Top 10 Print Production Manager Certifications

Certifications for a print production manager are important for several reasons. First, certifications demonstrate a level of knowledge and skill that is necessary to be successful in the job market. They also provide potential employers with evidence that the candidate has the qualifications necessary to effectively manage a print production environment. Additionally, certifications provide employers with assurance that they are hiring someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in the field. Finally, certifications can help to distinguish a candidate from other applicants and give them an edge when competing for jobs in this highly competitive industry.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Print Production Managers and explain how they can help advance a print production manager's career.

What are Print Production Manager Certifications?

Print Production Manager Certification is a certification program offered by the Printing Industries of America. The certification is designed to provide industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage print production operations, including budgeting, cost control, scheduling, materials management, and quality assurance. This certification can help those in the print production field gain recognition for their expertise and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field. It can also help employers identify qualified candidates for open positions in their organizations. With this certification, individuals can be confident that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage print production operations. Additionally, it provides a great opportunity for career advancement as it demonstrates a high level of proficiency in an increasingly competitive field.

Pro Tip: To become a certified print production manager, it is helpful to research and understand the requirements for certification in your region. This may include completing relevant courses or attending workshops on topics such as print production management, quality control, and customer service. Additionally, having experience in the printing industry can be beneficial when working towards certification.

Related: What does a Print Production Manager do?

Top 10 Print Production Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Print Production Managers today.

1. Digital Print Production Manager Certification

Digital Print Production Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage digital printing operations. The certification is offered by the Digital Print Production Association (DPPA) and is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in digital print production management.

The certification requires completion of a two-day course, which covers topics such as digital print technology, workflow management, customer service, cost control, and quality assurance. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate from the DPPA that recognizes their expertise in digital print production management.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the location of the training but typically ranges from $500-$800. In addition to the course fee, there may be additional costs associated with travel and lodging if you are attending an out-of-town class.

To get certified as a Digital Print Production Manager, you must first complete an application form available on the DPPA website. Once your application is approved, you will be sent information about upcoming courses that meet your needs and interests. After registering for a course and paying any associated fees, you will attend two days of instruction at an approved training facility or online via video conference. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive your certificate from the DPPA recognizing your expertise in digital print production management.

2. Print Production Manager Certification Program

Print Production Manager Certification Program is a professional certification program designed for individuals who are responsible for overseeing the production of printed materials. The program provides an in-depth understanding of the entire print production process, from pre-press to post-press, including topics such as color management, pressroom operations, and digital printing.

The Print Production Manager Certification Program typically takes between six to twelve months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level and ability to dedicate time to studying and completing assignments. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as industry standards, project management, customer service, and quality assurance. Each course requires completion of a final exam in order to receive certification.

In order to get certified as a Print Production Manager, applicants must have at least three years of experience in print production or related fields. They must also submit their application along with proof of their work experience and any relevant certifications they may have obtained. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to pay a fee which varies based on the number of courses taken.

The cost for the Print Production Manager Certification Program can range from $1,500 - $4,000 depending on how many courses are taken and if any additional materials are needed for each course.

3. Certified Digital Print Production Manager (CDPM)

Certified Digital Print Production Manager (CDPM) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage digital print production operations. It is designed for those who are responsible for managing digital print production processes, such as pre-press, pressroom, finishing, and delivery. The certification program consists of three courses: Digital Print Production Fundamentals, Digital Print Production Processes and Practices, and Digital Print Production Management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CDPM certification program. During this time, individuals must complete all three courses and pass a final exam in order to become certified.

In order to get the CDPM certification, individuals must first register with an accredited provider. There are several providers offering the CDPM certification program online or through classroom instruction. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

Once registered with an accredited provider, individuals will be provided with course materials and access to online resources that will help them prepare for their exams. After completing all three courses and passing the final exam, individuals will receive their official CDPM certificate from the provider they registered with.

4. Certified Print Production Professional (CPPP)

Certified Print Production Professional (CPPP) is a certification program for print production professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the print production industry. The certification requires completion of a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of print production from pre-press to post-production.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the CPPP program, depending on the individual's commitment and dedication. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application and pay a fee of $350 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be given access to online training materials and resources which they will use to prepare for their exam.

The exam consists of two parts: an online multiple choice test, and a practical assessment where applicants must demonstrate their ability to perform tasks related to print production such as setting up a job, proofing files, and operating printing equipment. The exam must be completed within 6 months of starting the program.

Once both parts of the exam have been successfully completed, applicants will receive their CPPP certification from Printing Industries America (PIA). This certification is valid for three years before requiring renewal.

5. International Digital Print Production Manager Certification Program

The International Digital Print Production Manager Certification Program (IDPPMC) is a certification program designed to provide print professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage digital printing operations. The program is offered by the Association of Graphic Solutions Providers (AGSP), a trade association for the graphic communications industry.

The IDPPMC program consists of four courses: Introduction to Digital Printing, Digital Prepress and Workflow, Digital Printing Production Management, and Digital Color Management. Each course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of digital printing processes and technologies, as well as best practices for managing digital printing operations. The courses are available online or in-person at AGSP-approved training centers.

The program typically takes three to six months to complete, depending on how quickly you move through the courses. Upon successful completion of all four courses, you will receive your IDPPMC certification from AGSP.

The cost of the program varies depending on which method you choose to take it; online or in-person. Online courses typically range from $200-$400 per course, while in-person courses may cost up to $1,000 per course. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam at an approved testing center.

