Top 10 Transportation manager Certifications

Certifications for a transportation manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate that a candidate has attained the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to be successful in this role. They help employers distinguish between qualified candidates who have the expertise and experience to lead their team successfully, and those who do not. Having a certification also provides credibility to potential employers, as it shows that an individual has taken the time and effort to stay current with industry standards, regulations and best practices. Additionally, certifications can open up career opportunities for individuals, by providing access to higher-level positions or specialized roles that may not have been available otherwise.

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

What are Transportation manager Certifications?

Transportation manager certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage transportation operations. This certification is offered by a number of organizations, including the American Logistics Association (ALA), the National Academy of Transportation Management (NATM), and the International Transportation Managers Association (ITMA).

The certification process typically involves passing an exam, completing coursework or attending workshops, and providing proof of relevant work experience. To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their ability to manage transportation operations in areas such as freight management, carrier selection and negotiation, supply chain analysis and optimization, customer service, safety compliance, and budgeting.

Having a transportation manager certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants in the field by providing evidence of their knowledge and expertise. It can also make them more attractive to employers as it demonstrates their commitment to professional development. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified professionals as they are more likely to be up-to-date on current industry trends and regulations. Certification can also provide access to networking opportunities with other certified professionals in the field. Finally, some employers may offer salary increases or other benefits for those with certifications.

Pro Tip: When considering obtaining a transportation manager certification, make sure to research the qualifications and requirements for the specific certification you are interested in. Many certifications require applicants to have a certain amount of experience in the field and some may even require completion of an exam. Additionally, keep in mind that certifications need to be renewed periodically and may require additional continuing education or training courses.

Related: What does a Transportation manager do?

Top 10 Transportation manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Transportation Manager (CTM)

Certified Transportation Manager (CTM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of transportation professionals. It is administered by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

The CTM program consists of three parts: a written exam, an oral exam, and a portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as safety regulations, fleet management, customer service, public relations, budgeting and finance, operations planning and scheduling, and human resources. The oral exam focuses on communication skills and problem-solving techniques. The portfolio review assesses the candidate's experience in transportation management.

It typically takes 6-8 months to complete the CTM program. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or certificates of completion from related courses or seminars. After submitting the application form, applicants will be invited to take the written exam at an APTA-approved testing center. Upon passing the written exam, they will be invited to take the oral exam at an APTA-approved location. Finally, they will be asked to submit a portfolio for review by a panel of experts.

The cost of obtaining CTM certification varies depending on several factors including geographic location and whether or not you are already employed in a transportation field. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 USD for all three components of the program (application fee + written/oral exams + portfolio review).

2. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in logistics, supply chain management, and related fields. The CLP designation is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in the field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of professional experience in logistics or supply chain management. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory control, transportation management, customer service, and international logistics. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CLP exam is $350 USD for AST&L members and $450 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and practice tests. Once the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their CLP certificate within six weeks.

The CLP designation is valid for three years from the date it was awarded. To maintain certification status, individuals must complete continuing education activities every three years or retake the exam every five years.

3. 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 professionals who have mastered the essential skills and knowledge of supply chain management. The CSCP program provides a comprehensive education on global supply chain management principles, best practices, and tools.

The CSCP certification process takes approximately 3-4 months to complete. The process includes completing an online application, passing an exam, and meeting the experience and education requirements set forth by ASCM. Once you have completed these steps, you will be eligible to receive your CSCP certification.

To get your CSCP certification, you must first complete an online application and submit it to ASCM. After submitting your application, you will need to pass the CSCP exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions that are based on the topics covered in the course materials. After successfully passing the exam, you must then meet the experience and education requirements set forth by ASCM in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining your CSCP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ASCM. For members of ASCM, the cost is $695 USD while non-members pay $995 USD.

4. Certified Transportation and Logistics Analyst (CTLA)

Certified Transportation and Logistics Analyst (CTLA) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage transportation and logistics operations. The program is offered by the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L). It requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in the transportation and/or logistics industry.

