing and controlling industrial plants. This certification is highly sought after by employers as it demonstrates a high level of proficiency in plant control operations.

The CPC exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as plant management, safety, maintenance, and energy management. The oral exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

To become certified, candidates must pass both the written and oral exams with a score of at least 70%. Candidates must also have at least three years of experience in plant control operations or related fields.

The cost for the CPC certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally, it costs around $500-$1,000 USD to take the exams and receive your certification.

The time it takes to become certified depends on how quickly you can study for and pass both exams. Generally, it takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification.

2. Certified Cost Accountant (CCA)

Certified Cost Accountant (CCA) is a professional designation granted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CCA credential recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in cost accounting, financial analysis, and decision support.

It typically takes two to three years to obtain the CCA credential. To qualify for the CCA exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or cost accounting. Additionally, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in accounting, finance, or business administration.

To become certified as a CCA, applicants must pass the IMA's four-hour CCA exam. The exam covers topics such as cost management systems, cost behavior analysis, activity-based costing methods, budgeting and forecasting techniques, and performance measurement systems.

The cost to take the CCA exam is $225 for IMA members and $325 for nonmembers. Additionally, there may be additional fees for study materials and preparation courses.

3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have met the educational, experience and examination requirements of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA designation provides assurance that the individual has achieved a level of competency in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support and professional ethics.

It typically takes about two years to become a Certified Management Accountant. To qualify for the CMA exam, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You must also complete IMA’s online self-study program and pass both parts of the CMA exam.

The cost to become a Certified Management Accountant varies depending on which study materials you choose. The IMA's self-study program costs $1,099 for members and $1,399 for non-members. Exam fees are $415 per part for members and $555 per part for non-members. Additionally, there are other costs associated with studying such as books, study guides, practice tests and tutoring services.

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). CPAs are licensed by the state in which they practice and must adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.

To become a CPA, you must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements, as well as obtain a license from your state board of accountancy. The educational requirement typically includes completing 150 semester hours of college-level coursework in accounting and related topics. Most states also require that applicants have at least one year of professional accounting experience prior to taking the CPA Exam.

The CPA Exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation, Business Environment & Concepts, Financial Accounting & Reporting, and Regulation. Each section is four hours long and tests candidates on their knowledge of accounting principles and practices. The exam is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) twice per year in January/February and July/August.

The cost for taking the CPA Exam varies by state but generally ranges from $800-$1,200 depending on the number of sections taken at once. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining a license from your state board of accountancy.

5. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The CGMA designation is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in management accounting, financial management, and strategic management.

It takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CGMA designation. To get it, you must first become a member of AICPA or CIMA and then pass an exam. You must also complete at least three years of relevant work experience and demonstrate your commitment to continuing professional development.

The cost of becoming a CGMA varies depending on which organization you join. For AICPA members, there is an initial application fee of $50 plus an annual membership fee that ranges from $150 to $250 depending on your membership level. For CIMA members, there is an initial application fee of £70 plus an annual subscription fee that ranges from £100 to £200 depending on your membership level.

6. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors and demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field. The CIA designation is highly sought after by employers, as it signifies that an individual has met a rigorous set of standards and has obtained specialized knowledge in the areas of risk management, control, and governance.

The CIA certification process consists of three parts: passing an exam, meeting experience requirements, and completing continuing professional education. To become certified, individuals must pass all three parts within five years.

In order to take the exam, individuals must first complete an application process with the IIA. After the application is approved, individuals can register for the exam and pay a fee of $450 USD. The exam consists of four sections: Risk Management & Control; Governance & Business Ethics; Information Technology; and Financial Management & Reporting. Each section is two hours long and covers multiple topics related to internal auditing.

To meet experience requirements, individuals must have two years of professional experience in internal auditing or a related field such as accounting or finance. This experience must be verified by their employer before they can become certified.

Lastly, individuals must complete 40 hours of continuing professional education every year to maintain their certification status. This education can include attending conferences or seminars related to internal auditing or taking courses online or through universities.

Overall, becoming a Certified Internal Auditor requires significant commitment but provides many rewards in terms of career advancement opportunities and recognition from employers and peers alike.

7. Certified Financial Manager (CFM)

Certified Financial Manager (CFM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Financial Managers (ICFM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in financial management and demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence.

The CFM program consists of three levels: Certified Financial Manager (CFM), Senior Certified Financial Manager (SCFM), and Master Certified Financial Manager (MCFM). To obtain the CFM designation, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and comply with ethical standards.

The CFM exam can be taken at any time throughout the year. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as financial planning, investment analysis, risk management, taxation, and business law. The cost for the exam is $395 USD.

To obtain the CFM designation, applicants must have at least five years of experience in financial management or related fields. In addition, they must pass the CFM Exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost for obtaining the CFM designation varies depending on factors such as location and study materials used. Generally speaking, it can range from $400 to $1,000 USD.

8. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in government financial management. The CGFM designation signifies that an individual has achieved a high level of competency and knowledge in the field of government financial management.

The CGFM program consists of three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting, and Governmental Financial Management. Each exam must be passed with a score of 70% or higher. The exams are administered by Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all three exams and earn the CGFM designation. However, some individuals may be able to complete it in less time depending on their prior experience and knowledge base.

To get the CGFM designation, you must first become a member of AGA and pay the membership fee ($150). You will then need to register for each exam separately at Prometric Testing Centers ($125 per exam). Finally, you will need to submit your application for certification once you have passed all three exams ($100).

In total, it costs approximately $500-$550 to obtain the CGFM designation.

9. Certified Professional Controller (CPC-P)

Certified Professional Controller (CPC-P) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Controllers (ICPC). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of professional financial controllership. The CPC-P program provides a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful performance as a professional controller.

The CPC-P certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and an onsite practical evaluation. The online exam covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statement analysis, internal controls, budgeting, cost management, and more. To pass the online exam, candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher.

The onsite practical evaluation consists of three components: an interview with a panel of subject matter experts; a written case study; and an oral presentation. The panel evaluates candidates’ ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Candidates must demonstrate their understanding of the concepts covered in the online exam and demonstrate their ability to think critically about complex business problems.

The entire certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete. Candidates are encouraged to begin preparing for the CPC-P certification process at least six months prior to taking the exams.

The cost for obtaining the CPC-P certification varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

10. 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 individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of business analysis. CBAP certification is intended to provide recognition for experienced business analysts, as well as to encourage continued development and learning.

In order to earn the CBAP designation, an individual must meet certain criteria related to their education, experience, and training. To qualify for the CBAP exam, applicants must have at least 7500 hours of business analysis work experience over the past 10 years. This work experience must include at least 900 hours of each of the following areas: requirements planning & management, enterprise analysis, requirements elicitation & analysis, solution assessment & validation, and supporting techniques. Applicants must also hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent and complete 21 hours of professional development within the last four years.

The CBAP exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that are spread across six domains: business analysis planning & monitoring; enterprise analysis; requirements life cycle management; strategy analysis; requirements elicitation & collaboration; and solution evaluation & validation. The exam is administered online through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. The cost for taking the exam is $325 USD per attempt.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the CBAP exam depending on an individual's prior knowledge and experience in business analysis. During this time it is recommended that applicants review study materials provided by IIBA such as their BABOK Guide and practice exams available from third-party vendors. Additionally, applicants should consider attending workshops or courses offered by IIBA or other organizations in order to gain additional knowledge in specific areas related to business analysis.

Do You Really Need a Plant Controller Certificate?

No, you do not need a Plant Controller Certificate in order to be successful as a plant controller. While a Plant Controller Certificate may provide additional knowledge and insight into the job, it is not necessary. In fact, many employers prefer that their plant controllers have actual experience in the field rather than just the certification.

Having said that, if you are interested in advancing your career or gaining more recognition as a plant controller, then having a Plant Controller Certificate could be beneficial. It will demonstrate to employers that you have taken time to learn about the job and have invested in your own development. Additionally, it may open up opportunities for promotions or higher-paying positions with other companies as well.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not obtaining a Plant Controller Certificate is worth it for your particular situation and goals. If you believe that this type of certification can help you reach your goals faster and more efficiently, then it may be worth considering. However, if you feel confident enough in your skillset without the certificate, then there is no need to pursue one at this time.

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FAQs About Plant Controller Certifications

1. What is a plant controller certification?

A plant controller certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of controlling and managing production processes in manufacturing facilities. It also validates an individual’s ability to implement measures to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.

2. Who should pursue a plant controller certification?

Individuals who are interested in pursuing careers as plant controllers, production managers, process engineers, or other related roles would benefit from obtaining this certification. It is also beneficial for those currently employed in these positions to demonstrate their expertise and qualifications for advancement within their organization.

3. What are the benefits of having a plant controller certification?

The main benefit of having a plant controller certification is that it demonstrates an understanding of the principles and practices involved in controlling and managing production processes in manufacturing facilities. Additionally, it can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions, as well as provide greater confidence when interacting with colleagues or clients due to the increased knowledge gained through studying for the certification exam.

4. How do I prepare for a plant controller certification exam?

In order to successfully pass a plant controller certification exam, individuals should make sure they have an up-to-date understanding of industry best practices and regulations related to production processes, such as safety protocols, quality assurance standards, etc. Additionally, studying textbooks on the subject matter and taking practice exams can help familiarize individuals with the material covered on the actual exam.

5. How long does it take to earn a plant controller certification?

The amount of time needed to earn a plant controller certificate varies depending on each individual’s level of experience and familiarity with the material covered by the exam; however, most people are able to complete all requirements within 6 months or less if they dedicate enough time and effort towards studying for the exam.