Top 10 Receiving Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a receiving manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has attained an additional level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in their field. Certifications show employers that the individual is committed to their craft and has taken the time to further develop their skillset. Having certifications can also help set a receiving manager apart from other candidates, making them more attractive to potential employers. Certifications also allow a receiving manager to stay up-to-date with industry advancements, ensuring that they are able to keep pace with changing trends and best practices.

The article reviews the top certifications for Receiving Managers, and explains how they can benefit their career growth.

What are Receiving Manager Certifications?

Receiving Manager Certification (RMC) is a professional certification program that is designed to help managers in the receiving department of a business or organization become more effective and efficient. The program focuses on teaching managers the necessary skills to manage the receiving process, including setting and meeting goals, developing strategies for dealing with common problems, and creating a positive working environment.

The primary benefit of RMC is that it provides managers with an understanding of the entire receiving process and how to maximize its efficiency. This includes learning how to organize inventory, ensuring accuracy in order fulfillment, reducing costs associated with shipping and receiving errors, streamlining processes for greater speed, and improving customer service. Additionally, managers who complete the certification will gain knowledge on how to create procedures for handling returns and tracking deliveries.

RMC can also help managers improve communication between departments by providing them with the tools they need to effectively collaborate with other teams within their organization. This includes teaching them how to plan ahead for potential issues before they arise, as well as understanding how different departments interact with each other during the receiving process. By having this kind of knowledge at their fingertips, managers can better anticipate problems before they arise and make sure that everyone involved is working towards a unified goal.

Pro Tip: When considering manager certification, research the requirements for certification in your field and assess the potential benefits that certification could bring to your career. Additionally, be sure to explore what type of continuing education may be required to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Receiving Manager do?

Top 10 Receiving Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Receiving Manager (CRM)

Certified Receiving Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of receiving managers in the retail industry. It is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and is recognized as an industry-standard credential.

The CRM program consists of three courses: Introduction to Receiving, Advanced Receiving Concepts, and Professional Practices for Receiving Managers. The courses cover topics such as inventory control, safety procedures, customer service, and problem solving. Upon successful completion of all three courses, participants will receive their CRM certificate.

The program takes approximately two months to complete depending on the individual's availability and learning pace. Participants must complete all three courses within six months of enrollment in order to receive their certificate.

To get the Certified Receiving Manager certification, individuals must first register for the course online through NRF's website or contact their local NRF affiliate for more information on how to enroll. Once enrolled, participants can access course materials and take exams online or in person at an approved testing center.

The cost of the Certified Receiving Manager program varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person at a testing center. The online version costs $295 while the in-person version costs $495 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. 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 individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage global supply chain activities. It is the most widely recognized and respected certification in the field of supply chain management.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online exam, an online course, and a practical application project. The online exam covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design, integration, planning, execution, monitoring, and improvement. The online course provides detailed instruction on how to apply these concepts in practice. The practical application project involves developing a comprehensive solution to a real-world problem or opportunity related to supply chain management.

It typically takes about 12 months to complete all three parts of the CSCP program. The cost of the CSCP program varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,295 USD; for non-members it costs $1,495 USD. This fee includes access to the online exam and course materials as well as one year of membership with ASCM.

3. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification offered by the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). The CLP credential recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of logistics. It is designed to recognize those who have attained an advanced level of understanding and proficiency in the areas of supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, inventory control, and customer service.

The CLP certification requires completion of a comprehensive exam which covers topics such as supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, inventory control, customer service, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Candidates must also submit proof of relevant work experience in order to qualify for the certification.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the requirements for the CLP certification. During this time candidates must study for and pass the comprehensive exam as well as provide proof of their work experience.

The cost for taking the CLP exam varies depending on where you are located. In general, candidates can expect to pay around $500-$600 USD for all associated fees including registration fees and exam fees.

4. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as supply chain management, operations planning and control, material requirements planning, master scheduling, and quality management.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CPIM program. To get certified, individuals must pass all five exams with a minimum score of 70%. The exams are administered online through the APICS website.

The cost of the CPIM program varies depending on how many courses you take at once. A single course costs $595 USD while registering for all five courses at once costs $2,495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the Six Sigma process. Six Sigma is a methodology used to improve processes and eliminate defects. The Green Belt Certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems using the Six Sigma tools and techniques.

The certification typically takes between one to two weeks to complete depending on the provider, but can take longer if additional training is required. To get certified, you will need to attend a training course or program offered by an accredited provider such as ASQ or IASSC. During the course you will learn about the various Six Sigma tools and techniques and how they are used in practice. You will also be tested on your knowledge of these topics.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 for a full course or program. Some providers may offer discounts for groups or individuals who register together. Additionally, some employers may cover part or all of the cost for their employees who wish to become certified.

6. International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Certification (IPSCM)

International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Certification (IPSCM) is a certification program designed to develop and recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of purchasing and supply chain management. The IPSCM certification is offered by the American Purchasing Society, Inc. (APS).

The IPSCM certification consists of two levels: Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) and Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM). The CPP certification focuses on the fundamentals of purchasing, while the CPSM certification covers more advanced topics such as global sourcing, inventory management, logistics, and supplier relationships.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the requirements for each level of certification. To obtain either level of certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as procurement principles, contract law, negotiation strategies, supplier selection criteria, and supply chain management best practices.

