Top 11 Warehouse Picker Certifications

Certifications for a warehouse picker are important as they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and skill when it comes to warehouse operations. This can be helpful in standing out from other applicants, as employers may look more favorably upon someone with certifications. These certifications can also help prove that the individual is up-to-date on industry standards and best practices. Furthermore, having certifications may open doors to better paying jobs or more advanced positions within a company. Ultimately, certifications can help an individual secure employment in a competitive job market and increase their chances of success.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Warehouse Pickers and explains how they can help to advance a Warehouse Picker's career.

What are Warehouse Picker Certifications?

Warehouse picker certification is a training program designed to help workers in warehouse and distribution centers learn the necessary skills to efficiently and safely pick orders. This type of certification teaches workers how to use the appropriate tools, techniques, and safety procedures required to accurately complete order picking activities. The certification also covers topics such as inventory management, customer service, quality assurance, and problem solving.

Having warehouse picker certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees alike. For employers, having certified staff members helps increase efficiency in their warehouses by reducing the amount of time spent on training new employees. Certified staff are also likely to have fewer errors, which can help reduce costs associated with order picking mistakes. Additionally, having certified staff may help improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that orders are picked accurately and delivered on time.

For employees, having warehouse picker certification can make them more marketable when seeking employment opportunities in the warehousing industry. It also provides them with a sense of accomplishment for completing the training program and demonstrates their commitment to learning new skills that will benefit their employer or future employers. Finally, it provides them with an increased level of confidence when performing order picking tasks due to their knowledge of proper procedures and safety protocols.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for warehouse picker certification before attempting it. This will help ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam and have a better chance of passing.

Related: What does a Warehouse Picker do?

Top 11 Warehouse Picker Certifications

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

1. Certified Warehouse Technician (CWT)

Certified Warehouse Technician (CWT) is a professional certification offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). The purpose of this certification is to provide warehouse professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and operate a successful warehouse. CWT certification is designed for individuals who have experience in warehouse operations, management, or logistics.

To become certified, candidates must complete an online application and submit it to IWLA. Applicants are then required to pass a written exam that covers topics such as inventory control, safety regulations, supply chain management, and customer service. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their Certified Warehouse Technician (CWT) certificate.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of membership you choose. For non-members, the cost is $250 USD; for members of IWLA, the cost is $150 USD; and for students or veterans, the cost is $50 USD. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for certification.

2. Certified Warehouse Associate (CWA)

Certified Warehouse Associate (CWA) is a certification program offered by the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). It is designed to provide warehouse professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage a warehouse operation. The CWA certification is recognized as an industry standard for demonstrating proficiency in warehouse operations.

To get certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, inventory management, receiving and shipping procedures, equipment maintenance and repair, customer service, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the CWA certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$400 USD. In addition to the fee for taking the exam, there may be additional fees associated with study materials or other resources necessary for successful completion of the exam.

In order to prepare for the CWA exam, applicants should review relevant material such as textbooks or online courses that cover topics related to warehouse operations. Additionally, many providers offer practice exams or other resources that can help applicants become familiar with the format of the actual exam.

Once an applicant passes the CWA exam they will receive their certification which is valid for three years from date of issue. To maintain their certification status they must complete continuing education requirements every year in order to renew their credentials.

3. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a certification program for individuals who are looking to gain knowledge and skills in the logistics field. The CLA is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) and provides a comprehensive overview of the logistics industry. It covers topics such as supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, inventory control, customer service, and more.

It typically takes between two to four months to complete the CLA certification program. To get the certification, you must pass an online exam that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam fee is $150 USD. Additionally, you must have at least one year of experience in the logistics field or hold an associate’s degree in a related field.

Once you have passed the exam and met all requirements, you will be awarded your Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) certificate from AST&L. This certificate can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in logistics operations and can open up new career opportunities in the industry.

4. 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 give professionals the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage global supply chain activities. The CSCP program provides a comprehensive education on supply chain management concepts, principles and strategies.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam and professional development activities. The online course covers topics such as supply chain design, planning, execution, monitoring and control. The exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. Finally, professional development activities are required to maintain your certification status.

It typically takes about 18 months to complete the CSCP program from start to finish. To get started, you must first register for the ASCM's CSCP Exam Prep Course which costs $1,495 USD. This fee includes access to all materials needed for the program including study guides and practice exams. After completing the course, you can take the CSCP exam which costs $695 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation.

To maintain your certification status, you must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years or retake the exam every five years.

5. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide inventory professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage inventory in an organization. The CIM certification program consists of two parts: a core curriculum and an elective course.

The core curriculum covers topics such as inventory management principles, inventory control systems, supply chain management, and demand forecasting. The elective course focuses on specific areas of inventory management, such as warehouse operations, purchasing and procurement, or logistics.

The CIM certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of the core curriculum. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete an approved elective course and demonstrate their proficiency in the subject matter through a final project or paper.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. Online courses typically cost around $1,500 while in-person courses can range from $2,000 to $3,000. In addition to these fees, there may also be costs associated with taking the written exam and completing any required projects or papers.

6. Certified Material Handler (CMH)

Certified Material Handler (CMH) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in material handling. The certification is awarded by the Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the material handling industry through education and training.

The CMH exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as safety, ergonomics, warehouse operations, inventory management and transportation. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The exam fee is $200 and can be taken online or in person at an approved testing center. It typically takes about three hours to complete the exam.

