Top 10 Production Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a production specialist in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and proficiency in the field. Employers look for candidates with certifications as evidence of their technical abilities, knowledge, and skills. Certifications also help to differentiate one production specialist from another in a competitive job market. They provide proof of specialized training and experience that can help set candidates apart from the competition. Additionally, certifications often come with access to industry resources and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for career growth.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various certifications available to production specialists and how they can benefit their career.

What are Production Specialist Certifications?

Production specialist certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in production management. This certification is typically offered by industry associations, such as the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), or by universities. It is designed to validate the skills of those working in production and operations roles, such as manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, inventory control specialists, and process improvement managers.

Having a production specialist certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions within the field. It also provides them with a competitive edge when seeking promotions or salary increases. Additionally, employers may be more likely to hire certified individuals due to the assurance that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen role. Furthermore, having this certification can open up opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field who may be able to provide advice or guidance on career advancement. Finally, it demonstrates commitment to professional development which can enhance an individual’s reputation within their organization or industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a production specialist certification, be sure to research the program thoroughly and ensure that it is accredited by an industry-wide recognized body. Additionally, look for programs that provide hands-on experience with current technology and processes in order to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and trends.

Related: What does a Production Specialist do?

Top 10 Production Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Production Specialists 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). It is designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities in an organization. The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as demand management, procurement and supplier planning, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, master scheduling, sales and operations planning, performance measurements, quality control, and continuous improvement.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CPIM program. To obtain the certification you must pass two exams: the Basic Exam and the Advanced Exam. The Basic Exam covers topics from all five courses while the Advanced Exam covers topics from four of the courses.

The cost of obtaining CPIM certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of APICS. For members it costs $1,295 for both exams while for non-members it costs $1,595 for both exams.

2. 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 help individuals develop their knowledge and skills related to production and inventory management.

The CPIM-F certification is based on the body of knowledge developed by APICS, which covers topics such as supply chain management, operations management, production planning and control, inventory management, quality management, and more. The 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 requires passing an exam in order to receive certification.

In order to get the CPIM-F certification, you must first complete all five courses within two years. After completing the courses, you must pass all five exams with a score of 70% or higher in order to be certified.

The cost for the CPIM-F certification varies depending on how you choose to take the courses. If you choose to take them online or through self-study materials such as books or videos, then it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 total. If you choose to take classes at an APICS training center or through an educational institution that offers them then it will cost around $2,500-$3,500 total.

Overall the CPIM-F certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in production and inventory management as it provides a comprehensive understanding of these topics that employers look for when hiring candidates for these positions.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to provide supply chain professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage global supply chains. The CSCP certification requires a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management best practices, including strategic planning, sourcing and procurement, operations and logistics, customer service, sales and marketing, risk management, financial analysis, technology integration and sustainability.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online learning system; a three-day classroom course; and an exam. The online learning system is self-paced and consists of twelve modules that cover topics such as global supply chain strategy, customer relationship management, transportation management systems and more. The classroom course provides additional instruction on the topics covered in the online learning system as well as real-world case studies. The exam must be taken at an approved testing center and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

The entire program takes approximately 18 months to complete from start to finish. To get started with the CSCP program you must first register for the program through ASCM's website. Registration costs $995 USD for members or $1,295 USD for non-members. After registering you will gain access to the online learning system which can be completed at your own pace. Once you have completed all twelve modules you can then register for the three-day classroom course which costs an additional $1,495 USD for members or $1,795 USD for non-members. Finally you can take the exam at an approved testing center which costs another $695 USD for members or $995 USD for non-members.

4. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP-APICS)

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP-APICS) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates the holder’s knowledge and understanding of the supply chain management process. It is designed to help professionals evaluate, develop, and implement efficient strategies for global supply chain activities.

The CSCP-APICS certification program consists of three components: a comprehensive exam, a professional development program, and a recertification process. The exam covers topics such as supply chain design and operations, customer relationship management, inventory management, logistics and transportation, sourcing/procurement, technology enablement, and performance measurement.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSCP-APICS certification program. During this time period, candidates must complete the following steps:

1. Register for the CSCP-APICS exam through APICS' website or through one of its authorized testing centers.

2. Complete the online learning system which includes interactive modules on various topics related to supply chain management.

3. Take the CSCP-APICS Exam at an approved testing center or online via remote proctoring services.

4. Receive your official score report from APICS within two weeks after taking the exam.

5. Upon passing the exam with a minimum score of 70%, you will be awarded your CSCP-APICS certification status by APICS and receive your official certificate in the mail within four weeks after passing the exam.

The cost of obtaining your CSCP-APICS certification varies depending on which registration option you choose (e.g., self-study vs classroom). Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for all materials needed to prepare for and take the exam (including membership fees).

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective Six Sigma practitioner. The certification is awarded by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires completion of a three-day training course, which covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and project management. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering the material from the training course.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must have a minimum of two years of experience in quality management or related fields. You must also have completed an approved Six Sigma Green Belt training program. There are many different providers that offer these courses, so it is important to do your research before enrolling in one. It typically takes around two weeks to complete the training program and pass the exam.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the provider and type of program you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

6. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead projects and teams in the implementation of Six Sigma initiatives.

