Top 10 Shift Leader Certifications

Certifications are important for shift leaders in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development. They show potential employers that the shift leader is knowledgeable and well-trained in their field. Certifications also provide credibility, as they prove that the shift leader has reached a certain level of expertise and is capable of performing at a higher level than those without certifications. Furthermore, certifications can open up new opportunities for advancement by allowing access to higher positions and more specialized roles. Finally, having certifications can make the shift leader more attractive to employers since they are seen as more reliable and trustworthy candidates.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Shift Leaders and explains how they can help to advance a shift leader's career.

What are Shift Leader Certifications?

Shift leader certification is a type of training program designed to equip shift leaders with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage a team. This type of certification typically involves courses or seminars that focus on topics such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and customer service. Through this certification process, shift leaders learn how to motivate their team members and create a positive work environment. They also gain an understanding of how to delegate tasks and monitor performance.

Having a shift leader certification can help employers ensure that their supervisors have the necessary tools and skills to effectively lead their teams. It can also provide employers with assurance that their shift leaders are knowledgeable about best practices in the industry. Furthermore, it can help employers reduce turnover rates by providing employees with an opportunity to develop professionally and advance in their career. Finally, having certified shift leaders can improve employee morale by making them feel more comfortable in their roles as they are better equipped to handle whatever challenges may come their way.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of online shift leader certification programs to quickly and easily gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful shift leader. This can provide you with the confidence and knowledge required to lead staff effectively, as well as help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

Related: What does a Shift Leader do?

Top 10 Shift Leader Certifications

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

1. Certified Shift Leader (CSL)

Certified Shift Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The CSL program provides restaurant shift leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead their teams and manage operations.

The CSL program consists of two courses: Introduction to Shift Leadership and Advanced Shift Leadership. The Introduction course covers topics such as communication, customer service, problem solving, and team building. The Advanced course covers topics such as financial management, human resources, menu planning, and food safety. Both courses must be completed before an individual can become certified.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete both courses. To become certified, individuals must pass a final exam which includes multiple-choice questions about the material covered in the courses.

The cost of the CSL program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for both courses combined.

2. Certified Production Supervisor (CPS)

Certified Production Supervisor (CPS) is a certification program that provides professional recognition for those who have demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the production industry. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field.

The CPS certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a face-to-face interview. The online assessment tests the individual’s knowledge and understanding of production management principles, while the face-to-face interview assesses their ability to apply these principles in practice.

To obtain the CPS certification, individuals must first pass the online assessment with at least 70% accuracy. Once they have successfully completed this step, they will be invited to attend an interview with a certified CPS assessor. During this interview, the assessor will evaluate their skills and knowledge in order to determine if they meet the criteria for certification.

It typically takes approximately 4-6 weeks from start to finish to receive your CPS certification. The cost of obtaining your CPS certification varies depending on where you are located; however, it usually ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

3. Certified Warehouse Supervisor (CWS)

Certified Warehouse Supervisor (CWS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of warehouse supervisors. It is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam.

The online course covers topics such as inventory management, safety, customer service, order fulfillment, and team building. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Once the course is completed, applicants must pass an exam in order to obtain their CWS certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of warehouse supervision.

The cost for the CWS certification program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD.

In order to obtain the CWS certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a supervisory role in a warehouse setting or related field. They must also have a high school diploma or equivalent and be able to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as safety regulations, inventory control systems, customer service procedures, and team building strategies.

Once certified, CWS professionals are eligible for higher pay grades and more opportunities for advancement within their field. They may also be eligible for additional benefits such as reduced insurance premiums or discounts on supplies and equipment purchases.

4. Certified Manufacturing Supervisor (CMS)

Certified Manufacturing Supervisor (CMS) is a certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize supervisors who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of production and inventory control. The CMS certification is intended to demonstrate that the holder has a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques needed to effectively manage production operations.

The CMS program consists of three parts: a written exam, an oral exam, and a practical application exercise. The written exam covers topics such as planning and scheduling, inventory management, cost accounting, quality control, and safety procedures. The oral exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations. The practical application exercise requires candidates to develop solutions for given scenarios related to production operations.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three components of the CMS program. Candidates must first study for and pass the written exam before they can move on to the other two components.

The cost of obtaining CMS certification varies depending on which APICS chapter you are affiliated with. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 USD for all three components of the program.

5. Certified Quality Assurance Supervisor (CQAS)

Certified Quality Assurance Supervisor (CQAS) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in quality assurance and related topics. The CQAS program focuses on the application of quality assurance principles, techniques, and tools to ensure product and service quality.

The CQAS certification requires a minimum of three years of work experience in quality assurance or related fields, along with passing an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, auditing, problem solving, and project management.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CQAS certification process. This includes studying for the exam, registering for it, taking it, and receiving your results.

The cost of the CQAS certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the cost is $399 USD plus taxes; for members it is $299 USD plus taxes.

6. Certified Safety Manager (CSM)

Certified Safety Manager (CSM) is a professional credential offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in safety management. It is the highest level of safety certification available and provides employers with assurance that their safety personnel have the required competencies to manage their operations.

To become a Certified Safety Manager, individuals must meet certain requirements, including having at least four years of full-time safety management experience and passing a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as risk assessment, hazard control, emergency preparedness, occupational health and environmental protection.

