Top 10 Warehouse Clerk Certifications

Certifications for a warehouse clerk are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively and safely in a warehouse environment. In addition, certifications can provide employers with assurance that an individual has been properly trained on industry-specific procedures, such as proper handling of hazardous materials or using warehouse equipment. Having certifications can also help an individual stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, as employers may be more likely to hire someone who is certified in their particular area of expertise.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Warehouse Clerks and explains how they can help to enhance a warehouse clerk's career.

What are Warehouse Clerk Certifications?

Warehouse clerk certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the areas of warehouse operations, inventory control, safety practices, and quality assurance. Warehouse clerks are responsible for managing the daily activities of a warehouse, including receiving and shipping goods, stocking shelves, organizing inventories, and ensuring accuracy in documentation.

Obtaining warehouse clerk certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when seeking employment in the field. Employers may be more likely to hire an individual with certified qualifications as they will have a better understanding of their responsibilities and be able to provide higher-quality work. Additionally, it can open up job opportunities for those looking to specialize or advance their career in this field. Being certified also provides access to professional networks and resources which can help further develop skillsets over time.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific certification requirements for warehouse clerks in your state or country before pursuing any certifications. Depending on where you live, there may be additional regulations and qualifications that need to be met prior to becoming certified.

Related: What does a Warehouse Clerk do?

Top 10 Warehouse Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Warehouse Clerk (CWC)

A Certified Warehouse Clerk (CWC) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual's expertise in warehouse operations, inventory control, and supply chain management. The CWC certification is offered through the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA).

The CWC certification requires candidates to complete a series of courses and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as inventory control, warehouse operations, supply chain management, and customer service. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of IWLA standards and regulations. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the program and become certified.

In order to become a Certified Warehouse Clerk, candidates must register with IWLA and pay a registration fee. Once registered, they can then access the online course materials and take the final exam. The cost of the CWC certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not additional materials are needed for study purposes. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for all course materials plus the exam fee.

2. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program for logistics professionals. It is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of those working in the field of logistics, supply chain management, and related disciplines. The CLP credential is awarded by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

To obtain the CLP credential, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as transportation management, inventory control, warehousing, global logistics, customer service, and more. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in a logistics-related field.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $395 USD. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their official CLP certificate within 8-10 weeks.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to help supply chain professionals demonstrate their mastery of the essential skills needed for successful supply chain management.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online learning system, an exam, and a certification review. The online learning system provides comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of supply chain management, including topics such as inventory management, demand planning, customer service strategies, and global logistics. The exam tests the knowledge gained from the learning system and is administered at designated testing centers worldwide. Finally, a certification review is conducted to ensure that all requirements have been met before awarding the CSCP designation.

It typically takes around six months to complete all three parts of the CSCP program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you are able to work through the course material and prepare for the exam.

To get started with your CSCP certification journey you need to register with APICS and purchase a membership package which includes access to their online learning system. The cost of membership varies depending on your country of residence but typically ranges from $400 - $1,000 USD.

4. Certified Inventory Control Professional (CICP)

Certified Inventory Control Professional (CICP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in inventory control and management. It is offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CICP certification is aimed at professionals who are responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of inventory control systems.

To obtain the CICP certification, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as inventory management principles, inventory planning and control, operations planning and scheduling, supply chain management, and quality assurance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CICP exam, an individual must have at least two years of full-time work experience in inventory control or related fields. Additionally, applicants must also complete an approved APICS training course prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the CICP certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of APICS. For members, the fee is $395; for non-members it is $495. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional one-time fee of $50 for processing your application for certification.

5. Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM)

Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). The CDLM program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the areas of distribution, logistics and supply chain management.

The CDLM program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Each level requires completion of specific coursework, passing an exam and meeting certain experience requirements.

Level 1 requires completion of a two-day workshop on distribution and logistics fundamentals, passing an exam, and having at least one year of experience in a related field. The cost for this level is $1,000.

Level 2 requires completion of a four-day workshop on advanced distribution and logistics topics, passing an exam, and having at least five years of experience in a related field. The cost for this level is $2,000.

Level 3 requires completion of a six-day workshop on strategic distribution and logistics topics, passing an exam, and having at least ten years of experience in a related field. The cost for this level is $3,000.

In total it can take up to 18 days to complete all three levels of the CDLM program depending on the individual's availability to attend workshops and pass exams.

6. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

The CPIM program consists of two exams, Part 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management, and Part 2: Master Planning of Resources. Each exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To become certified, individuals must pass both exams within a five-year period. To prepare for the exams, APICS offers self-study materials as well as instructor-led courses. The cost of the self-study materials is approximately $1,000 USD while instructor-led courses can range from $2,000 to $3,000 USD depending on the provider.

Once an individual has passed both parts of the exam they will receive their CPIM certification. This certification is recognized globally and can help demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in production and inventory management.

7. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. It is awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The CSSGB certification requires that applicants demonstrate a strong understanding of the principles and tools used in Six Sigma, as well as an ability to apply them to real-world business problems. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as DMAIC, Lean Six Sigma, process improvement, and statistical analysis.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CSSGB exam. Candidates should plan on spending at least 10 hours per week studying for the exam. Preparation materials can be found online from various sources, including ASQ’s website and third-party providers.

