Top 11 Process Operator Certifications

Certifications are important for process operators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. Certified process operators can show potential employers that they have the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in the role. Certifications also provide recognition from industry experts, which can help a process operator stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education opportunities, which allow process operators to stay up-to-date with current trends and technological advances in their field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Process Operators and explains how they can help to enhance a process operator's career.

What are Process Operator Certifications?

Process Operator Certification is a professional certification that provides validation of an individual’s knowledge and skills in the operation of industrial process equipment. It is designed to help ensure that personnel operating process equipment have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely perform their duties. This certification can be used to demonstrate competence for employers, customers, and regulatory authorities.

Process Operator Certification helps employers by providing assurance that personnel are adequately trained in the safe operation of process equipment. It also provides potential customers with assurance that certified personnel have been trained in accordance with industry standards, helping them to make informed decisions on which company they should trust with their operations. Finally, it helps regulatory authorities by providing proof of compliance with applicable safety regulations.

Overall, Process Operator Certification is an invaluable tool for both employers and employees alike, helping to ensure safe and efficient operations across a variety of industries.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certification requirements for the process operator position you are interested in. Different certifications may require different levels of education and experience, so it's important to know what you need to be eligible before applying. Additionally, many certifications have recertification requirements which must be met in order to maintain your certification status.

Related: What does a Process Operator do?

Top 11 Process Operator Certifications

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

1. Certified Process Operator (CPO)

Certified Process Operator (CPO) is a professional certification program that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the operation of industrial process equipment. The certification is designed for experienced operators and technicians who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

The CPO program consists of two parts: a written examination and an online practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as safety, process control, operations management, instrumentation, and troubleshooting. The online practical assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to solve problems related to industrial processes.

To become certified as a CPO, applicants must pass both the written exam and the online practical assessment with a score of 70% or higher. The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

The cost of the CPO certification program varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

2. Certified Plant Operator (CPO)

A Certified Plant Operator (CPO) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the operation of industrial plants. This certification is designed to ensure that plant operators have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate and maintain industrial equipment. The CPO certification is administered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

To become a Certified Plant Operator, individuals must complete a comprehensive training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, students learn about safety protocols, proper maintenance techniques, process control systems, and other topics related to plant operations. After completing the program, applicants must pass a written exam administered by NICET in order to receive their CPO certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPO certification varies depending on the institution offering the training program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000-$5,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the NICET exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if you choose to take it at an off-site location.

Overall, becoming a Certified Plant Operator can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in plant operations and increase your career prospects in this field.

3. Certified Production Technician (CPT)

Certified Production Technician (CPT) is a national certification program developed by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). It is designed to provide industry-recognized credentials for individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required to become a successful production technician. The CPT certification is based on an industry-defined and nationally portable set of standards that measure key skills and knowledge needed for production technicians in advanced manufacturing.

The CPT certification program consists of two parts: Core and Advanced Modules. The Core Module covers topics such as safety, quality practices, manufacturing processes and maintenance awareness. The Advanced Modules cover topics such as automation, robotics, troubleshooting, and process improvement.

It typically takes about 6-9 months to complete the CPT program depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, individuals must first pass the Core Module assessment with a score of 70% or higher. Once they have passed the Core Module assessment, they can then move onto the Advanced Modules assessments. After passing all four Advanced Modules assessments with a score of 70% or higher, individuals are eligible for CPT certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take your classes and assessments from but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD for both modules combined.

4. Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial control systems.

To obtain the CCST certification, an individual must pass an exam administered by ISA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as instrumentation and process control systems, safety systems, system architecture and communication protocols. The exam is typically three hours long and must be taken at an authorized testing center.

The cost for taking the CCST exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CCST certificate from ISA.

In order to maintain your certification status, you must complete continuing education requirements every three years. This includes attending approved training courses or workshops related to industrial automation or control systems technology.

5. Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is an internationally recognized certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of automation and control systems. The CAP certification demonstrates that the holder has a broad understanding of automation principles, practices, and applications.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CAP exam. This includes completing self-study courses, attending training seminars, and taking practice exams.

To get the CAP certification, you must pass a three-hour written exam that covers topics such as system architecture and design; instrumentation and control systems; process control; safety systems; programming languages; communication protocols; data acquisition and analysis; industrial networks; maintenance management; project management; system integration and troubleshooting.

The cost of the CAP exam varies depending on your location, but it typically ranges from $400-$800 USD.

6. Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM)

Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) is a professional certification program designed to help industrial maintenance mechanics demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of industrial maintenance. The CIMM certification is offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The CIMM certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, mechanical systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, welding, and machine repair. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible to take the CIMM exam, applicants must have at least two years of verifiable work experience in industrial maintenance or a related field.

To obtain the CIMM certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their work experience and payment of the applicable fees. The application fee is $150 USD plus any applicable taxes. Once approved by NCCER, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. After successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CIMM certificate within four weeks.

The cost of taking the CIMM exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

7. Certified Instrumentation and Control Technician (CICT)

Certified Instrumentation and Control Technician (CICT) is a certification program offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the installation, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of instrumentation and control systems. The CICT certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to professional development and excellence in the field.

The CICT certification requires applicants to take an exam that covers topics such as basic electrical principles, process control theory, instrumentation and control systems design, operation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of safety procedures related to working with these systems.

The exam typically takes two hours to complete and can be taken at any ISA-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must pay an additional fee for the CICT certificate which is typically around $100 USD.

