Top 10 Production Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a production supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate their knowledge, skills and expertise in their field. Certifications show potential employers that the production supervisor has the necessary qualifications to handle complex tasks, understand processes and procedures, and lead a team of workers. They can also help production supervisors stand out from other job applicants by demonstrating their commitment to professional development and mastery of their craft. Additionally, certifications may provide production supervisors with access to more job opportunities as many employers prefer candidates who have earned industry-recognized credentials.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Production Supervisors and explain how they can help advance a Production Supervisor's career.

What are Production Supervisor Certifications?

Production Supervisor Certification is a program that provides specialized training for experienced production supervisors. It is designed to help them hone their skills and develop the knowledge and expertise necessary for success in the role. The certification program consists of an online learning experience, as well as hands-on instruction and exercises. Topics covered include lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, problem solving techniques, industrial safety, and effective communication. The program also focuses on developing leadership skills, such as team building, motivating staff, and creating a positive work environment.

By obtaining Production Supervisor Certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in this field and gain valuable credentials that will make them more attractive to employers. This certification can help supervisors become better leaders who are able to run efficient operations while ensuring safety and quality standards are met. Additionally, having the certification may open up opportunities for career advancement or higher paying jobs within the same company. Ultimately, earning Production Supervisor Certification is a great way for experienced production supervisors to gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of free production supervisor certification courses offered by professional organizations. These courses can provide valuable insight into best practices and industry standards, as well as provide a stepping stone for further certifications or career advancement.

Related: What does a Production Supervisor do?

Top 10 Production Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Production Supervisor (CPS)

Certified Production Supervisor (CPS) is a certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to help production supervisors improve their production management skills and knowledge. The CPS certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in production supervision or related fields, as well as a minimum of two years of college-level education.

The CPS certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual's work experience and educational background. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory control, operations management, quality assurance, safety procedures, and cost control.

To get started with the CPS certification process, applicants must first register with APICS and pay an application fee of $195 USD. After registering, they must then take an online course that covers the fundamentals of production supervision. Once they have completed the coursework, they can then take the CPS exam. The exam costs $395 USD for members of APICS and $495 USD for non-members.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will be awarded their Certified Production Supervisor credential which is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain their certification status after this period has expired, they must complete additional continuing education courses or retake the exam every three years to remain certified.

2. Certified Manufacturing Supervisor (CMS)

Certified Manufacturing Supervisor (CMS) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced manufacturing supervisors. It is offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The program is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge and abilities in areas such as safety, quality control, production planning and scheduling, maintenance, and other related topics.

The CMS program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as safety, quality control, production planning and scheduling, maintenance, and other related topics. The practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge gained from the written exam in actual work situations.

It typically takes six months to complete the CMS program from start to finish. During this time, individuals must complete both the written exam and the practical assessment. In order to become certified, individuals must pass both components with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of obtaining Certified Manufacturing Supervisor certification varies depending on factors such as location and training provider. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD for all necessary materials and fees associated with becoming certified.

3. Certified Quality Control Supervisor (CQCS)

Certified Quality Control Supervisor (CQCS) is a professional certification program developed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in quality control and assurance.

The CQCS certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as quality planning, quality assurance, quality control, and statistical process control. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass.

To become certified, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements including a minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role related to quality management or equivalent education. Candidates must also submit proof of their experience or education when applying for the certification.

The cost of the CQCS certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the cost is $299 USD; for non-members it is $399 USD. The fee includes the exam fee, application fee, and one year of membership with ASQ if applicable.

4. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead improvement projects within an organization. The CLSSGB certification is designed to help organizations improve their operational performance, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The CLSSGB certification program typically takes between 4-6 months to complete depending on the individual's prior experience and knowledge. To obtain the CLSSGB certification, individuals must successfully complete a series of courses and exams, which cover topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, project management, process improvement tools, data analysis techniques, and problem solving methods.

The cost of obtaining the CLSSGB certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $1,500-$5,000 USD. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts for corporate groups or individuals who have already completed other Lean Six Sigma certifications.

5. Certified Professional Logistics Supervisor (CPLS)

Certified Professional Logistics Supervisor (CPLS) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of logistics management principles, practices, and techniques. The CPLS certification recognizes the knowledge and experience of professionals who have achieved the highest level of proficiency in logistics operations.

The CPLS certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and a case study project. The online exam covers topics such as supply chain management, warehousing and distribution, inventory control, transportation management, and customer service. The case study project requires candidates to develop a comprehensive solution to a real-world logistics challenge. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to analyze data, develop solutions, and present their findings in an organized manner.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CPLS certification program. To get started, candidates must first register for the online exam with AST&L. After registering for the exam, candidates will receive access to study materials that can be used to prepare for the exam. Once they pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher, candidates can then begin work on their case study project.

The cost of obtaining the CPLS certification varies depending on whether you are an AST&L member or non-member; members pay $395 while non-members pay $495 for the entire program.

6. Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM)

Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the supply chain management field. The CSCM designation is awarded by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).

To become certified as a CSCM, applicants must have at least five years of experience in supply chain management or closely related fields. They must also pass an examination that covers topics such as inventory control, operations management, logistics, procurement, and customer service.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is divided into two parts: Core Concepts and Professional Practices. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. Applicants must score at least 70% on both parts of the exam in order to pass.

The cost for taking the CSCM exam varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member. For members, it costs $495; for non-members, it costs $695. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 for all applicants.

Once an applicant has passed the exam and paid all fees associated with it, they will receive their CSCM designation within four to six weeks from the date of their successful completion of the test.

7. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of maintenance, reliability, and asset management. The CMRP credential is intended to be a mark of distinction for those professionals who are dedicated to excellence in their profession.

The CMRP program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as maintenance management, reliability engineering, asset management, safety, quality, cost control, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is administered online or at testing centers around the world.

In order to apply for the CMRP certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of full-time experience in the field of maintenance and reliability or a related field; holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology; and having completed at least one SMRP-approved course on maintenance or reliability.

It typically takes about four months to prepare for the CMRP exam. Applicants should plan on studying for approximately 20 hours per week during this time period.

The cost of taking the CMRP exam varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 USD while non-members must pay $495 USD.

8. Certified Production and Inventory Management Professional (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management Professional (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the production and inventory management concepts and techniques used in today’s manufacturing environment.

The CPIM program consists of five courses, each of which must be completed before taking the certification exam. The five courses are: 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 can take up to 30 hours to complete depending on the individual’s learning style.

In order to become certified as a CPIM professional, individuals must pass all five exams with a minimum score of 70%. After passing all five exams, individuals will receive their CPIM designation from APICS.

The cost for taking the CPIM program varies depending on your membership status with APICS. For non-members, the cost is $1,250 per course or $6,250 for all five courses. If you are an APICS member then you can get a discounted rate at $995 per course or $4,975 for all five courses. Additionally there is an exam fee for each course that needs to be paid separately when registering for the exams.

Overall it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete the entire CPIM program depending on how quickly you are able to complete each course and pass each exam.

9. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM-APICS)

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM-APICS) is a professional certification program offered by APICS, the Association for Operations Management. The CPIM-APICS certification provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage production and inventory activities within an organization. It covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, purchasing, operations planning, forecasting, production activity control, quality management, materials requirements planning (MRP), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and lean manufacturing.

The CPIM-APICS certification requires passing two exams: Basics of Supply Chain Management and Master Planning of Resources. Each exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost for each exam is $295 USD ($590 USD total).

The CPIM-APICS certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on how quickly you are able to study for the exams. In order to prepare for the exams, APICS offers a variety of self-study materials including books, online courses, webinars and practice tests. Additionally, there are several APICS chapters located throughout the world that offer workshops and review classes to help candidates prepare for their exams.

10. American Society for Quality - Quality Engineer Certification (ASQ-QE).

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Quality Engineer Certification (ASQ-QE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in quality engineering. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who are responsible for quality assurance and quality control activities within their organization. The ASQ-QE certification is a valuable asset for professionals who are looking to advance their careers in quality engineering or related fields.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the process of obtaining the ASQ-QE certification. To get certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an exam administered by ASQ. Candidates must also pay a fee for the application process and the exam itself.

The cost of obtaining the ASQ-QE certification varies depending on the country in which you live, but generally ranges from $400 to $1,000 USD. This includes fees for both the application process and the exam itself. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with studying materials or attending preparation courses offered by ASQ or other organizations.

In order to become certified, applicants must first meet certain educational requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution; or having at least eight years of documented experience in quality engineering or related fields; or having a combination of education and experience that meets these criteria.

Once these requirements have been met, applicants can then register online with ASQ and submit their application along with any required documentation such as transcripts and proof of work experience. After review by ASQ staff, qualified candidates will receive an invitation to take the exam which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as statistical analysis methods, design of experiments, management principles, problem solving techniques, etc.

Once candidates have successfully passed the exam they will receive their official certificate from ASQ confirming their status as a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE). This certification allows them to demonstrate their expertise in quality engineering concepts and practices which can help them stand out from other job applicants when seeking employment opportunities or promotions within their current organization.

Do You Really Need a Production Supervisor Certificate?

Whether or not you need a production supervisor certificate depends on a few factors. First, what kind of production supervisor position are you applying for? Different positions may require different skill sets and certifications. Second, how much experience do you have in the field? If you have extensive experience in production, then a certificate may not be necessary.

However, if you don’t have any experience in the field, then a certificate can be very beneficial. It shows that you are knowledgeable about the industry and can fulfill the duties of a production supervisor. The certificate also provides evidence that you understand the principles of production management and can handle the responsibilities associated with this role.

In addition to providing evidence of your knowledge and skills, having a production supervisor certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers will be more likely to hire someone who has taken the time to complete additional training and education in their desired field.

Overall, whether or not a production supervisor certificate is necessary depends on your individual situation and goals. If it is something that will benefit your career path, then it is definitely worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Production Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Production Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Production Supervisor Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have attained the skills and knowledge necessary to oversee production operations in a manufacturing or industrial setting. It typically requires passing an exam, completing approved coursework, and/or having years of relevant experience.

2. Is the certification recognized by employers?

Answer: Yes, many employers recognize the value of this certification and may require it for certain positions. Additionally, some organizations offer their own certifications specifically tailored to their needs.

3. How long does it take to complete a Production Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The length of time required to complete a Production Supervisor Certification varies depending on the organization offering it and the individual’s prior experience or educational background. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within several months or less if all requirements are met.

4. How much does it cost to become certified?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Production Supervisor Certification varies depending on the organization offering it and may include fees for course materials, exams, and other related expenses. In some cases, employers may cover some or all of these costs as part of their employee benefits package.

5. What types of jobs can I get with a Production Supervisor Certification?

Answer: With your Production Supervisor Certification, you will be qualified for positions such as production manager, production supervisor, quality control supervisor, safety coordinator, operations manager or engineering manager in various manufacturing and industrial settings.