Top 11 Shipping Receiving Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for a shipping receiving clerk in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in their field. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the candidate is qualified to handle the duties and responsibilities of the position. They also show that the applicant has an understanding of industry standards, safety protocols, and other important aspects of the job. Additionally, certifications can help candidates stand out from other applicants when applying for a position and can be used to negotiate higher salaries or better benefits packages.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Shipping Receiving Clerks and explore how these certifications can help advance their career.

What are Shipping Receiving Clerk Certifications?

Shipping receiving clerk certification is a type of professional certification designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately and efficiently manage shipping and receiving activities. The certification is typically offered through third-party organizations or educational institutions, and the exact requirements vary depending on the organization or institution offering it. Generally speaking, however, these certifications involve completing courses or exams that cover topics such as inventory control, shipping and receiving procedures, freight regulations, customer service principles, warehouse safety practices, and other related topics.

By obtaining a shipping receiving clerk certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to quality work in this field. It also helps them stand out from other job applicants by showing employers that they have the required knowledge and skills for these positions. Additionally, having a certification may make someone more attractive to employers because it provides evidence of their dedication to their career path. Furthermore, certain certifications can lead to higher salaries or better job opportunities. Finally, having a shipping receiving clerk certification allows individuals to stay up-to-date on changes in industry regulations and best practices so that they can offer their employers the most efficient methods for managing shipments.

Pro Tip: Many employers require shipping and receiving clerks to have certification in order to qualify for the job. Obtaining a certification or license can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the role. Research certifications available in your area, such as Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT), to ensure you have the right qualifications for the job.

Related: What does a Shipping Receiving Clerk do?

Top 11 Shipping Receiving Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Shipping and Receiving Clerk (CSRC)

Certified Shipping and Receiving Clerk (CSRC) is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge to properly package, label, and ship items. It also covers the receiving of packages and other items, as well as inventory management. The certification program is offered through the National Association of Certified Shipping and Receiving Clerks (NACSRC).

To become certified, applicants must complete a series of courses covering topics such as shipping regulations, packaging materials, labeling requirements, inventory management, customer service, and more. Upon completion of all courses, applicants must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge in these areas.

The certification process typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete. Applicants should plan on spending at least 10 hours per week studying for the exam.

The cost for the CSRC certification program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$800 USD for the entire program including course materials and exam fees.

2. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals working in logistics and supply chain management. The CLA certification is offered by the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L).

The CLA certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application. The written exam covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation, warehousing, customer service, and more. The practical application portion requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge through hands-on exercises and simulations.

The CLA certification program typically takes about six months to complete. Candidates must first register for the exam online at the AST&L website. Once registered, they will receive study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam. After passing the written exam, candidates must then complete the practical application portion of the program in order to be certified.

The cost of obtaining the CLA certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $499 USD while the premium package costs $799 USD. Both packages include access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources needed to prepare for the written exam.

3. 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 help supply chain professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of supply chain management. The certification is globally recognized and provides an opportunity for individuals to stand out from their peers and advance their career.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: a comprehensive exam, a professional development program, and continuing education requirements. The exam covers topics such as supply chain design, global logistics, inventory management, customer service, and more. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The CSCP program takes approximately 18 months to complete. This includes studying for the exam and completing the professional development program. Individuals are encouraged to take advantage of study materials provided by ASCM or other organizations to prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CSCP certification depends on whether or not you are an ASCM member. For non-members, it costs $995 USD plus applicable taxes. For members, it costs $795 USD plus applicable taxes.

4. Certified Transportation and Logistics Professional (CTLP)

Certified Transportation and Logistics Professional (CTLP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals in the transportation and logistics industry. The CTLP certification is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional excellence in their field.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in transportation or logistics-related work and must pass an examination administered by AST&L. The exam covers topics such as supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing, inventory control, customer service, safety regulations, and more.