The certification process typically takes between two and three months, depending on the individual’s availability and commitment to study. Most people complete their training within this time frame, however some may take longer if they need additional practice or require more time for studying.

To become certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, an individual must complete a series of courses, exams, and assessments. These courses are typically offered by accredited organizations such as ASQ (American Society for Quality) or IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification).

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for all course materials, exams and assessments required for certification.

7. Lean Manufacturing Certification

Lean Manufacturing Certification is a certification program designed to help organizations improve their operational efficiency and reduce waste. It is based on the Lean methodology, which focuses on eliminating waste in order to increase customer value while reducing costs. The certification program provides training and guidance on how to implement the Lean methodology in your organization.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of certification you are seeking and the number of courses you wish to take. Generally, it takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for certification.

To become certified, individuals must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as Lean principles, process improvement techniques, problem-solving approaches, and implementation strategies. Additionally, they must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The cost of Lean Manufacturing Certification varies depending on the type of coursework required and the institution offering it. Generally, courses range from $500-$2,000 per person, with exams costing an additional fee.

8. Quality Engineer Certification

Quality Engineer Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and experience of a quality engineer. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in quality engineering principles, processes, and practices. The certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and is recognized globally as a mark of excellence in the field of quality engineering.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as statistical process control, design of experiments, root cause analysis, and other quality engineering principles. After passing the exam, applicants must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in quality engineering projects. This portfolio must include documentation of at least three years of work experience related to quality engineering.

The cost of obtaining Quality Engineer Certification varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $300-$600 USD. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam or submitting your portfolio for review.

9. Master Production Scheduler Certification

Master Production Scheduler Certification is a certification program that is offered by the APICS (Association for Operations Management). It is designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production scheduling in a manufacturing environment. The certification covers topics such as planning, scheduling, inventory management, capacity planning, and more.

The certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. To get certified, you must first pass an online exam that covers the core principles of production scheduling. After passing this exam, you will then be required to complete an additional 8 hours of coursework or training related to production scheduling.

Once you have completed all of the requirements, you will be eligible to receive your Master Production Scheduler Certification from APICS. The cost for the certification varies depending on the type of membership you hold with APICS; however, it typically ranges from $400-$800 USD.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to successfully manage projects of any size, in any industry.

To become a PMP, individuals must have at least three years of project management experience and 35 hours of formal project management education. They must also pass an exam administered by the PMI. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers five areas: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

The process of becoming a PMP typically takes several months. Individuals must first register with the PMI and then complete their application for the certification. Once approved, they can schedule their exam date with a testing center near them.

The cost to become a PMP varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 USD for the application fee plus $405 USD for the exam fee ($960 USD total). For members, it costs $405 USD for the application fee plus $375 USD for the exam fee ($780 USD total).

In addition to these fees, individuals may need to purchase study materials such as books or online courses to prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Production Specialist Certificate?

When it comes to making a career in the production industry, having a Production Specialist Certificate can be an invaluable asset. This certification can open up doors to new opportunities and show potential employers that you are serious about your craft and have the knowledge and skill set needed for the job. It can also help you stand out from other applicants by demonstrating that you have taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications.

However, whether or not you need a Production Specialist Certificate depends on your individual circumstances. If you already have extensive experience in the field and are confident in your skills, then it may not be necessary for you to take this extra step. On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the industry or lack experience, then having this certificate could give you an edge over other applicants and show employers that you are committed to furthering your knowledge and honing your craft.

Ultimately, obtaining a Production Specialist Certificate is an important decision that should be based on your own career goals and aspirations. If it is something that can help propel your career forward and give you a competitive edge, then it may be worth considering investing in one. However, if it isn’t necessary for your particular situation, then there is no need to force yourself into taking this path.

Related: Production Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Production Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Production Specialist Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional's knowledge and skills in production operations, technology and processes. It demonstrates expertise in areas such as production planning, scheduling, materials management, quality control and cost management.

2. Who should pursue a Production Specialist Certification?

Answer: Anyone who works in the production industry or has experience in production operations and management can benefit from obtaining a Production Specialist Certification. This includes professionals such as manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, managers and directors.

3. What are the benefits of having a Production Specialist Certification?

Answer: Having a Production Specialist Certification allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers. It also provides you with the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and processes used in production operations, which can help you advance your career. Additionally, it can increase your earning potential by increasing your employability for higher-level positions.

4. How do I become certified as a Production Specialist?

Answer: To become certified as a Production Specialist, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). You must also have at least three years of relevant work experience or have completed an approved training program in order to be eligible for the exam.

5. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on several factors including how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam, your prior experience and training in production operations and how quickly you are able to pass the required examination(s). Generally speaking, it can take between 3-6 months to complete all requirements and obtain certification depending on these factors.