Top 11 Receiving Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for receiving clerks in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a person has the necessary skills and knowledge required for the position. A certification validates that an individual is qualified to perform the duties of a receiving clerk, including inventory management, shipment tracking, and warehouse organization. Furthermore, certifications often come with additional training or education which can give receiving clerks an edge over other applicants. Having certifications also shows employers that a receiving clerk is dedicated to their profession and willing to invest time in improving their skills.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Receiving Clerks and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Receiving Clerk Certifications?

Receiving clerk certification is a recognition of an individual's professional qualifications and expertise in the field of receiving. Receiving clerks are responsible for verifying that goods have been received, inspecting them for quality and quantity, and recording information regarding the goods. In order to receive this certification, individuals must demonstrate their knowledge of industry standards and regulations, as well as their ability to accurately process receiving documents.

Having receiving clerk certification can help individuals stand out from other job candidates within their field. It also provides employers with assurance that their employees are knowledgeable about the latest industry standards and regulations, which can lead to improved efficiency in the workplace. Furthermore, it may open up career advancement opportunities for those wishing to specialize in certain areas of receiving or become supervisors or managers. Finally, having this certification may also make it easier for individuals to transfer between different companies or even industries.

Pro Tip: When considering a receiving clerk certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and determine which one best fits your skillset and experience. Additionally, look into any prerequisites that may be necessary to obtain the certification, such as a certain level of work experience or educational background.

Related: What does a Receiving Clerk do?

Top 11 Receiving Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Receiving Clerk (CRC)

A Certified Receiving Clerk (CRC) is a professional who has been certified by the National Institute for Receiving Professionals (NIRP). The certification program was created to recognize and reward those individuals who have demonstrated a high level of skill, knowledge, and experience in the field of receiving.

In order to become a Certified Receiving Clerk (CRC), an individual must pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory management, material handling, quality assurance, safety procedures, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $150-$300 USD.

In order to get certified, you must first register for the exam with NIRP. Once registered, you will be able to access study materials and take practice tests online to help prepare for the actual exam. Once you have successfully passed the exam you will receive your official CRC certificate in the mail.

2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the end-to-end supply chain management process. The CSCP credential is globally recognized as the highest standard of professional excellence in supply chain management.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online self-study course, an online exam, and a membership with ASCM. The self-study course covers topics such as global supply chain strategy, customer relations, risk management, and technology enablement. It takes approximately 120 hours to complete the course.

To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes 3 hours to complete. Exams are available at various testing centers around the world or can be taken online through a secure proctored system.

The cost for certification varies depending on your membership status with ASCM. For non-members, it costs $995 USD for the self-study course and exam combined; for members, it costs $795 USD.

3. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of logistics professionals. The CLA certification is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed for individuals who are currently working in the logistics industry or are interested in entering the field.

The Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation, warehousing, quality assurance, customer service, and safety. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CLA, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience in the logistics field or completing an approved AST&L training course. You must also pass the CLA exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost to take the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) exam is $395 USD for AST&L members and $495 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certification from AST&L which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

4. Certified Inventory Management Specialist (CIMS)

Certified Inventory Management Specialist (CIMS) is a certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CIMS certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in inventory management, supply chain operations, and related disciplines.

The CIMS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory control, demand planning, supply chain systems, and purchasing. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including a minimum of two years of full-time experience in inventory management or a related field. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience such as letters of recommendation or job descriptions.

The cost for the CIMS certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with APICS. Non-members pay $595 USD while members pay $495 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with re-taking the exam if necessary.

5. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and experience of purchasing managers in the field of procurement. The CPM certification is awarded by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which is an independent, non-profit professional association that provides educational and networking opportunities for supply management professionals.

To become a Certified Purchasing Manager, you must have at least five years of full-time purchasing experience, including at least three years in a supervisory or managerial role. You must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by ISM that covers topics such as inventory control, cost analysis, contract law, and ethical practices.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between six months and one year depending on your level of preparation. During this time you will need to complete an application form, take the exam, and submit payment for the certification fee. The cost of obtaining the CPM certification varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member; members pay $595 while non-members pay $795.

6. Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPIM) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

To become a CPIM, individuals must pass two exams: the Basics of Supply Chain Management exam and the Master Planning of Resources exam. The Basics of Supply Chain Management exam covers topics such as supply chain strategy, demand management, inventory planning, procurement, production planning and scheduling, material requirements planning, quality control, performance measurement, and continuous improvement. The Master Planning of Resources exam covers topics such as resource planning strategies, capacity management principles, forecasting techniques, scheduling methods, project management principles, risk analysis methods and supply chain optimization techniques.

The exams are offered in both online and in-person formats. Online exams can be taken at any time from anywhere with an internet connection. In-person exams are administered at designated locations around the world on specific dates throughout the year.

The cost for taking the CPIM exams varies depending on whether you take them online or in person. For online exams, it costs $415 per exam or $830 for both exams if purchased together. For in-person exams it costs $445 per exam or $890 for both if purchased together.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CPIM certification program by studying for the two exams mentioned above. However this timeline may vary depending on individual study habits and experience level with operations management concepts.