The process typically takes about 6 months from start to finish. Applicants should begin by submitting an application to AST&L which includes basic information about their qualifications and experience. Once approved, applicants will receive a study guide outlining the topics covered on the exam. They should then spend time studying for the exam before registering for it online through AST&L’s website. After passing the exam, applicants will be officially certified as CTLPs.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on factors such as whether you are a member of AST&L or not. Generally speaking, non-members can expect to pay around $500 USD for the application fee plus additional costs associated with taking the exam (such as registration fees). Members may be eligible for discounts on these fees so it’s worth checking with AST&L before applying.

5. Certified Inventory Management Specialist (CIMS)

Certified Inventory Management Specialist (CIMS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in inventory management. It is offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS).

The CIMS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory planning, forecasting, and control; supply chain management; and materials management. The exam is administered online or in-person at APICS testing centers.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the CIMS exam. Candidates should plan on studying for at least 10 hours per week during this period. Preparation resources include self-study guides, practice tests, and instructor-led courses.

The cost of the CIMS certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in person. The online version costs $495 USD and the in-person version costs $595 USD. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

6. Certified Freight Handler (CFH)

Certified Freight Handler (CFH) is a certification program offered by the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in freight handling, including loading, unloading, and packaging of goods. The CFH certification is valid for five years and can be renewed upon completion of continuing education requirements.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive online training course that covers topics such as safety regulations, hazardous materials handling, forklift operation, and more. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher to receive their certification. The cost of the training course is $395.00 USD plus applicable taxes.

Once certified, CFH holders are eligible for discounts on NITL membership fees and other benefits such as access to job postings and networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry. They also gain recognition from employers for their commitment to professional development in the field of freight handling.

7. Certified Warehouse Operator (CWO)

Certified Warehouse Operator (CWO) is a certification program designed to provide warehouse professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to safety, quality, and productivity. The program covers topics such as inventory management, warehouse layout and design, material handling equipment, safety practices, customer service, and more.

The CWO certification process typically takes about 8 weeks to complete. To get certified, you must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as a resume or job history. After your application is approved, you will then need to complete a series of online courses and exams that cover the topics mentioned above. Once you have successfully completed all of the requirements, you will receive your CWO certificate.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which provider you choose to go through for the certification process. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1000 USD depending on the provider and what type of courses they offer.

8. Certified Materials Manager (CMM)

Certified Materials Manager (CMM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The CMM certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of professionals who manage materials and inventory in an organization. It is designed to ensure that these individuals have the necessary skills to effectively manage materials, inventory, and supply chain operations.

The CMM certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as purchasing, inventory management, supply chain management, logistics, quality assurance, cost control, and customer service. The practical assessment involves completing tasks related to managing material resources in an organization.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CMM certification program. To get started on the path towards earning your CMM certification you must first become a member of ISM and submit an application for the CMM Program. Once your application has been approved you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the process of completing the written exam and practical assessment.

The cost of becoming certified as a Certified Materials Manager varies depending on which membership level you choose with ISM. The basic membership costs $99 per year while more advanced memberships can range from $299-$499 per year depending on what additional benefits are included in each package.

9. American Production and Inventory Control Society Certification (APICS-CPIM)

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS-CPIM) certification is an internationally recognized professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of the principles and concepts of inventory management, production planning, scheduling, and supplier relationship management. The certification is designed to help professionals in the field stay ahead of the competition by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their supply chains.

To get certified, applicants must pass two exams: Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM) and Master Planning of Resources (MPR). The BSCM exam covers topics such as demand forecasting, inventory planning and control, production activity control, materials requirements planning, quality assurance and supplier relationship management. The MPR exam covers topics such as capacity requirements planning, master scheduling techniques, project management techniques for supply chain operations and advanced techniques for managing resources.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the APICS-CPIM program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. There are various study options available including online courses, self-study materials or instructor-led classes.