To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of experience in material handling or related field; completion of an approved course or program; or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program. You must also pay the applicable fees and submit an application form with all required documentation.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a certificate from MHEFI recognizing you as a Certified Material Handler. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

7. OSHA Forklift Operator Certification

OSHA Forklift Operator Certification is a certification program developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure that forklift operators are properly trained and qualified to operate a forklift safely. The certification program requires operators to complete an OSHA-approved training course, pass a written test, and demonstrate their ability to safely operate a forklift in order to receive their certification.

The OSHA Forklift Operator Certification course typically takes between 8-10 hours to complete. During the course, participants will learn about the safe operation of a forklift, as well as how to inspect and maintain the equipment. Participants must also pass a written test at the end of the class in order to receive their certification.

In order to get your OSHA Forklift Operator Certification, you must first find an approved training provider who offers the course. Most employers will provide this training for free or for a nominal fee. You can also find online courses that are approved by OSHA if you prefer not to attend an in-person class.

The cost of obtaining your OSHA Forklift Operator Certification varies depending on where you take the course, but typically ranges from $50-$300 USD.

8. APICS CPIM Certification

The APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the essential terminology, concepts, and strategies related to production and inventory management. It is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications for supply chain professionals.

The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as demand management, master scheduling, materials requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, supplier planning, quality control, continuous improvement methods, and inventory management. The courses are offered online or in a classroom setting.

It typically takes between two to four months to complete the CPIM program depending on how much time you can dedicate each week. To get certified you must pass all five exams with a score of at least 70%. You can take the exams in any order you choose but it is recommended that you start with the Basics of Supply Chain Management course before moving onto the other four courses.

The cost of the CPIM program varies depending on how many courses you take at once and if they are taken online or in a classroom setting. Generally speaking, it will cost around $2,000 - $3,000 for the entire program which includes all five courses and exams.

9. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Training

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Training is a comprehensive training program designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely transport hazardous materials by air. The training covers the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which are the international standards for transporting dangerous goods by air. The program is designed to meet the requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and includes topics such as: classification, packing, labeling, documentation, and emergency response procedures.

The duration of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Training can vary depending on the type of course taken. Generally, a full course will take up to five days to complete. There are also shorter courses available that can be completed in one day or less.

To get IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Training, you must find an approved training provider that offers the course. You can search for approved providers online or contact your local airport for more information.

The cost of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Training will depend on the type of course taken and the provider offering it. Generally speaking, a full five-day course will cost around $1,500 USD while a one-day course may cost around $300 USD.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual's ability to improve processes, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires the completion of a training program and passing a certification exam. The training program typically takes between 8-10 weeks depending on the provider and can be taken online or in person. The coursework covers topics such as process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, project management, and more.

To get certified, individuals must complete the required training program and pass the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics from the coursework. To pass the exam, individuals must score at least 70%.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD for both the training and exam fees.

11. WMS/ERP System Knowledge & Skills Certification

WMS/ERP System Knowledge & Skills Certification is a certification program that assesses the knowledge and skills of professionals in the areas of warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP). This certification is offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) and is designed to help employers identify qualified personnel for their WMS/ERP system roles.

The certification consists of an online exam that covers topics such as WMS/ERP architecture, data modeling, system design, implementation, maintenance, troubleshooting, integration with other systems, and more. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and must be completed within a six-month period. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are an IWLA member or non-member. For members, it costs $250 USD; for non-members it costs $350 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from IWLA validating their WMS/ERP System Knowledge & Skills Certification.

Do You Really Need a Warehouse Picker Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the purpose and scope of your job. If you are looking for a job as a warehouse picker, then it is likely that you will need some kind of certification in order to be considered for the role. This is because employers want to ensure that their employees are qualified and trained to handle the various tasks associated with picking items in a warehouse.

In most cases, a certificate program or course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to be an effective warehouse picker. These courses and programs can cover topics such as safety protocols, efficient picking techniques, product handling procedures, and other essential information needed to complete the job successfully. Additionally, many programs offer hands-on training with real-world scenarios so that students gain practical experience in picking items from warehouses.

Overall, having a warehouse picker certificate can help boost your career prospects and make you more attractive to potential employers. It can also give you a competitive edge over other applicants who may not have any formal qualifications or training in this field.

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FAQs About Warehouse Picker Certifications

1. What is a Warehouse Picker Certification?

Answer: A Warehouse Picker Certification is a certification that demonstrates proficiency in the skills required to safely and efficiently pick, package, and ship goods from a warehouse. This certification proves an individual’s ability to accurately select items for shipment and prepare them for transport in an organized manner.

2. Who needs Warehouse Picker Certification?

Answer: Anyone who works in warehousing or distribution centers should consider obtaining a Warehouse Picker Certification. This certification can be beneficial for employers as it shows that their staff have the necessary skills to handle goods effectively and efficiently. It can also help individuals stand out when seeking job opportunities as they demonstrate their commitment to professional development.

3. How do I obtain a Warehouse Picker Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Warehouse Picker Certification, you must successfully complete a training program designed to teach the necessary skills for efficient warehouse picking operations. The program typically covers topics such as inventory management, safety guidelines, order processing, product selection techniques, and packing procedures. Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded your certification with proof of successful completion.

4. What are the benefits of having a Warehouse Picker Certification?

Answer: Having this certification demonstrates mastery of essential warehouse picking skills which can increase efficiency and accuracy in the workplace while reducing errors or accidents due to improper handling of goods. Additionally, having this certification may give individuals an edge when applying for jobs in warehousing or distribution centers as it proves their dedication to professional development and knowledge of best practices in this field.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a Warehouse Picker?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as a Warehouse Picker varies depending on individual experience level and training program length but typically takes several weeks or months of study and practice before taking the exam for certification eligibility.