Top 10 Production Control Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a production control manager in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has achieved a certain level of expertise and knowledge in their field. They provide proof that the individual has completed specific coursework and training related to their profession, which can give them an edge over other applicants who may not have taken similar steps. Certifications also demonstrate that the individual is willing to invest time and effort into continually developing their professional skills and is committed to staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices. Employers value certifications because it indicates that the production control manager is likely to be a more productive employee who can bring added value to the organization.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Production Control Managers and explain how they can benefit a production control manager's career.

What are Production Control Manager Certifications?

Production control manager certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in the field of production control. Production control managers are responsible for overseeing and managing the entire production process, from planning to delivery. They are also responsible for developing strategies and procedures to ensure efficient production processes and quality assurance.

Having this certification can help demonstrate a professional's qualifications when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry. It also provides recognition from employers of an individual's commitment to their career and shows that they have the necessary skills to perform their job effectively. Furthermore, it can provide individuals with additional career opportunities as well as access to additional resources that may be beneficial for their particular job role. Finally, having a production control manager certification can provide employers with peace of mind knowing that their employees are qualified professionals who understand the complexities involved with managing a production line.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a Production Control Manager Certification, make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. This will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for the certification exam and have a comprehensive knowledge base when it comes to managing production control operations.

Related: What does a Production Control Manager do?

Top 10 Production Control Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). CPIM is designed to help professionals in the production and inventory management field gain knowledge and skills that are essential to their success. The CPIM program covers topics such as demand management, forecasting, master scheduling, supply chain management, materials requirements planning, capacity planning, performance measurements, quality control, inventory control systems and more.

The CPIM program consists of two exams: the Basics of Supply Chain Management exam and the Master Planning of Resources exam. It takes approximately three months to complete both exams. To get certified in CPIM, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of getting certified in CPIM varies depending on your membership status with APICS. If you are not an APICS member then you will need to pay $795 for each exam ($1590 total). If you are an APICS member then the cost is reduced to $595 per exam ($1190 total). In addition to the cost of the exams there may be additional fees for study materials or online courses.

2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the global supply chain. It is offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).

The CSCP certification program takes approximately 18-24 months to complete. It consists of three parts: an online course, a final exam, and professional experience. The online course covers topics such as supply chain management, logistics, inventory control, production planning, customer service and more. The final exam is a three-hour long multiple choice test that tests your knowledge on the material covered in the course. Finally, you must have at least two years of professional experience in supply chain management to be eligible for the certification.

To get certified as a CSCP, you must register with APICS and pay the associated fees. The cost of the CSCP program varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,195 for the full program; for non-members it costs $1,495 for the full program.

3. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to identify and eliminate waste, improve process efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

How long does it take to get it? The amount of time it takes to get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification depends on the type of program you choose. Some programs can be completed in as little as two weeks, while others may take up to six months or more.

How to get it? To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you will need to complete a training program from an accredited provider and pass an exam. The training program should cover the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology, process improvement tools, project management techniques, and data analysis methods.

How much does it cost? The cost of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs range from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

4. International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Professional (IPSCMP)

International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Professional (IPSCMP) is a certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in international purchasing and supply chain management. The IPSCMP certification demonstrates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of global sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and other related topics.

The IPSCMP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as international trade law, customs regulations, global sourcing strategies, supply chain management principles, and logistics operations. Applicants must also have at least three years of professional experience in international purchasing or supply chain management.

The cost of the IPSCMP certification is $495 for APS members and $595 for non-members. This fee includes the exam fee and all study materials. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

To get the IPSCMP certification, applicants must first register with APS by completing an online application form. Once registered, applicants can purchase the study materials from APS or download them from their website for free. After studying the materials thoroughly, applicants can then schedule their exam date with APS. Upon passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their IPSCMP certification from APS within two weeks after completion of the exam.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage projects. The PMP certification is based on the PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which outlines best practices in project management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. To become certified, you must have at least 3 years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or training. You will also need to pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam.

The cost of the PMP certification depends on whether you are a member of PMI or not. If you are a member, it costs $405 for the exam fee, while non-members pay $555. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials and review courses.

Overall, obtaining your PMP certification can be a great investment in your career as it demonstrates your expertise in project management and increases your earning potential.

6. Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)

Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLTD program is designed to provide logistics professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage the transportation and distribution activities within an organization. The program covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, warehousing, customer service, transportation management, international trade regulations and more.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CLTD certification process. To get started, you must first purchase the CLTD Learning System from AST&L. This system includes a comprehensive study guide that covers all of the topics required for certification. After studying with this guide, you must then pass an online exam administered by AST&L in order to receive your CLTD certification.

