Top 11 Receiving Associate Certifications

Certifications for a receiving associate can be an important asset in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge for the role. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the prospective employee has been adequately trained and is qualified to perform the job duties. Certifications also indicate to potential employers that an applicant is committed to their career and is willing to invest time and money into obtaining additional training. Finally, certifications can help differentiate applicants from other candidates who may not have such qualifications.

This article reviews the best certifications for Receiving Associates and explains how they can enhance the career of a receiving associate.

What are Receiving Associate Certifications?

Receiving Associate Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals become certified in the field of receiving and stocking merchandise for retail stores. This certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to successfully receive and stock retail merchandise. Receiving Associates are responsible for accurately receiving and stocking merchandise, ensuring that all items are properly labeled, priced, and stored according to company guidelines. The NRF Receiving Associate Certification Program covers topics such as inventory control, product selection, pricing, customer service, store layout, safety measures, data entry accuracy, problem solving techniques, store security protocols, and more.

Having a Receiving Associate Certification can be beneficial in many ways. It can provide employers with a sense of assurance that their employees have been trained on the proper procedures for receiving merchandise into their stores. It also provides employees with an additional level of recognition from employers that they have achieved a certain level of competency in their job role. Additionally, having this certification can help employees stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within the retail industry. Finally, having this certification may also be beneficial for career advancement opportunities within the retail industry as it shows employers that an individual has taken initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends and procedures.

Pro tip: When receiving an associate certification, make sure to take the time to review the certification requirements and complete any necessary exams or courses required for the certification. This will ensure that you are properly prepared and qualified for the job. Don't forget to keep your certification up-to-date by renewing it regularly!

Related: What does a Receiving Associate do?

Top 11 Receiving Associate Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Receiving Associates today.

1. Certified Receiving Associate (CRA)

A Certified Receiving Associate (CRA) is a professional certification for those who work in the receiving department of a warehouse or distribution center. The CRA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their job duties effectively.

The CRA certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as inventory management, shipping and receiving, product handling, and safety procedures. It typically takes about 8 hours to complete the course. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass an exam in order to receive their CRA certification.

The cost of the CRA certification program varies depending on where you take it. Most programs charge a fee that includes both the online course and the exam. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$300 for the entire program.

In order to maintain your CRA certification, you must renew it every two years by completing continuing education courses or taking additional exams. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in order to remain competitive in your field.

2. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLP designation is recognized as an industry standard for logistics professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who are engaged in logistics activities.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CLP program. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application project. The written exam covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing and distribution, customer service, and international logistics. The practical application project requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts covered on the written exam by completing a project that applies these concepts to a real-world situation.

To get certified as a CLP, you must first apply online at AST&L's website. You will need to provide proof of your educational background and professional experience in order to be considered for certification. Once accepted into the program, you will need to pay an application fee of $250 USD and submit your completed application form along with any required documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. After submitting your application materials, you will be scheduled for the written exam and practical application project.

The cost of becoming certified as a CLP varies depending on which components you choose to pursue (written exam only or both written exam and practical application project). If you choose to take both components, then the total cost is $450 USD ($250 for the application fee plus $200 for the examination fee).

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery in the field of supply chain management. The CSCP certification is globally recognized and validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of supply chain operations, strategic management, global logistics, customer relations, and technology.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the CSCP certification process. To become certified, individuals must complete a comprehensive online course that covers topics such as supply chain design, planning and execution; inventory management; transportation and distribution; customer service; international trade regulations; and more. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass a three-hour exam that tests their knowledge of the material.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or non-member. For members, it costs $995 USD for the course materials plus $695 USD for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $1,395 USD for the course materials plus $795 USD for the exam fee.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to become certified. These include having at least three years of related work experience or a college degree in supply chain management or a related field.

4. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. It is designed to help individuals understand the principles of production and inventory management, including planning, scheduling, inventory control, purchasing, quality assurance and customer service.

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 receive the CPIM designation.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all five courses depending on how quickly you are able to work through them. To get started on your CPIM journey you must first become a member of APICS which can be done online or by mail. Once you have become a member you will then need to purchase the course materials from APICS which includes textbooks, study guides and practice exams.