The CTLA certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as supply chain management, freight transportation, inventory management, customer service, safety regulations, and more. The exam tests the applicant’s knowledge on these topics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CTLA certification program. To get started, applicants must first register for the online course through AST&L’s website. After completing the course, they can then take the exam at a local testing center or online.

The cost of obtaining the CTLA certification varies depending on which option you choose. Taking the exam at a local testing center costs $400 while taking it online costs $200. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain your certification status with AST&L.

5. Certified Public Transportation Manager (CPTM)

Certified Public Transportation Manager (CPTM) is a professional certification program developed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in public transportation management. The certification program provides an opportunity for public transportation managers to demonstrate their commitment to excellence, professionalism, and ethical conduct in their daily work.

The CPTM certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive examination that tests their knowledge of public transportation management principles, practices, and operations. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety, customer service, financial management, human resources, legal issues, and operational planning.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CPTM certification process. During this time period, applicants must complete an application form with detailed information about their experience in public transportation management and submit it along with a fee of $300 USD. After submitting the application form, applicants will receive an email from APTA with instructions on how to take the CPTM exam online or at a testing center.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam they will receive a certificate from APTA confirming their status as a Certified Public Transportation Manager. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires taking additional courses or completing continuing education activities related to public transportation management.

6. Certified Freight Management Professional (CFMP)

Certified Freight Management Professional (CFMP) is a professional certification program that recognizes those who have achieved excellence in the field of freight management. This certification is offered by the International Association of Certified Freight Managers (IACFM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of freight management, logistics, and supply chain operations.

To become a CFMP, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least two years of experience in freight management or related fields, such as logistics or supply chain. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by IACFM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as transportation regulations, risk management, customer service, and freight operations.

The process of becoming a CFMP typically takes between three to six months depending on how quickly an individual can complete the required coursework and pass the exam. To get started with the process, applicants must first register with IACFM and pay an application fee of $150 USD. After registration is complete, they will be sent study materials and have access to online resources to help them prepare for the exam. Once they have passed the exam they will receive their certification from IACFM and be officially recognized as a Certified Freight Management Professional (CFMP).

The cost to become a CFMP varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or renewing your certification. For first-time applicants, there is an initial registration fee of $150 USD plus an additional fee for each module taken ($50 USD per module). For those renewing their certification every three years there is an annual renewal fee of $100 USD plus any applicable module fees ($50 USD per module).

7. International Air Transport Association Diploma in Airport Management

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diploma in Airport Management is a professional qualification designed to provide airport personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage an airport. The diploma covers topics such as airport operations, safety management, customer service, financial management, and security.

The program takes around 6-12 months to complete. It consists of three modules: Airport Operations and Safety Management; Customer Service; and Financial Management and Security. Each module requires approximately 50 hours of study time. The cost of the program varies depending on the country in which it is taken but typically ranges between $3,000-$4,000 USD.

To get the IATA Diploma in Airport Management you must first complete an application form online or at your local IATA office. Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a registration package with instructions on how to proceed with enrollment for the course. You will then need to register for each of the three modules separately and pay the required fees before you can begin studying for them. After completing all three modules successfully you will receive your diploma from IATA.

8. American Trucking Associations’ National Certification Program

The American Trucking Associations’ National Certification Program (ATA NCP) is a comprehensive program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of professional truck drivers. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and a driving test. The ATA NCP is available for both new and experienced drivers, and it is designed to ensure that all truckers meet the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and customer service.

The written exam covers topics such as vehicle operation, defensive driving techniques, cargo securement, hours-of-service regulations, hazardous materials handling, and other important aspects of trucking. It takes approximately four hours to complete the written exam. After passing the written exam, applicants must pass a practical driving test in order to receive their certification. The driving test includes an on-road evaluation as well as a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle.

To get certified through the ATA NCP, applicants must first register with their local ATA chapter or online at www.atancp.org. Registration fees vary by state but typically range from $50-$100 USD per person. Once registered, applicants can schedule their written exam and practical driving test at an authorized testing center near them.

Once certified through the ATA NCP program, drivers are eligible for discounts on insurance premiums and other benefits from participating carriers. They may also be eligible for higher wages or better job opportunities due to their certification status.

9. Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Traffic Engineering Technician Certification

The Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE) Traffic Engineering Technician Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the expertise of traffic engineering technicians. The certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a level of knowledge, experience, and proficiency in traffic engineering principles and practices.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in traffic engineering or related fields. They must also successfully complete the ITE Traffic Engineering Technician Certification Examination. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as traffic operations, safety analysis, design standards, and public involvement.

The ITE Traffic Engineering Technician Certification Exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center across the United States. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD for ITE members and $350 USD for non-members.

Successful completion of the ITE Traffic Engineering Technician Certification Exam results in a certificate issued by ITE that is valid for five years from the date of issuance. After five years, individuals must retake the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

10. International Air Transport Association Diploma in Cargo Services

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diploma in Cargo Services is a professional qualification designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to work in the air cargo industry. It is an internationally recognized program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the air cargo industry, from its processes and procedures to its regulations and standards.

The IATA Diploma in Cargo Services consists of five modules: Air Cargo Operations, Air Cargo Security, Dangerous Goods Regulations, Air Cargo Tariffs & Documentation and Airline Economics & Management. The course takes approximately six months to complete and includes self-study as well as online exams.

To get the IATA Diploma in Cargo Services, you must first complete all five modules of the course. You can do this either online or through an accredited training provider. Once you have completed all five modules, you will be required to take two exams – one written exam and one practical exam – which must both be passed in order to receive your diploma.

The cost of the IATA Diploma in Cargo Services varies depending on where you take it and how long it takes for you to complete it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 - $2,500 USD for the entire program.

Do You Really Need a Transportation manager Certificate?

Transportation managers are an integral part of any organization that deals with the movement of goods or people. They are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a transportation system, which includes scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of all vehicles in use. In order to become a successful transportation manager, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the industry and its regulations. A certificate in transportation management can provide such knowledge and make you more attractive to employers.

In addition to having a better understanding of the industry, having a certificate in transportation management can also show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further your education and improve your skills. Employers often look for applicants who take initiative when looking for new hires, as this indicates dedication and ambition. Furthermore, since many companies are now offering online courses in transportation management, having a certificate can demonstrate that you have gone above and beyond by taking additional courses outside of your normal studies.

Having a certificate in transportation management also demonstrates to potential employers that you understand the responsibilities associated with being a successful manager. This means being able to lead teams effectively while maintaining safety standards, meeting deadlines, and keeping costs down. Having knowledge on these topics may give you an edge over other candidates who do not have such credentials or experience.

Overall, having a certificate in transportation management is beneficial for those looking to pursue careers in this field. It gives potential employers an indication of your commitment and dedication to becoming an effective leader within their organization. It also shows that you have taken steps to improve your understanding of the industry by taking additional courses outside of your normal studies or job requirements. Finally, it demonstrates that you understand what it takes to be successful as a manager within this field – something which will be highly valued by any employer looking for qualified candidates.

Related: Transportation manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Transportation manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Transportation Manager Certification?

A1. A Transportation Manager Certification is a certification program that helps transportation managers learn the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage the operations of a transportation company. It covers topics such as safety, risk management, legal compliance, customer service, logistics, and more.

Q2. Who should consider taking this certification?

A2. This certification is ideal for those who are looking to advance their career in the transportation industry or move into a managerial role within the industry. It is also beneficial for those who are already in management positions but need additional training and education in order to stay up-to-date with current regulations and trends within the industry.

Q3. How long does it take to complete this certification?

A3. The length of time will vary depending on the individual’s experience level and the type of program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 1-2 years if completed on a full-time basis.

Q4. What are some of the benefits of becoming certified?

A4: Becoming certified can provide numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher wages, greater credibility among peers and employers, improved communication skills, better problem solving abilities, and an overall increase in professional knowledge related to transportation management.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for taking this certification?

A5: Yes, there are typically prerequisites depending on the specific program chosen by an individual or organization seeking certification. These may include having a certain number of years' experience as a manager in the transportation industry or having completed certain courses or certifications prior to beginning the program.