The cost of taking the CSSGB exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD to take the exam at an authorized testing center or through a proctoring service.

8. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification is a certification program that provides safety and health training to workers in the general industry sector. This includes manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing, and other industries. The program is designed to help employers and employees recognize workplace hazards and reduce the risk of injury or illness.

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on assessment. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE), ergonomics, fire safety, electrical safety, machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, hazardous materials handling, and more.

To get OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification you must first complete the online course. Once you have completed the online course you can then take the hands-on assessment which will be administered by an authorized instructor at an approved testing center. After successful completion of both parts of the certification process you will receive your official OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification card.

The cost for taking the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $50-$150 USD.

9. Forklift Operator Certification

Forklift Operator Certification is a certification program that provides training and certification for individuals who wish to operate a forklift in a safe and efficient manner. It is designed to teach operators the proper techniques for safely operating, loading, unloading, and maneuvering materials with a forklift. The certification program typically consists of classroom instruction followed by practical, hands-on experience.

The length of the program depends on the type of certification being sought. Most programs require at least 8 hours of classroom instruction and at least 4 hours of supervised practical experience. Upon successful completion, participants will receive their Forklift Operator Certification card.

To get certified, individuals must complete an approved Forklift Operator Certification program offered through an accredited institution or organization. These programs are typically offered through community colleges, trade schools, or private companies specializing in forklift safety training.

The cost of Forklift Operator Certification varies depending on the type of program chosen and the length of time required to complete it. Generally speaking, most programs range from $100-$500 depending on the type and length of instruction provided.

10. Hazardous Materials Handling Certification

Hazardous Materials Handling Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle hazardous materials. It is designed to ensure that workers who handle hazardous materials are aware of the potential risks associated with their work and are able to properly manage those risks.

The certification process typically takes between three to six months depending on the type of training required. Generally, it requires completing an approved course or program and passing a written exam. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider, but can range from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

In order to get certified, individuals must first complete an approved course or program in hazardous materials handling. This course will cover topics such as safety regulations, proper storage and disposal techniques, chemical hazards, emergency response procedures, and more. After completing the course, individuals must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

Once certified, individuals may be required to take periodic refresher courses in order to maintain their certification status. Additionally, some employers may require employees who handle hazardous materials to obtain this certification prior to being hired or promoted into positions involving hazardous material handling.

The cost of Hazardous Materials Handling Certification varies depending on the provider and length of the course/program taken; however, it generally ranges from several hundred dollars up to over a thousand dollars for more comprehensive programs.

Do You Really Need a Warehouse Clerk Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Warehouse Clerk Certificate to pursue a career as a warehouse clerk depends on the particular job and employer. Depending on the company, some may require a certificate or other qualifications in order for you to be considered for the position. This is especially true if the job involves more complex tasks such as operating heavy machinery or managing inventory.

If you are applying for a basic entry-level warehouse clerk position, then it is likely that you will not need a Warehouse Clerk Certificate. However, having one can still be beneficial in making your application stand out from the competition. A certificate of completion can demonstrate that you have taken the time and effort to gain knowledge and have experience in warehouse operations and safety procedures. It can also show potential employers that you are highly motivated to succeed in this field.

Having a Warehouse Clerk Certificate can also provide opportunities for further training and development as well as potentially open up more advanced positions within the organization. The certificate can give employers an indication of your commitment and dedication to learning new skills which can help improve their operations and bottom line.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Warehouse Clerk Certificate will depend on the specific requirements of your desired job role and employer. If it is something required by them, then obtaining one could prove invaluable in helping secure your dream job!

Related: Warehouse Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Warehouse Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Warehouse Clerk Certification?

A Warehouse Clerk Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform warehouse duties and responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner. The certification is offered by many employers, including logistics companies, retail stores, and other businesses that need to store and move products efficiently.

2. How do I become certified as a Warehouse Clerk?

To become certified as a Warehouse Clerk, you must complete a training program that covers topics such as safety, inventory management, shipping and receiving, order picking and packing, forklift operation, and more. Once you have completed the training program, you can submit your application for certification to the certifying organization of your choice.

3. What are the benefits of having a Warehouse Clerk Certification?

Having a Warehouse Clerk Certification demonstrates to potential employers that you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to perform warehouse duties in an efficient and effective manner. It also shows that you are committed to improving your skills on an ongoing basis through continuing education courses or workshops related to warehouse operations.

4. Is there an exam required for a Warehouse Clerk Certification?

Yes, in most cases there is an exam required for certification. The exam typically covers topics such as safety procedures, inventory management strategies, shipping/receiving processes, order picking/packing techniques, forklift operation techniques, etc. Depending on the certifying organization chosen by the individual applicant, additional tests may be required for specific job roles or areas of expertise.

5. How often do I need to renew my Warehouse Clerk Certification?

The frequency of renewal depends on the certifying organization chosen by the individual applicant; however in most cases renewals must be completed every two years in order to maintain active status with the certifying organization. Renewal requirements may include taking additional courses or completing continuing education units (CEUs).