The cost of obtaining the APICS-CPIM certification varies depending on which study option you choose. Online courses can range from $500-$2,000 while instructor-led classes can cost up to $3,000 or more. Self-study materials can range from $200-$500 depending on what type of material you purchase.

10. International Warehouse Logistics Association Certification (IWLA-CWP)

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certification of Warehouse Personnel (IWLA-CWP) is a certification program designed to demonstrate that warehouse personnel have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their jobs effectively. The IWLA-CWP is a voluntary certification program that provides an industry-recognized credential to those who successfully complete it.

The IWLA-CWP consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical evaluation. The written exam covers topics such as safety, inventory management, operations, customer service, and transportation regulations. The practical evaluation assesses the candidate’s ability to apply the knowledge gained from the written exam in a warehouse setting.

It typically takes about four months to complete the IWLA-CWP program. Candidates must first complete an online application and then take the written exam at an authorized testing center. After passing the written exam, candidates must then complete the practical evaluation at an authorized facility.

The cost of obtaining IWLA-CWP certification varies depending on location and other factors but typically ranges between $250-$400 USD. This fee covers both parts of the certification process: the written exam and practical evaluation.

In order to obtain IWLA-CWP certification, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least one year of experience working in a warehouse or related field and being able to pass both parts of the certification process with satisfactory scores.

11. National Retail Federation Certification in Shipping/Receiving Management

The National Retail Federation (NRF) Certification in Shipping/Receiving Management is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of shipping and receiving. It is intended for professionals who are involved in the management of shipping, receiving, inventory control, and related activities.

The NRF Certification in Shipping/Receiving Management consists of three parts: a written exam, an online course, and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as shipping regulations, inventory management, logistics planning, safety procedures, and customer service. The online course provides an overview of the fundamentals of shipping/receiving operations and includes topics such as order processing, packaging requirements, freight forwarding services, customs clearance procedures, and more. The practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge by completing tasks related to shipping/receiving operations.

It typically takes about two months to complete the NRF Certification in Shipping/Receiving Management program. To get certified, you must first register with the NRF’s certification program. After registration is complete you will be able to access the online course materials and take the written exam. Once you pass the written exam you will be able to take the practical assessment which must be completed within six months after passing the written exam.

The cost for taking part in this certification program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250 - $500 USD for all three parts (written exam + online course + practical assessment).

Do You Really Need a Shipping Receiving Clerk Certificate?

No, you do not need a shipping receiving clerk certificate in order to perform the duties of a shipping and receiving clerk. However, having such a certificate may be beneficial to you as it demonstrates your knowledge and experience in this field. It can also give potential employers an indication of your commitment and dedication to the job. A certificate can help show that you have taken the time to learn and master the necessary skills required for this role, which will make you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, having a certificate may help you secure higher wages or provide access to more job opportunities.

Overall, while not mandatory for performing the job of a shipping receiving clerk, having a certificate can be beneficial for furthering your career and improving your employability prospects.

Related: Shipping Receiving Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Shipping Receiving Clerk Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Shipping Receiving Clerk?

Answer: To become a Shipping Receiving Clerk, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED. You may also need to be trained in the use of specific shipping and receiving software and equipment.

2. Is certification required for Shipping Receiving Clerks?

Answer: Certification is not required for most entry-level positions as a Shipping Receiving Clerk, but it can help demonstrate your knowledge in the field and give you an edge when applying for jobs.

3. Are there any certifications specifically for Shipping Receiving Clerks?

Answer: Yes, there are several certifications available specifically designed for Shipping Receiving Clerks, including Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) and Certified Professional Logistician (CPL).

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Shipping Receiving Clerk?

Answer: Depending on the type of certification you pursue, fees can range from $75 - $600 USD. Be sure to check with the certifying organization directly to learn about fees and other requirements prior to registering for the exam.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a Shipping Receiving Clerk?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete certification will depend on which type of certification you pursue and how quickly you complete each step of the process. Generally speaking, most certifications require between 8-12 weeks of study time before taking the exam.