Top 11 Warehouse Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for warehouse specialists in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and demonstrate an individual's knowledge and expertise in their particular field. Certifications provide evidence that an individual has completed the necessary training and is qualified to perform the duties of a warehouse specialist. They also demonstrate that an individual is able to handle the challenges of working in a warehouse environment, including safety, quality control, inventory accuracy, and customer service. Additionally, certifications can help potential employers differentiate between candidates when making hiring decisions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Warehouse Specialists and explain how they can help enhance a warehouse specialist's career.

What are Warehouse Specialist Certifications?

Warehouse specialist certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to help individuals gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful in the field of warehousing and distribution. This type of certification provides professionals with the expertise and qualifications required to work in a variety of warehouse roles, such as inventory management, logistics, and customer service.

Warehouse specialist certification also helps individuals develop valuable skills related to transportation and storage practices. Participants learn how to properly store products and materials, how to safely transport them from one location to another, and how best to manage inventory levels. They also gain an understanding of safety protocols related to working in warehouses, as well as compliance with local regulations.

In addition, those who obtain warehouse specialist certification benefit from enhanced job prospects since employers often prefer hiring certified personnel for warehouse roles. Certified professionals are also more likely to be promoted within their current organization or find higher-paying positions elsewhere due to their specialized knowledge and skills. Ultimately, this type of certification can open up new opportunities for career growth and advancement in the warehousing industry.

Pro Tip: When looking to become a warehouse specialist, it is important to pursue certifications that are recognized by industry leaders. Having an accredited certification will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field and may help you stand out from other job applicants.

Related: What does a Warehouse Specialist do?

Top 11 Warehouse Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Warehouse Associate (CWA)

Certified Warehouse Associate (CWA) is a certification program offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). It is designed to provide warehouse professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties in an efficient, safe, and professional manner. The CWA program consists of four courses: Introduction to Warehousing, Inventory Management, Shipping/Receiving, and Safety & Security. Each course must be completed within a specific time frame in order to receive certification.

The CWA program takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete depending on the individual's pace. To get certified, individuals must register for the CWA program and pay a fee of $395 USD. Once registered, they will have access to all course materials which can be completed at their own pace. After completing all four courses and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will receive their Certified Warehouse Associate certificate from IWLA.

2. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals with a comprehensive knowledge of the logistics industry. The CLA credential verifies that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform in logistics roles such as supply chain management, transportation, inventory control, warehousing, customer service, and purchasing.

The program consists of three levels: Basic Level (CLA-B), Intermediate Level (CLA-I), and Advanced Level (CLA-A). Each level requires successful completion of a two-hour exam. The exams cover topics such as supply chain management, transportation management, inventory control, warehousing operations, customer service, and purchasing.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three levels of the CLA program. To get started on the CLA program you must first register with AST&L. Once registered you will be able to access study materials for each level of the exam. You will also need to find an approved testing center in order to take the exams.

The cost for taking all three levels of the CLA exam is $1,500 USD plus applicable taxes.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program designed by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of end-to-end supply chain management concepts and best practices. The CSCP certification is globally recognized as the most comprehensive supply chain certification available in the industry.

The CSCP program takes an average of three months to complete, depending on your learning style and available study time. The 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 supply chain design, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and sustainability. The online exam tests your knowledge of these topics. Finally, the professional development seminar provides you with additional training in areas such as customer service, operations management and analytics.

To get the CSCP certification, you must first register for the program through ASCM's website or through one of their approved training providers. Once registered, you will need to purchase the self-study course materials from ASCM or from one of their approved training providers. After completing the self-study course materials and passing the online exam with a score of at least 70%, you will then be eligible to attend a professional development seminar which is offered throughout the year at various locations around the world. Upon successful completion of all three components of the program, you will receive your CSCP certification from ASCM.

The cost for obtaining your CSCP certification varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or nonmember and which type of study materials you choose to use (e.g., printed books vs digital downloads). Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $1,000 - $2,000 USD to obtain your CSCP certification depending on these factors.

4. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification

American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is a professional certification program that is designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in the field of operations management. The APICS certification program is divided into two main categories: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

The CPIM certification focuses on the operational aspects of production and inventory control, such as demand forecasting, inventory planning, scheduling, materials requirements planning, and quality control. The CSCP certification focuses on the strategic aspects of supply chain management, such as global sourcing, supplier relationship management, logistics and transportation management, customer service management, and risk mitigation.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the APICS certification program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for it. To get certified you must first register for an exam with APICS. Once registered you will be required to complete a series of self-study modules which cover topics such as supply chain management concepts, operations processes, supply chain analytics, project management principles and more.

Once you have completed all of the modules you will then need to take the final exam which consists of multiple choice questions. Upon passing this exam you will receive your official APICS certification. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member but typically ranges from $500-$700 USD.

5. Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM)

Certified Distribution and Logistics Manager (CDLM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of distribution and logistics management. The CDLM certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation, warehouse operations, customer service, safety, and quality assurance.

The CDLM certification process requires applicants to pass an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions covering the entire body of knowledge. The exam can be taken online or in person at AST&L approved test centers. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

To become certified as a CDLM, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of experience in distribution and logistics management or related fields. Applicants must also submit an application fee and provide proof of their education and experience.

