Top 10 Plant Worker Certifications

Certifications are important for plant workers in the job market because they demonstrate a worker’s commitment to their profession and provide evidence of their knowledge and experience. They can also help plant workers stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers. Certifications can also increase a worker’s earning potential by providing the opportunity to specialize in a certain area or gain additional skills, such as safety procedures or new technology. Finally, certifications can help ensure that workers have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job, thus ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Plant Workers and explain how they can help advance a plant worker's career.

What are Plant Worker Certifications?

Plant worker certification is a process of assessing and verifying the qualifications of individuals who work in industrial plants. The purpose of this certification is to ensure that all personnel working in a plant are qualified and experienced enough to perform their duties safely and efficiently. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, or deaths due to negligence or lack of experience. It also helps to guarantee that employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to produce quality products in an efficient manner. Plant worker certification can be obtained through programs offered by trade associations, government agencies, or educational institutions. These programs typically require applicants to pass both written and practical examinations that cover topics such as safety procedures, equipment operation, regulations, and environmental compliance. By achieving plant worker certification, workers can demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in their chosen field while also providing employers with assurance that they are properly trained for their job.

Pro Tip: When certifying plant workers, it's important to ensure that their training and certification is up-to-date and relevant to the specific job they will be performing. It's also important to verify that the worker has adequate experience in the field and can demonstrate a mastery of the required knowledge and skills.

Related: What does a Plant Worker do?

Top 10 Plant Worker Certifications

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

1. Certified Plant Worker (CPW)

Certified Plant Worker (CPW) is a certification program for individuals who work in the manufacturing and industrial plant environment. The CPW certification is designed to recognize and reward those who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the areas of safety, quality assurance, operations, maintenance, and engineering.

The CPW certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on assessment. The online exam covers topics such as safety regulations, quality control procedures, plant operations, maintenance processes, and engineering principles. The hands-on assessment consists of a series of practical tasks that must be completed within a specified time frame.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CPW certification process depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified as a CPW, you must first register with an accredited training provider or take an approved course from an accredited college or university. Once registered or enrolled in an approved course, you will need to pass both the online exam and the hands-on assessment in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPW varies depending on which training provider or educational institution you choose to use for your certification process. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the length and complexity of the program you choose.

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Technician (CPMT)

Certified Plant Maintenance Technician (CPMT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of plant maintenance technicians. The program is administered by the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE), a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in facilities engineering and management.

The CPMT certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in plant maintenance, including experience with preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical systems. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, pumps and motors, HVAC systems, and more.

It typically takes about two months to complete the application process for CPMT certification. To start the process, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their work experience and education. They must also pay a fee of $150 USD to cover the cost of processing their application.

Once the application has been approved, candidates will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. The exam is administered online or at select testing centers around the world. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

The cost to take the CPMT exam is $195 USD for members of AFE or $295 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPMT certificate in about four weeks.

3. Certified Plant Safety Professional (CPSP)

Certified Plant Safety Professional (CPSP) is a certification program for professionals in the field of plant safety. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of plant safety principles and practices. The program is administered by the National Safety Council, which has been providing safety training and certifications since 1913.

To become certified as a CPSP, an individual must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and demonstrate experience in the field. The courses cover topics such as hazard recognition, risk assessment and control, emergency response planning, and regulatory compliance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70%.

The process typically takes between four to six months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level. To get started, applicants must register with the National Safety Council and pay an application fee. After completing all required coursework and passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their work experience in order to be certified as a CPSP.

The total cost for becoming certified as a CPSP can vary depending on the applicant’s experience level but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes registration fees for courses and exams as well as any other associated costs such as travel or lodging expenses.

4. Certified Plant Manager (CPM)

Certified Plant Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Plant Management Association (IPMA). The CPM designation is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who are responsible for managing plant operations. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of plant management principles and practices.

To become a Certified Plant Manager, applicants must possess at least three years of experience in plant management or a related field, as well as demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and professional development. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by IPMA that covers topics such as safety regulations, quality assurance, production scheduling, cost control, environmental compliance, and employee relations.

The process of becoming a Certified Plant Manager typically takes four to six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts or certificates of completion for any relevant courses they have taken. They must also pay the required fees which range from $200 - $400 depending on the applicant’s country of residence. Once all requirements have been met and approved by IPMA, applicants will be eligible to take the CPM exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CPM certification.

5. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who specializes in the prevention of occupational illnesses and injuries. CIHs are experts in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that can lead to illness or injury. They use their knowledge of industrial hygiene principles, engineering controls, toxicology, environmental science, and other disciplines to evaluate and control workplace hazards.

To become a CIH requires passing an examination administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as industrial hygiene principles, hazardous materials management, ergonomics, toxicology, ventilation systems design and operation, air sampling techniques and instrumentation, occupational health program management, safety management systems design and implementation. The practical portion involves completing an on-site assessment of a workplace environment to identify potential health risks.

It typically takes between one to three years to prepare for the CIH exam. This includes completing coursework in industrial hygiene related topics such as toxicology or environmental science; gaining experience through internships or job-shadowing; attending workshops or conferences; reading relevant publications; taking practice exams; and studying for the actual exam.

The cost of taking the CIH exam varies depending on whether you are an ABIH member or not. For non-members it costs $1125 USD while members pay $875 USD. There are also additional fees associated with scheduling your exam date and location as well as any necessary travel expenses.

6. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification for individuals who have the knowledge and experience to manage hazardous materials in the workplace. The CHMM program is administered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

The CHMM certification requires candidates to have at least three years of full-time, paid hazardous materials management experience, or five years of part-time experience. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety and health regulations, hazardous materials transportation, emergency response planning, waste management and disposal, and environmental regulations.

To become a CHMM, applicants must first submit an application to IHMM. Once approved, they can register for the exam. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 200 multiple choice questions.

The cost of the CHMM certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of IHMM. Members pay $450 for the application fee plus $400 for the exam fee; non-members pay $600 for the application fee plus $500 for the exam fee.

7. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification is a voluntary program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide workers with safety training in general industry workplaces. The program covers topics such as hazard recognition, fall protection, machine guarding, fire safety, electrical safety, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours of instruction to complete the certification.

To get the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification, individuals must first take an approved in-person or online course from an authorized provider. The courses are typically offered over two days and include both classroom instruction and hands-on activities. After completing the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification card.

The cost of taking an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification course varies depending on where it is taken and who is teaching it. Generally speaking, online courses are less expensive than in-person classes because they do not require travel expenses or instructor fees. Prices can range anywhere from $50 to $200 per person for the course and exam fee combined.

8. OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification is a certification program designed to provide safety and health training for workers in the general industry. It is offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and provides workers with an understanding of how to identify, reduce, and prevent job-related hazards on the job. The course covers a variety of topics such as hazard identification, accident prevention, emergency response, workplace safety regulations, and more.

The OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification takes approximately 30 hours to complete. This includes completing coursework online or in a classroom setting as well as taking an exam at the end of the course. The exam must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive certification.

In order to get OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification, individuals must first register for the course through an approved provider such as an accredited college or university or an OSHA Training Institute Education Center. After registering for the course, individuals will need to complete all required coursework and take the final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification varies depending on where you take it and who is providing it. Generally speaking, courses offered through accredited colleges or universities tend to be more expensive than those offered through OSHA Training Institute Education Centers. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts for groups or veterans.

9. EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification

EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification is a certification program administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is designed to ensure that technicians who work on air-conditioning and refrigeration systems are properly trained in the safe handling of refrigerants. The certification covers four categories: Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III.

The Core category covers basic safety practices and regulations related to handling refrigerants. This includes proper labeling of containers, understanding the hazards associated with refrigerants, and knowing how to safely store and dispose of them. The other three categories cover specific types of equipment and techniques used for servicing air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

It typically takes between 2-4 weeks to obtain EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification depending on the provider chosen. To get certified, individuals must first complete an EPA approved training course offered by a third party provider such as an accredited trade school or online training program. After completing the course, applicants must then pass an exam administered by the provider in order to receive their certification card.

The cost of EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification varies depending on the provider chosen, but typically ranges from $150-$400 USD.

10. National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)

The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a credential designed to help employers assess the skills of job applicants. The certificate is issued by ACT, Inc., and it provides employers with an objective measure of an individual’s work readiness. The NCRC consists of three tests: Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information. Each test measures a different set of skills that are important in the workplace.

It takes approximately two hours to complete all three tests. The tests are administered at local testing centers or online through the ACT website. To take the tests, you must register with ACT and pay a fee which varies depending on your location.

The NCRC is valid for five years from the date it was issued. After five years, you will need to retake the tests in order to maintain your certification status.

Overall, the cost of obtaining an NCRC varies depending on where you live and how many times you have taken the tests before. Generally speaking, it costs around $50-$60 per test plus any applicable taxes or fees.

Do You Really Need a Plant Worker Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are applying for. In some cases, a Plant Worker Certificate may be required in order to perform certain tasks or duties related to plant operations and maintenance. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires you to operate heavy machinery or work with hazardous materials, then having a Plant Worker Certificate may be necessary.

However, if you are applying for a more general position such as a groundskeeper or custodian, then it is unlikely that you will need this certificate. In these cases, employers may require other certifications such as OSHA certifications or basic safety training depending on the specific job requirements.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Plant Worker Certificate really depends on the job duties and qualifications required for the position. If you have any questions about what credentials may be necessary for your particular role, it is important to speak with your employer directly so that they can provide clear guidelines and expectations.

Related: Plant Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Plant Worker Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a plant worker?

Answer: To become a plant worker, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED and complete an approved training program. Some employers may also require additional certifications or licenses, depending on the type of work being performed.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a plant worker?

Answer: The length of time required for certification varies depending on the specific requirements for each job. In general, it can take anywhere from several months to a year or more to complete all the necessary training and obtain the appropriate certifications.

3. What kind of jobs can I get with a plant worker certification?

Answer: Plant workers are employed in many different industries including manufacturing, food processing, construction and energy production. With a certification, you may be qualified for positions such as machine operator, maintenance technician or production supervisor.

4. Are there any special safety precautions I should take when working in a plant?

Answer: Yes, safety is always important in any work environment but especially so in plants where hazardous materials and machinery are present. All workers should follow proper safety protocols such as wearing protective clothing and equipment, following posted rules and regulations and reporting any potential hazards immediately to supervisors or other personnel.

5. Is there an exam I need to pass to get certified as a plant worker?

Answer: Depending on the specific requirements of your employer or state regulations, you may need to pass an exam before receiving your certification. Exams typically cover topics related to safety procedures, equipment operation and other relevant skills needed for working in plants.