Top 11 Production Team Leader Certifications

Certifications for a production team leader demonstrate a commitment to the industry, increased knowledge and expertise in the field, and a desire to stay ahead of the competition. Having certifications can help production team leaders stand out from other job applicants, as well as give them an edge when negotiating salaries. Additionally, certifications can be used to show employers that the individual is dedicated to their career and has taken the extra steps to become more qualified for their position. Certifications also provide proof that someone is knowledgeable about their job and can provide evidence that they have passed tests or have attended seminars or workshops related to their profession. This proves to employers that they are capable of handling any task or situation that may arise while on the job.

This article reviews the top certifications for Production Team Leaders and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Production Team Leader Certifications?

Production team leader certification is a professional accreditation program that provides an in-depth understanding of the technical and operational aspects of leading a production team. This certification helps to ensure that production teams are led effectively and efficiently, with the focus on achieving results. The certification program covers topics such as managing workflows, developing strategies, problem-solving, communication skills, leadership development and quality control.

Being certified as a production team leader gives individuals the confidence and knowledge required to successfully lead their teams. It also provides them with the necessary tools for establishing effective processes for meeting objectives. Additionally, it allows them to better understand how to motivate their team members and how to use technology to increase efficiency. Having this certification will also help employers find qualified candidates who have proven themselves to be capable of leading production teams in a variety of settings.

Pro Tip: When considering production team leader certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and find out which is best suited for your particular job role. Additionally, look into any prerequisites or additional training that may be required for the certification. Finally, consider the cost of the certification and whether or not it is worth the investment.

Related: What does a Production Team Leader do?

Top 11 Production Team Leader Certifications

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

1. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). CPIM is designed to provide professionals in the field of operations management with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage production and inventory processes. 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.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CPIM program depending on how quickly you are able to study and complete the exams. To get certified, you must first register for the CPIM program through APICS. Once registered, you will have access to all five courses which can be completed online or in-person at an approved training center. After completing all five courses, you must pass two exams in order to receive your CPIM certification.

The total cost for the CPIM program varies depending on how you choose to take it. If taking online or self-study courses, the cost is $1,495 USD plus exam fees ($195 USD per exam). If taking instructor-led courses at an approved training center, the cost is $2,395 USD plus exam fees ($195 USD per exam).

2. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead process improvement initiatives in their organization.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification typically requires a minimum of four weeks of intensive training, followed by an exam. During the training, candidates will learn how to apply Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques to identify and eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve quality and efficiency.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must complete the required training program, demonstrate mastery of the material through an examination process, and have at least three years of experience leading or participating in successful projects.

The cost for a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program varies depending on the provider. However, it typically includes tuition fees for the course materials as well as any associated costs such as travel expenses or lodging.

3. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of supply management professionals. The certification program consists of three exams that cover the core competencies of supply management, including procurement, logistics, inventory control, contract management, and supplier relations.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three exams. However, this timeline can vary depending on how much time you have available to study and your level of experience in the field.

To get certified as a CPSM, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of professional experience in supply management or related fields and passing all three exams with a score of 70% or higher. You must also agree to abide by ISM's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The cost to become a CPSM varies based on which exam package you choose. The basic exam package costs $1,295 USD and includes access to online study materials and two attempts at each exam. The premium package costs $1,595 USD and includes access to online study materials plus three attempts at each exam.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in project management. The PMP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in leading and directing projects.

To become a PMP, an individual must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass an exam. To qualify for the exam, an individual must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus 7,500 hours of project management experience or a four-year degree plus 4,500 hours of project management experience.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $405 to $555 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will receive their PMP certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending conferences related to project management.

5. 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 proficiency in quality engineering and related disciplines. The CQE credential is highly sought after in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, as it provides employers with an assurance of an individual’s knowledge and experience in quality engineering.

The CQE certification process involves passing an exam that covers topics such as quality principles, statistics, design of experiments, sampling plans, process control, product reliability and auditing. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least eight years of work experience in one or more areas of quality control or quality assurance.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and can cost anywhere from $400-$600 depending on the testing center. In order to maintain their certification, CQEs must recertify every three years by completing continuing education credits or taking another ASQ-administered exam.

6. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certification

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in quality management. The certification is designed to help professionals advance their careers and increase their value to employers.

The ASQ offers several different types of certifications, including Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Six Sigma Black Belt (SSBB), and Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE). Each certification requires the completion of an exam and the successful passing of a review board.

The time it takes to get an ASQ certification depends on the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it takes between six months and two years to complete all the requirements for each type of certification. This includes studying for and taking the exam, completing any required training courses, submitting a portfolio or project report, and attending any necessary review boards or interviews.

To get an ASQ certification, you must first register with the organization and pay the associated fees. Once registered, you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the process of preparing for your exam and completing any other requirements needed for your particular type of certification. You can also find study materials online or purchase them from ASQ directly.

The cost for each type of ASQ Certification varies depending on the type being pursued. Generally speaking, CQE costs around $1,000; CQA costs around $800; SSBB costs around $2,500; and CMQ/OE costs around $1,200.

7. International Production and Inventory Control Society (IPICS) Certification

The International Production and Inventory Control Society (IPICS) Certification is a professional certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of production and inventory control. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge in this area and become recognized as experts in the field.

