Top 11 Transportation Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a transportation coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill and expertise to potential employers. Having certifications reflects an individual’s commitment to their field and shows that they have invested time and effort into learning more about the industry. Certification programs often provide specialized training in areas such as logistics, supply chain management, fleet operations, safety, hazardous materials handling and other related topics. Additionally, certifications show that a transportation coordinator is up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. This can be beneficial for employers who are looking for someone with a high level of knowledge about their field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Transportation Coordinators and explains how these certifications can help to advance a transportation coordinator's career.

What are Transportation Coordinator Certifications?

Transportation coordinator certification is a professional certificate program designed to give individuals the skills and knowledge needed to coordinate the transportation of goods and services. This certification is designed for those who are interested in becoming transportation coordinators, which involves overseeing the movement of goods from one place to another. The certification program covers topics such as logistics, supply chain management, route planning, safety protocols, and customer service.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out in the job market as employers will know that they have a thorough understanding of transportation coordination. It also serves as proof that an individual has been trained and qualified to handle complex tasks related to transportation coordination. Those with this certification may be better equipped to manage large shipments, track delivery times, ensure quality control, and meet customer demands in a timely manner. Additionally, those with this certification may have access to more job opportunities within the logistics industry.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a transportation coordinator certification, make sure you have experience and knowledge in the field. Many certifications require a certain level of understanding and experience in the logistics and management of transportation systems. Additionally, research any requirements or prerequisites that might be necessary to obtain the certification.

Related: What does a Transportation Coordinator do?

Top 11 Transportation Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Logistics Professional

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program for logistics professionals. It is designed to recognize and promote the highest level of expertise in the field of logistics and supply chain management. The CLP certification is administered by the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L).

The CLP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in logistics or supply chain management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business or related field. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory control, transportation planning, warehousing, and customer service.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400 USD. It can be taken either online or at one of AST&L’s testing centers throughout the United States. Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive their CLP certificate within four to six weeks.

The cost for the CLP certification is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at one of AST&L’s testing centers. This fee does not include any study materials or preparation courses that may be available from third-party providers.

2. Certified Supply Chain Professional

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a mastery of supply chain management principles, including sourcing and procurement, inventory and warehouse management, transportation and logistics, customer service, and technology.

The CSCP program requires applicants to complete a three-day classroom training course or an online self-paced course. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass an exam that covers all aspects of supply chain management. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

In order to get the CSCP certification, you must first apply for it through ASCM's website. You will be required to submit proof of your educational background as well as any relevant work experience. Once your application has been accepted, you can then register for either the classroom or online training courses. The cost of the courses varies depending on whether you choose classroom or online learning.

Once you have completed the training course, you will need to take and pass the CSCP exam in order to become certified. The cost of the exam is $695 USD ($795 USD if taken outside North America).

In total, it typically takes around six months to complete all requirements necessary for obtaining the CSCP certification.

3. Certified Transportation and Logistics Manager

Certified Transportation and Logistics Manager (CTLM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of transportation and logistics management. The CTLM provides an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in the areas of supply chain management, freight operations, inventory control, customer service, and other related topics.

It typically takes up to two years to complete the CTLM program. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, customer service, inventory control, transportation operations, and other related topics. After passing the exam, applicants must also complete a series of courses on topics such as transportation economics, freight operations management, customer service management, inventory control systems, and more.

To get started with the CTLM program you must first apply for admission through AST&L's website. Applicants will need to provide proof of education or experience in the field of transportation and logistics management. Once accepted into the program applicants will need to pay a fee which varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$400 USD. After completing all requirements for certification applicants will receive their official CTLM certificate.

The cost of obtaining your CTLM certification depends on several factors including location and type of coursework required. Generally speaking it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on your individual situation.

4. Certified Transportation Broker

A Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met specific criteria and passed an examination administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). CTBs are responsible for arranging transportation services for their clients, including negotiating rates, selecting carriers, and ensuring that shipments are delivered safely and on time.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to become a Certified Transportation Broker. Requirements include having at least two years of experience in the transportation industry, passing the TIA's certification exam, and completing additional training courses.

To get certified as a Transportation Broker, you must first become a member of the TIA. Once you have joined, you can register for the CTB exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as carrier selection, rate negotiation, customer service, legal issues, and safety regulations. After passing the exam, you will need to complete additional courses before receiving your certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Transportation Broker varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 to become a CTB.

5. Certified Freight Forwarder

A Certified Freight Forwarder is a professional who specializes in the transportation and handling of goods from one place to another. They are responsible for organizing shipments, handling paperwork, dealing with customs and other government agencies, and ensuring that goods arrive safely and on time.

It typically takes about three months to become a Certified Freight Forwarder. The process involves taking a series of courses, passing an exam, and obtaining certification from a recognized organization such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

To get started, you will need to find an approved training program or school that offers courses in freight forwarding. You will also need to pay a fee for the course materials and exams. After completing the coursework, you can take the exam which is administered by IATA or another recognized organization. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Freight Forwarder varies depending on the type of program you choose and where it is located. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $500-$1,000 USD.

6. Certified International Trade Specialist

Certified International Trade Specialist (CITS) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed in international trade. This certification is offered by the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE).

The CITS program consists of two parts: a comprehensive exam and an online course. The exam covers topics such as international trade regulations, customs procedures, export/import documentation, finance, logistics, marketing, and risk management. The online course provides detailed instruction on each of these topics.

