Top 11 Transportation Clerk Certifications

Certifications are an important way for transportation clerks to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. They show employers that the clerk has met a certain level of proficiency in logistics, freight handling, and customer service. Certifications also provide clerks with access to specialized training and resources that can help them better understand the industry, stay up-to-date on new trends, and remain competitive in the job market. Additionally, certifications often offer networking opportunities with other professionals in the field which can lead to career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Transportation Clerks and explain how they can help advance a Transportation Clerk's career.

What are Transportation Clerk Certifications?

Transportation clerk certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the field of transportation management. This certification is offered by various organizations and can be used to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary qualifications to work as a transportation clerk or other related positions in the transportation industry.

Transportation clerks are responsible for managing and organizing the movement of goods across different modes of transport, such as rail, air, truck, and sea. They must have an understanding of shipping procedures, carrier regulations, and logistics principles. Becoming certified in this field can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in this area and make them more attractive to employers looking for experienced workers.

Transportation clerk certification can also help individuals stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and regulations through continuing education courses offered by certifying organizations. It can also give them access to resources such as job postings and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. Furthermore, having a transportation clerk certification may open doors for career advancement or even open up new job opportunities in other areas of the transportation industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and requirements for transportation clerk certification. This will help you ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and regulations, as well as provide the best service to your customers.

Related: What does a Transportation Clerk do?

Top 11 Transportation Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) is a certification program offered by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in public transportation management. The CTP designation indicates that an individual has achieved a level of knowledge and expertise in the field of public transportation.

The certification process takes approximately four to six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application and fee, then successfully pass a written exam. Upon passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through a portfolio review process.

The cost of the CTP Certification Program varies depending on the type of membership you have with APTA. For non-members, the cost is $400 for individuals and $800 for organizations. For members, the cost is $200 for individuals and $400 for organizations.

To maintain your CTP certification, you must complete continuing education credits every two years.

2. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLA certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the logistics industry. It covers topics such as supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, inventory control, customer service, and other related topics.

It takes approximately four months to complete the CLA program. During this time, participants will be required to complete a series of online courses and exams. Upon completion of all coursework and exams, participants will receive their CLA certificate.

To get certified as a CLA, individuals must first register for the program through AST&L’s website. From there, they can purchase the required course materials and begin their studies. After completing all of the required coursework and exams, participants must submit an application for certification along with payment of applicable fees to AST&L. Once approved, they will receive their CLA certificate from AST&L.

The cost for becoming a Certified Logistics Associate varies depending on whether or not you are a member of AST&L. For non-members, it costs $750 USD for the entire program; for members it costs $500 USD for the entire program.

3. Certified Freight Broker (CFB)

A Certified Freight Broker (CFB) is a professional who specializes in arranging and managing the transport of goods from one location to another. A CFB must have an in-depth knowledge of the transportation industry, including regulations, rates, and logistics. They are responsible for finding the most cost-effective and efficient way to move freight from point A to point B.

To become a Certified Freight Broker, you must complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as freight brokerage laws and regulations, freight broker operations, customer service, sales and marketing, transportation management systems, accounting principles and more. Upon completion of the training program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Freight Broker (CFB) exam administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).

The CFB exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. To pass the exam you must score at least 70%. After passing the exam you will receive your CFB certification which is valid for two years.

The cost of becoming a Certified Freight Broker varies depending on which training program you choose. The average cost ranges from $500 - $2,000.

4. Certified Transportation Manager (CTM)

Certified Transportation Manager (CTM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of transportation professionals. It is offered by the American Logistics Association (ALA) and is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the transportation industry.

To become a CTM, you must have at least five years of experience in transportation management or related fields, such as logistics, supply chain management, or fleet operations. You must also pass an exam administered by ALA that covers topics such as safety regulations, operational procedures, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CTM exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. After passing the exam, you will be awarded a certificate from ALA that is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants are required to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience in the field and outlines their qualifications for becoming a CTM. This portfolio should include letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues in addition to any other relevant documents such as resumes or job descriptions.

Overall, obtaining Certified Transportation Manager certification can take several months depending on how quickly you are able to complete all requirements and pass the exam.

5. Certified Air Cargo Specialist (CACS)

Certified Air Cargo Specialist (CACS) is a certification program offered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is designed to provide air cargo professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage, handle, and transport air cargo. The CACS certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates a thorough understanding of air cargo operations and best practices.

The CACS program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as air cargo management, air freight regulations, customs clearance, security procedures, and more. It typically takes between six to eight weeks to complete the online course. After successfully completing the online course, candidates must pass the in-person exam which consists of multiple choice questions and practical scenarios. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get certified as a Certified Air Cargo Specialist, candidates must be 18 years or older and have at least one year of work experience in the air cargo industry or have completed a relevant degree program. Candidates must also pay the applicable fees for both the online course and in-person exam. The cost for the entire CACS program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

6. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an internationally recognized certification offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of supply chain management.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: a self-study course, an online exam, and a professional development seminar. The self-study course covers topics such as global supply chain strategies, customer relationship management, inventory control, and logistics. The online exam tests the candidate's knowledge of these topics and their ability to apply them in real-world situations. Finally, the professional development seminar provides additional training on how to effectively manage and optimize supply chains.

It typically takes approximately two months to complete all three components of the CSCP program. However, this timeline can vary depending on the individual’s learning pace and availability for the professional development seminar.

To get certified as a CSCP, individuals must first register for the program through APICS’ website or by phone. After registering, they will receive access to the self-study course materials and instructions on how to schedule their online exam. Once they pass their exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will be eligible to attend a professional development seminar in order to complete their certification requirements.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSCP varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member. For non-members, it typically costs around $1,500 USD for all three components of the program (self-study course materials + online exam + professional development seminar). For members, it usually costs around $1,000 USD for all three components combined.