7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to help individuals learn and apply the Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction. The certification is typically achieved in a three-step process: completing a course, passing an exam, and obtaining professional experience.

The course typically takes between two to four weeks to complete depending on the provider, and it covers topics such as process improvement techniques, problem solving, data analysis, project management, and more. After the course is completed, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam is usually administered online or through a proctored testing center.

In order to obtain professional experience with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, applicants must demonstrate that they have successfully implemented a Lean Six Sigma project within their organization or another organization. This experience can be documented through case studies or other evidence of successful implementation.

The cost of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1,000 - $3,000 USD for the course materials and exam fees.

8. APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)

APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the essential principles and practices of logistics, transportation and distribution. The CLTD designation is awarded by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), formerly known as APICS.

The CLTD certification program consists of nine modules that cover topics such as international logistics, inventory management, order fulfillment, customer service, warehouse operations, transportation management and supply chain security. The program also includes a comprehensive exam that tests an individual’s knowledge of all nine modules.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CLTD certification program. To get started, you must first purchase the CLTD Learning System from ASCM which includes access to online course materials and practice exams. You will then need to register for the exam with ASCM and schedule a time to take it at a testing center near you.

The cost of the CLTD Learning System is $1,095 USD plus applicable taxes. The exam fee is $495 USD plus applicable taxes.

9. International Warehouse Logistics Association Certification

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certification is a designation that recognizes the highest standards of excellence in warehouse logistics operations. It is designed to recognize companies that have achieved and maintained a level of excellence in their warehouse logistics operations. The certification is based on criteria such as safety, efficiency, customer service, and environmental sustainability.

To get IWLA Certification, companies must submit an application outlining their warehouse logistics operations and demonstrate that they meet the criteria for certification. Companies must also provide evidence of their commitment to ongoing improvement in their operations. Once the application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by IWLA staff who will assess whether the company meets the criteria for certification. If approved, the company will receive its certification within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of getting IWLA Certification depends on a variety of factors including the size of the company and its scope of operations. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 - $2,000 per year depending on these factors.

10. National Institute for Storage Tank Management Certification

The National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM) is a professional organization that provides training, certification and other services related to the management of aboveground and underground storage tanks. The NISTM Certification Program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly manage storage tanks.

The NISTM Certification Program consists of four levels of certification: Certified Storage Tank Manager (CSTM), Certified Storage Tank Inspector (CSTI), Certified Aboveground Storage Tank Operator (CASTO) and Certified Underground Storage Tank Operator (CUSTO). Each level requires different levels of knowledge and experience in order to qualify for certification.

To become certified, individuals must complete an online application, submit proof of experience or education, pass a written exam, and pay the applicable fee. The cost for each level of certification varies depending on the number of years of experience or education required for qualification.

The entire process typically takes between 4-6 weeks from start to finish. Once an individual has been approved for certification, they will receive their certificate in the mail within 2-4 weeks.

In general, the cost for each level of certification ranges from $200-$500 depending on the requirements needed to qualify.

11. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training Certificate

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training Certificate is a program developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide safety training to workers in general industry. The program provides an introduction to occupational safety and health hazards in the workplace, as well as methods for recognizing, avoiding, and preventing them. It also covers topics such as hazard communication, personal protective equipment, machine guarding, fire prevention, and more.

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training Certificate is typically offered over two days of classroom instruction or online through an approved provider. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and can be taken in one day if desired. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a wallet card from OSHA verifying their completion of the training.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training Certificate varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $50-$200 per person for online courses and up to $300 per person for classroom instruction.

Do You Really Need a Receiving Clerk Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Receiving Clerk Certificate depends on the role you are applying for. Most employers will require some type of certification in order to prove that you have the skills necessary to complete the job. If you are looking for a position as a receiving clerk, it is likely that the employer will want to see proof that you have completed a certificate program and understand the principles of inventory control and management.

The certificate program will give you an understanding of how to properly receive shipments, enter them into an inventory system, and track them through the warehouse. You will also learn how to identify discrepancies between orders and shipments, investigate discrepancies, and resolve any issues. Additionally, you may gain an understanding of safety regulations related to receiving operations, such as proper lifting techniques and hazardous material handling procedures.

It is important to note that while having a Receiving Clerk Certificate can be beneficial in helping land a job in this field, it is not always necessary. Many employers may still hire individuals without certification if they demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge of the duties associated with being a receiving clerk. However, having your certificate can certainly increase your chances of being hired for the position over someone who does not have one.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Receiving Clerk Certificate depends on what kind of job you are applying for and which employer is hiring for it. While having certification can be beneficial, it is not always required in order to work as a receiving clerk.

Related: Receiving Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Receiving Clerk Certifications

Q1. What is a Receiving Clerk Certification?

A1. A Receiving Clerk Certification is a qualification that proves an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a receiving clerk, such as unloading packages and stocking shelves.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Receiving Clerk?

A2. To become certified as a Receiving Clerk, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A3. Becoming certified as a Receiving Clerk can help you stand out from other job applicants, demonstrate your expertise in the field, and increase your earning potential.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

A4: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have some experience working in the field before they can sit for their exam.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified?

A5: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the individual's experience level and how quickly they can study for and pass the required exam. In general, it should take no more than six months from start to finish.