The process for obtaining the CSM typically takes about six months from start to finish. First, individuals must submit an application for certification to BCSP along with proof of their education and work experience. Once approved, they can register for the CSM examination which is administered through computer-based testing centers around the world. After passing the exam, applicants are officially certified as a Certified Safety Manager.

The cost of becoming a Certified Safety Manager varies depending on where you take the exam and other factors such as whether or not you need to take additional courses or purchase study materials before taking the test. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to obtain your CSM certification.

7. Certified Process Improvement Manager (CPIM)

Certified Process Improvement Manager (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help individuals become more effective process improvement professionals. The CPIM program focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and lead process improvement initiatives.

The CPIM program consists of five courses, each of which must be completed in order to receive the certification. These courses include: 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 be taken online or in person at an ASQ-approved training center.

In order to become certified as a CPIM, you must pass all five exams with a score of 70% or higher. Each exam costs $295 USD and takes approximately three hours to complete. The total cost for the entire program is $1475 USD. Once you have passed all five exams, you will receive your official CPIM certificate from ASQ.

The CPIM certification is valid for three years from the date it was earned. After that time period has expired, you must take a refresher course in order to maintain your certification status.

8. Certified Logistics Manager (CLM)

Certified Logistics Manager (CLM) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of logistics. It is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and provide them with an edge in the competitive job market.

The CLM program consists of four courses that cover topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, and customer service. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time logistics experience or equivalent part-time experience.

The program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on how quickly you can study and take the exams. The cost for the program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD. You can also purchase additional study materials if needed.

To get certified as a CLM, you must first apply online through AST&L's website. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will need to register for each course separately and pay the associated fees. After completing all four courses successfully, you will then be eligible to take the final exam which will certify you as a Certified Logistics Manager (CLM).

9. Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM)

Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and understanding in the field of supply chain management. The CSCM certification is an internationally recognized designation that shows employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to lead their supply chain operations effectively.

The CSCM program consists of four courses: Principles of Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations and Quality Management, and Strategic Sourcing & Procurement. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, which can be completed online or in person at an APICS-approved training center. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their CSCM certification.

To get your CSCM certification, you must first become a member of APICS by purchasing an annual membership package. Membership packages vary in cost, but typically range from $150-$400 depending on the type of membership purchased. Once you become a member, you can register for the CSCM program and purchase the required textbooks for each course. After completing all four courses and passing the exam, you will receive your official CSCM certificate from APICS.

In total, it takes approximately 160 hours to complete all four courses and pass the exam for your CSCM certification. The cost for this certification varies depending on your membership package with APICS but typically ranges from $500-$1000 including textbooks and exam fees.

10. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB).

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage successful Lean Six Sigma projects. It is considered the highest level of certification in the field of Lean Six Sigma.

The CLSSBB certification requires a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology, including its tools, techniques, and principles. This includes an understanding of how to define, measure, analyze, improve, and control processes. The program also provides in-depth training on project management and change management concepts.

In order to obtain the CLSSBB certification, individuals must first complete a formal training program that covers all aspects of Lean Six Sigma methodology. Depending on the organization offering the training program, this may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks or more to complete. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by a third-party organization such as ASQ or IASSC in order to receive their certification.

The cost for obtaining the CLSSBB certification varies depending on which organization is providing the training program and exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$5,000 USD for both the training and exam fees combined.

Do You Really Need a Shift Leader Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific job role and duties of a shift leader. If the job requires a certain level of knowledge, experience, and skill, then having a shift leader certificate may help you stand out from other applicants. It can also demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to learning and have taken initiative to gain additional training in order to qualify for the job.

A shift leader certificate can provide evidence of your understanding of the specific duties expected of a shift leader. It may also include information about best practices in leadership, conflict resolution, communication skills, and safety protocols. This type of certification can be especially beneficial if it is affiliated with an industry-recognized organization or program. Having this type of credential demonstrates that you have gone above and beyond what is expected in order to acquire additional knowledge and experience.

Ultimately, whether or not you should get a shift leader certificate depends on the particular needs of the job and your own personal goals. If you are looking for an edge over other candidates or if having such a credential would help you feel more prepared for the role, then getting certified might be worth considering.

Related: Shift Leader Resume Examples

FAQs About Shift Leader Certifications

1. What is a shift leader certification?

Answer: A shift leader certification is a formal qualification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a shift leader. It can also include training in customer service, communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution.

2. How do I become certified as a shift leader?

Answer: To become certified as a shift leader, you will need to complete an accredited training program or course that covers the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role. Upon successful completion of the program or course, you will be issued with your certification.

3. What are the benefits of having a shift leader certification?

Answer: Having a shift leader certification demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in this role effectively. It also provides assurance to customers that you have received formal training in customer service, problem-solving and conflict resolution.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a shift leader?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a shift leader depends on the type of training program or course you choose to take; however, most programs can be completed within 6-12 weeks.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a shift leader?

Answer: Most accredited training programs require applicants to hold at least one year of relevant experience in customer service or hospitality before they can apply for certification; however, some may also accept applicants who lack previous experience but demonstrate potential through other means such as interviews or written assessments.