The cost for obtaining the CPIM designation varies depending on whether you are a student or professional member. For students it costs $1,000 USD while for professionals it costs $1,400 USD. Additionally there are also fees associated with taking each exam which currently range from $150-$250 USD per exam depending on your membership status.

5. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the principles and practices of purchasing management. It is intended for professionals who have a minimum of three years of experience in purchasing or related fields.

The CPM program consists of five courses: Purchasing Fundamentals, Strategic Sourcing, Contract Administration, Logistics and Inventory Management, and International Sourcing. Each course has an associated exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification. The total time required to complete the program varies depending on individual study habits, but it typically takes between six months and two years.

To get certified as a CPM, you must first apply to ISM and submit proof of your educational background and work experience. You will then need to register for the five courses offered through ISM’s online learning platform. After completing each course, you must pass its associated exam before moving on to the next one. Once all five exams have been successfully completed, you will receive your CPM certification from ISM.

The cost for the CPM program depends on whether you are an ISM member or not. For non-members, the total cost is $2,295 USD ($1,695 USD for members). This includes all five courses as well as access to online resources such as practice exams and webinars.

6. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification for engineers in the field of quality management. It is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CQE certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in quality engineering principles, practices, and tools. It also validates their ability to apply these principles in various industries and organizations.

To become certified as a CQE, individuals must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality planning, control, assurance, and improvement. Candidates must have at least three years of full-time work experience in the field of quality engineering or related areas to be eligible to take the exam.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, it costs $349; for non-members, it costs $449. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world.

It typically takes about four weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. If you pass, you will receive your CQE certificate within two months from the date that you passed the exam.

7. Certified Warehouse Operations Specialist (CWOS)

Certified Warehouse Operations Specialist (CWOS) is a professional credential that certifies individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the areas of warehouse operations. It is offered by the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC).

The CWOS certification program consists of three levels: Certified Associate, Certified Professional, and Certified Master. Each level has its own set of requirements that must be met before certification can be obtained.

To become certified at any level, an individual must first take and pass an exam. The exams are administered by WERC and cover topics such as inventory management, order fulfillment, safety, security, customer service, and more. The exams are offered online or in-person at approved testing centers around the world.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the level being taken. For example, the cost for taking the Certified Associate exam is $350 USD while the cost for taking the Certified Master exam is $1,200 USD.

Once an individual has passed their exam they will receive their CWOS certification from WERC. The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly an individual can complete all of the necessary requirements for each level of certification. Generally speaking, it should take between six months to a year to complete all three levels of certification.

8. American Society for Quality – Quality Auditor Certification (ASQ-QA)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Quality Auditor Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides the knowledge and skills needed to audit quality systems. It is designed to help organizations improve their performance, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce costs. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking a recertification exam.

To become certified as a Quality Auditor, individuals must have at least five years of experience in quality auditing or related fields. In addition, they must pass the ASQ-QA examination which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as quality management principles, auditing techniques, and process improvement methods. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400 USD.

The ASQ-QA certification is offered in both online and classroom formats. The online course consists of self-paced modules that cover topics such as quality management principles, auditing techniques, and process improvement methods. The classroom course consists of two days of instruction followed by a proctored exam. Both courses cost $1,000 USD.

Once an individual has passed the ASQ-QA examination they will receive their certificate in the mail within two weeks of passing the exam. They will also receive a membership card from ASQ which provides access to additional resources such as webinars, conferences, publications, and discounts on products and services related to quality assurance.

9. International Warehouse Logistics Association – Warehouse Management Certification (IWLA-WM)

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Warehouse Management Certification (IWLA-WM) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of warehouse management principles and practices. This certification is designed to provide warehouse managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their operations.

The IWLA-WM certification requires candidates to complete a comprehensive online course, which consists of 10 modules covering topics such as inventory control, safety and security, transportation, customer service, and more. The course also includes an exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification. The entire program takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

In order to obtain the IWLA-WM certification, candidates must first register for the program through the IWLA website. Once registered, they will receive access to the online course materials and can begin studying for the exam at their own pace. After completing all 10 modules, candidates will take an online exam that consists of multiple-choice questions based on the material covered in each module. Candidates must score at least 70% on this exam in order to pass and receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining the IWLA-WM certification varies depending on whether you are a member of IWLA or not: non-members pay $595 while members pay $495. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 for both members and non-members in order to maintain the certification status.

