Top 10 Production Coordinator Certifications

Certifications can be beneficial for a production coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a production. Certifications also provide evidence of an individual's commitment to their profession, and show that they have taken the initiative to continue learning and growing in their field. Additionally, certifications are often required for certain positions, so having one can increase an individual's chances of being hired. Finally, certifications can help build credibility with employers as they can verify that an individual's skills and knowledge meet specific standards.

This article reviews the best certifications for Production Coordinators and explains how they can help advance their careers.

What are Production Coordinator Certifications?

Production coordinator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and experience in production management. It is awarded to those who have completed an approved course of study, usually offered by a college or university, which covers the fundamentals of production coordination. This certification can help professionals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and increase their job prospects. It also allows them to stay current with industry standards and trends, as well as learn about new technologies and techniques used in production. Additionally, it serves as proof of proficiency for potential employers during job interviews.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming a production coordinator, consider getting certified by the Professional Association of Production Coordinators (PAPC). This certification will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field and can help you stand out from other applicants.

Related: What does a Production Coordinator do?

Top 10 Production Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Production Coordinator (CPC)

Certified Production Coordinator (CPC) is a certification program offered by the Production Managers Association International (PMAI). The program was designed to help production coordinators advance their careers and become more efficient in their work. It is an online-based program that can be completed in as little as 6 months.

To get certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the production industry and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as scheduling, budgeting, communication, problem solving, and other aspects of production coordination. Once certified, CPCs are recognized as having a higher level of knowledge and skill than non-certified production coordinators.

The cost for the CPC certification varies depending on the applicant's country or region. In the United States, it costs $295 to apply for the certification and $495 to take the exam.

2. Certified Production Manager (CPM)

Certified Production Manager (CPM) is a professional certification offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of production managers.

It takes approximately 6-9 months to complete the CPM program. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Production and Inventory Management, Principles of Operations Management, and Supply Chain Management. Each course requires completion of an exam with a passing score in order to receive certification.

To get certified as a CPM, you must first become a member of APICS. Membership costs vary depending on your organization type and membership level. After becoming a member, you can register for the CPM program through APICS’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

The cost for the CPM program varies depending on whether you are taking individual courses or completing all three at once. Individual courses range from $495-$795 per course, while completing all three courses together costs $1,295-$1,795.

3. Certified Project Manager (CPM)

Certified Project Manager (CPM) is a professional certification designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in project management. It is offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most widely recognized and sought-after certifications in the field.

To become a Certified Project Manager, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by PMI, which include having a minimum of three years of project management experience, 7500 hours leading projects, 35 contact hours of formal project management education, and passing an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of project management including planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

The cost for taking the CPM exam can vary depending on your region and whether or not you are a member of PMI. Generally speaking, it will cost around $400-$600 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with study materials or preparation courses if you choose to pursue them.

The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how much effort you put into studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months to prepare for the CPM exam depending on your level of experience and knowledge in project management.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program created by the Scrum Alliance to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of and commitment to the values, principles, and practices of Scrum. The CSM certification is designed to help professionals become more effective in their roles as Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and other stakeholders within a Scrum team.

The CSM certification requires that applicants attend a two-day training course facilitated by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During this course, participants learn the fundamentals of Scrum and how it can be used to deliver successful projects. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their CSM certification.

The cost for the two-day training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. Additionally, there is an annual membership fee of $100 USD required for those wishing to maintain their CSM certification status.

Once certified as a CSM, individuals are expected to adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct established by the Scrum Alliance. This includes actively participating in local user groups or other activities that promote knowledge sharing and collaboration within the Agile community.

5. Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of agile project management principles. The CAPM certification is designed to help those who are new to project management gain the skills and experience necessary to manage projects effectively.

It typically takes around 150 hours of study and preparation time in order to be eligible for the CAPM exam. This includes studying for the exam, attending training courses, and gaining hands-on experience with agile project management techniques.

In order to get the CAPM certification, you must first pass a three-hour multiple-choice exam. The exam covers topics such as agile principles, processes, tools, techniques, and best practices. You must also have at least 23 hours of formal education in project management or 1,500 hours of project experience over the past five years.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $225-$400 USD.

6. Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPPIM)

Certified Professional in Production and Inventory Management (CPPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in production and inventory management. The CPPIM certification is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s ability to manage production and inventory operations.

The CPPIM certification requires candidates to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, materials management, quality assurance, production planning, scheduling, and cost accounting. Candidates must also demonstrate experience in production and inventory management through work experience or relevant coursework.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the CPPIM exam depending on an individual’s background. Candidates should plan on spending at least 20 hours per week studying for the exam. To get the CPPIM certification, candidates must first register with APICS and then take the exam within 12 months of registering. The registration fee for the CPPIM exam is $395 USD plus applicable taxes.

7. Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution Professional (CLTD)

Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution Professional (CLTD) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLTD program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage all aspects of logistics, transportation, and distribution. It covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, warehousing operations, freight forwarding, customs regulations, global logistics strategies, transportation economics and more.