The CITS certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking the exam again or completing continuing education credits. To get certified, applicants must first complete the online course and then pass the comprehensive exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CITS program varies depending on whether you are a NASBITE member or not. For non-members, it costs $395 for the online course and $295 for the exam. For members, it costs $295 for the online course and $195 for the exam.

7. Certified Customs Broker

A Certified Customs Broker is a professional who has been licensed by the U.S. government to assist in the import and export of goods into and out of the United States. They are responsible for ensuring that all applicable laws, regulations, and procedures related to international trade are followed, including filing paperwork with customs authorities, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and arranging transportation for shipments.

It typically takes between 6 months to one year to become a Certified Customs Broker. The process involves passing an examination administered by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agency as well as completing a background check and paying a fee of $200 for the application. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of customs laws, regulations, and procedures through coursework or experience in the field.

To become a Certified Customs Broker, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent degree, having no prior convictions or civil penalties related to customs law violations, being able to read and write English fluently, and being able to pass a background check from CBP. Once these requirements have been met, applicants can then register for the exam which consists of two parts: Part 1 covers general knowledge about customs law and procedures; Part 2 covers specific topics related to importing/exporting goods into/out of the United States. After successfully passing both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher on each part, applicants will be issued their license which is valid for three years before needing renewal.

The cost associated with becoming a Certified Customs Broker includes an application fee of $200 as well as any costs associated with taking courses or obtaining experience in order to fulfill eligibility requirements or prepare for the exam such as textbooks or tuition fees if applicable.

8. Professional Transportation Planner

A Professional Transportation Planner is a professional who specializes in the planning and management of transportation systems. They are responsible for developing plans to improve the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of transportation networks. This includes designing roads and highways, analyzing traffic patterns, and researching new technologies to improve mobility.

It typically takes at least four years to become a Professional Transportation Planner. To qualify for this role, you must have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Additionally, many employers require that candidates have experience working with transportation systems or related projects.

In order to get certified as a Professional Transportation Planner, you must pass an exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion covers topics such as land use planning, urban design principles, public policy analysis, environmental protection laws, and project management techniques. The oral portion tests your knowledge on transportation system operations and safety issues.

The cost of becoming certified as a Professional Transportation Planner varies depending on the state you live in and whether you choose to take the exam online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD to take the AICP exam.

9. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of hazardous materials management. The CHMM credential is awarded to those who have successfully completed a rigorous examination process and met all of the requirements established by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

The CHMM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as hazardous materials regulations, risk assessment, hazard communication, emergency response planning, and waste management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in hazardous materials management or related fields. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of completion of 40 hours of approved continuing education courses within the past five years.

The cost for the CHMM exam varies depending on whether you are an IHMM member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $350; for nonmembers, it is $450.

10. Global Logistics Specialist Certification

Global Logistics Specialist Certification (GLS) is a certification program offered by the International Logistics and Supply Chain Management Association (ILSCMA). This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a knowledge of international logistics and supply chain management. The GLS certification is designed to help logistics professionals advance their careers, gain recognition in the industry, and increase their earning potential.

The GLS certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of global logistics and supply chain management principles. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as transportation planning, inventory control, customs regulations, and international trade agreements. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in the field by submitting a resume or portfolio of work related to global logistics.

The GLS certification process typically takes about three weeks from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application form along with payment for the exam fee ($250 USD). Once approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam platform. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official GLS certificate within two weeks of completion.

In order to maintain active status in the GLS program, certified individuals must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education every two years. This can be done through attending seminars or conferences related to global logistics or completing online courses provided by ILSCMA.

The cost for obtaining Global Logistics Specialist Certification is $250 USD for the initial application fee plus any additional fees associated with continuing education requirements.

11. Certified Air Cargo Specialist

Certified Air Cargo Specialist (CACS) is a professional certification offered by the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in air cargo operations.

The CACS program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course includes modules on air cargo fundamentals, security, customer service, operations, and management. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete.

To get the CACS certification, you must pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam is administered online and can be taken at any time. It consists of multiple choice questions covering topics from the online course.

The cost for the CACS program is $495 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online course, as well as access to additional resources such as study guides and practice exams.

Do You Really Need a Transportation Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your current and future career goals. A Transportation Coordinator Certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to enter the field of logistics, transportation, or supply chain management. It is also beneficial for current professionals in these fields who want to increase their knowledge and skills.

The certificate demonstrates that you have a comprehensive understanding of the industry, its regulations, and operations. This knowledge can help you stand out from other job applicants or give you an edge over colleagues when it comes to promotions or advancements in your current position. The certificate also provides an opportunity for networking with other professionals in the field, which can lead to job opportunities or additional education opportunities.

Overall, the decision whether or not to pursue a Transportation Coordinator Certificate depends on your individual career goals and objectives. If you believe it will help you achieve those goals then it may be a worthwhile investment of time and money.

Related: Transportation Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Transportation Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Transportation Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Transportation Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of transportation coordination. It demonstrates their knowledge and ability to coordinate and manage complex transportation projects and activities.

2. How do I become certified as a Transportation Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the National Association of Certified Coordinators (NACC). You may also need to meet certain experience requirements depending on the certification level you are pursuing.

3. What are the benefits of being certified as a Transportation Coordinator?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Transportation Coordinator can provide many benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, better recognition within the industry, and greater credibility when working with clients and employers.

4. What is the cost of obtaining a Transportation Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Transportation Coordinator Certification varies depending on the particular program you choose to enroll in, but generally speaking it can range anywhere from $500 to $3000 USD or more depending on the length and complexity of the program.

5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date typically ranging from three to five years after which time you must renew your certification in order to remain active in the field.