Top 11 Production Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a production manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has particular knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the role. Certifications provide tangible evidence that an individual is qualified for a position, helping them stand out from other applicants who may not have the same credentials. Additionally, certifications can often lead to higher salaries, as employers recognize their value. Finally, certifications can open up new career opportunities, as they can make an individual more attractive to certain employers or industries.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Production Managers and explains how they can contribute to a production manager's career, helping them reach their professional goals.

What are Production Manager Certifications?

Production manager certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have met specific requirements to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the production management field. This certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field of production management, allowing them to stand out from other job candidates and gain an edge in the competitive job market. With this certification, employers can be sure that they are hiring qualified professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of production management.

This certification also allows employers to identify those individuals with the highest level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to production management. Having a certified production manager on staff ensures that operations run smoothly and efficiently, as well as providing cost savings through improved efficiency and productivity. In addition, having a certified production manager on staff provides employers with peace of mind knowing that their employees are knowledgeable about all aspects of production management and able to effectively manage projects from start to finish.

Pro Tip: When considering a production manager certification, be sure to research the certifying organization to ensure that it is accredited and recognized by industry professionals. Additionally, always check for any prerequisites or continuing education requirements to maintain the certification.

Related: What does a Production Manager do?

Top 11 Production Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Production 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). The CPIM program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course must be completed in order to earn the CPIM designation.

In order to get the CPIM designation, you must pass all five exams associated with the program. Each exam takes approximately three hours to complete. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all five courses and exams.

The cost of the CPIM program varies depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 - $2,000 USD for the entire program including registration fees, materials costs, exam fees and any other associated costs.

Once you have successfully completed all five courses and passed all five exams, you will receive your official CPIM designation from APICS. This certification is valid for three years after which time you will need to renew it in order to maintain your status as a Certified Production and Inventory Manager.

2. Certified Associate in Production and Inventory Management (APICS-CAPIM)

The Certified Associate in Production and Inventory Management (APICS-CAPIM) is a professional certification offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). This certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage production and inventory operations. The APICS-CAPIM program offers a comprehensive approach to production and inventory management, covering topics such as supply chain strategy, purchasing, material requirements planning, inventory control, capacity planning, quality assurance, lean manufacturing, and more.

The APICS-CAPIM program consists of three courses: CPIM Part 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management; CPIM Part 2: Strategic Management of Resources; and CPIM Part 3: Execution and Control of Operations. Each course includes an online exam that must be completed with a passing score in order to receive the certification. The courses can be taken either online or in person at an APICS training center.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three courses for the APICS-CAPIM certification. However, some individuals may need longer or shorter time frames depending on their individual learning styles and schedules.

The cost for the APICS-CAPIM program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person at an APICS training center. Online courses typically range from $1,000-$2,000 while in-person classes range from $2,500-$3,500. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $50 for the exam registration fee which must be paid before taking any exams.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), an international organization that sets standards for project management. The PMP credential is designed to demonstrate a mastery of project management skills and knowledge. It requires applicants to have at least three years of experience leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 61%. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $405 and $555 USD.

To apply for the PMP certification, you must first register with PMI and submit an application. You will need to provide proof of your professional experience, educational background, and training in project management. After submitting your application, you will receive an email from PMI confirming your eligibility for the exam. Once approved, you can schedule your exam date online or by phone.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be required to pay an annual fee in order to maintain your certification status. This fee ranges from $60 to $150 USD depending on your membership level with PMI.

4. Six Sigma Green Belt

Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to become certified Six Sigma professionals. It is a process improvement methodology used by organizations to reduce costs, improve customer service, and increase efficiency.

The Six Sigma Green Belt certification program typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete. The program covers topics such as project management, statistical analysis, problem solving, and process improvement. Participants learn how to identify problems in processes and develop solutions that are effective and efficient.

To become a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must complete an approved training program or pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). The cost of the training or exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000-$3,000 USD.

Once certified, individuals can use their new skills and knowledge to help organizations achieve their goals through process improvement initiatives. They can also pursue higher levels of certification such as Black Belt or Master Black Belt.

5. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage global supply chain activities. The CSCP program focuses on teaching best practices in supply chain management, including topics such as customer relations, demand planning, inventory control, and transportation.

The CSCP program consists of three courses that must be completed within 18 months: Principles of Supply Chain Management, Optimizing the Supply Chain, and Execution and Control of Operations. Each course is approximately 10 hours long and can be taken online or in-person.

To become certified, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all three courses. The exam takes four hours to complete and costs $695 USD for APICS members or $995 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CSCP certification from APICS.

6. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program designed to teach professionals how to use the Lean Six Sigma methodology to improve processes, reduce waste and increase efficiency. This certification is highly sought after by employers in many industries because it demonstrates an individual's ability to identify problems and develop solutions.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program typically takes between four and six weeks of intensive training. During this time, participants learn the principles of Lean Six Sigma, including the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process that is used to improve processes. They also learn how to use statistical analysis tools such as SPC (Statistical Process Control) and FMEA (Failure Mode Effects Analysis). In addition, they receive instruction on problem solving techniques such as brainstorming and root cause analysis.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality or the International Association for Six Sigma Certification. The cost of the exam varies depending on the organization administering it but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a project that applies Lean Six Sigma principles. This project should be completed within one year of completing the training course in order for certification to be granted.

7. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality engineering. The CQE credential is highly valued by employers and can lead to career advancement opportunities.

It typically takes about six months of preparation to pass the CQE exam. To become eligible, you must have at least eight years of relevant work experience, including four years in a quality-related field. You must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of formal education in quality-related topics.

To get the CQE certification, you must first apply to ASQ and submit your application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of work experience. Once your application has been approved, you will be given access to study materials and can register for the exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, product reliability and more.

The cost of the CQE certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, the cost is $649 USD while members pay $499 USD.

8. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor is a certification program designed to assess the understanding and skills of individuals who are responsible for auditing quality management systems. It is based on the ISO 9001 standard, which is an international quality management system standard.

The ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification requires successful completion of a training course and passing an exam. The duration of the training course varies depending on the provider, but it typically takes between five and seven days. The cost of the training course also varies depending on the provider, but it usually ranges from $2,000 to $3,500.

In order to be eligible for the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification, applicants must have a minimum of three years’ experience in quality management or auditing. Additionally, they must possess knowledge of quality management systems and have experience in conducting internal audits.

Once applicants have successfully completed their training course and passed the exam, they will receive their ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certificate. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional training courses or taking refresher exams as required by the certifying body.

9. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in quality management, organizational excellence, and performance improvement. The CMQ/OE credential is highly valued by employers as it demonstrates a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

The CMQ/OE certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, leadership, and team development. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and has a four-hour time limit. Candidates must also have at least eight years of professional experience in quality or organizational excellence roles, with at least three years of managerial experience.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CMQ/OE exam. Preparation involves studying the ASQ Body of Knowledge (BoK), taking practice exams, attending workshops or seminars on quality management topics, reading books on the subject matter, and participating in online forums or discussion groups related to the BoK.

The cost of the CMQ/OE certification varies depending on your country of residence and whether you are a member or non-member of ASQ. In general, members pay $399 USD while non-members pay $699 USD for the exam fee alone. Additional fees may be required for study materials or preparation courses.

10. Safety Manager Certificate Program

The Safety Manager Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to help safety professionals develop and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage safety in the workplace. The program consists of three courses: Safety Management, Occupational Health & Safety, and Hazardous Materials Management. Each course is offered online or in a classroom setting and takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete.

To get the Safety Manager Certificate, you must successfully complete all three courses with a passing grade of 80% or higher. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive an official certificate from the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).

The cost of the program varies depending on whether you take it online or in a classroom setting. Online courses typically range from $500-$900 while classroom courses cost around $1,000-$2,000.

11. OSHA 30-Hour Certification

OSHA 30-Hour Certification is a certification program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide workers with comprehensive safety training. The course covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, emergency response, and workplace safety. It is designed to help employers create a safe working environment for their employees.

The OSHA 30-Hour Certification course typically takes about 30 hours to complete. The course can be taken online or in person depending on the provider. Online courses are usually self-paced and can be completed at the student’s own pace. In-person courses are typically taught in a classroom setting over the course of several days or weeks.

To get OSHA 30-Hour Certification, students must successfully complete an approved OSHA 30-Hour Course from an authorized provider. Upon completion of the course, students will receive an official OSHA 30-Hour Card that verifies their successful completion of the program.

The cost of an OSHA 30-Hour Certification course varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen (online or in person). Generally speaking, online courses tend to be more affordable than in-person courses.

Do You Really Need a Production Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a production manager certificate to become a production manager. However, having such a certification can greatly help to demonstrate your knowledge and qualifications for the role. This type of certification can provide employers with tangible evidence of your skills and abilities in the field.

Having a production manager certificate can also provide an edge when competing for job opportunities. In today’s highly competitive job market, it is essential to have something that will set you apart from the competition. A certification can be that extra boost that could get you noticed and give you an advantage over other applicants.

In addition, having a production manager certificate may make it easier for you to advance in your career. With this type of credential, employers are more likely to consider you for promotions or new roles. It shows that you have taken the initiative to further your education and stay current on industry trends and practices.

Ultimately, while having a production manager certificate is not necessary, it certainly has its benefits and could be beneficial in helping you land the job or promotion of your dreams.

Related: Production Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Manager Certifications

1. What is a Production Manager Certification?

Answer: A Production Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates the holder’s expertise in managing production operations and processes. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully lead a team of production personnel in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

2. Who is eligible for a Production Manager Certification?

Answer: To be eligible for a Production Manager Certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in production management or related fields such as engineering, operations, supply chain management, or quality assurance. They must also possess strong leadership and communication skills.

3. What topics are covered in a Production Manager Certification?

Answer: Topics typically covered in a Production Manager Certification include production planning and scheduling, inventory control systems, quality assurance methods, safety regulations and procedures, human resources management practices, cost analysis techniques, and problem-solving strategies.

4. How long does it take to complete a Production Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete a Production Manager Certification varies depending on the program chosen; however, most programs can be completed in 6 to 12 months when studying full-time.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Production Manager?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the certification program chosen; however, most programs range from $2,000-$5,000 USD for tuition fees alone (not including additional costs such as textbooks or course materials).