Top 10 Press Brake Operator Certifications

Certifications for press brake operators demonstrate a level of expertise that is highly sought after in the job market. This can make a press brake operator more attractive to employers, as it demonstrates their commitment to ongoing professional development and their proficiency in the use of specific machines and tools. It also shows a potential employer that they are up-to-date on the latest safety regulations and procedures, which is essential for any machine operator. Certifications also provide a sense of assurance to an employer that they are hiring someone with the necessary skillset and knowledge to safely operate their machinery and equipment.

This article reviews the top certifications for Press Brake Operators and explains how they can contribute to a press brake operator's career growth.

What are Press Brake Operator Certifications?

Press brake operator certification is a program designed to ensure that operators of press brakes are properly trained and qualified to safely and effectively use the machine. It provides an industry-recognized credential for those who have demonstrated their knowledge of press brake safety and operation. Certification can help ensure that the operator is competent in the safe and effective operation of a press brake, which can help reduce workplace injuries, improve product quality, increase productivity, and reduce costs associated with damaged parts or equipment. The certification also helps employers by providing assurance that they have personnel who are knowledgeable in the use of press brakes. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction as well as increased efficiency and cost savings.

Pro Tip: Make sure your press brake operator certification is up to date and that the certification covers all of the specific tasks you will be performing. This will ensure that you are qualified to use the machine safely and efficiently, as well as provide you with a greater level of confidence in your abilities.

Related: What does a Press Brake Operator do?

Top 10 Press Brake Operator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Press Brake Operators today.

1. OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification is a program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides safety training to workers in hazardous industries. The program consists of 10 hours of instruction on topics such as hazard identification, accident prevention, fire safety, and personal protective equipment. It is designed to help employers create safe workplaces and reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

The OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification course typically takes 2 days to complete. During the course, participants learn about OSHA regulations and how to properly identify, report, and prevent workplace hazards. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive an OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification card.

To get an OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification card, you must attend a certified training provider’s class or take an online course from a reputable provider. There are many providers offering this certification at various locations throughout the country. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $50-$200 per person for the two-day class or online course.

In addition to attending a class or taking an online course, you may also be required to pass a written exam in order to receive your certification card. The exam covers topics such as hazard identification and prevention, fire safety, personal protective equipment requirements, and other relevant topics related to workplace safety.

2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.3 Certification

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.3 Certification is a certification program that is designed to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment when using hoisting and rigging equipment. It is based on ASME's B30 standards, which are the most widely accepted standards for hoisting and rigging equipment. The certification covers the design, manufacture, inspection, testing, maintenance and operation of hoisting and rigging equipment.

In order to get ASME B30.3 Certification, applicants must complete an application form and submit it to the ASME Certification Department for review. Applicants must also provide evidence of their qualifications in the field of hoisting and rigging equipment as well as proof that they have completed any required training courses or seminars related to this field.

The process usually takes between two weeks to six months depending on the complexity of the application. Once approved, applicants will receive their certificate from ASME along with a copy of their B30 standard documents.

The cost for obtaining an ASME B30.3 Certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

3. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Press Brake Operator Certification

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Press Brake Operator Certification is a certification program that tests the skills and knowledge of press brake operators. It is designed to ensure that press brake operators have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and accurately operate a press brake.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical demonstration. The written exam covers topics such as safety, machine setup, tooling selection, and operation of the press brake. The practical demonstration involves setting up the machine, selecting the proper tooling, and performing an operation on the press brake.

The entire certification process takes about 4-6 hours to complete. To get certified, applicants must first register with NIMS online or by mail. After registering, applicants will receive instructions on how to complete the certification process.

The cost of the NIMS Press Brake Operator Certification varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. Online testing costs $100 while in-person testing costs $150 plus any applicable travel expenses.

4. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder is a certification program that recognizes welders who have achieved a high level of skill and knowledge in welding. The certification is based on the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code, which sets standards for welding steel structures.

To become an AWS Certified Welder, an individual must pass the AWS Certified Welder exam. This exam consists of both written and practical tests that assess the welder’s knowledge of welding safety, codes, and techniques. The written portion is typically taken online while the practical portion requires hands-on testing with a welding machine and materials.

The cost to take the AWS Certified Welder exam varies depending on the testing center and location but can range from $200-$500 USD. It typically takes 1-2 days to complete the entire process, including taking the written test and then completing the practical test.

Once an individual has successfully passed both portions of the exam, they will receive their AWS Certified Welder certificate in about 2-4 weeks after completion of all requirements.

5. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance principles, practices, and tools. The CQT certification is designed to help organizations identify qualified personnel who can help them improve their operations and processes.

To become an ASQ Certified Quality Technician, you must pass the CQT exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, process improvement methods, problem solving techniques, and inspection techniques. You must have a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in quality assurance or related fields to be eligible to take the exam.

The cost for the CQT exam is $299 for ASQ members and $399 for non-members. The fee includes the application fee and the cost of the exam itself. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within 6-8 weeks.

To maintain your certification status, you must earn at least 30 recertification units every three years by participating in approved activities such as attending conferences or workshops, publishing articles in quality related publications, or taking courses related to quality assurance topics.

6. American Society of Metals (ASM) Certified Heat Treater

American Society of Metals (ASM) Certified Heat Treater is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the heat treating process. The certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that their employees are competent and qualified to perform heat treating operations.

To become an ASM Certified Heat Treater, applicants must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Metals (ASM). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to heat treating processes, materials, and equipment. The exam typically takes two hours to complete.