The cost to obtain IPSCM certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The CPP exam costs $395 USD for APS members or $495 USD for non-members. The CPSM exam costs $695 USD for APS members or $795 USD for non-members. Additional fees may also be required for study materials or other related expenses.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements before they can earn their certifications. For example, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in purchasing or supply chain management before they can apply for CPP certification; five years of experience is required for CPSM certification.

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

APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a professional certification program offered by APICS, the Association for Operations Management. It is designed to provide professionals in logistics, transportation and distribution with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage supply chain operations. The CLTD certification recognizes individuals who demonstrate mastery of an extensive body of knowledge in logistics, transportation and distribution.

In order to obtain the CLTD certification, you must complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as inventory management, transportation management, global logistics strategies, warehousing operations and more. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 3 hours.

To prepare for the exam, you can take an APICS-approved course or self-study using the official study guide provided by APICS. You can also access online resources such as practice exams and webinars to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CLTD certification varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or not. For non-members, it costs $695 USD while members pay $495 USD. The fee includes one attempt at the exam and a one-year membership with APICS if you are not already a member.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, your name will be added to the list of certified professionals on the APICS website and you will receive a digital badge that can be used on your website or social media profiles to showcase your achievement.

8. American Purchasing Society's Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

The Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). This certification is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated expertise in purchasing, supply chain management, and related disciplines. It is one of the most respected certifications in the purchasing field.

To become a CPP, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as procurement processes, contract law, cost analysis, inventory management, supplier selection and evaluation, and logistics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPP examination, an individual must have at least five years of experience in purchasing or supply chain management. Additionally, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

The cost of the CPP exam is $495 USD for APS members and $595 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CPP designation within four weeks.

The CPP designation is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by completing continuing education courses or retaking the CPP exam.

9. American Production and Inventory Control Society's Certified Materials Resource Professional (CMRP)

The Certified Materials Resource Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CMRP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of materials management, inventory control, and production operations.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory planning and control, purchasing and procurement, materials management systems, supply chain management, and logistics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes 3 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CMRP exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in material resource planning or related fields. Additionally, applicants may be required to demonstrate proof of completion of certain educational requirements such as APICS courses or college-level coursework in business or engineering.

The cost for taking the CMRP exam is $495 for members of APICS and $645 for non-members. Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by earning continuing education credits every three years.

10. International Warehouse Logistics Association's Warehouse Management Professional Certification (WMP).

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Warehouse Management Professional Certification (WMP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage warehouse operations. The WMP certification is designed to help employers identify qualified warehouse professionals and provide them with the credentials they need to advance their careers.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the WMP certification, which includes completing a series of online courses and passing an exam. The courses cover topics such as inventory management, safety regulations, customer service, and more. Once an individual has completed all of the requirements, they are eligible to take the exam.

In order to get certified as a WMP, individuals must first register with IWLA and pay the applicable fees. The cost of registration varies depending on whether or not you are an IWLA member; members pay $395 while non-members pay $595. After registering, individuals can then begin taking the online courses and preparing for the exam. Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will receive their official WMP certification from IWLA.

The WMP certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking additional courses or retaking the exam. Renewal fees are also required at this time; members pay $295 while non-members pay $495.

Do You Really Need a Receiving Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the job you are applying for. Most entry-level positions in a warehouse or shipping and receiving department do not require a certificate. However, if you are seeking a managerial position in the same field, it is highly likely that employers will require proof of your qualifications and knowledge in the area. A certificate can be an effective way to demonstrate your abilities and experience as a receiving manager.

A receiving manager certificate can also be beneficial if you wish to move into higher-level management roles within the company. The certificate can provide employers with evidence of your knowledge and skills related to managing inventory, organizing shipments, and overseeing staff in the warehouse or shipping department. It can also show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further your education and stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations.

In short, whether or not you need a receiving manager certificate depends on what job you are applying for and what level of management role you are interested in pursuing. If you want to increase your chances of success when applying for managerial positions, then obtaining a certificate may be worth considering.

Related: Receiving Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Receiving Manager Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for Receiving Managers?

Answer: The most common certification for Receiving Managers is the Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) certification, which is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics. Other certifications include Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), and Lean Six Sigma Certification.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Receiving Manager?

Answer: It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the necessary training and pass the CPL certification exam.

3. What kind of job opportunities do Receiving Managers have?

Answer: Receiving Managers can be hired by companies in a variety of industries, such as retail, manufacturing, logistics, government agencies, and more. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of receiving operations within their organization, from overseeing inventory control to ensuring customer satisfaction through proper order fulfillment processes.

4. How much does it cost to become certified as a Receiving Manager?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Receiving Manager will vary depending on the type of certification you pursue and the provider offering it. Generally speaking, costs range from around $500-$1,000 USD for online courses or exams that provide CPL certification.

5. Is there any way I can prepare for my certification exam?

Answer: Yes! There are several resources available to help you prepare for your certification exam, including study guides, practice tests, webinars, and online tutorials. Additionally, many providers offer workshops or seminars specifically designed to help you prepare for your certification exam.