The IPICS Certification consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical application. The online assessment includes multiple-choice questions on topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, quality assurance, manufacturing operations, and more. The practical application requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge through a series of case studies or scenarios.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the certification process. To get started, applicants must first register for the program by submitting an application form with payment information. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to the online assessment portal where they can take the exam. After completing the exam, applicants must submit their completed case studies or scenarios for review by IPICS staff members.

The cost of obtaining IPICS Certification depends on whether you are taking the exam for yourself or for your company. For individuals taking the exam for themselves, it costs $250 USD per person plus any applicable taxes. For companies taking the exam for their employees, it costs $150 USD per employee plus any applicable taxes.

8. Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Certification

The Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) is a nationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the manufacturing industry. The MSSC certification program is designed to help employers identify qualified employees and to provide employees with a standardized set of skills that can be used across multiple industries.

The MSSC certification consists of four courses: Safety, Quality Practices & Measurement, Manufacturing Processes & Production, and Maintenance Awareness & Preventive Maintenance. Each course must be completed within a specified time frame in order to receive the certification. Upon successful completion of all four courses, individuals will receive an MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) certification.

The length of time it takes to complete the MSSC certification depends on how much time an individual is able to devote to studying for each course. Generally speaking, it may take up to six months or longer for an individual to complete all four courses and receive their CPT certification.

Individuals can get started on their MSSC certification by registering for classes through an accredited training provider or online learning platform. Many organizations offer both in-person and online classes for the MSSC certification program. It is important to research different providers before signing up for any classes as some may offer better quality instruction than others.

The cost of obtaining the MSSC certification varies depending on where you take your classes and what type of learning platform you choose (in-person or online). Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD per course depending on the provider you choose. In addition, there are also exam fees associated with each course which can range from $50-$100 USD per exam.

Overall, obtaining the MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) Certification is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the manufacturing industry while also helping employers identify qualified candidates for open positions.

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

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional certification awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an in-depth knowledge and understanding of quality management principles and practices, as well as organizational excellence.

The CMQ/OE certification requires passing an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management principles, process improvement, performance measurement, customer satisfaction, and organizational excellence. Candidates must also demonstrate at least five years of work experience in quality management or organizational excellence.

The cost of the CMQ/OE exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $399 USD for ASQ members and $499 USD for non-members.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and attending review courses or seminars if available. After passing the exam, candidates are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years.

10. Total Quality Management Professional (TQMP)

Total Quality Management Professional (TQMP) is a certification program that is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of Total Quality Management. It is an internationally recognized certification program that is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The TQMP certification requires applicants to pass a two-part exam, which consists of both a written and practical component. The written portion covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement methods, and customer service practices. The practical portion requires applicants to complete a project related to their current job or area of expertise.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of Total Quality Management or equivalent education. In addition, they must possess knowledge in areas such as quality assurance, process improvement, and customer service.

The cost for the TQMP certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 USD for all materials and exams associated with the program. The total time required to complete the program can vary from person to person but typically takes around 6 months when studying part-time.

11. International Organization for Standardization 9001:2015 Lead Auditor

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS). The ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification helps organizations to ensure that their QMS is properly implemented, maintained and improved.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor training program, depending on the provider. To get certified as an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, individuals must successfully pass an exam administered by a third-party certifying body. The cost of the training and exam will vary depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 USD for the entire process.

Do You Really Need a Production Team Leader Certificate?

The decision to obtain a production team leader certificate can be complex and depends on your individual goals and experience. While having a production team leader certificate may increase your chances of getting a job, it is not necessary in order to become a successful production team leader.

A production team leader certificate can provide you with the skills and training necessary to lead a team effectively. This includes knowledge of safety regulations, scheduling, budgeting, and workforce management. It also gives you the opportunity to gain practical experience in developing effective teams and creating efficient processes. In addition, having a certificate shows that you have taken the time to invest in yourself and your career development.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to obtaining a production team leader certificate. These include the cost of tuition and materials associated with obtaining one. Additionally, if you already have experience leading teams or managing projects, then having this certification may not be necessary for potential employers as they will already recognize your expertise in these areas.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a production team leader certificate depends on your individual goals and situation. If you are just starting out in the industry or looking for an entry-level position then having this certification could help set you apart from other applicants. However, if you already have significant experience leading teams then it may not be necessary for employers to consider you for positions requiring these skills.

Related: Production Team Leader Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Team Leader Certifications

Q1: What is a Production Team Leader Certification?

A1: A Production Team Leader Certification is a professional certification which provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead, manage, and motivate production teams in various industries. The certification will cover topics such as team building, problem solving, communication, conflict resolution, and other relevant leadership skills.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Production Team Leader?

A2: In order to become certified as a Production Team Leader, you must complete an approved training program or course. The courses typically involve both online and in-person instruction and may include material on topics such as team development, problem solving techniques, communication strategies, conflict resolution methods and more. Upon successful completion of the coursework you will be awarded your certification.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming Production Team Leader Certified?

A3: The primary benefit of becoming certified as a Production Team Leader is that it demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead production teams. Additionally, having this certification can help open up new career opportunities within the industry or even allow for promotions within your current organization.

Q4: How much does it cost to become certified?

A4: The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which program or course you choose to take. Generally speaking, programs range from $500-$2000 USD depending on the provider and length of the program.

Q5: How long does it take to become certified?

A5: Depending on which program or course you choose to take, it can take anywhere from 1-6 months to complete all required materials and receive your certification.