7. Certified International Trade Logistician (CITL)

Certified International Trade Logistician (CITL) is a professional certification program offered by the International Trade Logistics Institute (ITLI). It is designed to help logistics professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in international trade logistics. The CITL certification is recognized as the benchmark of excellence for the international trade logistics industry.

The CITL certification program consists of two parts: an online course covering core topics in international trade logistics, and an exam that tests your knowledge and abilities. The course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete, and the exam typically takes about 4 hours.

To become certified, you must first register with ITLI and pay a fee of $400 USD. Once registered, you will be given access to the online course materials. After completing the course, you can schedule your exam at any Pearson Vue testing center near you. Upon passing the exam, you will receive your CITL certification from ITLI.

The cost of becoming certified includes registration fees ($400 USD), course materials ($100 USD), and exam fees ($150 USD).

8. Certified Customs Brokerage Technician (CCBT)

Certified Customs Brokerage Technician (CCBT) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Certified Customs Brokers (IACCB). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful customs brokers. The certification is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

To obtain the CCBT certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by IACCB. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical skills assessment. Applicants must have at least one year of experience in customs brokerage operations in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of the CCBT certification varies depending on location and other factors, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, applicants may need to pay additional fees for books and materials used during their preparation for the exam.

Once certified, individuals are expected to maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing education courses or seminars provided by IACCB or other approved organizations.

9. Certified Intermodal Professional (CIP)

Certified Intermodal Professional (CIP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the intermodal transportation industry. The CIP program was created by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) and is recognized as the most comprehensive intermodal certification available.

The CIP Program consists of three courses: Introduction to Intermodal Transportation, Intermodal Logistics and Operations, and Intermodal Sales and Marketing. Each course includes an online exam that must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive certification. The entire program takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s pace.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the CIP Program through IANA’s website at www.intermodal.org/cip. Upon registration, individuals will be provided with access to all three courses as well as additional resources such as study guides and practice exams. Once all three courses have been completed, individuals must pass each online exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their CIP Certification.

The cost for the CIP Program is $1,495 USD which includes access to all three courses as well as additional resources such as study guides and practice exams.

10. Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM)

Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the areas of distribution, logistics, and supply chain management. The CDLM certification program is administered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

The CDLM certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical experience requirement. The online exam covers topics such as inventory management, transportation operations, warehousing, customer service, and technology. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience in distribution or supply chain management.

The practical experience requirement involves completing a minimum of 40 hours of professional development activities related to distribution or logistics. These activities include attending seminars, workshops, conferences, webinars, or other educational events related to distribution or logistics.

The cost for the CDLM certification program varies depending on whether you are an AST&L member or non-member. For members, the cost is $400; for non-members it is $500. There are also additional fees for taking the online exam ($100) and submitting proof of your professional development activities ($50).

It typically takes about six months to complete all requirements for the CDLM certification program.

11. Certified Transportation Administrator (CTA).

Certified Transportation Administrator (CTA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The CTA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the public transportation industry. It is intended to provide employers with assurance that their employees possess the necessary skills and abilities to effectively manage public transportation operations.

The CTA certification program consists of three levels: Certified Transportation Administrator I, II, and III. Each level requires successful completion of an exam, as well as meeting experience requirements. To become certified at each level, applicants must pass an exam based on APTA's body of knowledge for public transportation administration.

The exams are administered online through Prometric Testing Centers and typically take approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on each exam in order to pass. In addition, applicants must meet certain experience requirements in order to be eligible for each level of certification.

The cost for the CTA certification program varies depending on the level of certification sought. For Certified Transportation Administrator I, the cost is $225; for Certified Transportation Administrator II, it is $275; and for Certified Transportation Administrator III, it is $350.

Do You Really Need a Transportation Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. If someone wishes to pursue a career in transportation, there is no doubt that having a Transportation Clerk Certificate can be beneficial. This certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for performing key tasks related to transportation management such as inventory control, scheduling, customer service, billing and more. It also demonstrates the individual’s commitment to the industry and increases their chances of being hired or promoted.

That said, it is important to remember that having a certificate is not always necessary when pursuing a career in transportation. Many employers are willing to hire candidates who have experience and knowledge in the field even if they do not have a certificate. Additionally, many employers offer on-the-job training programs which can provide employees with the same knowledge and skills as those obtained through formal certification programs.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs a Transportation Clerk Certificate will depend on their career goals and objectives. While having a certificate may be beneficial for some people, others may find that their experience and knowledge are sufficient for achieving their desired job or promotion without one.

Related: Transportation Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Transportation Clerk Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a Transportation Clerk Certification?

Answer: To be eligible for a Transportation Clerk Certification, applicants must have completed at least a high school diploma or equivalent, have knowledge of transportation management systems, and have experience in customer service or related fields.

2. How long is a Transportation Clerk Certification valid?

Answer: A Transportation Clerk Certification is valid for two years from the date of issue. After that time, it must be renewed to remain valid.

3. Do I need to take any tests to get my Transportation Clerk Certification?

Answer: Yes, you must pass an exam administered by the American Logistics Association (ALA) in order to obtain your certification.

4. How much does it cost to get a Transportation Clerk Certification?

Answer: The cost of getting a Transportation Clerk Certification varies depending on which certification program you choose and how many courses you take in preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $200-$500 USD depending on what is included in the package.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after I receive my certification?

Answer: Yes, all those who hold a valid Transportation Clerk Certification must complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification status.