The CLTD program consists of eight modules that can be taken either online or in-person. Each module requires 10-15 hours of study time and can be completed at your own pace. Once you have completed all eight modules, you will need to pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive your certification.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CLTD program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week.

To get started with the CLTD program you will need to register with AST&L and pay a registration fee of $695 USD. This fee includes access to all course materials as well as access to an online community where you can ask questions and interact with other certified professionals. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $295 USD which must be paid prior to taking the exam.

In total, it costs approximately $990 USD for the entire CLTD certification program.

8. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Six Sigma methodology. The certification focuses on the core concepts, tools, and techniques of Six Sigma, including process improvement, data analysis, project management, problem-solving, and team dynamics.

It typically takes between two to four months to complete the training and certification requirements for CSSGB. Depending on the provider you choose to pursue your training through, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 USD.

In order to receive your CSSGB certification, you must first complete a formal course of study in Six Sigma principles and practices. This course will include lectures and discussions on topics such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, problem-solving techniques, and team dynamics. You will also be required to pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive your certification. Additionally, some providers may require you to have prior work experience in a related field or have completed other certifications before enrolling in their program.

9. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (LSSBB)

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (LSSBB) is a professional certification program designed to give individuals the skills and knowledge necessary to lead Lean Six Sigma projects and initiatives. The certification is intended for those who have experience in the Lean Six Sigma methodology, or who are looking to gain more expertise in this area.

The LSSBB program typically takes between four and six months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience. To get certified, individuals must pass a written exam and complete a project demonstrating their mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The exam covers topics such as process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, change management, and project management.

To prepare for the exam, individuals can take an online course or attend an in-person training session. Many organizations offer both options at different price points. Online courses usually cost between $500-$1,000 USD while in-person classes can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD depending on the provider and location.

Once certified, individuals will be able to demonstrate their understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and practices to employers or clients. They will also be able to use their certification as proof of competency when seeking employment or promotions within their organization.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP®)

Project Management Professional (PMP®) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after qualifications in the project management field and is recognized worldwide.

The PMP® certification demonstrates that a project manager has the knowledge and experience to successfully manage projects. It also shows that they have a solid understanding of the best practices and techniques for managing projects, as well as an ability to apply them in different contexts.

To become certified, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements and pass an exam. The educational requirements include having either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience. You must also complete 35 contact hours of project management education prior to taking the exam.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are designed to test your knowledge of all aspects of project management including scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk management and procurement. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and you must answer at least 106 questions correctly in order to pass.

The cost for the PMP® certification varies depending on your country and region but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD for members of PMI ($555 USD for non-members). In addition to this fee there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as books or courses which can range from $100-$1000 USD depending on what materials you choose to use.

Overall it usually takes between 6 months - 1 year to become certified depending on how much time you are able to devote towards studying for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Production Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A production coordinator certificate is not a requirement for most jobs in the film industry, and there are plenty of successful professionals who have never earned one. However, if you’re looking to move up in the production world or gain more credibility in the field, then a production coordinator certificate may be worth considering.

Having a certificate on your resume shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the industry and its technical aspects. It can also demonstrate that you have received specialized training in certain areas of production coordination, such as budgeting, scheduling, hiring crews, and overseeing shoots. In addition, having a certificate may make you more competitive when applying for jobs or promotions.

At the same time, it’s important to note that many employers won’t require a certificate when they hire someone for a production coordinator position. Instead, they will value experience and skills more than anything else. So even if you don’t hold a certificate in production coordination, there are still lots of opportunities available to you if you have the right qualifications.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a production coordinator certificate depends on your individual goals and ambitions within the industry. If you feel like having one would be beneficial to your career path then it could be worth pursuing; otherwise, it might not be necessary for your particular situation.

Related: Production Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Coordinator Certifications

Q1: What is a Production Coordinator Certification?

A1: A Production Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills and expertise to coordinate all aspects of film, television or video production. This includes budgeting, scheduling, casting, crewing and post-production management.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Production Coordinator?

A2: To become certified as a Production Coordinator you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the National Association of Production Coordinators (NAPC). After successful completion of both the training program and exam, you will be awarded the NAPC Certified Production Coordinator credential.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Production Coordinator?

A3: Becoming a Certified Production Coordinator provides you with industry recognition and credibility; it also demonstrates your commitment to excellence in production coordination. Additionally, it allows employers to easily identify qualified candidates for production coordinator roles.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified as a Production Coordinator?

A4: The time frame for becoming certified as a Production Coordinator depends on several factors such as how quickly you can complete the required training course and pass the exam. On average it takes between 4-6 months to complete both requirements.

Q5: What type of jobs can I get with my Certified Production Coordinator credential?

A5: Having your Certified Production Coordinator credential opens up many job opportunities in entertainment production including production assistant, assistant director, line producer and more. You may also be able to land positions in other industries that require knowledge of film/video production processes such as advertising or corporate communications.