The cost for the CDLM certification program varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in person. Online exams typically cost around $200 while in-person exams can range from $400-$500.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have a thorough understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and its tools. It is designed to help professionals improve their process performance by reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing efficiency. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques.

The certification typically takes between three to four months to complete depending on the program chosen. To get certified, candidates must complete an approved training course or program and pass an exam. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the program chosen but can range from $500-$3,000 USD.

7. IATA Cargo Introductory Certificate

The IATA Cargo Introductory Certificate (ICC) is a training program designed to provide an introduction to the air cargo industry. It is offered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade association that represents and serves the airline industry worldwide. The ICC provides basic knowledge and understanding of air cargo operations, including regulations, documentation, security, and pricing.

The course takes approximately 5 days to complete and can be taken in-person at one of IATA's approved training centers or online through their eLearning platform. In-person courses are typically held in major cities around the world, while eLearning courses can be taken from any location with an internet connection.

To get the ICC certificate, you must attend all 5 days of instruction and pass an exam at the end of the course with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for the course varies depending on whether it is taken in-person or online, as well as which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay between $1,000-$2,000 USD for the course.

8. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Training

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Training is a program designed to provide workers with an introduction to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that apply to their particular workplace. This course covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, and worker rights under OSHA. It also provides information on how to identify, avoid, and correct hazardous conditions in the workplace. The training is intended for entry-level workers in general industry settings such as manufacturing, construction, and health care.

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Training takes approximately 10 hours of instruction time to complete. The course can be taken in a classroom setting or online through an approved provider. Depending on the provider, there may be additional fees associated with taking the course online.

To get the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Training, you must find an approved provider who offers the course either in person or online. You can find a list of approved providers on the OSHA website or by contacting your local OSHA office.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Training varies depending on the provider and whether you take it in person or online. Generally speaking, courses taken in person will range from $50-$100 while courses taken online will range from $20-$50.

9. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations Warehouse Management Certification

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations Warehouse Management Certification is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the implementation and management of warehouse operations using Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations. The certification proves that an individual has the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage and optimize warehouse operations, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping processes.

The certification consists of two exams: MB-330T00 and MB-330T01. The first exam covers topics such as setting up warehouses, configuring inventory control processes, managing warehouse activities, and troubleshooting common issues. The second exam focuses on advanced topics such as implementing automation solutions, creating reports and dashboards, integrating with external systems, and optimizing warehouse performance.

To get certified in Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations Warehouse Management, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. Each exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The cost of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations Warehouse Management Certification varies depending on your region but typically ranges from $165 - $200 USD per exam.

10. Oracle Warehouse Management Cloud 2020 Implementation Essentials

Oracle Warehouse Management Cloud 2020 Implementation Essentials is a comprehensive course designed to teach users the fundamentals of implementing and managing an Oracle Warehouse Management Cloud (WMS) system. The course covers topics such as setting up the WMS environment, configuring WMS, creating and managing orders, inventory management, and using advanced features. It also covers best practices for integrating with other Oracle applications and third-party systems.

The course typically takes two days to complete. It is offered in both online and classroom formats. The cost of the course varies depending on the format chosen, but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. To get the course, you must register with an Oracle Learning Partner or contact your local Oracle office for more information.

11. SAP EWM 9.5 Certification

SAP EWM 9.5 Certification is a professional certification program offered by SAP that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in using the SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) 9.5 software application. The certification focuses on the areas of warehouse organization, inventory management, goods movements, and integration with other SAP applications.

The certification exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 180 minutes to complete. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least 6 months of experience working with SAP EWM 9.5 or have completed a relevant training course from an authorized provider.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. Candidates can register for the exam through their local SAP Education Center or through an authorized training partner such as Global Knowledge or Skillsoft Solutions.

Once candidates have successfully passed the exam, they will receive a digital certificate from SAP that is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Do You Really Need a Warehouse Specialist Certificate?

No, you do not need a warehouse specialist certificate to work in a warehouse. A warehouse specialist certificate is not required by any government or regulatory body and is not necessary for most warehouse-related jobs. However, having a warehouse specialist certificate may be beneficial in certain circumstances.

For example, if you are looking to advance in your career and become a manager or supervisor of a warehouse, then having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants. It will demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in your position. Additionally, if you are applying for jobs at companies that are more competitive or specialize in certain types of warehousing operations, then it could help make you stand out from the competition.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary to obtain a warehouse specialist certificate to work in a warehouse, it can be beneficial depending on the situation. Therefore, if you feel that having such certification would be advantageous for your career goals then it is worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Warehouse Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Warehouse Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Warehouse Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Warehouse Specialist Certification is a credential that demonstrates a person’s ability to effectively manage and operate warehouse operations. It covers topics such as inventory control, safety procedures, product handling, and customer service.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: Generally, it takes about three months to complete the certification program. The length of time depends on the specific course requirements and your own study habits.

3. What are the prerequisites for becoming certified?

Answer: Generally, there are no prerequisites for certification as a Warehouse Specialist; however, some courses may require prior experience in warehousing or related fields.

4. How much does it cost to become certified?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on the individual program you choose and can range from $500 - $2,000 USD. Some programs may also require additional fees for materials or other services.

5. Is there an exam I need to take in order to become certified?

Answer: Yes, most programs require you to pass an exam in order to become certified as a Warehouse Specialist.