The cost of obtaining the CLTD certification varies depending on which package you choose from AST&L. The most basic package starts at $799 USD and includes access to the learning system as well as one attempt at passing the online exam. Additional attempts at taking the exam are available for an additional fee.

7. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM-F)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM-F) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of production and inventory management principles. The CPIM-F certification requires an individual to pass two exams: the Basics of Supply Chain Management exam and the Master Planning of Resources exam. The Basics of Supply Chain Management exam covers topics such as supply chain fundamentals, supply chain planning, inventory management, material requirements planning, purchasing, and logistics. The Master Planning of Resources exam covers topics such as master scheduling, capacity planning, forecasting, project management, and quality control.

The CPIM-F certification program typically takes about three months to complete. To get certified in CPIM-F you must first register with APICS and pay the registration fee. Once registered you will be able to access study materials needed to prepare for the exams. After completing both exams you will receive your certificate from APICS.

The cost of the CPIM-F certification program varies depending on which type of membership you choose with APICS. The cost can range from $200-$600 USD depending on your membership level.

8. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP-F)

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP-F) is a professional certification program from the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively manage global supply chain activities.

The CSCP-F program consists of three components: an online course, an exam, and a professional development program. The online course provides comprehensive coverage of the four key areas of supply chain management: customer service, inventory management, operations, and logistics. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics as well as your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. The professional development program includes workshops and seminars that help you stay up-to-date on best practices in supply chain management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three components of the CSCP-F certification program. To get certified, you must first register with APICS and pay the registration fee. Once registered, you can begin taking the online course or attend a workshop or seminar. After completing the course or attending a workshop/seminar, you will need to pass an exam administered by APICS in order to be certified as a CSCP-F.

The cost for the CSCP-F certification depends on which components you choose to take part in:

• Online Course – $995 USD
• Exam – $695 USD
• Professional Development Program – varies depending on location

9. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) CPIM Exam

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) CPIM Exam is a certification exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of production and inventory control. The exam is administered by APICS, an international professional association dedicated to providing education, certification, and networking opportunities in the supply chain and operations management fields.

The APICS CPIM Exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers topics related to production and inventory management fundamentals, while Part 2 covers topics related to strategic management of resources. The exam is offered in both online and paper-based formats. It takes approximately four hours to complete the entire exam.

To get certified as an APICS Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), you must pass both parts of the APICS CPIM Exam with a score of at least 70%. You can register for the exam online or through your local APICS chapter.

The cost for taking the APICS CPIM Exam varies depending on where you take it. In general, it costs around $450 USD for members of APICS ($550 USD for non-members). This fee includes access to study materials such as practice tests, study guides, webinars, and other resources.

10. Association for Operations Management’s Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD-F)

The Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD-F) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It provides recognition of expertise in the field of logistics, transportation and distribution. The certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in these areas.

The CLTD-F certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory management, transportation management, warehousing, customer service and more. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in logistics or supply chain management.

The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. The cost of the exam is $495 for APICS members and $595 for non-members.

Once the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their CLTD-F certification within four weeks. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. After three years, holders must retake the exam to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Production Control Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of job you are applying for and the level of experience you have. Generally speaking, production control manager certificates can be beneficial in some cases. For example, if you are looking to apply for a role that requires a great deal of technical knowledge and experience in the production control field, having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess one.

On the other hand, if you already have years of experience in production control management and are applying for a higher-level position, then having a certificate may not be as important since your skills and expertise should already speak for themselves. In this case, employers may focus more on your professional background rather than any formal certifications or qualifications.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to evaluate their own situation and decide whether or not they need to acquire a production control manager certificate. It is important to remember that having one may give you an advantage in certain situations but it is not always necessary to secure employment in this field.

Related: Production Control Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Control Manager Certifications

1. What is a Production Control Manager Certification?

Answer: A Production Control Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential for individuals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the production control process in a manufacturing or industrial setting. The certification demonstrates proficiency in areas such as materials management, inventory control, scheduling, and cost analysis.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Production Control Manager Certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, most certifications require applicants to have at least 5 years of experience in production control management and to pass an exam administered by a professional organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or the International Quality Federation (IQF).

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time required to earn a Production Control Manager Certification varies depending on the individual's prior experience and how quickly they can study and prepare for the required exams. Generally speaking, it should take between 6 months to 1 year to become certified.

4. What is the benefit of having a Production Control Manager Certification?

Answer: Earning this certification distinguishes you from other candidates when applying for jobs in production control management roles, demonstrating your commitment to excellence in this field. It also provides employers with assurance that you have met certain standards of competence required for managing production control processes effectively.

5. Is continuing education required after earning a Production Control Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying organizations require that holders of their certifications participate in continuing education activities on an ongoing basis in order to maintain their credentials. This helps ensure that practitioners remain up-to-date with new developments and best practices within this field.