To apply for the exam, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $175. Applicants must also provide proof of at least three years' experience in the field or successful completion of a recognized training program in heat treating technology.

Once the application is approved, applicants will be sent a study guide and information on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive an ASM Certified Heat Treater Certificate and wallet card that can be used as proof of their certification status.

7. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Press Brake Operator Certification

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Press Brake Operator Certification is a credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in operating press brakes. This certification is designed to ensure that individuals who operate press brakes are knowledgeable of the safety procedures, proper techniques, and industry standards associated with this type of equipment.

To get the NCCER Press Brake Operator Certification, an individual must first complete a training program that covers topics such as safety procedures, proper techniques, and industry standards. The program typically takes between two to four days to complete depending on the complexity of the course material. After completing the training program, individuals must then pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of press brake operations.

Once an individual has completed the training program and passed the written exam, they will be issued an NCCER Press Brake Operator Certification card. The cost for this certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $150-$400 USD.

8. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Quality Management System

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Quality Management System is a set of standards designed to help organizations ensure that their products and services meet customer requirements. It is based on the principles of continual improvement, customer focus, and process-based management.

It takes around 6 months to get ISO 9001:2015 certification. The process involves developing a quality management system, implementing it, and then having it assessed by an external auditor. During the assessment, the auditor will review documents such as policies, procedures, work instructions, and records to ensure that they meet the requirements of the standard.

To get ISO 9001:2015 certification you need to hire an accredited certification body or consultant who can guide you through the process. This can be done either in-house or externally depending on your organization’s needs and resources.

The cost of getting ISO 9001:2015 certification varies depending on many factors such as size of the organization, complexity of processes, number of sites involved etc. Generally speaking though it can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands depending on the size and complexity of your organization.

9. National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) CNC Machinist Certification

The National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) CNC Machinist Certification is a program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of machinists who have achieved a level of proficiency in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining. The certification is awarded through an assessment process that includes both written and hands-on tests.

To get certified, applicants must first complete a training program that meets NIMS requirements. This can be done through a community college or technical school, or through an employer-sponsored apprenticeship program. After completing the training, applicants must then take and pass the NIMS CNC Machinist Assessment. This assessment consists of two parts: a written test and a hands-on practical exam.

The written test covers topics such as safety practices, machine setup, tooling selection and use, programming techniques, troubleshooting procedures and quality control measures. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to set up and operate a CNC machine using proper techniques and safety protocols.

The cost of the NIMS CNC Machinist Certification varies depending on the type of training program taken prior to taking the assessment. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$500 for the assessment itself plus any additional fees associated with taking the training course(s). The entire process typically takes anywhere from six months to one year to complete depending on how quickly you complete your training courses and pass your assessments.

10. Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) Certified Steelworker

The Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) Certified Steelworker is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the iron and steel industry. It is intended to be an industry-recognized credential that can help individuals gain employment or advance their careers.

In order to become AIST Certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, metallurgy, welding, heat treating, fabrication, and other related topics. The exam is administered by AIST at various locations throughout the United States. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions.

To get certified, applicants must first register with AIST and pay a fee of $125 USD. After registering, they will receive access to study materials that cover the topics on the exam. Once they have completed their studies, they can then schedule an appointment to take the exam at one of AIST's testing centers.

Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their official AIST Certified Steelworker certificate within four weeks of taking the test. They will also be listed in AIST's online directory so employers can easily find them when searching for qualified candidates for job openings in the iron and steel industry.

Do You Really Need a Press Brake Operator Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on the context in which you are asking it. If you are looking to become a press brake operator, then yes, you will need to obtain a certificate in order to work in this field. Press brake operators are responsible for operating a machine that bends and shapes metal into various forms and components. This is a highly specialized job requiring specific knowledge and skill sets. A press brake operator certificate is necessary in order to demonstrate that you have the skills and qualifications needed to safely and effectively operate the machinery associated with this job.

In some cases, employers may accept alternative forms of proof of your qualifications. This could include experience working as an apprentice or having prior experience in related fields such as welding or fabrication. However, obtaining a press brake operator certificate will provide employers with tangible evidence of your ability to do the job properly and safely.

Additionally, having a press brake operator certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who may not have one. It shows employers that you have taken the time and invested in yourself by obtaining this certification and that you are committed to doing the job right.

Overall, while it may not be absolutely essential for all roles, having a press brake operator certificate can certainly give you an advantage when applying for jobs in this field. It demonstrates your commitment to safety and excellence in your work, making you more attractive as an applicant for any potential employer.

Related: Press Brake Operator Resume Examples

FAQs About Press Brake Operator Certifications

1. What is a press brake operator certification?

A press brake operator certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the operation of a press brake machine. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to safely and accurately use the machine, as well as understand relevant safety regulations.

2. How do I obtain a press brake operator certification?

In order to obtain a press brake operator certification, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body. Training programs can typically be found through trade schools or community colleges, while certifying bodies are often industry organizations or government agencies.

3. Are there prerequisites for obtaining a press brake operator certification?

Prerequisites vary depending on the certifying body, but generally include being at least 18 years of age and having basic knowledge of mathematics and metalworking principles. In some cases, additional experience may also be required before taking the exam.

4. Is a press brake operator certification mandatory?

No, a press brake operator certification is not legally required for most positions; however, some employers may prefer or require certified operators for certain roles or tasks. Additionally, having a certification can make you more competitive in the job market and give you access to better-paying jobs.

5. How long does a press brake operator certification last?

The length of time that your certification is valid depends on the certifying body; some may require recertification every few years while others may offer lifetime validity once you have passed the exam.