In order to maintain their certification status, CICT holders must complete continuing education credits every three years or retake the exam every five years.

8. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is a non-profit organization that provides certification programs for individuals working in engineering technology fields. NICET certifications are recognized by employers, professional organizations, and state licensing boards as evidence of an individual’s knowledge and experience in their field.

NICET offers four levels of certification: Level I, Level II, Level III, and Level IV. Each level requires the completion of a different set of examinations that assess an individual’s knowledge and understanding of engineering technology principles and practices. The amount of time required to complete each level varies depending on the individual’s background and experience.

To become certified through NICET, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements for the desired certification level. This includes having the appropriate education or work experience in their field as well as passing a criminal background check. After meeting these requirements, individuals can register to take the necessary examinations online or through a paper application.

The cost to take each examination varies based on the certification level being pursued but typically ranges from $100-$200 per exam. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee associated with maintaining your NICET certification which is typically around $50-$75 per year.

9. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a professional organization that advances the art, science, and practice of mechanical engineering. It was founded in 1880 and has over 130,000 members in more than 150 countries. ASME works to promote the technical, educational, and professional development of its members and to advance the knowledge and skills related to mechanical engineering.

To become an ASME member, individuals must meet certain requirements such as having a degree in engineering or technology from an accredited college or university. The application process typically takes two to four weeks to complete.

The cost of membership depends on the type of membership you choose. There are several types of memberships available including student, regular, senior, honorary, life-time, corporate and international memberships. Student membership is free while regular membership costs $110 per year for US residents and $130 per year for non-US residents. Senior membership is discounted at $75 per year for US residents and $95 per year for non-US residents. Life-time membership costs $1125 for US residents and $1350 for non-US residents. Corporate and international memberships are priced differently based on the number of employees belonging to the company or organization applying for membership.

In addition to providing access to various benefits such as discounts on publications, conferences and events; networking opportunities; career resources; professional development programs; certification programs; publications; awards; scholarships; grants; etc., ASME also offers certifications such as Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), etc., which can be obtained by passing an exam after completing certain requirements such as completing courses or work experience in specific areas related to manufacturing engineering or quality assurance/control engineering.

10. International Society of Automation (ISA)

The International Society of Automation (ISA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of automation engineering. It was founded in 1945 and has since grown to over 30,000 members worldwide. ISA provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for its members.

It takes approximately one month to become an ISA member after submitting the membership application form and paying the annual dues. The annual dues vary depending on the type of membership chosen, but range from $50 - $200 USD per year.

To become a member of ISA, you must first fill out an online application form which can be found on their website. After completing the form, you will need to pay your annual dues by credit card or check. Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to access your member benefits.

In addition to providing educational resources and networking opportunities for its members, ISA also offers certifications in various areas of automation engineering such as process control systems, instrumentation systems, industrial networks, and machine automation systems. To obtain these certifications, you must pass an exam administered by ISA and pay a fee ranging from $100 - $400 USD per certification exam.

11. American Petroleum Institute (API).

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a trade association that represents the oil and natural gas industry in the United States. API works to influence public policy, develop industry standards, and promote safe and environmentally sound operations. API also provides certification programs for individuals working in the oil and gas industry.

It can take up to two weeks for an individual to receive their API certification after submitting their application. To get certified, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having a minimum of four years of experience in the oil and gas industry or passing an exam administered by API. Applicants must also submit a fee with their application; fees vary depending on the type of certification being sought but typically range from $50-$200.

Do You Really Need a Process Operator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are looking to work in a process-related field, such as a chemical plant or refinery, it may be beneficial to have a Process Operator Certificate. This certification demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently operate process-related equipment. It can also provide an advantage when applying for jobs in the industry.

In some cases, having a Process Operator Certificate is required by law or company policy. For example, many companies require their operators to have a Certificate of Qualification (CQ) from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). This certification is designed to ensure that operators have the necessary knowledge and experience to safely perform operations within their facilities. Additionally, some states require operators to hold certain certifications in order to legally work in certain industries.

Finally, having a Process Operator Certificate can help increase your job prospects and salary potential. Employers often prefer hiring candidates with credentials that show they are knowledgeable about process operations and safety protocols. Additionally, having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession and may make you more competitive against other applicants for open positions.

Overall, whether or not you need a Process Operator Certificate depends on your career goals and the requirements of your employer or state laws. If you are looking for employment in a process-related field, it is likely worth considering obtaining one as it could give you an edge over other applicants and potentially lead to higher salaries down the line.

Related: Process Operator Resume Examples

FAQs About Process Operator Certifications

1. What is a process operator certification?

Answer: Process operator certification is a credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to operate industrial processes. It is typically required for those working in chemical, petrochemical, and other related industries.

2. What qualifications are needed to become a certified process operator?

Answer: Generally, applicants must have completed at least a high school diploma or GED, possess basic math and science skills, demonstrate mechanical aptitude, and undergo training specific to their industry. Depending on the employer's requirements, additional education or experience may be necessary.

3. How long does it take to become a certified process operator?

Answer: The amount of time needed to complete the certification process varies depending on the individual's prior experience and education level. However, most certifications can be achieved within several months with sufficient study and practice.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified process operator?

Answer: Becoming certified demonstrates an individual's commitment to safety and quality standards in their field; this can lead to higher wages and more job opportunities than those without certification. Additionally, some companies provide tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking certification in order to further their career development.

5. How much does it cost to become a certified process operator?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the type of program chosen as well as any additional training that may be required by the employer; however, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD or more depending on the scope of instruction provided.