6. Certified Prepress and Digital Printing Professional (CPDP)

Certified Prepress and Digital Printing Professional (CPDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of prepress, digital printing, and digital imaging. This certification was developed by the Graphic Communications Association (GCA) in partnership with the International Digital Enterprise Alliance (IDEAlliance).

The CPDP program requires applicants to pass an online exam that tests their knowledge and skills in the areas of prepress, digital printing, and digital imaging. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as color management, file formats, image resolution, and output devices. Upon passing the exam, applicants are awarded a Certified Prepress and Digital Printing Professional certificate.

The CPDP program takes approximately six months to complete. Applicants must first register for the online exam through IDEAlliance's website. Once registered, applicants have six months to take the exam before their registration expires. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within three weeks of submitting all required paperwork.

The cost of obtaining a CPDP certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the online or in-person version of the exam. The online version costs $295 USD while the in-person version costs $395 USD.

7. Certified Master Printer (CMP)

A Certified Master Printer (CMP) is a designation given to a professional printer who has achieved the highest level of industry certification. The CMP certification is awarded by the Printing Industries of America, an organization that works to promote and advance the printing industry.

To become certified, a professional must complete an extensive course of study and pass a rigorous exam. The course covers topics such as color management, digital printing, press operations, workflow management, and more. It typically takes about two years to complete all the requirements for the CMP certification.

In order to get started on the path to becoming a CMP, individuals must first join the Printing Industries of America as members. After joining, they can then register for the CMP program and begin taking classes or self-study courses in preparation for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CMP varies depending on how you choose to pursue your studies. If you take classes through an accredited institution or use self-study materials from Printing Industries of America, you will need to pay tuition fees. You may also be required to purchase books or other materials related to your studies. Additionally, there is an application fee and an exam fee associated with taking the CMP exam.

8. Certified Digital Press Operator (CDPO)

Certified Digital Press Operator (CDPO) is a certification program offered by the Printing Industries of America (PIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of digital printing technology and processes.

The CDPO certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as digital press operation, color management, pre-press production, and troubleshooting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must have at least one year of experience in digital printing operations or related fields. They must also submit evidence of their experience, such as a resume or job history. Once approved, applicants can take the exam at any PIA-approved testing center.

The cost for the CDPO certification varies depending on the applicant’s location, but typically ranges from $150 to $200. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate and be listed in the PIA’s online directory of certified professionals.

9. Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Printing Management

Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Printing Management is a certification program offered by Adobe to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who work with digital printing technologies. This certification is designed to demonstrate expertise in the areas of digital printing, color management, workflow automation, and other related topics.

The certification process typically takes between four to six weeks to complete. To become an Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Printing Management, you must first pass the Adobe Certified Expert exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as digital printing processes, color management, workflow automation, and other related topics. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from Adobe.

In order to take the exam, you must be enrolled in an accredited college or university program or have at least two years of professional experience working with digital printing technologies. You must also be able to provide proof of your professional experience and/or educational background when registering for the exam.

The cost of taking the Adobe Certified Expert in Digital Printing Management Exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, most exams cost around $150 USD per attempt.

10. International Color Consortium Proficiency Test for Print Production Managers

The International Color Consortium (ICC) Proficiency Test for Print Production Managers is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of print production professionals. It is designed to assess the competency of individuals in areas such as color management, digital printing, workflow optimization, and press calibration. The test consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as color science, digital printing technologies, workflow optimization, and press calibration.

The ICC Proficiency Test for Print Production Managers takes approximately 3 hours to complete. To get certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country where it is taken but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

In order to take the ICC Proficiency Test for Print Production Managers, applicants must first register with an accredited testing center or online provider. Applicants will then be required to provide proof of their knowledge and experience in print production through a resume or portfolio submission. Once approved by the testing center or provider, applicants can schedule their exam and pay any applicable fees.

Do You Really Need a Print Production Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Print Production Manager certificate depends on your career goals and the requirements of the industry you are entering. If you are looking to work in a printing or production-related industry, it is very likely that employers will require some kind of certification. This could be in the form of a Print Production Manager Certificate, or it could be another type of certification related to the specific tasks associated with this type of job.

Having a certificate can show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for them to trust you with their projects. It also shows that you are serious about your career and willing to invest in yourself to ensure success. A certificate can also give you an edge over other applicants who may not have any certification in this field.

At the same time, there is no guarantee that having a Print Production Manager Certificate will guarantee you a job in this field. Employers often look at other factors such as experience, references and interview performance when making hiring decisions. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe obtaining a certificate is worth their time and money.

Related: Print Production Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Print Production Manager Certifications

1. What is a Print Production Manager Certification?

Answer: A Print Production Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates proficiency in the field of print production management. It is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an approved course of study and met the requirements for certification.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Print Production Manager?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a certified Print Production Manager include increased job opportunities, higher wages, and better job security. Additionally, it can provide a competitive edge when applying for promotions or new positions within the industry.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Print Production Manager?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a Print Production Manager varies depending on the program chosen and individual progress. In general, most programs require at least one year of study and practice before certification can be achieved.

4. What type of courses are included in a Print Production Management Certification program?

Answer: Courses typically included in a Print Production Management Certification program include topics such as project management, printing techniques, design principles, production processes, customer service, cost estimation and control, industry regulations and standards, and quality assurance procedures.

5. Is there any test I have to take to become certified as a Print Production Manager?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam usually covers topics related to print production management such as project management principles, printing techniques and processes, cost estimation and control methods, industry regulations and standards, customer service strategies, quality assurance procedures etc.