10. International Material Management Society – Inventory Control Certificate Program (IMMS-ICP)

The International Material Management Society – Inventory Control Certificate Program (IMMS-ICP) is a professional certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage inventory in a variety of industries. The program is offered by the International Material Management Society (IMMS), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities and resources for those interested in inventory control.

The IMMS-ICP program consists of four courses that are taken over the course of two semesters. Each course covers a specific area of inventory control and provides students with an understanding of the principles and practices involved in managing inventory. The topics covered include: inventory management systems, cost accounting, forecasting techniques, purchasing strategies, and more.

To obtain the IMMS-ICP certificate, students must successfully complete all four courses within two semesters and pass an exam at the end of each course. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive their certificate from IMMS.

The cost for the IMMS-ICP program varies depending on which institution offers it; however, most institutions charge around $2,000 for tuition plus any additional fees associated with taking the courses. Additionally, some institutions may offer discounts or scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition.

Overall, obtaining an IMMS-ICP certificate is a great way for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in inventory control and gain recognition from employers in their field.

11. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing – Procurement and Contract Management Certification Program (NIGP-PCMCP).

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing – Procurement and Contract Management Certification Program (NIGP-PCMCP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize the expertise of procurement professionals in the public sector. The program is offered by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), which is an organization dedicated to providing professional development and training for public procurement professionals.

The NIGP-PCMCP certification program consists of five core courses that cover topics such as procurement law, contracts, ethics, and financial management. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, with an additional 40 hours for completion of the final exam. The entire certification process typically takes between six and nine months to complete.

In order to become certified through the NIGP-PCMCP program, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in government procurement or contract management; being employed by a government entity; and holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Once these eligibility requirements are met, individuals can apply for the NIGP-PCMCP certification program by submitting an application form along with a nonrefundable fee of $400 USD. Upon successful completion of all five courses and passing the final exam, individuals will be awarded their NIGP-PCMCP certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

Do You Really Need a Receiving Associate Certificate?

Whether or not you need a receiving associate certificate depends on the job requirements of the position you are applying for. If the job requires a certification, then you will need to obtain one in order to be considered for the position. However, if the job does not list a certification as a requirement, then it may not be necessary to obtain one.

In some cases, having a receiving associate certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who do not have one. This is because employers may view this type of certification as evidence that you have taken the time and effort to gain specialized training and knowledge related to receiving functions. Additionally, possessing such a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and show potential employers that you are willing to invest in yourself in order to become more knowledgeable about your field.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a receiving associate certificate depends on your individual situation and career goals. It is important to consider all factors before making any decisions so that you can make an informed choice about what is best for your future.

Related: Receiving Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Receiving Associate Certifications

Q1. What is an associate certification?

A1. An associate certification is a professional designation that demonstrates knowledge and skills in a specific area or field. It is usually earned by passing an exam or completing a specific program of study.

Q2. How long does it take to get an associate certification?

A2. The amount of time it takes to earn an associate certification depends on the type of certification, the institution offering the program, and the individual’s available time and resources. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the requirements for obtaining an associate certification.

Q3. What are some benefits of obtaining an associate certification?

A3. Obtaining an associate certification can provide improved job prospects, increased salary potential, and enhanced credibility in specialized areas of expertise. Additionally, employers may view individuals with certifications as more knowledgeable and reliable than those without them.

Q4. Are there any costs associated with receiving an associate certification?

A4. Depending on the type of program or institution offering the certification, there may be fees associated with taking exams or enrolling in courses related to earning a particular certification. Additionally, some exams have associated costs for materials such as textbooks or other study aids that may be required for successful completion of the exam process.

Q5. Is there any ongoing maintenance required for keeping my associate certification valid?

A5: Yes, most certifications require periodic renewal or recertification in order to remain valid and up-to-date with current industry standards and practices. This can typically involve completing additional coursework or taking refresher exams in order to maintain your credentials over time